EarthRoamer XV-JP only camper to conquer Rubicon Trail
Click above for high-res gallery of the EarthRoamer in action
Being that my family's in the motor home business, I know a thing or two about RVs. One thing I know is that they don't like going off road. Hell, they don't like potholes and speedbumps. Being constructed mostly of balsa wood and tinker toys, modern RVs tend to shake like an earthquake over anything but ribbon-smooth pavement. That's why the EarthRoamer XV-JP is unique. It's the only camper that's ever traversed the Rubicon Trail without flipping on its roof, and that's due mostly to the fact that it's based on the Jeep Wranger Rubicon Unlimited platform. In place of the standard Jeep's two rear doors is a big box containing a bench seat, small kitchen, a toilet (!) and extra storage. It's not very roomy, but the 'Loftop' roof flips opens to increase headroom to, oh, about nine feet, as well as make room for the queen size bed on which you'll be sleeping. There's even an 80-watt solar panel on the roof to charge the batteries when you're parked and a 160-amp engine alternator to keep things powered while on the move. A 6,100btu furnace, 25-gallon water tank and indoor and outdoor showers round out the RV-ification of this Jeep. For those looking to tackle some serious bush, the EarthRoamer packs electric locking front and rear differentials, an electric sway bar disconnect, twin Dana 44 differentials and a Warn 9000 heavy-duty winch. If you do head for the trail, though, just make sure your pots and pans are securely stowed.
Gallery: EarthRoamer XV-JP
[Source: Squob]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John P. 3:05PM (8/27/2008)
This is a great concept. I could see owning something like this. Especially if Jeep would give us a Diesel.
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J Who 3:05PM (8/27/2008)
...and I thought that VeeDub with the yacht roof was bad....
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Menice 3:07PM (8/27/2008)
that kicks butt. love it.
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ultima 3:14PM (8/27/2008)
If i was in that tent i'd be scared of it snapping in half..
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Torrent 3:37PM (8/27/2008)
+1
toronado455 3:41PM (8/27/2008)
Yeah, I think this is cool. But I've always wondered how these filp-top campers handle the weight of a person on the unsupported part that hangs over. I'm sure there's solid engineering in it, though.
HotRodzNKustoms 3:15PM (8/27/2008)
It reminds me of the Blazer Chalet. http://brochures.slosh.com/1977chevy/blazer6.jpg
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Gregg 3:23PM (8/27/2008)
Why no interior shots?
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TBlueMax 3:52PM (8/27/2008)
Check the source for a small interior shot.
http://squob.com/campers/earthroamer-xv-jp-when-nature-calls/
Not bad but the price is a killer.
Mi key 3:34PM (8/27/2008)
Nice concept, Sadly that's all folks.
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Jason 4:05PM (8/27/2008)
Concept? Not hardly. If you've got the cash (all 6 figures + of it) you can order one. I know for a fact they've built a number of these so far.
TheOne 3:35PM (8/27/2008)
This is Awesome!
but where are the interior pictures?
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Rman91Bird 3:41PM (8/27/2008)
Saw the EarthRoamer F-450 it is HUGE. Wonder if they would make one with my dad's tracker!
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DKB_SATX 3:44PM (8/27/2008)
While this is an impressive vehicle for softening the "roughing it" type of travel, I think you've pulled several specs from their XV-LT specs. I don't see anything about a shower for the jeep-based JP on earthroamer's site, but they do show interior shots of it, there's even a toilet hiding under a rear seat. Quite a packaging feat, but the LT is almost a palace in comparison.
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DKB_SATX 4:17PM (8/27/2008)
self-correction, I see a reference to the inside shower listed in a reference on their Overview page, and under "water system" in the specs. Crazy, though for a $110k+ jeep it's got to be good.
Paul P. 3:48PM (8/27/2008)
I'm suprised it doesn't flip-over on the trail. It looks extremely top heavy.
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Jason 3:58PM (8/27/2008)
You can see all the interior shots you want (22 of them) here:
http://www.earthroamer.com/galleries/xv-jp_interior/
The "unsupported" part of the flip-top sleeping area is supported by an interior overhead hoop bar and cable/rope system.
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Robert Ryan 4:14PM (8/27/2008)
From the Land of Extreme Off Road RV's here are some you will find wandering around Australia.A 6X6 ; Motorhome;An OKA tour Bus crossing a River
http://www.oka.com.au/images/photogallery/bog.jpg
http://www.robgray.com/wothahellizat/worts/wort_12/pic_1.jpg
http://www.thegallboys.com/Website%20Pics/Far%20NQ%20Low%20Res%20Pics/Gall%20Boys%20Far%20NQ%20Adventure%20Pics%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Glen%20Gall%20(c)%20(5).jpg
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jhihiooho 4:15PM (8/27/2008)
Did any of you happen to catch the price? $200,000 - $230,000.
I did the same thing, I bought a jeep : $21,000.
I bought a tent for: $150.
Total:
$21,150.
Savings - $178,850.
If anyone is interested I will sell this "package" for $50,000. I will even toss in a cabelas camp shower and honda generator. What a deal! : P
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Jason 4:34PM (8/27/2008)
The XV-JP starts around $100K, not $200K.
The XV-LT is what runs $200-$230K, and it's a completely different vehicle.