Outdoors

2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS conquers the world, tailgates afterward

2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS conquers the world, tailgates afterward
The 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo
The 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo 2014
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo 2014
An external sink is part of the available outside kitchen
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An external sink is part of the available outside kitchen
Electric-folding side couches and an upper bed provide sleeping space
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Electric-folding side couches and an upper bed provide sleeping space
That knobby military tire and muscular fender flare appear hungry for travel
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That knobby military tire and muscular fender flare appear hungry for travel
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS offers a variety of wood cabinet and closet space
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS offers a variety of wood cabinet and closet space
For half a million, why not throw in some engraved wine glasses?
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For half a million, why not throw in some engraved wine glasses?
The available wine locker keeps a few bottles of red and white close at hand
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The available wine locker keeps a few bottles of red and white close at hand
A peek inside the bathroom
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A peek inside the bathroom
The 2014 XV-LTS on display had plenty of drawer space and organization
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The 2014 XV-LTS on display had plenty of drawer space and organization
The EarthRoamer XV-LT includes a 12-volt DC compressor fridge/freezer
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The EarthRoamer XV-LT includes a 12-volt DC compressor fridge/freezer
A well-stocked fridge prepared for a weekend of overlanding and expo-ing
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A well-stocked fridge prepared for a weekend of overlanding and expo-ing
Slide-out pantry space
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Slide-out pantry space
Lighting and Bose speakers mounted in the corner over the above-cab bed
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Lighting and Bose speakers mounted in the corner over the above-cab bed
A slide-out Keurig makes for an easier cup of camp coffee
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A slide-out Keurig makes for an easier cup of camp coffee
Fold-out tables provide eating/work/play space
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Fold-out tables provide eating/work/play space
A look at the electronics
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A look at the electronics
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS offers an optional Bose surround sound system
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS offers an optional Bose surround sound system
EarthRoamer offers a number of entertainment options
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EarthRoamer offers a number of entertainment options
EarthRoamer offers a number of entertainment options, including satellite HD TV
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EarthRoamer offers a number of entertainment options, including satellite HD TV
The indoor kitchen area includes a cooktop, sink and a number of drawers
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The indoor kitchen area includes a cooktop, sink and a number of drawers
Pass-through to the four-person cab
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Pass-through to the four-person cab
The EarthRoamer has a bed built over top the Ford cab
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The EarthRoamer has a bed built over top the Ford cab
Upper cabinet space
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Upper cabinet space
The integrated Magma grill on the display EarthRoamer XV-LTS adds another cooking option
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The integrated Magma grill on the display EarthRoamer XV-LTS adds another cooking option
The EarthRoamer has 90 gallons worth of diesel fuel capacity
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The EarthRoamer has 90 gallons worth of diesel fuel capacity
Outdoor shower/sink faucet
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Outdoor shower/sink faucet
A peek through the doorway
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A peek through the doorway
The $525K EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo had a number of bells and whistles, including the external electric awning and TV
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The $525K EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo had a number of bells and whistles, including the external electric awning and TV
The 41-in Continental MPT-81 tires mounted to military headlock rims offer a minimum ground clearance of 12.4 in (31.5 cm)
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The 41-in Continental MPT-81 tires mounted to military headlock rims offer a minimum ground clearance of 12.4 in (31.5 cm)
The EarthRoamer offers front and rear 16,500-lb winch options
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The EarthRoamer offers front and rear 16,500-lb winch options
The Ford Super Duty Crew Cab with Lariat interior
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The Ford Super Duty Crew Cab with Lariat interior
The electrically activated step offers easier cab access
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The electrically activated step offers easier cab access
The EarthRoamer cab includes a pass-through for access to the camper while moving
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The EarthRoamer cab includes a pass-through for access to the camper while moving
The XV-LT series has King Shocks engineered specifically for EarthRoamer and heavy duty front and rear anti-sway bars
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The XV-LT series has King Shocks engineered specifically for EarthRoamer and heavy duty front and rear anti-sway bars
The EarthRoamer can be shod in 37- or 41-in tires
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The EarthRoamer can be shod in 37- or 41-in tires
Ready to drive and conquer
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Ready to drive and conquer
Off-road lighting mounted to the grille guard
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Off-road lighting mounted to the grille guard
The EarthRoamer's drive and onboard dual alternator generator system is powered by Ford's 300-hp Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8
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The EarthRoamer's drive and onboard dual alternator generator system is powered by Ford's 300-hp Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform
The XV-LTS is built to drive and live where lighter campers won't go
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The XV-LTS is built to drive and live where lighter campers won't go
Part of the new tailgater package, the slide-out 46-in external satellite TV provides an outdoor entertainment option
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Part of the new tailgater package, the slide-out 46-in external satellite TV provides an outdoor entertainment option
The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink
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The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink
The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink
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The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink
EarthRoamer says the 2014 frame was extended and rear bumper redesigned around the storage boxes and rear winch access
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EarthRoamer says the 2014 frame was extended and rear bumper redesigned around the storage boxes and rear winch access
Spare tire and gear storage in the rear
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Spare tire and gear storage in the rear
The 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo
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The 2014 EarthRoamer XV-LTS at Overland Expo
There were a few larger vehicles strewn about the expo, but the EarthRoamer XV-LTS owned its corner
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There were a few larger vehicles strewn about the expo, but the EarthRoamer XV-LTS owned its corner
The EarthRoamer originally launched in 2003
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The EarthRoamer originally launched in 2003
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS was a can't miss sight at the expo
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The EarthRoamer XV-LTS was a can't miss sight at the expo
EarthRoamer is preparing the XV-HD for launch next year Photo: EarthRoamer
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EarthRoamer is preparing the XV-HD for launch next year Photo: EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
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EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
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EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
A look at the cabinet space inside the XV-LTS Photo: EarthRoamer
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A look at the cabinet space inside the XV-LTS Photo: EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
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EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
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EarthRoamer XV-LTS interior Photo: EarthRoamer
The owner swings the external TV horizontal and pushes it inside the body, then an electric system pulls it flush with the camper body
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The owner swings the external TV horizontal and pushes it inside the body, then an electric system pulls it flush with the camper body
View gallery - 57 images

Don't call the EarthRoamer an RV – it's an XV (Xpedition Vehicle), and it's ready to take you to the most distant, rugged lands on the planet. The latest model packs the same four-season, go-anywhere build EarthRoamer has always been known for with a few added features, including a tailgater package with external kitchen and slide-out TV. Gizmag took a closer look inside and out at the recent Overland Expo.

Introduced in 2003, the EarthRoamer was carefully constructed to solve some of the traditional shortcomings of RVs, providing a burlier platform for truly limitless road and off-road travel. The Colorado-based company takes credit for coining the term "Xpedition Vehicle," representing a versatile, go-anywhere mobile shelter that's built to offer a luxurious camping experience without the need for the water, sewer and electrical hook-ups of an RV park.

EarthRoamer showed the latest XV-LTS design at last week's Overland Expo just outside Flagstaff, Arizona, and while the massive, Ford F-550-based rover actually wasn't the largest or most imposing vehicle at the show, it was certainly within the top 5 percent. The muscular overlander has a one-piece molded composite body planted on the bare, commercial-duty F-550 chassis. A 300-hp 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine with 660 lb-ft provides motivation to all four wheels, wrapped either in 37-in Michelin mud & snows or optional 41-in Continental military off-road tires.

EarthRoamer replaces the factory double rear wheels with a single pair, adds King off-road shocks and heavy duty anti-sway bars, and pushes the minimum ground clearance up to 10.4 in (26.4 cm). An optional air ride suspension system (required for the 41-in tire option) adds capabilities for adjusting the height of each wheel or axle independently, and an air compressor makes it easier to adjust tire pressures. While the XV-LTS is ready for rough off-road driving, EarthRoamer claims it's equally comfortable traveling on the pavement at highway speeds.

The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform
The EarthRoamer XV-LTS is built on a 300-hp, 4WD Ford F-550 platform

When company founder and photographer Bill Swails began designing the original EarthRoamer back in the late 90s, what he wanted was a vehicle that could bring him to remote lands to capture pristine, raw nature on film. Swails didn't want to give up the luxury of vehicle camping but needed something self-sustaining that didn't need to be tethered to the infrastructure or disturb the serenity with a rattling generator. To meet those types of mission objectives, EarthRoamer equips the XV-LT series with a 90-gallon (340.7-L) fresh water tank; a large solar array (660 to 1,100 watts) teamed with a 3.7-kW diesel generator powered by the Ford engine and an AGM battery bank; heat, air conditioning and hot water systems; and a 26-gallon (98.4-L) gray water tank.

When you first step inside the EarthRoamer XV-LTS, it's a bit of a shock to the senses, going from the "rough and ready" exterior to a downright elegant cabin. There's a living room with seating for six, a kitchen area, an above-cab king-size bed, and a bathroom with sink, 5-gallon cassette toilet and full-height shower. The acrylic windows and roof hatch provide plenty of light, ventilation and outdoor viewing, while integrated shades dim the interior for daytime napping.

Electric-folding side couches and an upper bed provide sleeping space
Electric-folding side couches and an upper bed provide sleeping space

The XV-LTS interior includes a variety of standard and optional equipment, such as leather couches that electrically recline into a bed, hardwood cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator and freezer unit, an electric induction or diesel cooktop, a convection microwave, a slide-out Keurig coffeemaker, a Bose surround sound system, and a wine cabinet with a set of "EarthRoamer"-etched glasses. We'd imagine it'd take all of 30 seconds to forget all about the barren, untamed wilds outside the door after getting comfortable inside.

If one were more interested in enjoying the wilds outside, a newly added tailgater package brings some of the XV-LTS' interior comfort to the other side of the door. It combines a swing-out grill and kitchen area with a 46-in flat-panel TV. That TV is available for when you want a little outside entertainment, then swings flat and slides into the camper body with a manual/electric system.

The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink
The tailgater option includes an external swing-out kitchen with grill, stove and sink

Other improvements for the 2014 model include increased 6-foot 8-in (203-cm) headroom, indirect LED ceiling lighting, a lengthened frame designed to accommodate the rear swing-out storage boxes, and new wood and interior design options. The options list includes 16,500-lb (7,484-kg) front and rear winches and Hella Rallye off-road lights.

EarthRoamer offers a number of different XV-LT configurations ranging from 22.6 to 27.5 feet (6.9 to 8.4 m) in length. The XV can use Regular, Super or Crew Ford cabs and standard, stretch or super stretch campers, offering cab seating for up to six people and sleeping space for four to six. Prices start at US$260,000 and rise to over $600,000.

As tends to be the case with show models, the XV-LTS we scoped out was one of EarthRoamer's higher-spec offerings, combining the XV-LTS (stretch) camper, a Crew Cab with Lariat interior and a variety of optional add-ons. The rep we spoke to quoted a price of $525,000.

EarthRoamer is preparing the XV-HD for launch next year Photo: EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer is preparing the XV-HD for launch next year Photo: EarthRoamer

If the EarthRoamer XV-LT doesn't seem big and brash enough for your adventures, EarthRoamer plans to offer something even bigger within the next year. It's currently working on the 363-hp Ford F-650-based XV-HD. It plans to begin production on that model in 2015, with estimated pricing starting at $750K.

You can take a complete tour of the 2014 XV-LTS in our photo gallery. Since it's a little hard to snap every angle of the interior with folks coming in and out, we've also included a few company photos of another XV-LTS interior.

Source: EarthRoamer

View gallery - 57 images
24 comments
24 comments
eMike
Looks cool, but hey, I could build one for less than 100 grand.
Buellrider
Holy smokes, what is the bolt torquing pattern for those gnarly wheels.
Mindbreaker
Exceedingly overpriced, and it won't go far with what is certain to be very poor fuel mileage. Some of the space management looks good but some looks very poor. Does not seem that well thought out.
And I agree, it could be built for less than 100 grand.
For the price, it should certainly be amphibious as well. Perhaps a highly customized Gibbs Phibian would be a better choice.
Daishi
The base truck is probably $60k or more with options, by the time they replace the suspension, tires, bumpers, fenders, lift kit, add the winch, tie in the electrical system etc. its probably close to $100k alone.
Look at the front left wheel from this angle: http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/2014earthroamerxv-lt-58.jpg
It's not factory kit.
BeWalt
Looks that make me want to stay home.
eMike
Well said about amphibious capabilities Mindbreaker.
For that price it could also be somewhat armored and setup with heavy machine guns. Anyways at these prices you are selling to guys who probably deal with the Military Industrial Complex one way or the other or do their finances. No penny stocks here.
Maybe the Pentagon needs a $500 hammer?
Nairda
My question is why does it have to be so custom. What is wrong with getting a capable 4WD that is almost there from the shop floor. Then purchasing a generic kit, which inevitably exists. Then the only modification is the mounting. In our neck of the woods people do this sort of thing all the time, and the choice of animal is usually a Toyota Landcruiser 70 series. Because it can go offroad where a Ford cannot..
RelayerM31
It's a camper!
Rt1583
To the commentors above - Go ahead and build it for less than $100K. Surely you know something more than the company that has been building them for the last 14 years.
As far as price, how is the price of the Earth Roamer so much worse than any of the myriad RV's on the market?
The Skud
For close to the same money I would like to see individual suspension height options, not just the whole axle. They can't have it already, they would not need that ugly improvised solution of one wheel on a little ramp to get the whole thing level. If they call it a go-most-places vehicle, why replace dual rear wheels with singles anyway?
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