May 11, 2015
By WA Staff
Let's be clear: The EarthRoamer XV-LT is not an RV. It's about as close to an RV as a Ferrari is to an Amish buggy. The XV-LT is part luxury condo, part diesel tractor, part hunting camp, and part bomb shelter.
Built on a Ford F-550 Super Duty Chassis, Earth Roamer addresses many of the issues hunters (this one included) have with RVs — horrible to drive, not capable off-road, and so big and boxy they are relegated to paved camping grounds. I want something that is rugged enough to take a beating, will get you into the backcountry, and is still plush enough to be comfortable after a long hunt.
I recently checked out the EarthRoamer and was impressed — amazing build quality, functional design, and a well-thought-out package. The only downside we could find was you will never be able to say, "Clark, that there's an RV."
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F-550 Chassis The XV-LT uses an F-550 Chassis as the base. The 6.7 V8 Power Stroke diesel puts out 660 ft.-lbs. of torque and 300 horsepower and utilizes a graphite iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads to keep weight down. With a 12,500-pound towing capacity, you can literally haul everything from UTVs to boats. The Lariat interior package keeps travel civilized and comfortable.
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Expedition Ready The problem with most expedition rigs is they're not built to haul heavy loads, and the heaviest of all camping loads are generally liquids. When camping, each person uses several gallons of water a day — so a 20-gallon tank doesn't last long. The XV-LT extends the days afield with an 85-gallon (or optional 135-gallon) water tank. And with 90 gallons of diesel, hunters can go from L.A. to Bozeman without filling up!
Off-Grid Power Renewable solar power has always been the cornerstone of the EarthRoamer design. Combined with a high-efficiency battery bank, the 600-watt solar panels (1.1 kW on stretched EarthRoamers) mounted on the roof keep everything topped off. Combined with a Ford dual alternator, which produced 3.7 kW of power, means no generator is ever needed, keeping your camping experience as it should be€¦quiet.
Earthroamer XV-LT Interior The interior of the cabin is fancier than required, but like a fine hotel, I wouldn't turn it down.
The options are unlimited with multiple wood choices, stainless-steel fridge, deep sink, and tiled backsplash areas. I really appreciated the yacht-like design — plates, utensils and glasses are separated and held securely.
Food is securely stored, and items like coffeemakers and wine bottles are in individual housings.
The couches in the Earthroamer XV-LT unfold into two twin beds. Additionally, the 72x84-inch king size over cab bunk provides ample room so you'll be well rested for the hunt.
Spacious and cozy, the XV-LT offers all of the amenities you could ask for without the hassle of an RV.
Spend More Time Afield With an 85-gallon (or the optional 135-gallon) water tank, the XV-LT extends your time afield significantly over an RV. Plus, with a 90-gallon diesel tank, hunters can go from L.A. to Bozeman without filling up!
Engineered for Performance The folks at Earthroamer know a thing or two about off-road performance. To increase traction and ground clearance they ditched the 32-inch tires for 37- or 41-inch tires. The 41-inch tires are mounted on military bead-lock rims and designed to handle heavier loads.
Power Your Hunt Built on Ford's F-550 chasis, the 6.7 V8 Power Stroke diesel outputs 660 ft.-lbs. of torque with 300 horsepower. Earthroamer is able to keep the weight down by utilizing a graphite iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads. The 12,500-pound towing capacity is capable of hauling everything you'll need with you.
Terrain-Busting Performance Unlike an RV, the XV-LT will get you to your hunting spot with ease, no matter how nasty the terrain.
