Meet the Biggest, Baddest EarthRoamer Yet: The XV-HD
The XV-HD is EarthRoamer’s biggest overland truck yet. It will carry six very happy campers anywhere the behemoth can fit.
Start with a massive Ford F-750. Then, strip it to the bones and rebuild it by hand in a Colorado workshop. Add a fiberglass shell built like a boat and rewire it to costly marine standards. Beef up the suspension, then build out a luxurious living space inside.
That’s how an EarthRoamer comes to life. The super-luxe-while-burly vehicles are remarkable pieces of engineering and craftsmanship.
Today, the brand introduced the XV-HD, its biggest model yet. The astounding $1.5 million price tag puts it out of reach for almost everyone. But man, it’s fun to dream.
EarthRoamer teased the XV-HD back in 2015. EarthRoamer just completed the first one and is taking orders. Get ready to dip into your hedge fund!
Lust-Worthy Elements of the EarthRoamer XV-HD
Step aside van lifers, there’s a (wealthy) grown-up in the room. The XV-HD giggles at the customized Sprinter.
As a platform, the Ford F-750 is a beast on its own. You are likely familiar with the trucks already. See that dump truck loaded with gravel and boulders? That’s a Ford F-750. And that’s where EarthRoamer starts.
A few years ago, I toured the EarthRoamer factory. The build process of these campers blew my mind. I have experience in boat building and restoration, and EarthRoamer uses a lot of similar, very expensive techniques and materials found in seaworthy yachts. Given the similarity in price, it kinda make sense.
EarthRoamer Beefs Up the F-750
The overland brand adds 46-inch Michelin XVLs, rear air suspension with Fox shocks, and hydraulic leveling. This should get it over any bumps in the road just fine. But if not, the brand adds a 30,000-pound Warn Industries hydraulic front winch to yank it out of trouble.
Tack on a full LED light array from Baja Designs, and this thing will bedazzle your fellow travelers or confuse the heck out of a mule deer. Just be sure to watch out for overhanging branches while touring off the beaten path. This thing is tall, 13.5 feet tall!
Luxury Interior: Glamping in your Camper
Family of four? Don’t worry, you’ve got room for the butler and the nanny! The XV-HD sleeps six. Inside, you can enjoy your lobster dinners with all the comforts of your Aspen vacation home.
Start with power. The 2,100 watts of solar capability and a 20,000-watt lithium-ion battery bank will keep the electronics charged. But if not, a PTO hydraulic generator will pick up the slack.
Go ahead and take a shower. The beast has 250 gallons of fresh water capacity to run through a fully equipped bathroom with separate shower. It even has a washer/dryer, full kitchen, appliances, and in-floor radiant heating so your toes never get cold.
And while I will poke fun at some of the luxury features, they really sound pleasant. Having seen the build quality of these vehicles, I understand the price tag and lust for a few hours behind the wheel.
Obviously, this thing is huge, and that alone will limit where it could travel. But for those looking for the crème de la crème of overland vehicles, the EarthRoamer XV-HD is a good place to start.
EarthRoamer
- Base vehicle: Ford F-750 4×4 King Ranch
- Engine: 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel
- Horsepower: 330
- Torque: 725
- Transmission: Torqshift HD 6-Speed Automatic
- GVWR: 33,000 pounds
- Length: 35 feet
- Width: 8.5 feet
- Height: 13 feet 6 inches
- Approach angle: 46 degrees
- Departure angle: 23 degrees
- Breakover angle: 12 degrees
- Clearance: 12 inches
- Fuel: 115 gallons
- Fresh water: 250 gallons
- Gray water: 125 gallons
- Black water: 125 gallons
- Batteries: 20,000 watt hours
- Solar: 2,100 watts