© Earthroamer
Getting Away
If there’s ever been a time that would feel good to get away from it all, it’s now. Spring is here and for many cabin fever is setting in — an opportune time to think about an RV. Granted, recreational vehicles give travelers the freedom to head out on the open road, although for some folks staying in a campground with a bunch of other RV owners is a little too close for comfort. So for those deep-pocketed adventurous types, we present RV options that leave the pavement behind, letting a select few venture off the beaten path as far from civilization as they like, while still enjoying a comfortable place to eat and a soft bed in which to sleep. Behold these outrageous RVs for leaving it all behind — while simultaneously taking it all along.
© EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer LTS
The name says it all, and these vehicles do it all. EarthRoamer offers two levels of go-anywhere RVs, manufactured in a facility at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The EarthRoamer LTS is the smaller offering from the company, but it certainly isn’t small. Built on a Ford F-550 Heavy Duty chassis with 4-wheel drive as well as a powerful diesel powertrain, the LTS uses a one-piece molded design for the cabin. While EarthRoamer admits the LTS won’t always be used to leave the beaten path completely, it is certainly capable of doing so. The company upgrades the F-550 with 41-inch military off-road tires, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, King off-road shocks and an air-ride suspension — an onboard air compressor allows for lowering or raising tire pressure as needed.
© Earthroamer
EarthRoamer LTS
With the ability to go anywhere, the LTS can also stay awhile. Power is provided primarily via solar panels that can deliver 1,320 watts — even on cloudy days. An additional 3,700 watts can be delivered via the diesel engine, either while driving or idling in camp. A large 12 kwh battery bank stores the energy, eliminating the need for a separate generator or propane. The LTS carries enough fuel for a 900-mile trip, and the company estimates that the 90 gallons of fresh water onboard can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on use. No matter where the LTS goes, it still takes all the comforts of home. Features include a full bathroom / shower, large windows, refrigerator / freezer, induction cooktop, convection microwave — buyers can even opt for granite countertops and a deep stainless sink. Also available is satellite TV as well as a Bose 5.1 surround audio system. Base price of the LTS is $490,000.
© EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer HD
For those looking for something a bit more substantial, EarthRoamer also offers the HD. Based on the F-750 King Ranch, the HD is a serious overland RV. With a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine boasting 725 lb-ft of torque, the 4-wheel-drive HD has 12 inches of ground clearance and an air-ride suspension that not only provides a more comfortable ride, it can also be used to level the vehicle at a campsite. At 35 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, the HD is not quite as maneuverable as the LT, but it does offer considerably more capability. The solar panels can deliver up to 2,100 watts to the 20KW Lithium battery pack. There are also two engine-driven alternators that can quickly recharge the batteries while driving or idling — in fact, the system will automatically start the engine for a 30-minute charging cycle if the batteries get too low.
© EarthRoamer
EarthRoamer HD
No matter what the weather, the HD stays comfy inside, thanks to in-floor radiant heating and an air-heating system to quickly warm up the cabin. For warmer climes, this EarthRoamer has two high-efficiency roof-mounted air-conditioning units. The HD also comes with an auto-retracting awning with dimmable LED lighting, as well as a slide-out kitchen to further enjoy the great outdoors. The spacious interior has luxuriously large common areas, big windows and a full kitchen. There’s even a washer / dryer as well as a separate shower and bathroom — both essential for extending that time away from home. Each HD is custom made with prices starting at $1.5 million.
© Global Expedition Vehicles
Global Expedition Vehicles Adventure Truck
A full range of go-anywhere RVs are available from the aptly named Global Expedition Vehicles, but the company’s newest model is the relatively small Adventure Truck series. Built on either a Ram 5500 or Ford F550 chassis with a regular cab, the Adventure Truck features a fiberglass-composite body integrated with the chassis including an integrated entry door as well as access via the truck cab. To help this rig get wherever it needs to go, the Adventure truck can be outfitted with a 5-inch lift kit, upgraded off-road tires, raised air intake, off-road driving lights and a Warn 16,500-lb capacity winch. The truck can also hold up to 90 gallons of fresh water and a 20 kwh battery pack, the latter of which charges via the diesel engine or integrated solar panels.
© Global Expedition Vehicles
Global Expedition Vehicles Adventure Truck
As one of GXV’s smaller models, the Adventure Truck optimizes the interior space it possesses. The kitchen has a refrigerator / freezer, single-burner induction cooktop, seating for two with a table, a full-size bed and plenty of storage. A combination shower / bathroom means no trips out into wilderness in the dead of night. To further improve accommodations, GXV also makes the Adventure Truck available with a skylight, a rooftop air-conditioning unit, a microwave oven, a Bluetooth sound bar and an outdoor awning. Pricing for the Adventure Truck starts at $198,000. For those that need a bit more room, buyers can opt for the Adventure-XT which is built on a crew cab truck and features a cab-over design for considerably more interior space.
© Global Expedition Vehicles
Global Expedition Vehicles UXV-MAX
At the other end of the Global Expedition Vehicles lineup sits the UXV-MAX, which offers more luxury, increased space and higher capability. Global Expedition Vehicles can build this hefty RV on a variety of large chassis, including a Ford F-750, Freightliner or International. Designed to go nearly anywhere, stay a while and have fun, the UXV-MAX uses solar panels as well as a diesel generator for power. The UXV-MAX can be fitted with additional tanks for extended range. A 75-gallon gasoline tank can be added for fueling motorcycles, ATVs or other powered toys, along with an optional rear “garage” that can be customized to fit those playthings. For added security when ranging far from civilization, the UXV-MAX can be fitted with 18,000-pound-capacity winches front and rear.
© Global Expedition Vehicles
Global Expedition Vehicles UXV-MAX
Although the UXV-MAX is capable of handling some of the harshest elements, this glamper’s interior is anything but harsh. The kitchen features custom cabinets with granite countertops, a dual-burner induction cooktop, microwave / convection oven, a 6.4 cubic-foot refrigerator / freezer, undercabinet LED lighting and a stainless-steel sink. The dining area can be configured for 4–6 people, and there’s even a king-size bed above the truck cab. A sizable tank holds 135 gallons of fresh water, with an available water filtration system as well as an Isotherm water heater, bathroom and separate shower. For those who tire of the outdoors, there’s the optional satellite dish and LED HDTV on an adjustable wall mount. Starting price for the UXV-MAX is $650,000
© Unicat
Unicat TerraCross 49
This German-based company builds a range of off-road TerraCross RVs as well custom models for individual customers. One of the company’s more “basic” production models is the TerraCross 49, considered a “light” offering. The body of the TerraCross consists of sandwich-plate panels of fiberglass composite and polyurethane foam insulation, fitted to a variety of truck chassis that range from a compact-cab MAN to the extreme Mercedes-Benz Unimog. All truck offerings feature all-wheel drive with a locking center differential as well as front and rear locking differentials. Off-road tires fitted to 20-inch wheels are standard, and Unimog-based models also get disc brakes and a central tire inflation system.
© Unicat
Unicat TerraCross 49
What appears to be a big box strapped to the back of the TerraCross contains comfortable accommodations for up to four people. There’s a double bed at the front, as well as a table and seats that can also be folded into a bed when needed. The kitchen has a three-burner stove, refrigerator / freezer, plenty of storage and an available folding countertop for additional workspace. Designed for almost any weather or road conditions, the TerraCross has double insulated thermal windows; heavy-duty locks on the doors, windows and skylight; freeze-proof drinking water tanks and plumbing; and diesel-powered warm water central heating. TerraCross can also be equipped with a solar power system, air-conditioning, a washing machine, a generator and a water filtration system.
© Unicat
Unicat MXXL
For the ultimate in go-anywhere RVing, there’s the Unicat MXXL. No small RV, the MXXL is almost 40 feet long and weighs in at 57,000 pounds. This special model from Unicat boasts everything the adventurer needs to get away from the civilized world and stay there for a while. To get it where it needs to go, the XXL features 8-wheel drive, massive tires with a central tire inflation system, locking differentials all around, skid plates, Xenon headlights and working lights, a 30,000-pound-capacity hydraulic winch and a 303-gallon fuel tank. There’s even a fueling station for gassing up other vehicles, as well as connections for hydraulic and pneumatic tools.
© Unicat
Unicat MXXL
The MXXL is certainly tough on the outside, but it’s smooth and comfortable on the inside. The lounge seating has space for up to seven people who can enjoy the 46-inch HD TV, Bose audio system, Blu-ray / DVD player and a Sony PlayStation. There are two additional 42-inch monitors on the front wall that can be tied into the HD cameras mounted in the cab. At the back, a section slides out to create a large master bedroom complete with another HD TV as well as a desk and plenty of storage. The guest room features three bunk beds, each with a 20-inch HD TV. The kitchen has two refrigerators, a two-burner induction cooktop, a freezer, an oven, a microwave and an integrated espresso maker.
KiraVan
Designed to take a family (or crew) of three wherever they might want to go, the KiraVan Expedition System is a Mercedes-Benz Unimog tractor combined with a trailer of Swiss Army versatility. The cab unit has been stretched and reinforced to accommodate a 4-door composite body, a powerful diesel powerplant and an off-road articulating 5th-wheel hitch. The trailer is 52 feet long, including storage for a unique turbodiesel motorbike that gets 100 mpg. The KiraVan carries enough fuel to travel up to 2,000 miles and contains enough provisions for three to live up to three weeks on their own. This KiraVan has two generators, solar panels and battery packs, so plentiful power is always on hand to keep the HVAC operating smoothly — the cabin can be kept comfortable in outside temps ranging from -30 to +130 degrees Fahrenheit.
KiraVan
The KiraVan is always connected with wireless satellite broadband internet, as well as a global communications system that can be used from almost anywhere in the world. The comfortable interior has wood flooring, a full kitchen, a 4K HDTV with surround sound, a dining area and an office. The main sleeping area is on the upper level, and the bathroom includes a shower with a multi-faceted skylight, and a toilet that incinerates all waste into a non-toxic, sterile powder.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 Expedition Vehicle
This heavy-duty off-road luxury RV was specifically designed for hunting excursions in Mongolia — that alone puts this vehicle in the extreme category. The Zetros 6×6 all-terrain truck can handle a payload of up to 16 tons in the most difficult off-road conditions, making it the perfect platform for an extreme expedition camper. With three mechanical differential locks, full-time all-wheel drive and a massive diesel powertrain, the Zetros doesn’t encounter much terrain it cannot handle. The Mercedes-Benz Zetros even has a rear compartment for an ATV.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6 Expedition Vehicle
A theme common among vehicles in the ultra-RV class, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros is as luxurious as the exterior is tough. There’s a bedroom at the rear and a leather seating area in front for up to six people. The bathroom boasts a marble floor with underfloor heating. Not only does the Zetros have a fully equipped galley, twin gas burners on the exterior permit the occasional fireside cookout. The bedroom and seating areas are separated by a wall containing twin integrated flat-screen TV monitors — one facing the bedroom and one facing the seating area. Also included are a satellite dish, air-conditioning, a DVD / CD player, an MP3 player and a high-end Bose sound system. An onboard diesel generator and very large fuel tanks means the M-B Zetros can stay off the grid for an extended period of time. The price starts around $1 million.
© Action Mobile
Action Mobil Desert Challenger
One of the largest RVs on the planet is built by Austrian company Action Mobil. The Desert Challenger is an 8-wheel- drive monster originally built for transporting missiles. Measuring about 10 feet wide, 13 feet tall and 40 feet long, the Desert Challenger needs all of its 600 horses on tap to keep this 30-ton behemoth in motion. This ultimate RV carries about 660 gallons of fuel, almost as much drinking water and features a 12-kwh battery pack.
© Action Mobile
Action Mobil Desert Challenger
The Desert Challenger can be outfitted in myriad ways depending on what buyers desire. For example, this big RV can be equipped with a full gourmet kitchen complete with a four-burner professional stove and a walk-in freezer. With two hydraulic extensions, the already large living room trimmed in fine leather and wood can be expanded an additional 16 feet. There’s a full bathroom and shower, as well as a washer / dryer.
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EarthCruiser EXP
For those seeking adventure in a vehicle that is manageable enough to maneuver down narrow forest roads, the EXP from EarthCruiser might be the answer. Built on a Mitsubishi Fuso 4X4 chassis, the EXP is over 21 feet long and under seven feet wide — easily driven through town. But with 10 inches of ground clearance, heavy-duty shock absorbers, upgraded suspension and a 45-degree approach angle and 40-degree departure angle, the EXP is just as capable of heading way off the beaten path. A front and rear winch are also available.
© EarthCruiser
EarthCruiser EXP
Once the EXP reaches camp, the roof can be raised electrically for more than six feet of headroom. The interior houses a queen-size bed as well as a swing-away dinette table that can be converted to a second sleeping space. The kitchen area has a ceramic cooktop as well as dual sinks and a 12-volt refrigerator / freezer. There is no bathroom per se, although there is a slide-out toilet and a space in front of the door that can be curtained off as a shower or mudroom. The EXP also has an outdoor shower, dual freshwater tanks, a water purification system as well as an electrically-operated awning.
© Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, LLC
CAMI Terra Wind
For campers who have already taken their RVs off pavement climbing mountains or traversing arid deserts, there are always new frontiers to conquer — the open water, for example. With the large and luxurious Terra Wind, there’s no need to tow a boat to the lake for some fun on the water — this entire RV transforms into a boat. Built by Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, the CAMI Terra Wind can cruise on land at 80 mph, or on water at 7 knots by employing two 19-inch bronze propellers. To launch, simply drive the big RV into the water at any boat ramp or solid, gently sloping shore. Once in the water, the Terra Wind’s driver puts the standard transmission into neutral and engages the marine transmission. A joystick enables on-water navigation once the propellers spool up.
© Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International, LLC
CAMI Terra Wind
The interior of the Terra Wind can be customized to fit nearly any decor — whatever the lifestyle, this RV is fully equipped with all luxury amenities expected of a high-end motor home. The Terra Wind includes a 42-inch flat-screen TV and even a Jacuzzi / shower combo in the master bathroom. An optional diving platform unfolds from the rear porch, so swimmers can properly enjoy their time on the water. The roof may be used as a sundeck as well. The estimated price for this model is just over $1.2 million.
