Some years back EarthRoamer made a small batch of vehicles they called the XV-JP. These Jeep Wrangler based campers included all of the luxuries you’d want for comfortable road living wrapped in a surprisingly compact and capable package. It was an extremely cool concept, but unfortunately the platform never took off, and they were soon discontinued from production. Now a decade later, those of us who wanted a new XV-JP might be in luck, because what is likely the cleanest example left is up for sale with just 3,000 miles and NO off-road use. Even better, the previous owner has donated it to Friendly Water for the World, so all of the proceeds from this sale will go towards training people in third world countries how to clean their own water and construct BioSand Water Filters. Not a bad purchase eh? We’ve included more information on them below, but for now, lets take a closer look at this rare bird to see why it’s so darn awesome.
Starting from the bottom up, this Jeep is sporting Walker Evans beadlocks wrapped in 305/70/R17 Goodyear Wrangler MTRs. The suspension has been upgraded to an AirRock system which provides a smoother and safer ride on the road by constantly monitoring ride height while automatically compensating for any body lean that occurs. It also allows for on the fly adjustments off-road, letting the driver change the approach and departure angles along with ride height.
The trim level for this Wrangler was the Rubicon, of course, so it comes with the Dana 44 axles, front and rear locking differentials, and all the other goodies you’d expect, which sadly includes the older and more lethargic V-6 engine. You don’t buy this vehicle to go fast though, so we can live with it. For powering the air-suspension and inflating tires, an engine-driven air-compressor was installed which runs at 4 CFM at 90PSI.
The rear bumper is kitted out with a full-size matching spare, two jerry cans for extended range, two shackles, a hi-lift jack, and a small tray for firewood or whatever else you want to keep out of the Jeep. The front is armored up as well with a steel bumper and WARN 9,000 lb winch, which admittedly might be a tad underpowered for the application. The winch has been upgraded with 50 feet of 3/8″ synthetic line though which makes operations safer and lightens the vehicle.
Matching steel sliders can be found on either side of the XV-JP, and the underside has been shielded with steel skid plates including custom EarthRoamer models for the transfer case, camper battery, and exhaust.
Inside the XV-JP is where things get really cool. It’s loaded with charging ports, a fridge and stove, a toilet, a shower, a queen-bed, an entertainment system, and so much more. This thing is literally a home on wheels, and the space efficiency is impressive to say the least. I’m sad to say the pictures provided don’t do the vehicle justice, but proper interior shots can be seen on another
XV-JP article here.Drinking and showering water are provided by a 25 gallon fresh water and 10 gallon grey water tank, which is plumbed through a four gallon per minute pump. If you’re wondering if that shower will be hot, the answer is heck yes thanks to an integrated heater. If you happen to stay in too long enjoying that shower don’t worry, the water system also includes its own filtration system, so you can pick up more water on the go.
For colder months the interior features a 7500 BTU forced air gas heater, which sucks fuel directly from the tank, eliminating the need to carry alternative fuels like propane. Electrical systems include a 160 amp alternator and 80 watt solar panel, which are used to maintain the vehicle’s 210 amp hour AGM battery bank. The entire system is run with marine grade components, and includes all of the best practice bits and bobs you’d expect to find in an EarthRoamer.
If you think this thing is loaded to the gills with cool features, we haven’t come close to mentioning them all here, and for the sake of time we won’t. We all get that it’s a serious expedition vehicle with loads of curb appeal. What you don’t know is how this money will benefit people around the world, so lets take a moment to focus on that.
Friendly Water for the World was established in 2010, and they’re not a charity in the traditional sense. Instead of making people reliant on foreign aid, their group funds the costs involved in a 5 day training, the production of steel molds needed to make water filters, and the cement, sand, gravel and other supplies required to start a small business that produces and sells BioSand Water Filters. “We believe in teaching people how to fish, rather than just giving them fish” says Ron Storey, one of the group’s advisors.
If you’re wondering what that structure of “teaching them to fish” looks like, as I was, then read on. Ron was kind enough to provide an example from a recent case in the Congo.
“There was a deadly cholera outbreak about 2 years ago. 26 orphanages in and around Goma in Eastern Congo. On average a child a day was dying of cholera in each of those 26 orphanages. (Now this is where the ‘charity’ part of Friendly Water comes in. We pay for filters placed in orphanages, schools, clinics, and homes with HIV.) Working with our Country Representative in the Congo we placed 2 filters in every orphanage over a 3-4 month period. 3 weeks after the last installation — not a single case of cholera in any of the 26 orphanages — not even a stomach ache. But that’s not all! The heads of the orphanages got together and ask us for 2 more filters in each orphanage. We funded 2 more filters in each orphanage with clean receptacles for the water and an initial supply of clean water bottles. Those orphanages are now selling clean water into the communities and for the first time they can afford enough food and clothes and school supplies for all of the kids. They have become “self-sufficient!”
Each day presents us with new ways to make the world a better place. Most of the time it’s small things like smiling at your neighbor or helping a stranger get their vehicle out of a ditch, but occasionally we have the chance to do something big. These opportunities usually require great sacrifice and commitment, but this is one of those once in a lifetime chances to make a lasting difference in people’s lives by simply purchasing something you already want. You simply have to buy an amazing Jeep, and let Friendly Water do the rest. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Price $69,500
