The EarthRoamer XVJP is one of the most unique expedition campers ever constructed, combining the capability of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with all the creature comforts of home. My appreciation for this model goes deeper than most, having been involved with some of the initial specifications and testing of the unit; including driving it over the Rubicon Trail, becoming the first ‘RV’ to ever do so. In late 2008, I commissioned my own XV-JP to be built, unit number six, which I drove all the way to the Darien Gap in Panama. Featured here in La Aduana is the brother of my Jeep, a second EarthRoamer that was used on the same Central America adventure. It is rare to see these come up for sale, even more rare for one to be in excellent condition and working order, and with only 26,000 miles on the clock- adventure awaits!
This gunmetal blue 2009 EarthRoamer XV-JP is unit #9 and was used exclusively for the Darien Gap trip, its life afterwards enjoying fly fishing excursions in Southern Colorado, and very few miles. In addition to being one of the lowest mileage XV-JPs I am aware of, it is also the most up-to-date and thoughtfully modified. The vehicle went back to EarthRoamer in 2013 for a complete systems check and updating, including removing the troublesome airbeams, reinforcing the rear door, installation of an AirRock suspension, and a supercharger for the 3.8L V6. Everything works.
For the off-road modifications, the Jeep has a fully automatic (with manual override) AirRock suspension with King Shocks (remote res.). The gearing was changed to 4.88:1 and all of the Rubicon components remain, including Dana 44 axles, 4:1 transfer case, differential locks, and swaybar disconnect. Brand new BFGoodrich 35″ tires are mounted to AEV beadlock wheels. For front protection, an AEV bullbar was installed with a 9,000 lb. Warn winch and synthetic line. On the rear, a Wilderness bumper with swingout was used, allowing additional fuel storage and trail tools. An AEV hood and snorkel round out the package.
The XV-JP really gets interesting with the camper, a custom composite shell integrated to the factory body. The top opens to the rear, cantilevered off a massive aluminum hoop and supported by dyneema ropes. This provides a queen-size bed and includes a Swiss box spring and memory foam mattress. The tent is massive and allows for expansive headroom. Under the full-length couch is both the 80-liter fridge and the wet head (including flushing toilet). The couch can be used as a single bed in extreme weather to sleep. On the driver’s-side of the camper is a storage cabinet and a deep sink. The faucet also serves as the shower head. To the front of the sink is mounted a small table/desk. Additional systems include a 60-watt solar panel and an Espar forced-air heater. The top raises and lowers with (mostly) a push of a button.
It is extremely rare to see one of these come up for sale, and it is available from a long-time travel companion of mine and Overland Journal charter subscriber. It has been meticulously maintained, although it does reflect some minor weathering with the passage of the last seven years. It was garaged for most of its life. The XV-JP is currently stored at the Overland Journal offices and is available for a test drive by appointment. If you have ever wanted the most capable and unique expedition camper ever produced in America, this is the one to get. The Jeep was over $140,000 to produce and is being offered at $72,000 OBO. Please email expeditionswest (at) gmail (dot) com for more information. Here is the original EarthRoamer specification sheet
Note: Overland Journal is storing and showing this vehicle as a favor to a long-time friend. We do not own the vehicle and we are not taking any commission on the sale.
A video of taking the prototype over the Rubicon
