The AEONrv is based on the Ford Transit EcoBoost 350 AWD platform and is being marketed as the first true all-season, electric cabin, off-road capable, new and modern (AEON, get it?), four-person recreational vehicle, retailing at $199,500 (plus fees and taxes). The fifth of a million dollar question is will this vehicle be worth the significant investment? Possibly.
As an all-season vehicle, it is well-designed, practical, well insulated, and, presumably, well heated and cooled. The air-conditioning unit might be a non-negotiable for some traveling to scorching and humid climates (if I were a buyer, I would ask for a low-profile roof-mounted air conditioning unit such as those available from Dometic).
The garage, which sits under the queen-size bed and is accessed from outside, is large and heated, with plenty of space for water tanks, tools, recovery gear, bicycles, the BBQ, camping gear, and sundry. I have to wonder if a roof rack (or load bars) with a ladder is an optional extra for the storage of kayaks, surfboards, etc. (the cab could use a small roof rack for extra gear or a second full-size spare tire).
The location of the toilet and shower in the doorway is an innovative and clever use of space. Every detail has been thought of, and the wash area is complete with a sink, vanity cabinet, shower curtain and privacy door, a retractable line for wet clothes and towels (the bathroom is designed to double as a dry room, a great idea for those wet, windy winter days), sufficient lighting, and you can even rotate the toilet.
The interior is light, well-lit, and ventilated, and looks to be a comfortable base for exploration. A walk-through with a lockable door secures and insulates the camper and allows access to the cab for convenience or in case of an emergency—a huge plus for long-term, long-distance travel. The fridge is large enough for a good few weeks off-grid, and there is ample storage within the camper for appliances, groceries, clothing, electronics, and other gear.
Looking at the vehicle as a whole, it is imaginable that the AEONrv camper cabin would be a better fit on a taller vehicle (such as the European Iveco Daily 4X4), but, for most road surfaces and well-traveled trails, the Ford Transit EcoBoost 350 AWD is a proven, reliable base. The AEONrv features a moderately lifted and upgraded suspension sitting on all-terrain tires, the rear differential is armored, and the graywater tank is insulated and protected. While this vehicle is undoubtedly capable of driving those well-traveled moderate trails, it is not an off-road vehicle per se.
While the RV is marketed as a four-person camper (with three-point seat belts built into the dinette seats), it seems that the dinette itself will likely not comfortably seat four adults, let alone two adults and two children. But unless the weather is awful, most travelers tend to eat their meals under an awning outside. The dinette bed could sleep those two pre-teen kids head to foot, but they will need to like each other a lot. The good news is that the bed can be extended to fill the passage, which is less convenient but more comfortable. The kitchen area is well appointed but lacks a functional working surface for food preparation unless you commandeer the rotating dinette table.
In summary, this is the kind of vehicle you could comfortably drive around the world, and it appears that the vehicle is carefully designed and constructed from high-quality materials. It will take a while for a new owner to dial in and customize the camper to their exact needs, but there is plenty of space for even the most demanding traveler.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
