Just because you like to go 4-wheeling into very rugged territory doesn't mean you have go without many of the creature comforts found in RVs that must stay on the road. That's the idea behind the environmentally-friendly XV-JP offered by Colorado-based EarthRoamer.
As part of EarthRoamer's line of Expedition Vehicles, the XV-JP is based on the popular Jeep Rubicon Unlimited. EarthRoamer permanently attaches a rugged, lightweight, balsa core composite laminate body that can accommodate two adults to the Jeep chassis.
When folded up for traveling, the XV-JP's footprint is no larger than a regular Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Thus, not only is it suitable for the narrowest, off-road trails, but also for the daily commute. With a folded height of 92-inches, it can be parked in a garage.
For its small size, the XV-JP has features found in larger RVs. When the electrically operated Loftop is erected, there is almost 9 feet of head room.. The queen-size bed in the loft has an European-designed, plastic spring sleep system with foam mattress. The Lofttop is equipped with dual pane acrylic windows with built in shades and bug screens. A rear tent/screen room drops from the cantilevered Loftop to form a shaded, bug-free outside living area. The over-cab area provides interior storage as well as mounting for solar panel and off-road lights.
All Xpedition Vehicles use solar energy as a primary electric power source, eliminating the need for a generator. The 210 amp-hour AGM (absorbent gas mat) battery bank can be charged by the engine driven alternator, rooftop 80-watt Sharp solar panelor a 290 watt battery charger. The four-gallon hot water system is heated by the engine.
The XV-JP has a 25 gallons of fresh water capacity, an inside cassette toilet, inside/outside shower, sink, and cooking facilities. The three cubic foot chest refrigerator/freezer uses advanced, high-efficiency "cold plate" technology. The recessed shower pan is located under a hinged access panel in floor. A gasoline-fueled, 6100 BTU forced air furnace is supplied from the Jeep's fuel tank.
Serious off-road capability is provided by heavy-duty, off-road bumpers with anchor points for the Warn 9000 RC winch. A heavy-duty skid plate protects frame mounted batteries. Items like batteries and water tanks are located in-between the axles to lower the center of gravity and provide added protective. Further protection comes with heavy-duty, body-mounted protective rock rails; three-inch diameter steel tube grill guard and a heavy duty steel rear bumper with swing-out tire carrier. It rides on LT285/70 R1 load range D, mud-terrain off-road tires.
Because the XV-JP is based on Jeep Wrangler Unlimited you get features like a 202-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine; choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hydraulic brake assist and traction control; and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). Go anywhere any capability is enhanced with either part-time, two-speed, shift-on-the-fly NV241 OR Rock-Trac transfer case with a super-slow, 4:1 super crawl gear ratio. Also fitted are Tru-Lok front and rear electronic remote locking differentials with Dana 44 heavy-duty solid axles, heavy duty coil-springs and Bilstein gas monotube shocks An electronic sway bar disconnect improves articulation by 33-percent when off road. You can tow 3,500 pounds.
