These websites, with their awesome trip reports, introduced me to the idea that real adventure can still be had in USA (and also in many other places as well). Sailing rocks, native ruins, hot springs, meadows, mining history, wildlife, and much more.
So... I bought a Toyota Tacoma and ordered a truck camper from All-Terrain Campers and have been really pleased with the combination. This picture is of my set-up going down the Lippencott "Road" in Death Valley.
What changed? I would like something larger and with more creature comforts. There will be at least 3 of us, plus the dog, and that fills up the Tacoma and ATC pretty quick. I also want to be able to bring friends and family with me and in comfort, so they are more likely to come with!
After my Unimog infatuation relented enough I started looking at Earthroamers. Earthroamers have big shortcomings when compared to a Unimog based camper, but also big advantages.
The Unimog is a better option, hands down, in every off-road consideration. The Ford F-550 based Earthroamer is a better option, hands down, in every on-road consideration. The
Earthroamer also offers modern safety, reliability, aftermarket support, parts availability in North America, and creature comforts. Additionally, the Earthroamer is no slouch off-road, it just can't match the King-of-the-Hill status of Unimog.
If I was not a family man, I would have a Unimog. What I purchased will become ( after wheels, tires, a little suspension, lockers, etc.) Clark W. Griswold's version of a Unimog... you get the idea.
Introducing....! My 2002 Ford F450 4x4 (standard cab, manual, diesel, limited slip, manual t-case, 140" wb... etc.) with a paltry 45,000 miles and in great condition considering it is a Minnesota vehicle.
Her name is, "The Rubester (roob-ster)."
A friend of mine has the equivalent F-350, which shares nearly all of the key components, and has been very pleased with it, except for the Dana 60 front axle (foreshadowing??). I specifically sought out the 7.3 diesel found in the 1999-2003 (some 2003's) for its reputation as simple and reliable engine.
Why not just buy an Earthroamer? The first reason is the cost, at least $100,000 to get into a used one and the sky is the limit on new ones. I am not saying they are overpriced, they are very high quality, limited production vehicles. Regardless, the price is very prohibitive. The second reason is the romance of building it yourself. I want it to be mine, understand? The cabin your grandpa built is different the one a stranger built.
The only thing about this truck that is a shortcoming, and I think that is overstating it, is that it has leaf springs. There is the option to convert the front to coil springs or do air springs all around, but I feel the leafs will serve me well and making any significant changes would not justify the cost. I am inclined to leave things as stock as possible, the truck is proven one and it is hard to match reliability and practicality of what the factory offers. Plus, it is free to leave things as they are.
Now that I have the chassis purchased, the next thing to do is get a Sunrader. Then, I'll chop, sweat, weld and swear as I work to combine the camper portion of the Sunrader with the Ford chassis.
The shortcoming of the Sunrader, for my purposes, is the Toyota truck they are mounted on. They are no 4x4's in the larger Sunrader, the truck is near capacity with the RV empty, the ground clearance is not there, and more. I think Sunraders are awesome, and so is the Toyota chassis they are built on. However, for my purposes it is not a good fit. If you liked to stay on-road, the Sunrader is a great option.
The strength of the Sunrader, for my needs, is the molded fiberglass construction. Compared to your typical stick-frame RV the Sunrader is lighter, stronger, drier, requires less maintenance and with last longer. Why not build them all this way?
Currently, I am looking for a local Sunrader, but have only found them in far-away places. I might be traveling far if nothing comes up locally in the near future.
In the next few weeks I plan to have the front axle upgraded, install cut-out fender flares, remove the flatbed, install soundproofing in the cab, purchase new tires, purchase super single rims and rent a workspace.
I'll keep the blog updated as things progress. Thanks for reading.
