What is it like to own and use a 15-year-old a Earthroamer XV-LTS luxurious overland truck? If you want to know about what it’s like to live in one of these, this story is for you. Huge thanks to our friend Matt Scott from Overland Journal Podcast, for stopping by our TFL Tumbleweed Ranch for the discussion and an off-road test. Let’s dig in!
This expedition-style 4×4 RV is based on a 2011 Ford F-550 chassis. Under the hood is a commercial grade 6.7L Powerstroke turbo-diesel V8. The engine is backed up by a 6-speed automatic transmission. It rides on a Earthroamer customized independently adjustable air suspension that allows for several ride heights and self leveling.
The house is all Earthroamer. The XV-LTS is a stretched (longer) version of the camper that they had before. It’s very well appointed on inside. It looks and feels like a nice yacht interior, because it’s basically how it’s built. Any motor home, especially an off-road one, is subject to a lot of rocking and shaking as it goes down the road or trail. The truck and the house must be strong enough to survive this shaking and still offer a premium and comfortable experience. This truck has delivered this with one exception.
Matt has had several problems with the 6.7L turbo-diesel V8. When he purchased this truck used, the engine had to be replaced. Yikes! The truck now has a 2019 Power Stroke V8 with the older 6R-140 6-speed transmission. Next, Matt had to replace the turbocharger a couple more times.
What’s going on? Matt says this engine is very capable, but it is also very complicated. This Earthroamer weighs near its maximum 19,500 lbs GVWR. Matt often uses it at high speed while off-road. The engine sees a lot of load. This is not an excuse for the failures, just some context.
Please join us in the video below.
