Earth Roamer vs. SMB

Andrew · 08-30-2016, 08:44 PM

Hello does anyone on here have experience using both the earth roamer and SMB? Obviously quite a stark price difference but putting price aside what was the experience like? If money wasn't a concern would you opt for the Earth Roamer?

MadScience · 08-30-2016, 09:52 PM

Many of us aren't sufficiently wealthy to consider them. Aren't they "my children's children's children won't have to consider working" kind of money?

I've seen a couple in person, and they look fun, but I'm not actually sure that they are nicer than other more down to earth offerings. I certainly feel like my van is huge every time I'm on a trail, so even in a money is no object world, I'm not convinced I'd go there.

In fact, in a money is no object world, I really don't understand them. Yes, perhaps if overlanding AK to Cap horn or Europe to the cape of good hope are on the bucket list. But for the sort of stuff that I use a camper van for? I'd still either want a camper van, or just an assistant that can book me nice hotels as I'm on the road in a much more fun to drive vehicle. -- Probably both, but not an earth roamer, and it pains me to say that, because they sure are neat.

**Gooseberry** · 08-30-2016, 10:32 PM

The places I have taken my van would have caused expensive damage to a ER. I do dream of having the money to have one but at that cost I could have a class A and a real nice exploring rig in tow.

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Nick · 08-30-2016, 10:53 PM

I found myself chatting on the road with an ER owner who regretted the size of his rig.

Very nice offroad vehicle that is too wide / tall for most offroad trails.

2X - better get a pusher that tow a nice offroad and maybe even save some money.

rallypanam · 08-31-2016, 07:39 AM

Agree with above. I've spent considerable time dragging shrubbery/cactus/trees down the sides of my van. No way a ER would fit.

Also, they get stuck on muddy grass fields:

https://youtu.be/roHHWduRx4M

MrHenrietta · 08-31-2016, 08:19 AM

Personally I am not a fan. Too bulky. Even if I had the money I'd still be a van man : )

ShuttlePilot · 08-31-2016, 08:35 AM

My first thought was, I wonder what responses you would get back if the question was proposed in an Earth Roamer forum. I have yet to set foot in an Earth Roamer let alone drive one. Only seen them on the highway and in developed campgrounds. My inexperienced opinion on them is that they were born out of the pre-recession taste for bigger, badder looking, opulence than my neighbor. Like driving an H-1 to drop off the kids at school.

Functionally I've thought of them as too much compromise (especially when factoring cost). Class A pusher RV, camper on truck, van conversion, down to a small SUV with a rooftop tent, and every vehicle in between have different uses (driving or living) that they are exceptional at. It's not obvious to me what the Earth Roamer is great at, I guess I would have to have use one for a while to find out. Just my thoughts.

- Eric

86Scotty · 08-31-2016, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooseberry

The places I have taken my van would have caused expensive damage to a ER. I do dream of having the money to have one but at that cost I could have a class A and a real nice exploring rig in tow.

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^truth^

I just can't see it. Of course, in our world there has to be an Earthroamer, right? I mean, there must be some magical, unreachable pinnacle to which all else is measured. It's not realistic though. I'd rather drive a less flashy sports car than the entitled Lamborghini and I'd rather live in a house I can keep clean than Hearst San Simeon.

I think to actually be able to afford an Earthroamer and then to be willing to take it to the places you would want to try to take it would define a really reckless individual. Ironically, to me, most people with that amount of money didn't get there by being reckless. It's a mystery.

**rionapo** · 08-31-2016, 09:54 AM

Agreed with comments about size limiting the vehicles real off-road potential. Overhead branches, side rocks, you name it. The vehicle will fail. I enjoyed watching them fall in the mud at SnowExpo two years ago. Not a mudder.

Don

zaralps · 08-31-2016, 01:18 PM

I agree with the comments on it being too big to enjoy taking it off-road. I have met the President a few years back and toured the Earthroamer factory. The build quality is certainly better, more meticulous, and obviously more luxurious. Insanely expensive, but then again so are other bigger motor homes. If you live in an area more open to off road without the narrow trails in a lot of places, then you may be fine.