EarthRoamer President, Bill Swails, was never content to see nature from the highway. What he required was a vehicle, be it a motorhome, Class C, SUV, or whatever, that could entrench him there, something capable of getting him from the sidelines into the heart of the action. After a search to find the ultimate backwoods machine failed, he did want most can-do types do–he built it himself. And what he came up with was far from subtle. In fact, it’s like nothing the RV world has ever seen.

The first effort from Swails and his Boulder, Colorado-based company, the EarthRoamer XV-LT, created a true go-anywhere recreational vehicle. Built on a Ford-550 four-wheel chassis, the XV-LT provided a year-round, four-wheelin’ unit that reflected the pro-environment stance of its owner. Gone were the LP gas and generators found on every other motorhome; solar power and diesel fuel (or better yet, bio-diesel) became the primary power source onboard, making it like nothing else on the market. And like Swails always wanted it, the LT was built with a love for unsuitable terrain and self-contained camping.

The company’s most recent effort, the XV-JP (MSRP: approx. $100,000), with its very cool Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited chassis, takes the baton and goes even farther. Start with the truck’s four-wheel drive and roughin’ it disposition. Remember, Jeep has an unsurpassed history for getting people where they need to go. Consider the XV-JP’s numbers: 202-horspower engine with 237 foot-pounds of torque, electric front and rear locking differentials; and a 33 percent improved articulations, thanks to its electronic sway bar disconnect. And when the going gets tough, you’ll no doubt appreciated the effort found with the heavy-duty coil springs and gas monotobue shocks, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and reinforced off-road bumpers.

The company’s eagerness for solar power (80-watt solar panel and 210 amp-hour AGM battery bank)  can be found on this version as well. Noisy and polluting generators and propane need not apply, continuing on with the company’s “tread lightly” philosophy. A roomier coup over its predecessor is found on the unit’s patented, electric-powered Loftop design, which opens up the interior by providing a staggering 9’ worth of headroom when the destination is reached. The lofted queen-size bed is one of the Loftop’s main benefactors. Moreover, a rear tent extends the dimensions of the living space even further. A 4.5-gallon (externally accessible!) cassette toilet delivers a more accessible way to deal with waste, while a 25-gallon fresh water supply uses engine heat to warm the 4-gallon water tank. Naturally, a shower comes along for the ride. Otherwise, rely on a 6,100-BTU forced-air furnace to perform the heating chores. True off-reader perks such as an in-dash GPS, HID off-road lights, air compressor, and 9,000-pound winch are not equipped for show. As was Swails’ original vision, EarthRoamer definitely wants you to get out there and see nature’s show. EarthRoamer Expedition Vehicles, 720/304-3174; www.earthroamer.com.