Earthroamer - why Ford over Dodge?

[Christian P.]

Pure curiosity here.

Does someone know why did Earthroamer choose to go with a Ford platform instead of a Dodge?

From what I have read so far the Cummins engine is more available overseas than the Ford.

 

[howell_jd]

Far from being able to provide a definitive answer, I suspect that the larger GVWR of the Ford versus Dodge platform and additional benefits such as dual alternators were an influence. The truth is that ER would always build on a platform they were provided...maybe it's a bit presumptuous of me but I suspect that if a Unimog were provided they'd find a way to make it work (I guess that geometry might stress the possibility)!

As a humorous note I recall one of the guys saying if he wanted a Cummins in his Ford all he had to do was pay for it!

I just changed out my fuel filters and despite its size and seemingly vast spaces for more (of everything and anything), I had a challenge getting the lower unit out (although it was dark) as the space for the 37mm socket only allowed one click back and forth...talk about time consuming work on the ground! In any case, I'm happy with my SuperDuty PowerStroke despite its (perhaps undeservedly notorious) reputation.

As far as availablility of other engines over any one in particular, I know the previous owner of my truck was able to find "support" whether in the form of branded parts or otherwise on his trip "Around the World."

- Jonathan

 

[Momrocks]

I am not much of an EarthRoamer follower but I suspect a lot had to do with the flat Cab & Chassis frame section of the Ford.

 

[max adams]

Ford is much friendlier from an upfitters perspective.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/publications.htm

 

[lowenbrau]

Dodge only began selling a class 4 and 5 Cab and Chassis again very recently... i.e 2008 onward.

 

[mcgovski]

the first ER was on a dodge

 

[john101477]

the first ER was on a dodge

But the first ER was also an alaskan style camper lol little different animal now.

 

[Regcabguy]

Actually ER's first camper was a FWC. Frame structural problems.

 

[haven]

lowenbrau's right -- When the commercial version of the Earthroamer XV-LT was introduced, the Dodge cab/chassis was not stout enough. Earthroamer chose the F450 at first, but quickly moved to the F550.

When Dodge introduced the 5500 cab/chassis, Earthroamer staff told me they were open to the possibility of using it. However, no customer asked for an Earthroamer using the standard cab 5500. The "quad cab" of the 2008 Dodge had less room inside than the crew cab Ford. (Dodge didn't offer the "mega-cab" four door on the 5500.) 4 door customers took one look at the Dodge, and ordered the Ford chassis.

For 2010, the new Dodge 5500 has a spacious crew cab, and would make a great choice for the next evolution of the Earthroamer.

 

[kcowyo]

Actually ER's first camper was a FWC. Frame structural problems.

Never seen that statement from Bill Swails before. He froze his butt off in Alaska, but he made no mention of any frame structural problems... gotta source for that comment?

Furthermore ER never had anything similar to an Alaskan. He had a FWC and then a Safari Vehicles Camper.


You guys quit screwing up the lyrics to the song.... :coffeedrink:
.

 

[john101477]

Never seen that statement from Bill Swails before. He froze his butt off in Alaska, but he made no mention of any frame structural problems... gotta source for that comment?

Furthermore ER never had anything similar to an Alaskan. He had a FWC and then a Safari Vehicles Camper.
.

Sorry I am camper illiterate. to me the pop up camper with the over the cab area is all the same to me thats why I said alaskan style cause thats what is on the alaskan web site lol

 

[tony_h]

Bill Swails used to report on his vehicle and travels extensively in the Turbo Diesel Register magazine when he had (IIRC) a 1998 24V Dodge with a pop-up camper and utility bed. When he switched to the Ford chassis he mentioned the need to go with a higher GVWR and that Ford had flat frame rails that were easier to attach a camper to.

I no longer have the article and don't subscribe to TDR any longer but if memory serves, it was based on these two reasons.

 

[DrMoab]

I no longer have the article and don't subscribe to TDR any longer but if memory serves, it was based on these two reasons.

I ran into them at Sema several years ago. Being a Dodge guy and not liking fords at all I had to ask them why. This was the exact reason they gave me.

Too bad really. It would keep me from buying an ER....well OK, money would keep me from buying one but if I was rich... I just couldn't trust the Ford.

 

[dzzz]

....well OK, money would keep me from buying one but if I was rich... I just couldn't trust the Ford.

I'm sure he majority of ER buyers are not Ford or Dodge pickup fans.

With events of the last year it seems unlikely ER would switch. Adding Dodge as an option might depend upon how close the dodge cab/chassis matches ford.

If the new Ford-built diesel is as good as initial impressions indicate there is less reason than ever to consider Dodge. The new engine is quiet, which should be highly desirable.

 

[RR1]

Why did they not build on a heavier chassis, like Jay's EcoRoamer F650? Jay's vehicle seems like you get more bang for the buck. Only $25K more. What is $25K more when a vehicle is a quarter million dollars?:ylsmoke: