2008 Earthroamer 6.4 diesel

06honda137

New member
I looking to purchase a 2008 earthroamer it’s in excellent condition but it has the 6.4 powerstroke. The 6.4 is known to have problems so this is the only thing holding me back. I’m just looking for experience, feedback and thoughts
 

TonyCatmandu

New member
This is an "it depends" question. If this is the white one it appears to be very well mantained. It is available immediately and depending on your needs that could be what you are after. I would understand the cost to replace the engine as a just in case, worst case scenario. Could be complicated if the cab has to come off but may also be easy. At least you know what the worst scenario is. Say for example that this would cost $25k. $25k may be easy to swallow for you or it may be a total deal breaker. Anything that has to do with repairing something in this category vehicle, engine or otherwise, is expensive. Like a large boat, cost of ongoing maintenance and repair should be considered.
 

DirtWhiskey

Western Dirt Rat
Considering the hefty price you're going to presumably pay, I'd consider this. Buy it if the deal is right. Bulletproof it as much as possible. If the 6.4 blows up, budget a Cummins conversion into the purchase price. About 15-20k depending on how much work you can do rather than a shop. Everything else on that truck is great. Great tranny, running gear, axles etc. interior is a huge upgrade over the 6.0 generation.
 

lucilius

Active member
Your question is tough to answer without any context: mileage, history, etc. In my opinion, the condition of the truck and camper is a more important topic than the engine. These things are not cheap (unless you are used to maintaining a private aircraft or yacht). E.g. if it is an 08 ER with leaf springs/coils and the 22.5's and you want to upgrade to Earthroamer's air suspension, beadlocks and military tires (make sure you check your rear axle weight vs GAWR vs tire load chart), ER will charge you about the same amount (or more) for that conversion versus what you will spend swapping the engine with a good diesel shop.
Any competent diesel shop can swap a 6.4 without lifting the cab. If I ever have a serious engine problem, I will probably replace with a DFC "Tow" 6.4 though there are other good reman 6.4 options. "Dirtwhiskey's" comment above is accurate as well.
If the truck and camper are in good shape, the price is fair to you AND you know you want an Earthroamer, I wouldn't hesitate because of the 6.4.
I've had a 2008 6.4 Earthroamer which I bought new and it has been great and all over North America with many more trips to come.
I've had a decent number of diesels over the years, european and American, old and new technology. The crux issue with any newer diesel is the combined effects of electronics and emissions systems, both of which result in newer diesels tending to be more rube goldberg contraption than simple and reliable powerplant. Evidently what we have today is the very best product that top tier engineers can come up with when buyers demand quiet, luxurious 400hp/1000ft lbs+ vehicles that'll tow 30k lbs+ all day matched with ever stricter government emissions rules.
The 6.4 Powerstroke needs regular, proactive/preventative maintenance and a realization that it is a great truck overall burdened with a poorly contrived emissions system. There are plenty of them driving on and offroad every day, all over North America. Most every US diesel since mid 2000's is a technological marvel when it comes to power and capabilities but is going to be a more complex and far less forgiving experience for the owner than the 5.9/7.3/OM606/etc. diesels of yesteryear
I'm dedicated to regular maintenance and drive my rig like the ~17k pound camper that it is: I take it easy and enjoy the trip. It does best around 60-65mph on highway and gets about 10-12mpg combined. With 90 gallons of fuel I have decent range and 90 gallons of freshwater and 3 large solar panels on the roof recharging two GPL-8DL Lifeline AGM batts, diesel cooktop, 2 espar airtronic+1 espar hydronic for both heat and hot water, it can be off grid for quite a while, even in extreme conditions. I realize this setup isn't the latest/greatest, but it works great and has been absolutely reliable, esp. in the cold where some campers might struggle. It is the XV/LT model (not the longer/heavier "stretch" XV/LTS). I have 43" tires on a custom leaf and coil suspension (no air susp). I've had zero engine problems.
 

DirtWhiskey

Western Dirt Rat
Your question is tough to answer without any context: mileage, history, etc. In my opinion, the condition of the truck and camper is a more important topic than the engine. These things are not cheap (unless you are used to maintaining a private aircraft or yacht). E.g. if it is an 08 ER with leaf springs/coils and the 22.5's and you want to upgrade to Earthroamer's air suspension, beadlocks and military tires (make sure you check your rear axle weight vs GAWR vs tire load chart), ER will charge you about the same amount (or more) for that conversion versus what you will spend swapping the engine with a good diesel shop.
Any competent diesel shop can swap a 6.4 without lifting the cab. If I ever have a serious engine problem, I will probably replace with a DFC "Tow" 6.4 though there are other good reman 6.4 options. "Dirtwhiskey's" comment above is accurate as well.
If the truck and camper are in good shape, the price is fair to you AND you know you want an Earthroamer, I wouldn't hesitate because of the 6.4.
I've had a 2008 6.4 Earthroamer which I bought new and it has been great and all over North America with many more trips to come.
I've had a decent number of diesels over the years, european and American, old and new technology. The crux issue with any newer diesel is the combined effects of electronics and emissions systems, both of which result in newer diesels tending to be more rube goldberg contraption than simple and reliable powerplant. Evidently what we have today is the very best product that top tier engineers can come up with when buyers demand quiet, luxurious 400hp/1000ft lbs+ vehicles that'll tow 30k lbs+ all day matched with ever stricter government emissions rules.
The 6.4 Powerstroke needs regular, proactive/preventative maintenance and a realization that it is a great truck overall burdened with a poorly contrived emissions system. There are plenty of them driving on and offroad every day, all over North America. Most every US diesel since mid 2000's is a technological marvel when it comes to power and capabilities but is going to be a more complex and far less forgiving experience for the owner than the 5.9/7.3/OM606/etc. diesels of yesteryear
I'm dedicated to regular maintenance and drive my rig like the ~17k pound camper that it is: I take it easy and enjoy the trip. It does best around 60-65mph on highway and gets about 10-12mpg combined. With 90 gallons of fuel I have decent range and 90 gallons of freshwater and 3 large solar panels on the roof recharging two GPL-8DL Lifeline AGM batts, diesel cooktop, 2 espar airtronic+1 espar hydronic for both heat and hot water, it can be off grid for quite a while, even in extreme conditions. I realize this setup isn't the latest/greatest, but it works great and has been absolutely reliable, esp. in the cold where some campers might struggle. It is the XV/LT model (not the longer/heavier "stretch" XV/LTS). I have 43" tires on a custom leaf and coil suspension (no air susp). I've had zero engine problems.

Bingo. Check Diesel Conversion Specialists or Destroked. There's a whole cottage industry build around these Cummins swaps. There are even 6.7 conversions that entire public fleets used to replace the 6.4. 6.4 is a known thing and there are plenty of upgraded emissions and bulletproofing you can do to shore things up. I'd steer away from a full delete as they can't be smogged in most urban counties and I suspect rural will follow soon. Swaps may run into the same issues as well. In my home county, swaps can be submitted to the county health dept as a modified vehicle. YMMV of course.
 

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