Scott Brady
Founder
:ylsmoke:
Expeditions West: (JK) XV-JP Announcement Thread
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
:ylsmoke:
Scott Brady
Founder
Press Release
***For Immediate Release***
EarthRoamer® to Build Expeditions West’s Next Expedition Vehicle
Prescott, Arizona (04/08/08) – After a year of careful consideration, Expeditions West is pleased to announce that they have selected the EarthRoamer XV-JP™ as their next expedition vehicle.
“We’re very excited” said Scott Brady, Expeditions West’s owner and CEO, “After looking at all of the available options, no other platform was able to incorporate the complete living support systems required for our half-year expedition to South and Central America while retaining the compact dimensions and extreme trail performance we enjoyed with the Tacoma project.”
Expeditions West has several remote and challenging routes planned in the Atacama Desert, the rugged mountain tracks in Bolivia, the Jungles of Guatemala and the coast of Colombia that will require the capabilities of the XV-JP platform. The base capability requirement was for the Expeditions West camper was to be able to cross the famous Rubicon Trail. In September of 2007, Scott Brady and Chris Marzonie were able to pilot an XV-JP through the length of the Rubicon without issue, becoming the first production camper to ever cross the Rubicon. This extreme terrain performance requirement eliminated all other production campers from consideration.
“We’ve collaborated with Scott and the team at Expeditions West on several projects in the past” said Bill Swails, EarthRoamer founder, co-owner and Chief Designer, “we’re very pleased to build their next vehicle, and continue our partnership far into the future.”
Expeditions West will further modify the XV-JP with a custom suspension system, larger tires and wheels along with extensive recovery equipment and trail protection. Additional customizations will include satellite data/voice communication and MAC based navigation.
About Expeditions West
Expeditions West is an adventure and marketing services company located in Prescott, Arizona, providing professional drivers, product consulting and testing, and editorial content to the outdoor and automotive industries.
Expeditions West's next adventure is a 20,000 mile circumnavigation of South America and north traverse of Central America and Mexico, planned for Winter/Spring 2009. For more information on becoming a title sponsor of Expeditions West and to learn more about our product promotion and testing services, please contact us.
Expeditions West Title Sponsors Include: Adventure Trailers, ARB USA, EarthRoamer, Equipt Expedition Outfitters, ExxonMobil and Viking OffRoad
About EarthRoamer
Founded by a pair of engineers with a thirst for adventure, EarthRoamer is in its sixth year designing, building and selling the only fully self-contained expedition vehicles in North America. Built in Colorado at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, EarthRoamer allows adventurers to travel far from the beaten path in unparalleled safety and comfort. More information is available at www.earthroamer.com.
Contacts:
Expeditions West EarthRoamer
Scott Brady Matt Nakari
928 777 8567 720 304 3174
guide@expeditionswest.com matt@earthroamer.com
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durango_60
Explorer
Excellent choice, I look forward to watching you test the durability of my chosen platform.
Judging by the euro spec bumper on the silver unit it looks like Earthroamer is getting overseas interest.
Judging by the euro spec bumper on the silver unit it looks like Earthroamer is getting overseas interest.
Scott Brady
Founder
I fly to Denver on Sunday and will pick up the JK, which is a white 4-door with soft top and the Rubicon package. I went back and forth on the manual transmission/auto for several weeks and finally decided on the auto. It is a pretty proven transmission and will allow for the most smooth and controlled driving in technical terrain. Stephanie will also enjoy driving it more in Argentine traffic...
So far, all of the chassis level EarthRoamer modifications have been completed, including the fitment of the frame mounted (2) group 31 AGMs and associated skidplates. All fuel pickups for the heater, etc. have been installed too, along with 5.13 axle gearing.
I will bring the Jeep back to Prescott and begin some extensive testing and design for the suspension, which is something I want to be perfect, both from a road handling and trail performance perspective. The Tacoma project set the bar high, but I have some good ideas. Additional modifications will be an aux. fuel tank, bumpers, tires/wheels, recovery gear, etc. and all nav/communication systems mounted in the cabin.
In about 4-5 weeks, I will drive back to EarthRoamer and be present for all camper modifications. I believe it critical that I understand how every system is installed and function and most importantly interfaces with the factory Jeep. We are going to be very remote for a very long time in South America, so I need to be able to field repair should something happen.
Exciting times!
So far, all of the chassis level EarthRoamer modifications have been completed, including the fitment of the frame mounted (2) group 31 AGMs and associated skidplates. All fuel pickups for the heater, etc. have been installed too, along with 5.13 axle gearing.
I will bring the Jeep back to Prescott and begin some extensive testing and design for the suspension, which is something I want to be perfect, both from a road handling and trail performance perspective. The Tacoma project set the bar high, but I have some good ideas. Additional modifications will be an aux. fuel tank, bumpers, tires/wheels, recovery gear, etc. and all nav/communication systems mounted in the cabin.
In about 4-5 weeks, I will drive back to EarthRoamer and be present for all camper modifications. I believe it critical that I understand how every system is installed and function and most importantly interfaces with the factory Jeep. We are going to be very remote for a very long time in South America, so I need to be able to field repair should something happen.
Exciting times!
FourByLand
Expedition Leader
And it begins!
Congrat's Scott and the Expedition's West staff!
Congrat's Scott and the Expedition's West staff!
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
Wow!
Can't wait to see the new rig Scott!
It's kinda tough for a Toyota guy to admit, but everytime I see a new Unlimited with a quality 4" lift and set of 35's on it I have to ponder on the future rig...
Can't wait to see the new rig Scott!
It's kinda tough for a Toyota guy to admit, but everytime I see a new Unlimited with a quality 4" lift and set of 35's on it I have to ponder on the future rig...
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Congrats!
upcruiser
Perpetual Transient
Nice! I'm curious though why you are testing the suspension upgrades prior to installing the camper ballast? Seems like you'd want to get all the weight on the chasis and located where it will be for the trip prior to considering upgrades.
Now, where can I download an Expedition's West application and send my resume??
I'd kill (well just about at least) to go on that trip. :bowdown: I'll be watching the build with interest.
Now, where can I download an Expedition's West application and send my resume??
I'd kill (well just about at least) to go on that trip. :bowdown: I'll be watching the build with interest.