Spotted Earth Roamers in Bozeman

[Scott Brady]

You should see the crowed pulled to the EarthRoamer XV-JP




When Stephanie is driving it

 

[Overland Hadley]

I just have to chime in here - I'm a two-time EarthRoamer owner: #004 for 4 years and 60,000 miles, and now # 095.

I do not know if I can explain this adequately, but there is a factor that non-owners probably cannot really appreciate. It is the fatigue factor from constant questions about "What is that?"

Literally EVERY time we have pulled into a gas station or a grocery store parking lot, people are compelled to ask us all manner of questions, almost always repetitive and simplistic ones. We understand that everyone else is beginning from their first glimpse of an ER, and that an ER has compelling curb appeal, but it gets so damn tiring to answer the same uninformed and personal questions over and over, and to have to justify - at a gas pump or while filling the refrig - others' evaluations of the cost (everyone asks how much it costs and then viscerally recoils.)

I want to explain that we do like talking about our vehicles, and we are generally willing to share information. But two things: (1) sometimes we have been bombarded enough for one day; and (2) the "how much does it cost?" and "can I see the inside?" questions from complete strangers can get very wearing.

We have briefly met the owner whose vehicle stimulated this thread, and when on an equal footing with another owner, he was a perfectly agreeable person. From our experience I can COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND how he could have been tired of the constant questioning/inquiring/challenging that comes from the general public.

I hope this short rant may help you understand (at least a little bit) the other side of the coin.

I understand how tiring it can be to answer the same questions over and over.

I run a sailboat in the summer, and I get real grumpy answering the same questions, "yes it is big", "yes it is fast". But I try and remember the reason I am being asked so many questions, it is because it is somebody's dream, so I try and be polite and understanding.

So to everybody with a ER, just remember when I come over to your rig at the gas station, it is my dream and I am just admiring you for being able to do it.

 

[IH8RDS]

I understand how tiring it can be to answer the same questions over and over.

I run a sailboat in the summer, and I get real grumpy answering the same questions, "yes it is big", "yes it is fast". But I try and remember the reason I am being asked so many questions, it is because it is somebody's dream, so I try and be polite and understanding.

So to everybody with a ER, just remember when I come over to your rig at the gas station, it is my dream and I am just admiring you for being able to do it.

:clapsmile

If I can add a little to that. I would assume its like a celebrity status or status icon. There are less attention getting modes of transportation, but the ER was chosen. It’s kind of like a celebrity complaining about the constant attention they receive. I almost (not anywhere near to the level of an ER) feel a little sympathy because my snorkel draws attention, but I won’t hesitate to answer questions as repetitive as they are. I’m not knocking any one, that’s just my personality. I would draw the conclusion than an ER is not for an introvert. :sombrero:

 

[adventureduo]

Gees, I have to agree somewhat, I sometimes feel that way about the frequent intrusive questions about my SMB.

Timing is everything... Generally I am outgoing and will talk to anyone almost anytime, however there are times I don't want to talk at all.

Let's just give this one the benefit of the doubt

.......:coffeedrink:

Yep, same here with our SMB. Shoot i used to get bombarded with questions about our built 80 and trailer setup before too. Im used to is, basically every vehicle i've ever owned hasn't been stock.. so i guess it comes with the turf. Doesn't mean you have an expensive or a unattainable rig either. I had people ask me daily about my $4,000 army truck.

 

[Hazzard]

arre you sure the guy you talked to wasn't just a hired transporter, just transporting vehicles from point A to point B?

Yeah, he said he just bought them and was taking them home.

 

[Hazzard]

Wow, seems like a lot of people are quick to jump to this guys defence. Its not that he told me to ******* Off, but he was very rude when I kindly asked him if hes was going to travel to some far away awsome place with the 2 new rigs. He had just picked them up (or so he told me) so he couldn't have been bombarded with too many questions already.

Nothing against the guy, he obviously has a great taste in vehicles (even though I would never buy one) but it seems to be that a little kindness goes a long way and when some one asks you a polite questions and a non-newb way you can at least be courteous back. Maybe I did just catch him at a bad time, but in my opinion that is not an excuse.

 

[Christian P.]

someone give me a ER...I'll drive it around for a while and give you the results of my study of human behaviors.

 

[kcowyo]

Must be a heavy load to bear.

.

 

[Chas Stricker]

Howdy All,
It could have been a bad day for the new owner. I think it really comes down to how we treat others and want to be treated. I get a few questions, including the how much, and answer them as best I can within the time constraints of that moment. Being "nice" is a responsibility with so many "anti-everything" folks that are increasing out there. It comes with the toys to have the chance to educate others to what we find enjoyable.
Have a great day,
Chas

 

[Overland Hadley]

Wow, seems like a lot of people are quick to jump to this guys defence. Its not that he told me to ******* Off, but he was very rude when I kindly asked him if hes was going to travel to some far away awsome place with the 2 new rigs. He had just picked them up (or so he told me) so he couldn't have been bombarded with too many questions already.

Good point about the rigs being new.
Maybe you caught him at the wrong time, or maybe he is just a rude person.

 

[1speed]

If you're going to drive something like that you WILL attract attention. You have to learn to deal with it. My simple Jeep and trailer combo attracts huge amounts of attention and questions, some stupid, some thoughtful. It's just part of living outside the "box".

 

[milo12]

I for one applaud his choice of vehicles. Living on the coast in central california I see $500,000 plus rigs every day. I hate those gaudy mobile palaces that are pretty much useless outside of being a nice place to sleep when parked. At least the Earthroamer has tremendous fun and adventure potential.

 

[Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski]

Travelling in the Fuso Szulc, a self designed expedition vehicle built by Santek Trailers on a Fuso FG 4x4, repeatedly people ask questions when stopping at Wal*Marts, Home Depots and Trader Joe's. They are ALWAYS politely replied to. That is a strict policy. Because it is considered a privilege to own and travel in an expedition vehicle. The least one should do is to share the experience.

 

[HMR]

We understand that everyone else is beginning from their first glimpse of an ER, and that an ER has compelling curb appeal, but it gets so damn tiring to answer the same uninformed and personal questions over and over, and to have to justify - at a gas pump or while filling the refrig - others' evaluations of the cost (everyone asks how much it costs and then viscerally recoils.)

You're kidding, right?

 

[ujoint]

If you're going to drive something like that you WILL attract attention. You have to learn to deal with it. My simple Jeep and trailer combo attracts huge amounts of attention and questions, some stupid, some thoughtful. It's just part of living outside the "box".

Very true. I get tired of being asked "what kind of mileage do you get". I'm always nice, and answer any questions they may have. If I didn't want to hear what people had to say, I'd drive a Camry.