Another Earthroamer-type variation

[VikingVince]

When I saw this in Motorhome magazine, I initially thought it was a pic of an Earthroamer.
http://www.hostcampers.com/graphics/coaches/270/270_exterior_8.jpg

New model this year from Host RV http://www.hostcampers.com/subs/motorcoaches/motorcoach_270_mp.html

Built on the Ford 550 Super Duty Crew Cab 4x4 (just like ER), 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel, all the amenties (pics look nice, don't know about quality), 40gal fuel (can probably order larger tank), 60 gal water, dual real wheels, however
MSRP: $150,640.
With all options: $194,800.

[JeepinBear]

Michelle and I walked through one of these on a lot in Boise a few months back. We liked it, but they don't have as high of quality as our Winnie.

However, our Winnie is not ExPo'ish as it is not a 4WD.

This would definitely better suit the ExPo lifestyle!!:imagesCADZQMBJ:

[CapelConcepts]

It's nice to see more options come into this market. Both this and the ER are way over priced for what they are, so hopefully the competition will promote some price drops. Either way, as consumers, the more options the better!

[jayshapiro]

We considered the HOST campers when we were originally shopping for the EcoRoamer options. I spoke with Dave Hogue personally, he was very nice and not at all arogant. (I can't say I had the same experience with Bill Swails) Overall I was pretty impressed with their products.

Three problems prevented us from going further with Host:
1 - At the time, only the bigger units were available, which had a horrible departure angle. These '270' units look SLIGHTLY better, but the best choice would probably still be their big slide in unit with the bed tent on the back.

2 - The camper is hard mounted to the frame and their method of construction would likely not hold up well to any flexing.

3 - I wouldn't touch the Ford diesel engines (especially the older 6.0L which was on offer when we started the project) - we specifically wanted a CAT diesel engine for global serviceability, but Dave wasn't willing to mount his camper on a F-650, and a Slide-in on the pick-up bed of a F-650 would have been WAY too high...

Nice units though, and for those looking to just explore off the highway down dirt roads and across the ocassional beach, then I think this could be a great unit.

Cheers,
Jay.

[762X39]

Both this and the ER are way over priced for what they are, so hopefully the competition will promote some price drops. Either way, as consumers, the more options the better!
Wow, it took less than 5 posts and already someone is whipping the ER for it's cost.

[CapelConcepts]

Wow, it took less than 5 posts and already someone is whipping the ER for it's cost.

I didn' mean to whip on the ER. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, they are very expensive for what they are.

[VikingVince]

I had an image of the unit in my OP, and then it disappeared...wonder why...I put it back in...we'll see if it stays.

[Octamog]

I had an image of the unit in my OP, and then it disappeared...wonder why...I put it back in...we'll see if it stays.


The link is fine (http://www.hostcampers.com/graphics/coaches/270/270_exterior_8.jpg)... either they don't allow hot-linking, they've blocked hot-linking from this site, or they're just not very proud of their camper:xxrotflma

:peepwall:

[VikingVince]

The link is fine (http://www.hostcampers.com/graphics/coaches/270/270_exterior_8.jpg)... either they don't allow hot-linking, they've blocked hot-linking from this site, or they're just not very proud of their camper:xxrotflma

:peepwall:

yup, you're right...it disappeared again...that's a new one for me

[kcowyo]

I tried for you too Vince. It's not happening.

Pretty fancy ER type set up. Always nice to have a choice.
.

[Dale]

That is nothing like an Earthroamer. Compare the specs!

[VikingVince]

I was primarily referring to the fact that it's a small motorhome (about the same length as ER) built on the 4x4 Ford 550 crew cab chassis...which, unlike most motorhomes, gives you the option of limited offroad choices like unimproved dirt road, beach, some snow conditions. Granted, ER would be more offroad capable but Host might even be willing to build it on the SRW chassis. Again, unlike most motorhomes, it's at least a step in the direction of more offroad capability. (like ER)

[Ursidae69]

yup, you're right...it disappeared again...that's a new one for me


Some sites block hot-linking of their images because it bleeds off bandwidth and costs money. I'm guessing that is why the picture no longer show up, because when I go to the link it works fine.

By the way, interesting link Vince. I love the high-end expedition campers. I used the be the same way about boats, going to boat shows just to walk through the large boats. :)

[18seeds]

I've been looking at these and I love it! For me i need 4x4 mostly for traveling in the snow and light offroad use. This would be perfect for me. The price is cheaper than an ER and it has a slide.

If i won the lottery i would probably buy an ER strictly based on they are in Colorado and I like to keep my $$$ in the state if possible. If i was buying on cost vs features i would seriously consider a host. Yes i know ER features outweigh the host but a cost benefit analysis can go either direction based on personal preference.

I'm really not the biggest fan of the powerstroke either.

[jayshapiro]

Just btw...

When I last spoke with HOST, Dave Hogue said they'd be willing to change the spec of any of the internal components (i.e. - all diesel appliances, etc) to whatever you specify. They won't change the actual shell, which is not of Earthroamer ruggedness or quality level, but you could build a semi-custom, semi-capable vehicle with some great living space.

Cheers,
Jay.

[VikingVince]

Jay...thanks for the feedback/input on Host. Did you, by chance, ever discuss with them using the Ford chassis with SRW or does that not work with their build?

[CapelConcepts]

Jay...thanks for the feedback/input on Host. Did you, by chance, ever discuss with them using the Ford chassis with SRW or does that not work with their build?

I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as a SRW F-550. ER just uses a different wheel and tire set up to use a SRW. As for the SRW increasing the off-road prowess I could see that argument going either way ( duals or singles). As far as I can tell....which is about three feet in front of me....ER doesn't do anything to increase the off-road capabilities of there vehicles, so in there the HOST should be just as capable....leaving aside the difference in departure angles. If I'm way off on my observations someone please let me know!

[haven]

Here is a photo of the Host 270 on F550 crew cab chassis

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/Host270a.jpg

and here's that fold-down sleeping platform Jay was telling us about.
Note how the back window becomes a skylight for the platform.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z241/expeditioncampers/host270b.jpg

Incidentally, Sprad's RV in Reno has a 2007 Host 270 advertised for
$107,000. It's got the 6.0L diesel, which means you can run it on
diesel with higher sulfur. The 2008 model requires ULSD.

http://www.rvtraderonline.com/find/listing/2007-HOST-HOST-270-92999729

Chip Haven

[VikingVince]

I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as a SRW F-550. ER just uses a different wheel and tire set up to use a SRW. As for the SRW increasing the off-road prowess I could see that argument going either way ( duals or singles). As far as I can tell....which is about three feet in front of me....ER doesn't do anything to increase the off-road capabilities of there vehicles, so in there the HOST should be just as capable....leaving aside the difference in departure angles. If I'm way off on my observations someone please let me know!

Just went to Ford commercial truck site...yeah, you're right about no factory 550 with SRW...my mistake. I don't know but perhaps Host couldn't make the same change to SRW as ER since the 270 is two feet longer than ER. (more weight in the back?)
The main offroad/expedition vehicle criticism of DRW is that rocks can get wedged between the dual tires...can be hassle to remove as well as causing punctures.

[MB309basket]

It is quite rare that happens. Logging trucks don't have issues...nor do quarry dumps. I have some buddies who drive their dauls in Baja...never had a problem.

I used to drive dump trucks with dauls, never had rocks jam in there on work sites. I am sure it does happen, just a rarity.

Strangest dang thing, it NEVER happened to me in my dually dumptruck, until I read about it here on Expo. Now I have had a lodged rock on one occassion. Granted, it was only once, but that badboy was IN there -- I had to break it apart with the big hammer to get it out. I can see where it would have been problematic if left unchecked.

Before that, never a problem in ±10 years of crashing around the ranch with a dually dump.

(Sorry to deviate from the initial intent of the thread.)

[mog]

The main offroad/expedition vehicle criticism of DRW is that rocks can get wedged between the dual tires...can be hassle to remove as well as causing punctures.

You can run rock-picks if that is an issue were you drive. Perhaps a folding or removalable set that are used in rocky (rocks sized to stick between the tires) areas.

[VikingVince]

You can run rock-picks if that is an issue were you drive. Perhaps a folding or removalable set that are used in rocky (rocks sized to stick between the tires) areas.

Hmmmm...would you enlighten me on rock-picks...I recall running into that term somewhere but don't really know what they are. ( I may not be the only one!)

To others who posted re rocks and DRW...good to know that getting them wedged is rare.

[Lynn]

I'd love to have a rig with a slide-out. How better to minimize traveling size while maximizing living space?

However, I know that the slide-outs on regular RVs have a bad habit of jumping track if the RV isn't parked level.

I know that ActionMobil makes a rig with a slide-out, and they can probably pull it off, but Host isn't putting that kind of engineering into their motorhomes.

[Scott Brady]

By nature of the construction and clearance angles, it would not be appropriate for travel on unimproved surfaces.

I expect it would work great on snow-covered roads or some gravel, but miles of corrugations would need to be avoided. Even 5 miles of heavy corrugations can shake apart the typical RV.

[VikingVince]

By nature of the construction and clearance angles, it would not be appropriate for travel on unimproved surfaces.

I expect it would work great on snow-covered roads or some gravel, but miles of corrugations would need to be avoided. Even 5 miles of heavy corrugations can shake apart the typical RV.

I agree...I would never take a motorhome like this on any type of washboard roads...that's asking for problems (unlike ER which is designed to tolerate corrugation)...so maybe my use of the term "unimproved dirt road" was not accurate. I was thinking of the many dirt/gravel forest service roads that are easy to travel. Are they improved or unimproved roads? I guess if they're maintained to any degree, then they are "improved." I know many of them here in SoCal would be fine for this motorhome...but you'd still have to be discriminating in your choices.

[CapelConcepts]

I agree...I would never take a motorhome like this on any type of washboard roads...that's asking for problems (unlike ER which is designed to tolerate corrugation)...so maybe my use of the term "unimproved dirt road" was not accurate. I was thinking of the many dirt/gravel forest service roads that are easy to travel. Are they improved or unimproved roads? I guess if they're maintained to any degree, then they are "improved." I know many of them here in SoCal would be fine for this motorhome...but you'd still have to be discriminating in your choices.

I must have missed where the ER differs in chassis from the Host. I understand that the ER has a "better" built camper body, but the under pinnings are the same...are they not? From all the info I could find, ER does nothing to improve the off-road capabilities for there vehicles. I understand that they install heavier rate springs in the JK to hold the load and some "heavy duty" shocks, but I believe that is all. If I'm missing something more than marketing telling people that they are "off-road capable" please let me know. I believe the reality of motor homes in this class are that they weigh a LOT and the four wheel drive systems help to get you into (and out of) more places than your typical motor home. Those are my thoughts on this market. I think both vehicles are capable of doing this.

[VikingVince]

I must have missed where the ER differs in chassis from the Host. I understand that the ER has a "better" built camper body, but the under pinnings are the same...are they not? From all the info I could find, ER does nothing to improve the off-road capabilities for there vehicles. I understand that they install heavier rate springs in the JK to hold the load and some "heavy duty" shocks, but I believe that is all. If I'm missing something more than marketing telling people that they are "off-road capable" please let me know. I believe the reality of motor homes in this class are that they weigh a LOT and the four wheel drive systems help to get you into (and out of) more places than your typical motor home. Those are my thoughts on this market. I think both vehicles are capable of doing this.

The overriding significant difference is the way the cabin is attached to the frame. In the ER XV-LT (the motorhome/expedition rig), there is a subframe with the cabin being attached at 3 points to the frame. This prevents the forces of torsional twisting from being transferred into the cabin. In motorhomes like the Host 270, the cabin is directly mounted to the frame. Torsional twisting forces are transferred directly into the cabin causing things to break.

In addition, I believe the ER cabin is a one piece composite shell which "floats" on top of the subframe during torsional twisting. Motohomes are "constructed" - floor, sides, and roof - all of which have seams which over the long run will not hold up to torsional forces...splits, cracks, and leaks. Unfortunately, this design aspect common to all motorhomes makes them ill-suited to washboard roads, torsional twisting...not to mention, they have a terrible reputation for shoddy construction in general and stuff breaking down frequently.

My main point with this Host 270 was that it is just a step in the direction of being a bit more offroad capable and you have a very comfy living space...but it can't compete with an ER. In retrospect, the title of the thread may have been misleading...although I wouldn't mind having a Host 270 and saving fifty grand plus. :-) (although I could never go as many places as I could with the ER)

[CapelConcepts]

The overriding significant difference is the way the cabin is attached to the frame. In the ER XV-LT (the motorhome/expedition rig), there is a subframe with the cabin being attached at 3 points to the frame. This prevents the forces of torsional twisting from being transferred into the cabin. In motorhomes like the Host 270, the cabin is directly mounted to the frame. Torsional twisting forces are transferred directly into the cabin causing things to break.

In addition, I believe the ER cabin is a one piece composite shell which "floats" on top of the subframe during torsional twisting. Motohomes are "constructed" - floor, sides, and roof - all of which have seams which over the long run will not hold up to torsional forces...splits, cracks, and leaks. Unfortunately, this design aspect common to all motorhomes makes them ill-suited to washboard roads, torsional twisting...not to mention, they have a terrible reputation for shoddy construction in general and stuff breaking down frequently.

My main point with this Host 270 was that it is just a step in the direction of being a bit more offroad capable and you have a very comfy living space...but it can't compete with an ER. In retrospect, the title of the thread may have been misleading...although I wouldn't mind having a Host 270 and saving fifty grand plus. :-) (although I could never go as many places as I could with the ER)

I see what you are talking about now...with the "floating shell" vs the ridged mount. I thought that was one of the great things about flexing an old motor home was the creaking it made! ;) I guess I just don't look at either of them as "serious" off-road vehicles....which I don't imagine either of them are supposed to be. I look at both of them as nice motor homes that are capable of getting you a little further away from civilization.

I don't think the title was misleading...I think most people looking at this style of motor home would have compared these two right off the bat. For the money that both of them charge I'd like to see some drive train upgrades as well...I mean who wouldn't wouldn't want front and rear lockers in these types of rigs if they really are going off-road?!

[VikingVince]

I see what you are talking about now...with the "floating shell" vs the ridged mount. I thought that was one of the great things about flexing an old motor home was the creaking it made! ;) I guess I just don't look at either of them as "serious" off-road vehicles....which I don't imagine either of them are supposed to be. I look at both of them as nice motor homes that are capable of getting you a little further away from civilization.

I don't think the title was misleading...I think most people looking at this style of motor home would have compared these two right off the bat. For the money that both of them charge I'd like to see some drive train upgrades as well...I mean who wouldn't wouldn't want front and rear lockers in these types of rigs if they really are going off-road?!

Well....the ER is really far superior in design, construction, and capabilities. Go to the ER website and really check it out...you'll see what I mean. The Host is a 27 foot motorhome (with the inherent weaknesses) with 4 wheel drive...it's built on the same chassis as ER but that's about where the comparisons run out.

[boblynch]

I've been looking for a good example of the ER mounting system in action, but couldn't find much. If someone has an example photo please post.

As far as lockers go, Detroit Locker makes one for the F550 front axle, but in the rear the factory LSD is the only option. If that changes I'm sure ER would include it as an option. ER currently offers a major wheel / tire upgrade that includes an air suspension system. Check out this thread for details. If anyone has pics of these wheels in action please post.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15315

[Scott Brady]

A few trips with the EarthRoamers

El Camino Del Diablo
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-21.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-36.jpg

This shows some of the frame flex and 3-point effectiveness
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-35.jpg

More El Camino Del Diablo
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-68.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-79.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/ECDD_ER/pictures/picture-86.jpg

The EarthRoamer Jeep, crossing the Rubicon
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2007/XV-JP_EW-Tacoma_%20Rubicon/EarthRoamer_XV-JP_%20Rubicon_Trail.jpg

[Scott Brady]

We drove the length of the Mojave Road
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/Dave_silt.jpg

Dunes
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/mojave_dunes.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/mojave_fort_road.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/mojave_fort_road2.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/mojave_loose_climb.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/ER_Mojave/mojave_water_crossing.jpg

[Scott Brady]

Some fun out to Tuweep (Toroweep)

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/tuweep/tuweep_climb.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/tuweep/tuweep_ledge.jpg

[The BN Guy]

Very cool Scott! Looks like a load of fun (no pun intended!)!

[VikingVince]

thanks for posting those pics, Scott...they prove what I've been saying in my last few posts in this thread...big difference between ER and the Host 270...one would be a fool to even THINK about taking the Host on those trails. (and it was never my intent to imply that the Host could do something like that)

[ujoint]

Mmmm. ER love, made my day! The thing I look forward to most during my upcoming x-country trip is stopping by the ER headquarters!!

[mog]

Hmmmm...would you enlighten me on rock-picks...I recall running into that term somewhere but don't really know what they are. ( I may not be the only one!)

They are bars or rods that mount between the tires at the top-aft (say 1-2 o'clock looking at a left rear wheel). If a rock gets picked-up between the tires, it will hit the bar (usually angled) and get kicked out before it can complete a rotation.

[kjp1969]

not to mention, they have a terrible reputation for shoddy construction in general and stuff breaking down frequently.


And how. We have a travel trailer that better than many, but still looks like it was screwed together by child labor, using the worst and cheapeast possible materials. Something like an Airstream is really nice, but then you're talking Earthroamer-like price point.

[kjp1969]

They are bars or rods that mount between the tires at the top-aft (say 1-2 o'clock looking at a left rear wheel). If a rock gets picked-up between the tires, it will hit the bar (usually angled) and get kicked out before it can complete a rotation.

How do those cope with a flexy suspension? Or do they?