Earthroamer Factory Visit

[dp7197]

While visiting family in Denver this week, we decided to take a drive north up I-25 to go to Estes Park for the day. Imagine my surprise when I saw a giant Earthroamer sign on the side of a building with a couple of Fords and JKs with their rooftop tents open! I knew I had to stop on the way back.

While it was getting close to 5pm, we pulled in and along the side of the building to look at the Fords where I took a few pictures. Unfortunately, the Jeeps were inside.

So, we decided to head in and see if we could take a look.

We were met by Tracy who was very accomodating and took us in the back to look inside one of the new F-550 campers. It was pretty nice. I had recently looked at a truck camper but know this has much more space.

We then headed further back to see the JKs. While I did not look inside, they certainly were nice.

We did not go to the production side, but that was ok.

Thank you Earthroamer for your hospitality!

:victory:

Dave
Maryland

[LandCruiserPhil]

I thought those guys went bankrupt and stiffed a few of their vendors.

They did along with the people of Colorado and SBA...bought assets a bankruptcy auction teamed back up with Swails - Only in America

[cwsqbm]

Its such a pity that Earthroamer can't be mentioned at all without someone immediately bringing up the bankruptcy.

Yes, its part of life in America, and I think its great. Just because someone fails once, we don't hold him down for the rest of his life. Henry Ford's first attempts were also failure. If he was not allowed to try again, where we would be now?

So please, stop beating a dead horse.

To the OP: post pics please.

[kcowyo]

Its such a pity that Earthroamer can't be mentioned at all without someone immediately bringing up the bankruptcy.



x2

.

[pangaea]

IMO, the reason it keeps getting brought up is not that they went bankrupt, but how they dealt with it. The perception among some seems to be that in the process restructuring they left a lot of people out to dry.

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

Here we go again… someone starts a thread with a positive comment about EarthRoamer and the bashing begins. Posts like the one by LandCruiserPhil serve no constructive purpose and seem to be designed to simply stir up a pot of hatred. I find it unfortunate that so many people abuse their freedom of speech (especially in online forums) to make statements of “fact” that are simply untrue. LandCruiserPhil says that [EarthRoamer.com LLC stiffed] “the people of Colorado and SBA”. His post - like many other posts about EarthRoamer in these forums - is simply untrue. I sold the EarthRoamer factory to a private buyer and paid off the building loans (including the SBA loan) in full. My business partner and I lost a large amount of money on the sale, but not one taxpayer dollar was used to bail out EarthRoamer.com LLC and all lenders on the property were made whole. The state of Colorado, the federal government and the SBA did not lose any money to the EarthRoamer.com LLC bankruptcy.

Yes, I owned a company (EarthRoamer.com LLC) that was forced to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Following record sales in 2007, the worst economic decline since the great depression caused new vehicle sales to drop to zero in late 2008. Combine this with very poor timing of moving into an expensive new factory and we had a recipe for disaster. All of this happened at a time when blue chip companies with hundred year histories were going bankrupt, and small businesses across America were in a struggle for survival. EarthRoamer.com LLC was not alone. Almost no one predicted this economic collapse and EarthRoamer.com LLC, like many other businesses failed.

Ultimately, I had to lay off my entire talented, dedicated and hardworking EarthRoamer.com LLC workforce. Customers lost warranties, vendors did not get paid, and we defaulted on credit card loans and business equipment leases. It was absolutely the worst business scenario I could have imagined, and this was the most difficult period of my life. Our company had always paid its bills on time and had an excellent credit rating. It was gut-wrenching to look employees in the eye and tell them they no longer had jobs, or to explain to vendors that there was simply no money to pay their invoices. In what seemed like a flash, the business that I had devoted 10 years of my life to that had been immensely successful was gone. All I can say is that every step of the way I have done my best to act with integrity and “make it right” with as many people and companies as possible.

Enough about the past, this is where we are today… In 2009, I started a new company - Xpedition Vehicle Service LLC (dba EarthRoamer) - that is currently servicing and manufacturing EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles. This new company is providing paychecks to employees that are supporting families and making mortgage payments and paying taxes. If it wasn’t for this new company, these talented people would likely be collecting unemployment checks and defaulting on loans and mortgages. My new company is selling Xpedition Vehicles to satisfied customers and purchasing parts and products from a large number of vendors (many of which were former EarthRoamer.com LLC vendors). I make no apologies for starting a new company that is creating jobs, paying taxes, buying parts from vendors and making customers happy by designing and building world class products. I believe that dedication, hard work and good ideas are the fuel that will bring this economy back. Free enterprise is what makes this country great.

I can’t undo the harm that the EarthRoamer.com LLC bankruptcy caused to many people, but I’m doing my best to move forward in a positive manner by designing and building world class expedition vehicles and creating real jobs. The “new EarthRoamer” is hiring. If you are good enough to build and service the best, please fill out an application ( http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_aboutus/index.html) and email it to us.

It is interesting to see (and difficult for me to understand) the larger number of negative EarthRoamer posts from people who were not EarthRoamer.com LLC employees, customers or vendors - and to my knowledge not harmed by the bankruptcy in any way. These posters have no personal knowledge of the situation, yet are eager to make negative posts and chime in as experts. I can only hope that the average reader of these forums is intelligent enough to realize that just because some yahoo with a keyboard and an internet connection makes a statement of “fact”, it isn’t necessarily so.

I would also hope that the people who make these negative posts and spread this misinformation realize the harm that they do to hardworking EarthRoamer employees and their families. “EarthRoamer” isn’t just some faceless company - it is a group of dedicated, hardworking individuals with families that depend on EarthRoamer paychecks.

If you have any legitimate questions about me, my company or our products, call me or send me an email and I’ll do my best to provide you with accurate answers.

Sincerely,
Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer

bill@earthroamer.com
720-762-0040 office
303-601-7659 cell

[LandCruiserPhil]

LandCruiserPhil's post is based on the bankruptcy filing on Oct. 5, 2009

[sojourner]

Amen Bill!
Thanks for responding and I'm sure you have learned some lessons along the way. I'm glad you're still at it because "luxury" in a bad economy is tough, however if you can reinvent yourself more power to ya.

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

LandCruiserPhil's post is based on the bankruptcy filing on Oct. 5, 2009

This perfectly illustrates the danger of making statements of fact when you have limited information. Your conclusion that “the people of Colorado and SBA [were stiffed by EarthRoamer]” based only on a bankruptcy filing is simply wrong.

I’ve found that when I don’t know what I am talking about it is best to say nothing. I’ve also found that when I have made a mistake, simply acknowledging the error often works well. If you want to go one better, it shows class when you try to make it right by offering an apology.

Sincerely,

Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer

bill@earthroamer.com
720-762-0040 office
303-601-7659 cell

[howell_jd]

Thank you Earthroamer for your hospitality!

:victory:

Dave
Maryland

I echo the sentiment of EarthRoamer hospitality.

My experience with all of the EarthRoamer crew upon returning from Iraq at the end of 2008 was exemplary - and at a time in America that was tumultuous. My own demons from combat haunted me through the early half of 2009 but I managed to banish them only after the most therapeutic effects of common camaraderie shared on the trail and around a campfire (perhaps even over a cold one) with some of the greatest friends I found by sheer luck.

I knew immediately after the ER Rally in 2009 that I would attend the 2010 Rally. What I did not know was that in travelling 1300 miles from southern Mississippi to northern Colorado my daughter would become so ill that I would visit two emergency rooms and three pharmacies.

While the US military has great medical care at its on-base facilities, the burden of on-the-road care is overwhelming. To add to the challenge, my documentation for transfer from one region to another was out of order thanks to an unusual assignment with the Corps of Engineers.

The entire staff of EarthRoamer extended every effort - they went beyond any expectation - and made sure I was able to get my daughter treated at the Children's Hospital in Broomfield, CO. When I say they treated my family like family I do not exaggerate.

I cheer for my soldiers during training - pushing them to their limits and then lauding their efforts even when those efforts result in frustration...we get up and try again. Show me a man or woman who has never failed and I'll show you someone who has never been truly tested. There is true character and integrity with the men and women associated with EarthRoamer - employees, customers, vendors, and fans alike.

I have just returned to Mississippi and my daughter has recovered - she even managed to enjoy a great camping and off-road experience. I have a backed up work load but want very much to post pictures of our trip. There are no photos of the tremendous attention given to my daughter and my family when far from home though.

I can only add that bad things happen to good people from time to time. Good people always get back up and even lend a hand when they themselves are down. I don't know if bad people push others down or if in being down themselves they wish to drag others into their position. I do know that I don't admire the mis-characterization of people I know to be good.

Thank you to my friends at EarthRoamer. Thank you all so very much. You've made me a richer person through association with you. I hope that all here may also become enriched - or at least refrain from casting foul statements such as by bigots and hate-mongers upon those I feel fortunate to measure upon for success.

And if you want to talk about wasting tax-payer dollars, consider how much this Major has cost you over the course of the last 16 years.

Sincerely,
Jonathan D. Howell
Major, U.S. Army

P.S. Once I get the truck cleaned up a bit (so I can locate the camera) I too will post photos.

[davidv]

It would have been much easier and probably more profitable for Bill to invest in and build the particle board crap that haunts RV lots all over the country. EarthRoamer made huge progress for Overlanding by validating the true expedition camper concept. Starting a business in such a small niche Industry carries enormous risk and as anybody in business knows those risks can catch up at anytime.

I was in Colorado on business last month and stopped by the EarthRoamer facility. Tyler the operation manager was getting ready to shut the doors for the day but instead of going home he spent 2 hours giving me a tour and showing the incredible amount of work that goes into these vehicles. Pictures of these vehicles don’t do them justice, in person there is no way anybody could resist wanting one. I spent the whole plane ride home crunching the numbers on how to make it happen.

Bill slot me in for summer 2012.

[DonL]

Well said Bill.

[Northern Explorer]

Well said Bill.

x2

[kjp1969]

By all accounts, Earthroamer builds a unique and high quality product. If I ever get to the Denver area, I will stop by and poke my nose around their showroom, probably drooling the entire time.

Hats off to Earthroamer for having the guts to dust itself off and have another go. Please keep building Earthroamers until I can afford one!

Bill, are you still building the XV-JK?

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

By all accounts, Earthroamer builds a unique and high quality product. If I ever get to the Denver area, I will stop by and poke my nose around their showroom, probably drooling the entire time.

Hats off to Earthroamer for having the guts to dust itself off and have another go. Please keep building Earthroamers until I can afford one!

Bill, are you still building the XV-JK?

Actually we call it the XV-JP and yes, we are still building the Jeep based model.

Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer

[GaryD]

Very eloquently put Bill! My wife and I were in Denver earlier this year in May and had a similarly rewarding experience at the ER factory.

However, this furor will soon subside as, judging from our visit, the vehicles themselves are eloquence enough - you have a great product and I hope we will join the ranks of happy owners.

..........Gary

[elcoyote]

Bill,

Well put. A quote from Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind:

"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

[gjackson]

I'll counter with a quote from Benjamin Franklin:

"Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late."

I think Bill's comments would have been more timely a year ago. There were plenty of threads with lots of people posting things they didn't know anything about, and some, probably, that knew plenty, but it's old news now.

cheers

[18seeds]

I'll counter with a quote from Benjamin Franklin:

"Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late."

I think Bill's comments would have been more timely a year ago. There were plenty of threads with lots of people posting things they didn't know anything about, and some, probably, that knew plenty, but it's old news now.

cheers

Now that was funny

[elcoyote]

I'll counter with a quote from Benjamin Franklin:

"Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late."

I think Bill's comments would have been more timely a year ago. There were plenty of threads with lots of people posting things they didn't know anything about, and some, probably, that knew plenty, but it's old news now.

cheers

Ah, how true.
Reminds me of a talk show that Dick Cavet used to host called "Meeting of the minds" where he used to bring in actors to play different historical figures. I am sure a dialog between Ben & Theo would have been interesting.

[PAToyota]

I think Bill's comments would have been more timely a year ago.

Not to put words in his mouth, but there are reasons that a business owner cannot talk about current situations when dealing with something like that while negotiating terms.

It sounds like Bill did an honest job of restructuring and I commend him for turning things around and making another attempt in this business climate. I've seen a lot of "old name" businesses fail in the past few years - ones in much more stable venues than what has to be recognized as a luxury business such as EarthRoamer.

And as cwsqbm stated - "We need pics!" :sombrero:

[rbraddock]

Bill you are my new hero!

[dp7197]

Sorry for the delay.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/46651/2979652350069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2979652350069135097zlZpMq)

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/23320/2316967650069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2316967650069135097FVuKoI)

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/32423/2590077320069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2590077320069135097bBbpnW)

[Northern Explorer]

And it looks like they are now hiring. Good for them. Employment Opportunities (http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_aboutus/index.html)

[dp7197]

And the F-550s. Didn't get any interior photos, I was too busy checking it out.

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/3618/2210568950069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2210568950069135097wwUEfc)

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/28309/2783575960069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2783575960069135097NjjbSG)

:sombrero:

[T.Low]

Its such a pity that Earthroamer can't be mentioned at all without someone immediately bringing up the bankruptcy.

Yes, its part of life in America, and I think its great. Just because someone fails once, we don't hold him down for the rest of his life. Henry Ford's first attempts were also failure. If he was not allowed to try again, where we would be now?

So please, stop beating a dead horse.

To the OP: post pics please.



With all due respect, when I read the title to this thread my first thoughts were "didn't they go bankrupt?".

And it may be beating a dead horse for you, but it's new news to me. Then it becomes a question of do i get out of Expo and do an internet search for ER's bankruptcy or do I simply post a comment/question here on ExPo? I would hope I could just post it here since that is part of the reason I belong to ExPo, and this is the place to find the information, anyway.

I'm glad it's resolved and they've been able to reorganize, but not everyone knows that. Especially us minivan drivers.:ylsmoke:

[AFSOC]

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/23320/2316967650069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2316967650069135097FVuKoI)

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/32423/2590077320069135097S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2590077320069135097bBbpnW)

Is that the Expeditions West XV-JP?



`

[Northern Explorer]

Same snorkle, tires and rims. No off road lights or graphics. EW XV-JP (http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/earthroamer_XV-JP/)

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

I want to thank everyone who posted in support of EarthRoamer and thank everyone for keeping the discourse positive.


We held our 6th annual EarthRoamer Owner's Rally last week in Colorado. We managed to round up 15 out of the 110 EarthRoamers we've built so far - here are a couple of photos...

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2010rally/IMG_5125.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2010rally/2010_EarthRoamer_Rally.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2010rally/IMG_85750520308737.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2010rally/IMG_5645.jpg

Bill Swails
EarthRoamer

[1leglance]

Hey is that TinCup pass and Mirror Lake?
I was just up there and that would have been a great place to play with those rigs.
Good on ya Bill for keeping the ER love alive, you have a great customer base and many of us are happy to see you moving forward.

[Momrocks]

Is that the Expeditions West XV-JP?



Yep, looks like it is. Same wheels, tires, snorkel, heat reduction hood, Viking winch rope and looks like the TruckLite LED headlamps.

The theme of this thread is to let those who know the facts provide the details. Let’s leave it to Bill, Scott or others in the know to confirm that this is the old Expeditions West rig and end the speculation.

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

Hey is that TinCup pass and Mirror Lake?


The group photos were taken at just under 12,000 foot elevation at an old mine near Monarch Pass. The lake in the third picture is indeed Mirror Lake near Tin Cup Pass (good eye 1leglance), The last photo of the XV-JP in the Aspens was taken just north of Twin Lakes.


Is that the Expeditions West XV-JP?

Yes, the white XV-JP in our shop is the one Scott drove to Central America. Scott is always testing new vehicles and doesn't like making payments on loans, so after his Central America trip he offered it for sale and we bought it from him. My employees have been enjoying it this summer and also used it on our Owner's Rally (it is on the right end of the line-up in the group photo).

The green XV-JP is the one that has been to Central America twice, is featured in the HDNET TV show American Explorer, was featured in Car and Driver and is the one Scott drove across the Rubicon trail becoming the first self contained camper to do so.

Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer

[dzzz]

I want to thank everyone who posted in support of EarthRoamer and thank everyone for keeping the discourse positive.


This is a discussion forum, not a "say only positive things about vendors" forum.

[EMrider]

This is a discussion forum, not a "say only positive things about vendors" forum.

Correct, but when it turns into a "spew cynical and inaccurate information about company XYZ" forum, as it did with ER, that is not the sort of discussion that most find useful.
R

[roadtrekker]

As a newer Earthroamer owner, I spend a lot of time lurking in this forum and others just listening to the chatter. We’ve been silent but I think its time to start participating.

My wife and I are planning a long-term trip to drive around the world. We are leaving in one year. In 2008 we spent a year investigating vehicles that could handle the job and give us all we needed. Important to us were 4WD, city maneuverability, comfort and space to name a few.

In our evaluation, every product had its pros and cons. Re the Earthroamer, I read up on both sides of the issue and between the lines on the sales slicks and the negative comments.

Politics aside, in spite of the bankruptcy and much of the negative chatter, we selected an Earthroamer because it was the best vehicle for the job we wanted to do. We made a buying decision in the height of the bankruptcy timeline – and in full disclosure -- we did buy used so warranties were not an issue for us.

The point is - the Internet is filled with hype and misinformation alongside factual helpful data. The challenge for many of us is sifting through it. But in the end, its wise to discount the extremists, investigate the rumors and take information on these forums as only part of your evaluation.

One last point - Bill - guess we're not on your list but we're here in Colorado and did not know about the rally - would have been good to join. We kept looking for info on your website but didn't see it there.

Jim and Wendy Pearson
Earthroamer #40
wendy@globalroadtrekker.com

[1leglance]

Hey Jim & Wendy,
Glad to hear you have your earthroamer and I think your post was one of the best I have read regarding this kind of thing.
I am looking forward to following your trip and knowing that you will present your thoughts on the rig & the travels honestly
thanks for chiming in

[roadtrekker]

Hey Lance,
Thanks for your note - and its great to re-connect with you. Hope you are well. We've been doing a lot of planning behind the scenes. Still on track for our 9-10-11 departure. More to come as soon as we get that website launched!

Wendy & Jim
wendy@globalroadtrekker.com
@roadtrekker

[dzzz]

Correct, but when it turns into a "spew cynical and inaccurate information about company XYZ" forum, as it did with ER, that is not the sort of discussion that most find useful.
R

While I didn't see some posts that were deleted, I haven't seen much of "spewing of cynical and inaccurate information". Any examples? What I've seen on the forums are usually specific criticism that are defended by generalities and platitudes. And perhaps an historical quote.

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

I took a new 2011 XV-LT out for a test drive today and snapped a couple of photos. This is the first one we've done in this color and it is quickly becoming my favorite. The 2011 F-550s are an amazing truck.

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2011_metalic_gray/IMG_89670520308737.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2011_metalic_gray/IMG_89940520308737.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2011_metalic_gray/Untitled_Panorama1000.jpg

http://www.earthroamer.com/jpg/2011_metalic_gray/IMG_890505203087371000.jpg

Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer

[greg mgm]

Oh dear dog!! That last pic is awesome. Really nice color too.

I'll take one!! (Don't tell my wife!!)

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

Oh dear dog!! That last pic is awesome. Really nice color too.

I'll take one!! (Don't tell my wife!!)


I just received this email from your wife:

I hate the color, but if you can do pink, I'll take one! (Don't tell my husband!)
Signed, Greg_mgm's wife :)

[dzzz]

Very cool truck.
I was in a shop several weeks ago when the owner pulled in a 2011 Ford diesel that he swore was a gas engine. He wasn't paying attention as the Ford diesel is not that quiet, but it sure is better than any other truck diesel.
I pointed out the badge on the truck to him. He he was confused and changed the subject.
The 2011 is about as perfect as a platform as one could want for a big camper like ER. I like how Ford has responded to reports of any issues with the new drive train. They seem "dead set" in getting it right.

[chrismc]

Bill, I just wanted to drop a quick note in here that I think its wonderful that you've been taking a more active communications role on Expedition Portal lately. While I'm still a [winning] lottery ticket away from being a prospective customer, it really looks great for your company when the chief takes a hands-on approach to answering customer questions in a public setting such as this. Not only does it effectively share accurate information about your company and products, but it also shows that you are interested in hearing and using customer input to constantly improve your products.

I think I speak for many here when I say, "Don't be a stranger!". We look forward to seeing you around more often in the future.

[Offtrack]

O.......Wow!! Very nice!! Give me a XV-LTS with a Washer and dryer (vented combo is fine) in that color and I would not need my house. Home is where you park it.

[Christian P.]

Bill, I just wanted to drop a quick note in here that I think its wonderful that you've been taking a more active communications role on Expedition Portal lately. While I'm still a [winning] lottery ticket away from being a prospective customer, it really looks great for your company when the chief takes a hands-on approach to answering customer questions in a public setting such as this. Not only does it effectively share accurate information about your company and products, but it also shows that you are interested in hearing and using customer input to constantly improve your products.

I think I speak for many here when I say, "Don't be a stranger!". We look forward to seeing you around more often in the future.
Bill,

I was just about to say the exact same thing. I think your broad experience is really valuable for all of us.
Thanks for being more active on the forum - I think we all appreciate.

[nwoods]

A quote from Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind:

"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

I wish our leaders today could even think along these lines, let alone articulate it so well.

I am not, and likely never will be an EV customer, but I am fully supportive their efforts to keep in business. This is a challenge becoming increasingly difficult in this regulatory system. Um, I mean tax economy. Darn, I mean governmental establishment.

[Overland JK]

Everyone faces failures, some large, some small.. The passion to succeed, the passion to build a quality product, you can't top that. Keep moving forward Bill and the best to you and the Earthroamer family. I have seen your vehicles and although I may never be able to afford one, I am allowed to dream.

[8850]

Bill, I just wanted to drop a quick note in here that I think its wonderful that you've been taking a more active communications role on Expedition Portal lately. While I'm still a [winning] lottery ticket away from being a prospective customer, it really looks great for your company when the chief takes a hands-on approach to answering customer questions in a public setting such as this. Not only does it effectively share accurate information about your company and products, but it also shows that you are interested in hearing and using customer input to constantly improve your products.

I think I speak for many here when I say, "Don't be a stranger!". We look forward to seeing you around more often in the future.

I completely agree! Thanks for the photos, I only wish there was a way to offer a lower cost ER that would be affordable to a larger market then maybe I could work it into my budget. Until then, or I hit the lottery, I'll continue to dream of living fulltime and traveling the world in an ER!

[ujoint]

Now THAT is a sweet rig. Wow. I like the color too :)

[kjp1969]

"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

I like this a lot. And there is no more perfect place for it than an internet message board.

[he-hoo]

Hey gang,
I am glad to see that this post has turned around for the better. As such I would like to put my two cents in. Just reading Bill's posts alone makes me want to go out tomorrow and buy one, as he is being totally honest and basically laying everything out for us to see.

If that doesn't do it, then the visit to the old factory back in May would definitely make me a believer. To anyone who has any negative feelings about the company and what they believe in, I strongly suggest paying them a visit...then see how you feel afterwards.

Myself and two friends showed up in the parking lot, and Mike met us outside and walked us in. Before we even got inside I made it perfectly clear that I couldn't afford a vehicle at that time and didn't want to take up too much time. With that, I think Mike spent even more time with us. We looked at #70 inside and out, up and down. He spent time showing us all of the plumbing fittings they had in stock, tires, air ride components, nav. systems, how the solar system worked, I mean everything. Then after all was said and done, we talked for another half hour about local wheeling spots and places like Moab, etc... We even got to see the miniature Oscar Mayer Hot Dog looking electric vehicles that were going to be made in the old ER building.

After that one visit, before we even left the property I knew that I would be buying an ER at some point. Their customer service was out of this world and we weren't even customers yet. Now given that I am the type of person that hates to do things more than once and always buys the best so that it will last, I could see an ER being a vehicle that would last a lifetime. That fact alone is enough for me. I would rather not buy anything at all if I can't just do it right the first time.

This is a good all around American Owned business, creating jobs for Americans, selling a product Made In USA.

Anyhow, I hope the ER staff are reading this. Keep on looking forward, never look back.

Sincerely, George Lightfoot.

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

Bill, I just wanted to drop a quick note in here that I think its wonderful that you've been taking a more active communications role on Expedition Portal lately. While I'm still a [winning] lottery ticket away from being a prospective customer, it really looks great for your company when the chief takes a hands-on approach to answering customer questions in a public setting such as this. Not only does it effectively share accurate information about your company and products, but it also shows that you are interested in hearing and using customer input to constantly improve your products.

I think I speak for many here when I say, "Don't be a stranger!". We look forward to seeing you around more often in the future.


Bill,

I was just about to say the exact same thing. I think your broad experience is really valuable for all of us.
Thanks for being more active on the forum - I think we all appreciate.



ER's are cool vehicles, no doubt. I would love one sitting next to my house ready for the next adventure. I have been in a few. I have sat with Bill in one after traveling several hundred extra miles just to speak and talk to the designer himself.

Instead, I have a HD and LD pickup with a camper and several 00k logged of adventures over the last decade+ I dream often of having something more heavy duty and am in the camp of how could I build up a new 3500, 4500, 5500 truck to replace the current that is beefier, will take me further and feel safer and more confident to get out on my own (I rarely travel with others). I will upgrade and probably soon. ...

Let us not forget the original adventures of B.S. in his Dodge and popup. He wanted more... Something better... He wasn't a traveling doctor, media mogul, husband of a porn star, elite adventurist, etc., etc., etc. choosing between a Prevost or $400-500k coach or a super cool offroadie thing to park in his driveway or next to his new G650. He was a normal guy trying to get further into adventures without freezing his ***** off to take some good pictures and help others do the same. What happened to that??? Many on here and abound can relate to this. When did this turn elite??? "How could I do something similar, maybe not as extreme, for $50-$100k less" "Could I do this on my own?" "What would it take?" "My stock / stock options etc. are 50% what they were in the heyday, so the goal/dream is a bit further away now." ...

Bill, I like the renewed external facing jump into the forum and has great potential of eliminating a lot of the crap flying in the air. It also lowers the elite mantra to many out there who do dream of having or making an equivalent of what you have done and certainly helps the future customer factor.

...

Give me some knowledge all knowing ones. I seek to learn...

I have a great deal of respect for individuals who make the choice to build their own expedition vehicle. People like Bob Lynch, Jay Shapiro and Doug Hackney (and others in this forum far too numerous to mention) don’t just read about building an expedition vehicle, they go out and do it! In 1998, I bought a brand new Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins engine with the intention of building my own “around the world” capable rig. At that time, I lived in a small condo in Littleton Colorado where the community bylaws were pretty clear that they didn’t want me working on my own vehicle on the premises. Even though I probably wasn’t supposed to even check my own tire pressure or change my own oil, I Somehow managed to build version one of the ER2K ( http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_aboutus/truck_dodge.html ), mostly in my driveway since it wouldn’t fit in my one-car garage!

http://dodgeram.org/ki4cy/4camper/4wheel_pair2.jpg
The origins of the first "EarthRoamer." Dave Fritz on the left and me on the right.

When I first started on the ER2K, the “world wide web” was a relatively new thing but there were a few forums (http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ ) where people were beginning to talk about “Off Road Camping” and companies were beginning to promote their products and services on the web. Even back then, the web was a huge resource, and I can unequivocally state that without the internet and information learned and shared on the TDR forums, EarthRoamer would not exist. EarthRoamer would also not exist without the help of, and sharing of information with people like Gary and Monica Wescott of The Turtle Expedition (http://dodgeram.org/bill_s/Turtle.htm), and Dave Fritz creator of dodgeram.org (http://dodgeram.org/ki4cy/4camper/camper_pair.htm). In fact, articles by Monica and Gary in Four Wheeler Magazine were a huge inspiration for me wanting to travel around the world in the first place. Anybody with an ounce of wanderlust in their blood couldn’t help but want to pack up and head out to explore exotic places after reading about the Turtle Expedition’s travels in Central and South America.


http://dodgeram.org/bill_s/Turtle_a.jpg
I had been trading emails with Gary and Monika Wescott of the Turtle Expedition, and had offered them a place to stay
if they ever passed through Denver. A couple of months later, I received a call from Gary, the Turtle Expedition was
headed for their home base in California after traveling for over 3 years around the world (including Siberia in the winter)
and wanted to know if the offer of a place to stay was still good. Of course it was! They stopped by the next evening and we
talked about preparing expedition trucks and world travel late into the night.

Fast forward a dozen years and that little thing called the Internet has grown beyond most people’s wildest imagination and has impacted every aspect of our lives. Online forums are a dime a dozen (although good ones like the Expo still seem to be somewhat rare), and Overlanding is on the verge of becoming mainstream. This is big deal and we should all be thankful to have such a great resource for sharing information about the vehicles and lifestyle we love.

In 2002 I started a little company to manufacture EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles and I quickly became so busy building vehicles and growing the company that I simply didn’t have time to participate in online forums anymore. I also felt like we had a pretty good design with our EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles and was hesitant to share information for fear of being “knocked off” by potential competitors. Knowing what I know now about how difficult it is to design and build world class expedition vehicles, I’m much more secure sharing my knowledge and experience than I was in the past. Competitors will try to copy us and that’s fine - I’m confident we can stay a step or two ahead. Free enterprise is the fuel that makes this country great. Competetion is good.

So, after that long winded intro, here’s the deal: I’m encouraged by recent threads and postings in the Expo - there are definitely a lot of smart, well informed people reading and posting in these threads. I would like to become more active in this forum and I’m willing to give routine participation a try. My only requirement is that we keep it civil and constructive. No personal attacks and don’t be a troll.


TROLL noun \ˈtrōl\ - someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into a desired emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion

Challenging questions and constructive criticism are fine. Trying to start a fight isn’t. Basically play by the same rules that you were (or should have been) taught in grade school and we'll be fine. Play nice.

Following are a few topics off the top of my head that I think I have something to say about. If one interests you, send me a PM and let me know. If I get some interest, I’ll post my two cents worth and open the topic for discussion, comments and questions. I’ll do my best to share my thought process, decision logic and actual experiences and keep things general and relevant to as many readers as possible.


Tires/Wheel Choice
Camper Body Construction
Diesel vs. Propane Appliances
What is the “right size” for an Expedition Vehicle?
Base Vehicle Choice
Buying vs. Building your own Expedition Vehicle
“Waste Management” (This would be about what to do with poo, not the trash company)
Power Management


Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer (http://www.earthroamer.com)

[OTR]

I have a great deal of respect for individuals who make the choice to build their own expedition vehicle. People like Bob Lynch, Jay Shapiro and Doug Hackney (and others in this forum far too numerous to mention) don’t just read about building an expedition vehicle, they go out and do it! In 1998, I bought a brand new Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins engine with the intention of building my own “around the world” capable rig. At that time, I lived in a small condo in Littleton Colorado where the community bylaws were pretty clear that they didn’t want me working on my own vehicle on the premises. Even though I probably wasn’t supposed to even check my own tire pressure or change my own oil, I Somehow managed to build version one of the ER2K ( http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_aboutus/truck_dodge.html ), mostly in my driveway since it wouldn’t fit in my one-car garage!


When I first started on the ER2K, the “world wide web” was a relatively new thing but there were a few forums (http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ ) where people were beginning to talk about “Off Road Camping” and companies were beginning to promote their products and services on the web. Even back then, the web was a huge resource, and I can unequivocally state that without the internet and information learned and shared on the TDR forums, EarthRoamer would not exist. EarthRoamer would also not exist without the help of, and sharing of information with people like Gary and Monica Wescott of The Turtle Expedition (http://dodgeram.org/bill_s/Turtle.htm), and Dave Fritz creator of dodgeram.org (http://dodgeram.org/ki4cy/4camper/camper_pair.htm). In fact, articles by Monica and Gary in Four Wheeler Magazine were a huge inspiration for me wanting to travel around the world in the first place. Anybody with an ounce of wanderlust in their blood couldn’t help but want to pack up and head out to explore exotic places after reading about the Turtle Expedition’s travels in Central and South America.



Fast forward a dozen years and that little thing called the Internet has grown beyond most people’s wildest imagination and has impacted every aspect of our lives. Online forums are a dime a dozen (although good ones like the Expo still seem to be somewhat rare), and Overlanding is on the verge of becoming mainstream. This is big deal and we should all be thankful to have such a great resource for sharing information about the vehicles and lifestyle we love.

In 2002 I started a little company to manufacture EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles and I quickly became so busy building vehicles and growing the company that I simply didn’t have time to participate in online forums anymore. I also felt like we had a pretty good design with our EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles and was hesitant to share information for fear of being “knocked off” by potential competitors. Knowing what I know now about how difficult it is to design and build world class expedition vehicles, I’m much more secure sharing my knowledge and experience than I was in the past. Competitors will try to copy us and that’s fine - I’m confident we can stay a step or two ahead. Free enterprise is the fuel that makes this country great. Competetion is good.

So, after that long winded intro, here’s the deal: I’m encouraged by recent threads and postings in the Expo - there are definitely a lot of smart, well informed people reading and posting in these threads. I would like to become more active in this forum and I’m willing to give routine participation a try. My only requirement is that we keep it civil and constructive. No personal attacks and don’t be a troll.



Challenging questions and constructive criticism are fine. Trying to start a fight isn’t. Basically play by the same rules that you were (or should have been) taught in grade school and we'll be fine. Play nice.

Following are a few topics off the top of my head that I think I have something to say about. If one interests you, send me a PM and let me know. If I get some interest, I’ll post my two cents worth and open the topic for discussion, comments and questions. I’ll do my best to share my thought process, decision logic and actual experiences and keep things general and relevant to as many readers as possible.


Tires/Wheel Choice
Camper Body Construction
Diesel vs. Propane Appliances
What is the “right size” for an Expedition Vehicle?
Base Vehicle Choice
Buying vs. Building your own Expedition Vehicle
“Waste Management” (This would be about what to do with poo, not the trash company)
Power Management


Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer (http://www.earthroamer.com)

Great post Bill!!!

I think by doing this, you'll provide your future clients with a sense of satisfaction knowing how much the owner of the company stands behind his product. Not very many company owners or execs come out and personally defend their idea and/or company anymore. I think this can be very beneficial for you and the success of your company. Maybe one day I will have the pleasure of owning one of your engineering marvels for my future travels. I look forward to all the insights that you can provide to all of us on this forum.

Good Luck,
Jason

[fisher205]

Bill,
I don't see your "proof of concept" articles on the Earthroamer site anymore. I always enjoyed that whole article along with Dave Fritz's. I still go back to Dave's site but wish you would post yours again. I feel a lot of people will still enjoy reading it.

Brad

[Bill@EarthRoamer.com]

Bill,
I don't see your "proof of concept" articles on the Earthroamer site anymore. I always enjoyed that whole article along with Dave Fritz's. I still go back to Dave's site but wish you would post yours again. I feel a lot of people will still enjoy reading it.

Brad

Brad,
It is still there, but it is somewhat buried. I will make it a little more accessible when our web site is redesigned.

Check out the links at the bottom of this page:
http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_aboutus/about_history.html

Bill Swails
President and CEO
EarthRoamer (http://www.earthroamer.com/index.html)

[fisher205]

Thanks Bill, have the link saved again
Brad

[ColoradoBill]

I was driving up I-25 to Fort Collins yesterday with some time to kill; I looked to the right and noticed a bunch of EartherRoamers sitting in a lot. I decided this was a perfect place to stop. I just showed up and asked if I could take a look at one of the XV-JBs. Bill was great, he showed me around and answered all the questions I had about the JP and the LT. It is obvious that he cares about his company, customers and potential customers. Thanks Bill for your time and knowledge. With any luck maybe I will be driving away in a JB someday.
Bill