Never thought I would see one of these on a Street

Those Host units on the Fuso 4X4 chassis sure look a little low on grey water capacity and LP capacity. However, fresh water capacity is great. I wonder where all that fresh water is going to wind up, considering that they're using a cassette toilet?

Their top speed (FWIW as a guage, only) versus their rated GVWR is indicative of what you give up with that little tiny diesel in them. Wow .... only 161 HP to move along a GCWR of 21,765 lbs.. Of course, the turbo will keep it pulling the best it's going to even in the High Sierras. Those very low ranges of available differential ratios (5.285:1 or 5.714:1) are probably what's absolutely required to get that little motor to do what it does - albeit slowly.

pnichols wrote:
It's not only that slides add weight. Because they require a "hole" in the walls of the living area structure, they compromize the strength of the structure - thus allowing joints to loosen over time.

I wouldn't want slides in any vehicle for use on rutted, bumpy, and tipped road surfaces. You want all the walls and framing in the coach box to remain rigid. That's also why good off-pavement camping vehicle designs isolate the coach box from the main chassis frame.

Have to agree on that. Seems to be the US manufacturer wants a bit of PR Style over function

GENECOP wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

GENECOP wrote:
Will definately take a real good look at Earthcruiser in CO......I like what I am seeing so far...

Yes I would look a it too. The Mitsu they based it on is the only model available in the US, so I would ask about spares, fuel mileage, top speed, fording ability etc

I should probably check out Warrior also....on the surface they look similar, the other confusing thing for me is the Host Outback....This seems to be the only unit with slides...I am aware that slides add additional weight....but what is the real downside and to consider the additional gained space VS the additional weight? And is the Host Representing Earthcruiser? And if so why doesn't Earthcruiser show slideouts on there site.....

Sounds like they added them for US consumption, have a vague memory of them doing that. Host is big with Slides for it oversized TC's, or Motorhomes or whatever you want to call them

It's not only that slides add weight. Because they require a "hole" in the walls of the living area structure, they compromize the strength of the structure - thus allowing joints to loosen over time.

I wouldn't want slides in any vehicle for use on rutted, bumpy, and tipped road surfaces. You want all the walls and framing in the coach box to remain rigid. That's also why good off-pavement camping vehicle designs isolate the coach box from the main chassis frame.

RobertRyan wrote:

GENECOP wrote:
Will definately take a real good look at Earthcruiser in CO......I like what I am seeing so far...

Yes I would look a it too. The Mitsu they based it on is the only model available in the US, so I would ask about spares, fuel mileage, top speed, fording ability etc

I should probably check out Warrior also....on the surface they look similar, the other confusing thing for me is the Host Outback....This seems to be the only unit with slides...I am aware that slides add additional weight....but what is the real downside and to consider the additional gained space VS the additional weight? And is the Host Representing Earthcruiser? And if so why doesn't Earthcruiser show slideouts on there site.....

GENECOP wrote:
Will definately take a real good look at Earthcruiser in CO......I like what I am seeing so far...

Yes I would look a it too. The Mitsu they based it on is the only model available in the US, so I would ask about spares, fuel mileage, top speed, fording ability etc

pnichols wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:
...but better than the Sportsmobile...

How so??

The rigs shown in the photos may be taller or wider or more fancy inside ... but "better" ... I'm not sure I agree.

As one poster stated above earlier, certain of those Sportsmobile configurations could go places where Jeeps may have problems. It's hard to fault the reliable price-versus-performance total package of Ford/Dodge/Chevy hardware with their very capable transmissions, locking differentials, multi-shock-per-wheel systems, high ground clearances, etc., etc..

For me, getting way out there in the middle of nowhere and still being comfortable when eating and sleeping - with your still in intact home right with you so no towing is required - in only an ~$80,000+ rig (..or whatever a loaded Sportsmobile costs) would be nirvana.

BTW, engine driveshaft torque means nothing in the long run - it's raw horsepower, plus the proper gears to tap it, that ultimately have to twist the drive wheels' axles with enough force.

Easy, the Sportsmobile is limited to how long it can stay out. The Aussie Class C's Are smaller than the Provan and can go up smaller tracksThe Japanese Truck based rigs can go to places a Sportsmobile can go and carry a lot more Payload for considerable extended stays, the Sportsmobile is a "weekend warrior" with a fairly limited GVWR. Our experiences of Ford/GM now FCA Off road is not that pleasant,Reliable is not the first word that comes to mind although they be bought cheaply from the US

The Earth Cruiser does look somewhat interesting!

You have to be OK with diesel, though, and you also have to be able to climb up into the cab.

Their website seems a bit scarce on data - are the coach structures isolated from the frame and what's pricing like? Where can one find detailed specifications?

Will definately take a real good look at Earthcruiser in CO......I like what I am seeing so far...

RobertRyan wrote:
...but better than the Sportsmobile...

How so??

The rigs shown in the photos may be taller or wider or more fancy inside ... but "better" ... I'm not sure I agree.

As one poster stated above earlier, certain of those Sportsmobile configurations could go places where Jeeps may have problems. It's hard to fault the reliable price-versus-performance total package of Ford/Dodge/Chevy hardware with their very capable transmissions, locking differentials, multi-shock-per-wheel systems, high ground clearances, etc., etc..

For me, getting way out there in the middle of nowhere and still being comfortable when eating and sleeping - with your still in intact home right with you so no towing is required - in only an ~$80,000+ rig (..or whatever a loaded Sportsmobile costs) would be nirvana.

BTW, engine driveshaft torque means nothing in the long run - it's raw horsepower, plus the proper gears to tap it, that ultimately have to twist the drive wheels' axles with enough force.