Oregon-based EarthCruiser builds overlanding RVs built for off-road and off-grid travel.
The company has seen "significant demand" for its Terranova overlanding vehicle first unveiled in 2021.
See inside the $350,000 EarthCruiser Terranova with two beds, a pop-top roof, and a hidden bathroom.
During the height of COVID-19, travelers desperate for some fresh air began opting for RVing and road trips instead of flying and cruise ships.
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And even though we've returned to some semblance of normalcy, it seems like the public's newfound love for RVing — especially in camper vans — is staying put.
Unlike a typical camper van or travel trailer, overlanding vehicles can take a heavy beating.
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These vehicles are equipped to withstand a more rugged off-road life.
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And some overlanding RV makers are now charging travelers hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for a true tiny home on wheels that can travel across any terrain in any season.
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This includes EarthCruiser, which unveiled its luxurious Terranova overlanding vehicle in 2021 to "unprecedented" interest as the company — like other RV makers — saw a boom in interest and sales during COVID-19.
And it seems like the overlanding community's interest in the Terranova hasn't halted just yet.
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Mary Balk, the company's director of marketing, says EarthCruiser has seen "significant demand" for the vehicle since its release.
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EarthCruiser's Terranova is far from the average RV.
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Sure, the interior has all the functions of a traditional tiny home on wheels.
The Nissan Seaside by Dethleff camper van.
Nissan
But unlike most Class B camper vans, the rugged Terranova can provide its travelers with comfort no matter the terrain or season, according to the company.
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When I visited EarthCruiser's headquarters in Bend, Oregon, the company invited me to spend a night in its Ford F350-based Terranova …
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… a sturdy 24-foot-long, 6.75-foot-wide vehicle with an interior as decked out as any typical non-moving home.
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The vehicle's fiberglass, foam insulation, and "high density plastic materials" keep the camper durable for all off-road adventures, according to EarthCruiser.
A set of stairs automatically lowers when the front door is opened to make entering and exiting the tall Terranova a comfortable and mindless task.
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The pop-top roof can also be lowered when the Terranova is in motion.
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But when it's time to set up camp, the window-lined roof can be extended with the press of a button on the key fob …
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… creating ample interior standing space.
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Inside, the Terranova has every amenity of a traditional home all condensed into a smaller space.
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RVs often fall short on space and storage.
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But the Terranova feels fully equipped with somewhat separated "rooms."
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Storage and outlets scattered throughout the inside of the Terranova …
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… including in-floor storage units and drawers right by the front door.
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The horseshoe-shaped dinette — which can convert into a bed — is located at the rear of the overlanding vehicle.
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Here, leather cushions sit atop rows of seats with built-in storage.
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These seats are then centered around an adjustable dining table perfect for family meals or remote work.
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Like any loose items, the dinette's cushions get tossed around when the Terranova is in motion.
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But they're generally unfussy and easy enough to put into place again.
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Along with the dinette bed, there's also a more "traditional" lofted queen bed at the front of the Terranova.
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This raised sleeping space is lined with bedside lights, outlets, and just enough overhead space for someone to sit up comfortably.
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It's also the tallest living "room" in the Terranova, so be prepared to either climb onto bed or use the retractable bedside steps built into the kitchen.
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The bed is surrounded by the pop-top roof's windows …
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… so if you're sensitive to light when you sleep, you might want to zip up the insect and privacy screens before bedtime.
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Combined, the Terranova's two beds can sleep a family of four.
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The vehicle's kitchen and bathroom are located between this bed and the convertible dinette.
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I hope you're not expecting the traditional kitchen or bathroom. We are in a RV after all.
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However, there are still some similarities between an everyday kitchen and the Terranova's cooking space.
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Here, there's a long fiberglass countertop with a deep sink, induction cooktop, hidden trash can …
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… drinking water faucet, and small slide-out refrigerator and freezer.
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There are also several built-in drawers to store dry goods, spices, and whatever snacks you may need on the road.
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The control panel — used to adjust features like the temperature, water, and lights — is located on top of a large storage unit across from the kitchen.
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All of the vehicle's electrical and water systems are as intuitive as a traditional home.
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Just remember to turn off these settings when they're not in use — the goal is to conserve when you're off-grid.
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This control panel-topped storage unit also hides a secret: the bathroom's shower head and pull-out toilet.
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The "room" in "bathroom" is used liberally here, of course.
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The only indication of the bathroom's presence is the small corner of slatted flooring right by the entryway.
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A shower curtain can be extended around this flooring to turn the entryway into a shower …
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… although there's also the option to extend the shower head out to clean off outside as well.
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The toilet will be far from private if there are other people inside the Terranova.
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But it definitely beats any other bathroom alternative.
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To make overlanding more comfortable, EarthCruiser equipped the Terranova's exterior with plenty of add-ons like an upgraded suspension system, a 16,500-pound front winch, and tow bar.
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At $350,000, the Terranova isn't the cheapest RV on the market.
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But Balk says this pricing is on the "lower end" compared to other expedition vehicle makers.
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And for the up to 20% of EarthCruiser owners who live in their vehicles instead of a traditional home, $350,000 could be justifiable in exchange for indefinite life on the road.
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