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Monday, December 18, 2017

8 camping cars you’ll never lose in the woods!

Read article : 8 camping cars you’ll never lose in the woods!

What does it take to go camping these days? Die-hard campers swear by nothing more than a tent and a swath of multi-tools, while some outdoor enthusiasts prefer hauling everything they own atop a camper.

When a clean toilet and the occasional connection to a 4G network are seen as luxury amenities, it’s vital that your choice of camping vehicle be well thought-out.

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Whether your camp site is in the hinterlands, or in your very own backyard (stocked with scary stories and a bag of marshmallows), consider these choices for a most memorable experience:

All-in-one glamping: 2015 Airstream Interstate Grand Tour

There is plenty of enjoyment in arriving, parking, and relaxing in the <a href=stylish Airstream Interstate Grand Tour. " src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408907.1445626750!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/airstream-interstate.jpg" />

There is plenty of enjoyment in arriving, parking, and relaxing in the stylish Airstream Interstate Grand Tour. 

(Jeff Jablansky) The real pleasure in the <a href=Interstate Grand Tour is luxuriating in the rear compartment." src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408908.1445626862!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/airstream-interstate-02.jpg" />

The real pleasure in the Interstate Grand Tour is luxuriating in the rear compartment.

(Jeff Jablansky)

Who says that all camping trips must conform to be down-and-dirty affairs? After spending a limited amount of time with the Airstream Interstate Grand Tour, we can confirm that there is plenty of joy in stylishly arriving, parking, and relaxing. Although the Interstate shares fun-to-drive attributes with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, upon which it’s based, the real pleasure is luxuriating in the rear compartment. A full kitchen offers a world of possibilities at the camp site, as does an airplane-size bathroom with a working shower. Rent or buy one, and instantly become the darling of the van contingent at every campsite.

Vital Stats: 2015 Airstream Interstate Grand Tour

Price: $155,060 (excluding destination fee, includes donor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500)

Powertrain: Rear-wheel drive, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, 188-hp, 325 lb.-ft. of torque, 5-speed automatic transmission

Best camping feature: Enhancing the greater outdoors, from within.

Haul any trailer: 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel

If your idea of camping involves tailgating and long nights staring at the stars, there are few pickup trucks that do it better than the Chevrolet Colorado diesel. The standard Colorado – and its sibling, the GMC Canyon – are both capable pickups, but the diesel variants can tow up to 7,700 lbs. Hitch a trailer and head for the camp site, knowing that the integrated towing brake (aka “Jake brake”) is a midsize innovation that makes it easier to come to a stop while towing. Best of all, thanks to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, camping doesn’t have to be a vacation from the modern world.

Vital Stats: 2016 Chevrolet Colorado diesel

Price: $32,185 (including $895 destination fee)

Powertrain: Rear-wheel drive, 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 181-hp, 369 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed automatic transmission

Best camping feature: The ability to attach a tent and cover the pickup bed.

Camping for the Civic-minded: 2016 Honda Civic

Honda's <a href=economy car champ has added refinement and style in a compact sedan market that suddenly looks outdated in comparison. " src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408918.1445627205!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/alt-front.jpg" />

Honda's economy car champ has added refinement and style in a compact sedan market that suddenly looks outdated in comparison. 

(Jeff Jablansky) The <a href=base Civic LX offers tremendous value and a 6-speed manual transmission. " src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408921.1445627323!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/civic-rear-trees.jpg" />

The base Civic LX offers tremendous value and a 6-speed manual transmission. 

(Jeff Jablansky)

What if the tent was already set up, the drinks were chilled, the fire pit was lit and, in the end, to go camping all you really had to do was show up? Look no further than the 10th-generation Honda Civic. Honda’s economy car champ is all new for 2016, with added refinement and style in a compact sedan market that suddenly looks outdated in comparison. (Though be sure to check out the nimble Mazda3!) The base Civic LX offers tremendous value and a 6-speed manual transmission, a feature that goes back to Honda’s roots as building driver’s cars on a budget. Pull up at the camp site, unload what you need, and know that the trusty Civic is patiently waiting for the return trip.

Vital Stats: 2016 Honda Civic

Price: $19,475 (including $835 destination fee)

Powertrain: Front-wheel drive, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 158-hp, 138 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmissions (LX trim)

Best camping feature: Light up the forest with standard LED taillights.

Leave no trace or emissions: 2015 BMW i3

 The i3’s <a href=electric motor offers plenty of pulling power." src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408923.1445627455!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/bmw-i3-front.jpg" />

 The i3’s electric motor offers plenty of pulling power.

(Jeff Jablansky) Open the doors of the i3 to reveal a <a href=gorgeous natural tapestry that includes eucalyptus trim." src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408927.1445627537!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/bmw-i3-rear.jpg" />

Open the doors of the i3 to reveal a gorgeous natural tapestry that includes eucalyptus trim.

(Jeff Jablansky)

A respected mantra of camping is “leave no trace.” In the all-electric BMW i3, you can come and go from a camp site with little harm done to the environment, or the ozone layer. The i3’s electric motor offers plenty of pulling power – sorry, it’s not enough for trailers – and there are usually EV charging spots close to campsites. Yes, a “range-extended” hybrid i3 is also available, but there is merit in going completely electric and green…the wildlife you admire will thank you for it!

Vital Stats: 2015 BMW i3

Price: $43,395 (including $995 destination fee, before added incentives)

Powertrain: Rear-wheel drive, electric motor, 170-hp, 184 lb.-ft. of torque, 1-speed automatic transmission

Best camping feature: Open the doors to reveal a gorgeous natural tapestry that includes eucalyptus trim.

Relax and catch some shut-eye: 2016 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that has the interior volume that puts many small SUVs to shame. The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that has the interior volume that puts many small SUVs to shame.  (Jeff Jablansky)

The Honda Fit always surprises us, since it’s a subcompact hatchback that has the interior volume to shame many small SUVs. The functional front-wheel-drive Fit is a must, if you’re the one responsible for setting up camp. When you’re not carrying gear for a weekend getaway, fold the front passenger seat flat and stretch out, as part of a configuration that Honda calls “refresh mode.” We call it taking a snooze, but there you go. (There are also Utility, Long, and Tall modes.) If you forget a tent peg and need alternative accommodations, the Fit is your ride.

Vital Stats: 2016 Honda Fit

Price: $16,610 (including $820 destination fee)

Powertrain: Front-wheel drive, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 130 hp, 118 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmissions

Best camping feature: The ability to either stretch out and veg or store everything that would otherwise require a separate camper.

Space to roam: 2016 Ram ProMaster City

There are a lot of choices when it comes to the small van category, but when it comes to camping, we choose the <a href=Ram ProMaster City." src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408950.1445627899!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/rpmc-front.jpg" />

There are a lot of choices when it comes to the small van category, but when it comes to camping, we choose the Ram ProMaster City.

(Jeff Jablansky)The ProMaster has a 1,700-lb. payload, and SUV-like towing capacity. 

The ProMaster has a 1,700-lb. payload, and SUV-like towing capacity. 

(Jeff Jablansky)

There is a growing list of choices in the small van category, from the Mercedes-Benz Metris to Ford’s Transit Connect. Yet the one we’d take camping is the nifty little Ram ProMaster City. After a week of driving it around New York City, we’re convinced by the ProMaster City’s versatility, ability to navigate tight spaces, and unexpected passenger comfort. With a 1,700-lb. payload, and SUV-like towing capacity, the ProMaster should make an excellent utilitarian vehicle for a quick camping trip with lots of gear to haul.

Vital Stats: 2016 Ram ProMaster City

Price: $25,240 (wagon, including $995 destination fee)

Powertrain: Front-wheel drive, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 178-hp, 174 lb.-ft. of torque, 9-speed automatic transmission

Best camping feature: Pickup-grade payload and as much room inside as your first NYC apartment.

Clearance to camp: 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

This high-riding, four-<a href=door sedan recently impressed us on the back-roads of California’s Napa Valley. " src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408958.1445628154!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/s60cchero.jpg" />

This high-riding, four-door sedan recently impressed us on the back-roads of California’s Napa Valley. 

(Jeff Jablansky) The <a href=S60 Cross Country is a safe and classy alternative to the standard fare in the crowded luxury sedan class. " src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2408965.1445628222!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/s60ccrr2.jpg" />

The S60 Cross Country is a safe and classy alternative to the standard fare in the crowded luxury sedan class. 

(Jeff Jablansky)

What has 7.9 inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive, European driving dynamics, and the ability to tow 3,300 pounds? Yes, of course, it’s the Volvo S60 Cross Country! This high-riding, four-door sedan recently impressed us on the back-roads of California’s Napa Valley. As you’d expect, the S60 Cross Country is a safe and classy alternative to the standard fare in the crowded luxury sedan class. Lo and behold, it’s also a great choice for a camping trip! If your pup tent could be upgraded business-class, the result would be the S60 Cross Country.

Vital Stats: 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

Price: $44,440 (including $940 destination fee)

Powertrain: All-wheel drive, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine, 250-hp, 266 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed automatic transmission

Best camping feature: Heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated windshield…you stay warm when it’s cold!

Nature’s eye candy: 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4

There are few vehicles as striking, and completely impractical, to take on a camping trip than a Lamborghini Huracan. Will its 602-hp V-10 help the Huracan tow a trailer? Nope. Will its trunk fit all your gear? Probably not. Does it seat all of your fellow campers? Not unless this is a couples trip. No, taking a Huracan camping makes as much sense as borrowing a Ford Transit for a date with a supermodel – but that’s why we love it. However, the Lambo’s standard all-wheel drive, not to mention its ability to make a quick exit, could make it the ideal camping ride if you suddenly pull up to a den of Grizzlies.

Vital Stats: 2015 Lamborghini Huracan

Price: $240,745

Powertrain: All-wheel drive, 5.2-liter V-10 engine, 602-hp, 413 lb.-ft. of torque, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Best camping feature: The look on fellow campers’ faces when this V-10 roars to life.

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Sunday, March 11, 2018

11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Read article : 11 Most Badass RVs You Can Buy Today

Driving cross-country in a multi-million dollar RV is an experience few Americans will ever get to enjoy. While many may fawn over massive machines like the unstoppable Zetros 6×6, few of us have the means to obtain a purpose-built doomsday machine. Sure, there’s the obvious financial obligation, as luxury RV setups can run north of $3 million, but concerns about parking, maintenance, winterizing, insurance, and who’s going to drive the damn thing are also factors to consider.

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the <a href=Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

Fortunately, many of the world’s elite moneymakers have the means to hire a trained driver, and with some of these land yachts running well over 40 feet long, merging and parking can be a real pain for the untrained. But RV enthusiasts aren’t just into slate tile floors and crystal chandeliers, and hardcore 4×4 vehicles are still a hot commodity as they crush terrain by day and then raise their rooflines at night for spacious living.

Newmar's <a href=King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

We recently took the time to peruse the web in search of some of the most over-the-top RV options money can buy, and came up with a surplus of unique options. There really is something out there for everyone, and if your pocketbook is up to the challenge, you can have an entire penthouse suite on wheels built to your personal taste.

1. IKON by Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade is one purpose-built RV, with trailer towing being one of its strongest suits | Renegade

The IKON by Renegade takes semi-truck styling and combines it with luxury amenities and industry leading self-sufficiency. From handcrafted solid hardwood cabinetry and plush Villa Ultraleather furniture to quartz countertops and heated porcelain tile floors, the good life comes standard in this RV. Tech-wise, it also features things like Samsung 4K LED TVs, Bose Home Theater Sound, and a set of high-tech stainless steel appliances that deliver the goods when it’s time to eat.

It also features VegaTouch control systems, which have dual 10-inch touchscreen controllers with iPad, smartphone, and tablet compatibility. This means you can integrate interior lighting, systems monitoring, HVAC controls, window coverings, awning and slide-out controls, and a whole lot more into an all-in-one touchpad that doubles as a monitor for the perimeter observation camera system.

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

The Renegade IKON can be outfitted with all manner of amazing interior amenity | Renegade

Buyers will love finding features like hand crafted hardwoods, and a Theater Mode that automatically lowers the shades, dims lights, and raises the 50-inch Samsung UHD 4K TV so it can automatically tie into the Bose home theater system. While a porcelain tile shower and adjustable LED vanity lighting systems are also nice, it’s the Renegade’s attention to towing capacities and ability to be lived out of for weeks on end thanks to its oversized water, septic, and fuel tanks that make it a preferred RV for motorsport enthusiasts.

2. Winnebago Brave

The <a href=Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a restomod RV | Winnebago" width="757" height="424" />

The Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling and applies modern technology and mechanics to form a resto-mod RV | Winnebago

Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, there was no mistaking a Winnebago motorhome for another RV thanks to its bold “Flying W” badging, iconic “eyebrow” designs, clever interior, and boxy body lines. But over time the iconic styling of yesteryear began to morph into a mish-mash of ho-hum engineering and bland RV styling.

But now it’s time to fall in love with classic RV styling all over again, because Winnebago has followed in Dodge’s Challenger footsteps and has rolled out a resto-mod version of the machine that got America hooked on RV life in the first place.

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

Vintage interior within the Winnebago Brave looks straight out of the 1970s | Winnebago

The all-new Winnebago Brave takes vintage styling cues and blends them with modern practicality, efficiency, safety, and useful amenities in order to give the next generation of motorhome enthusiast an RV that is both retro and reliable. While you won’t be able to pick one up for the $4,000 price tag associated with the original, these classic and quirky motorhomes are priced to fit a more modest budget, and can be customized in a wide array of colors and interior design layouts.

3. Global X Vehicles Pangea “Perky Mog”

Global X Vehicles takessafety orange and gives it a new purpose on this <a href=Pangea roof lifter" width="757" height="504" />

Global X Vehicles takes safety orange and gives it a new purpose on this Pangea roof lifter | Global X Vehicles

Global Expedition Vehicles’ Pangea Lifting Roof version of the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz UniMog can be built on either a medium or heavy duty chassis, and can be tailored around various cab configurations. Referred to as the “Perky Mog,” this clever 4×4 RV has a unique lowered position that allows the windows to be covered with the hard side top section, while maintaining full walking height within. Once in the raised position, a huge loft area becomes exposed, which can be reconfigured to the buyer’s preferred sleeping layout, and can hold up to two queen size beds.

Inside the <a href=Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles" width="757" height="504" />

Inside the Pangea Lifting Roof monster are gorgeous living quarters that feature ornate wood floors, and a loft for sleeping | Global X Vehicles

Since each vehicle is tailor-made to the buyer’s specifications, there is no cut-and-dry approach to purchasing one of these machines, so be prepared for a lengthy build list and turnaround time. A few of our favorite touches include the G-KAS mounting body isolating mount system, having cab-to-cabin access, exterior tool/utility boxes, how the seating area converts into an additional sleeping space, and how the stair treads are hinged and lift to reveal hidden storage. Add on a duo of high efficiency 200-watt PV solar panels, a 140 gallon fresh water tank, amazing off-road capabilities, and the ability to buy one in 16- to 18-foot lengths, and you’ve got one hell of a capable 4×4 RV on your hands.

4. Newmar King Aire

Engineered to embody “the pinnacle of luxury travel,” the Newmar King Aire takes style, comfort, and technology to a whole new level, with the 2017 model sporting a restyled exterior, and a Spartan K3 tag axle chassis that has been attached to a steel superstructure. Inside, contrast cross stitching highlights the dash, which features a wireless non-slip charging pad, full LCD driver display, and two 12.1-inch touchscreens for system controls and 360-degree outward visibility. Meanwhile, a one-off 11-speaker JBL cockpit audio system and exclusive fabrics from Ralph Lauren add additional flare to the front of the cabin.

Newmar's <a href=King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar" width="757" height="482" />

Newmar’s King Aire line takes a unique, but very ornate approach to RV-making, and the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into making one is insane | Newmar

For tailgating purposes, two Girard Nova side awnings extend over a specially designed sidewall housing a 43-inch Sony 4K UHD TV and a Bluetooth-compatible Bose soundbar, which rests atop one of the tallest basements in the Class A segment. Buyers can choose Maple, Cherry, or Rift Oak hardwood cabinetry, while polished porcelain plank tile, heated and cooled Pompeii leather front seats, and a 49-inch Sony 4K UHD TV come standard, with a Blu-ray/DVD player and Bose CineMate home theater system. The King Aire’s master bath is available with an industry-leading 50-by-34-inch shower, complete with full tile and a Fresca panel with massage sprayers and a foot washer, and even comes finished with a Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

5. Earthroamer XV HD

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the <a href=Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer" width="757" height="409" />

Riding atop a Ford F-750 chassis, the Earthroamer XV HD is about as ferocious as it gets outside of military spec | Earthroamer

EarthRoamer has just expanded its product line in order to offer the highly anticipated F-750-based XV-HD. Designed to accommodate up to eight people comfortably and sleep six, this off-road RV features enough ingenuity to make living off-grid for a few days a breeze, as the HD offers anyone looking for wilderness adventures both driving prowess and fantastic amenities.

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer's XV HD | Earthroamer

Extra windows and a raised roof allows living quarters to feel anything but confined in Earthroamer’s XV HD | Earthroamer

The XV-HD takes luxury off-grid ingenuity and infuses it with solar panels, a monolithic battery bank, 46-inch military tires, 200 gallons of fresh water, a compact washer/dryer, and a whole lot more. At just over 35-feet long this is no mini RV either, giving all the more reason for Earthroamer to utilize Ford’s 6.7-liter PowerStroke Diesel engine and all 725 pound-feet of torque.

6. Bespoke Coach Sprinter Van

A <a href=typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach" width="757" height="466" />

A typical Bespoke Coach Sprinter is not overtly adorned with external upgrades, but leans more toward a VIP look | Bespoke Coach

This next road trip specialist is a bit of a hybrid, because while it isn’t a massive RV, it isn’t really a van either. Bespoke Coachworks has been customizing vehicles in Southern California since 1985, and over the past 30 years has created countless custom audio, video, interior, and exterior solutions for celebrities and the elite. So when the Sprinter van finally began getting imported and badged by Dodge and Freightliner back in 2007, requests for customized versions flooded their ears.

After decades of working with companies like Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, the thought of pimping out vans seemed a bit strange, but after one luxury van conversion spawned the next, Bespoke Coachworks knew it was on to something. From opulent mobile offices, to family coaches with built-in beds and entertainment suites, this unique chassis offers an endless array of options for anyone wanting a small and swanky RV, all without the headaches associated with piloting a land barge.

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach's Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

The interior of one of Bespoke Coach’s Sprinter vans may not be large, but it certainly is luxurious | Bespoke Coach

Bespoke Coach’s luxury mobile office incorporates the best technology, design, and materials into a first-class experience, tasking top engineers, designers, and fabricators to make coaches that are both user friendly and innovative. A few of our favorite options include the driver wall partition with motorized privacy window, custom upholstered walls and ceilings, the marine-grade circuit breaker panel, and those Maybach inspired captains chairs. There are also standard iPads, Samsung TV screens, power inverters, customizable lighting, Focal audio upgrades, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout, with a laundry list of unique upgrade options waiting on the wing for the right price.

7. Marathon Show Coach

Marathon Coach, Inc. is widely revered as the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer, and specializes in taking commercial buses supplied by Prevost and customizing them into the most opulent RVs imaginable. Built around a Prevost H3-45 chassis, these custom buses feature engineer-driven technologies and a unique “California design viewpoint” that leans toward shades of warm taupe and rich chocolate brown, with deep indigo blue accents inside and out.

Inside, buyers will find things like a marble, limestone, and travertine “basket weave” floor inlay that has been surrounded by Italian porcelain tile, as well as a custom fireplace enclosure designed for both ambiance and warmth. There are soft touches like velvet tufted sofas finished with chrome nail heads, and a stitched leather recliner at the large work desk for when duty calls on the open road.

The <a href=Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world's elite | Marathon Coach Inc." width="757" height="504" />

The Marathon Show Coach is a swanky, multi-million dollar cruiser designed for the world’s elite | Marathon Coach Inc.

In the back you will find features like an oversized glass and limestone mosaic shower with a telescopic, glass pocket door that goes opaque at the touch of a button, an integrated, 8-inch rain shower head, as well as a hand-held shower wand. There also are Hans Grohe faucets and fixtures, custom-made hammered stainless steel sinks, a walk-in closet, a TechLink electrical system, and Crestron controls.

8. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4x4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

With the camper lowered and doors closed, this house on wheels turns into a 4×4 Ford battering ram | Sportsmobile

The Sportsmobile Classic is one of the most recent creations in a long line of heavy duty 4×4 “Adventure Vans” coming out of Sportsmobile. After a successful prototype testing phase, the Classic 4×4 can now be had in a Ford Cutaway body that molds it with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell and an integrated penthouse top that drops flush into the shell for streamlining purposes.

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is designed to appeal to the most discerning off-road enthusiast, and in order to do so only the best heavy-duty components are installed for a balance between maximum off-road performance and on-road comfort. Over five decades of experience in the designing and manufacturing of van campers has led to this point, and while these machines can only be had on 2008–2014 Ford E-350 models equipped with the 6.8-liter V10 and barn doors, sourcing a gently used donor shouldn’t be an issue.

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Sportsmobile has long been synonymous with hardcore off-road vehicles that can be lived out of | Sportsmobile

Full production of the Classic started in late 2016, and the 4WD Conversion model includes a lot of hardcore 4×4 upgrades. A few key features include an Advance Adapter Atlas II All Gear Driven transfer case, a Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle, Dana 60 rear axle, Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks, a high knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance, and an extra heavy duty steering arm.

We could go on about the military wrap springs that were specifically designed for this van, or how the front sway bar comes with a quick disconnect system and custom shocks, but it would take forever to go over this list of performance upgrades. Finished with a practical and rugged, adventure-ready interior, this RV is a pop-top for the most discerning 4×4 enthusiast.

9. ShowHauler Motorhomes

ShowHauler specializes in <a href=melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler" width="757" height="568" />

ShowHauler specializes in melding semi tractor trailer strength with high dollar RV resplendency | ShowHauler

ShowHauler Motorhomes are heralded as “the safest motor coach on the road,” and their coach frames utilize a unique tubular steel structure consisting of super strong floors, sidewalls, and ceilings. The underbelly is completely undercoated, block foam is placed between steel side-wall supports prior to bonding aluminum exterior walls to the frame, no rivets are used, interior walls are reinforced to create a structural cage, and adhesive bonding is used to apply a bubble type insulation.

Being built on a standard truck chassis with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) than a typical motorhome allows for greater carrying capacities, so weight is never a concern and neither are highway crosswinds nor oncoming traffic. Internally, buyers get to choose the hardwood they want for cabinets and fabric patterns and colors, all window framing is finished with hand-formed hardwood, counter-tops are genuine Corian, and buyers can choose either polished ceramic tile floors or carpet.

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

A ShowHauler interior can be outfitted with anything the buyer desires, it just depends upon how deep your pocketbook goes | ShowHauler

We personally dig the cab pass-thru, having 7-feet of interior headroom, the cab-over bunk and vent, the 12 gallon gas/electric water heater, 30,000 BTU ducted gas furnace, and the ability to tow damn near anything. ShowHauler Motorhomes are part luxury living quarters, part big-rig, and all cross-country cruiser.

10. Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6x6 is one hell of an intimidating RV

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is one hell of an intimidating RV | Daimler

We eluded to it in our intro, and here it is up close. The all-wheel drive behemoth commonly referred to as the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2733 A 6×6 is based off a semi with a cab-behind-engine layout, and offers sensational traction and versatility, plus customizable living arrangements.

This triple-axled truck typically weighs in between 25 and 27 tons, and while its powertrain and chassis configuration either come out of the Actros and Axor series of full-size work trucks, it also utilizes a unique Unimog/G-Class 6×6 approach. Powered by a 7.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, this lumbering beast only puts down around 326 horsepower, but generates around 1,000 foot-pounds of torque in the 1,200–1,600 RPM range.

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild

With room for ATV loading in the rear, this 27-ton monster is all you need to dominate the wild | Daimler

Buyers can opt for either a hydraulically/pneumatic nine-speed manual transmission (eight forward gears plus crawler), which has a direct-ratio top gear, or they can get the six-speed Allison 3000 SP/PR automatic. The permanent all-wheel drive VG 1700 transfer case has an off-road ratio that is about 20% lower than its all-wheel drive cousins, so crawl control is a strong suit here. Towing capacity has also been increased by about 70% when compared to the on-road gears, and torque distribution between the front and rear axle(s) is 1:3.21 thanks to the splitter box, which becomes 1:1 if the differential lock is engaged.

All told, the Zetros has three mechanical differential locks, all of which can be easily selected via a rotary control that shows the logical sequence in which they need to be engaged. Drivers must start with the center-axle before engaging the rear, with the front remaining the final option, reserved for when terrain is at its most extreme.

11. Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 Expedition Truck

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8x6 behemoth for instance | <a href=Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="505" />

Expedition Trucks always has something insane on its for sale page, like this 8×6 behemoth for instance | Expedition Truck Brokers

Our final contender today comes from Expedition Truck Brokers, a company that has specialized in connecting buyers and sellers of expedition trucks for over 20 years thanks to a crew that tackles every aspect of the purchasing and customization process. Everything from buying and building, to long distance overland travel and selling transactions get attended to by this highly trained team of 4×4 specialists, and getting things right requires “first hand experience with vehicle based travel in rough conditions through remote regions.”

Simply put, Expedition Truck Brokers sources hardcore off-road “wheel estate” for private individuals and professionals in order to provide the ideal vehicle for overland journeys, expedition support, promotional events, and film. While most people would never need something as insane as an 8×6 diesel behemoth, there is a very particular kind of clientele out there that has the bankroll and need for something like what you see here.

It may take 8 hours to parallel park, but this <a href=Iveco Astra HD8 8x6 also features 8 wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers" width="757" height="504" />

It may take eight hours to parallel park, but this Iveco Astra HD8 8×6 also features eight wheels and more torque than an ocean liner | Expedition Truck Brokers

While plenty of other heavy-duty RV options are available on the Expedition Truck Brokers’ website, it’s this Iveco Astra HD8 that has our vote for most badass of the bunch. Professionally manufactured in Germany, this chassis has been widely revered internationally as a construction and mining industry staple, but never a weekend getaway machine … until now.

A few of our favorite highlights and features outside of the Astra’s massive cabin and practical living quarters are the highly autonomous multi-climate design that handles both tropical and frigid environments, and the 600 horsepower EURO-5 Cursor 13 diesel engine. There’s also that dedicated motorcycle platform, all those external storage units, and a slew of locking differentials designed to tackle any terrain.

(cheatsheet.com, https://goo.gl/I0gYaI)

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