Earthbound RV - The Rules Have Changed

Earthbound RV revolutionizes With a Lighter, Environmentally-Friendly Trailer Packed with High-Tech Amenities
Article Date: September, 2012

Article and Photography by Mark Quasius

Interior

The interior of an Earthbound RV is a real masterpiece. The cabinetry looks like lacquered, marine-grade hardwood. But in reality, it's a high-end composite material. You won't find any particle board or have to worry about wood splitting or delaminating in an Earthbound.

The galley receives the same attention to detail. Price Fister faucets supply a stainless-steel sink. A stainless-steel convection microwave, refrigerator, and Amana cooktop and oven are found here, as well as a Baraldi stainless-steel exhaust fan. Full extension drawer glides and a large slide-out pantry complement the numerous cabinets. The dinette table and countertops are all solid surface and the upholstery is Eco-Leather.

High-end electronics are also used. A central command console places all of the switches and tank-monitoring systems in one handy place. Sony Bravia LCD TVs, a Sony Blu-ray player, and a sound system are placed in each RV. A roof-mounted fixed omni-directional HD TV antenna means you never have to wonder if you cranked the batwing down once you hit the road.

The swing-out windows are all thermo-pane and have "click and stay" struts to hold them out. The windows are very durable and are made of the same material used for police blast shields. As the windows extend, they serve as a built-in awning. Reflective solar shades and bug screens are standard, as well.

A pillow-top, queen-sized mattress rides on an aluminum frame that lifts up to provide access to the cavernous under-bed storage. Gas struts minimize the effort to lift the bed and hold it in position while accessing the storage area.

During our visit, we stood inside a unit fresh off the assembly line and were amazed at what we didn't smell. Typically, it's almost impossible to breath inside a new RV until the glue has had time to cure and vent out. The air inside the Earthbound was clean with no noticeable odors or fumes. The proprietary adhesives and composites used in its construction are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Exterior

The exterior is a show stopper. The aerodynamic design is accented by attractive aluminum and composite materials. The roof is a seamless full gel-coated cross-reinforced composite structure. By the time the roof radius is applied there are six different layers of sealants. The roof carries a 12-year warranty.

The one-piece fiberglass front and rear caps are very light but rigid. Aluminum insert panels are fastened to the units. One model even offers a large picture window in the front cap. The front cap then receives a Dura-Chip Guard treatment to fend off bugs, rocks, and road grime. A swing-away hatch covers a compartment in the front cap that provides storage space for the three 20-pound propane tanks and a vented battery box. A power tongue jack, complete with LED lighting, is also provided.

The aluminum sidewalls are finished with a urethane automotive clear coat. Fender skirts help keep the sides of your RV clean. A power awning is fitted to the curbside of the RV. All interior and exterior lighting is LED to minimize current draw and maximize battery life when dry camping. Motorhome-style slam latches are provided on each insulated compartment door. A large pass-through storage compartment is fitted with LED lighting and its composite construction means that it too can get hosed out if needed.

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