What you need to know before traveling in a campervan
It’s important to know these campervan tips before you go.
Problem solved, reviewed
A good overlanding rig will balance hardcore capability with creature comfort without compromising durability. It’s a delicate balancing act that those at Hunter RMV, who have worked in architecture, are all too familiar with. expedition truck Over 10 years.
We visited the land rig construction company’s headquarters and took a closer look at some of its products to better understand what it takes to power this heavy-duty mobile home. They are definitely much more than a typical camper or RV.
discussion
The first step in building your Hunter RMV expedition truck is an initial consultation. During this meeting, the customer chooses whether to start with: pre-built box Or a completely customized rig. Hunter RMV will work with you to determine the vehicle’s desired dimensions, intended use, and other personalization.
Chassis procurement
Hunter RMV is a Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck; Mitsubishi FusoIsuzu FTR MT3 and Acela Montella GL LMTV. Isuzu models are converted to 4x4s from Tulsa Truck Works. Acela-based build Available in 4×4 and 6×6 guise. Hunter RMV performs final changes to the chassis before moving on to the next step.
Fabrication of 4-point joint subframe
Before Hunter RMV can get to work installing a habitat on one of its expedition trucks, it first needs to fabricate a four-point articulated subframe. This system uses four trunnions to isolate the habitat box from the chassis, increasing stability on the trail and protecting the living space from vibrations.
Painting the cab and installing living facilities
Once the subframe is complete, Hunter RMV moves on to the cosmetics and living spaces. The rig’s cab will be freshly painted to the customer’s specifications. Hunter RMV’s team then proceeds to install either a pre-built production box or a custom habitat built in-house. A car lift is used to move the habitat into place.
Full customization
Once the box is in place, Hunter RMV staff begins installing furniture and hardware inside the box. The customer continues to provide input at this point in the build. In some cases, details may be revised during the assembly stage as the interior layout, materials, and additional features are finalized.
solar panels and electronics
The Hunter RMV is equipped with the Victron smart energy system and features a range of comfort features within the truck’s cabin. Specifications vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on customer needs, but a typical Hunter RMV setup includes a 1,200-watt rooftop solar array, an 800-Ah lithium battery bank, a 3,000-watt inverter, and a 30-amp Victron TR Orion charge controller. The electricity will be used for indoor LED lighting, Dometic air conditioning, televisions, camera monitoring, and more.
kitchen and dining
Hunter RMV rigs are typically equipped with a kitchen comparable to a small apartment. The builder will install an induction cooktop with a two-burner stove, microwave, one or two refrigerators, a freezer, and a sink. There is also a bonnet vent to exhaust smoke and steam from the cabin.
plumbing and cleaning
Hunter RMVs typically have over 100 gallons of freshwater storage and a 35-gallon gray water tank on their rigs, allowing for extended stays in the wilderness. Hot water for the sink and shower is supplied by a Truma diesel thermal hot water system. The rig is typically equipped with a Nature’s Head composting toilet, eliminating one complex plumbing element.
A garage with a world of possibilities
Some Hunter RMV rigs are equipped with a garage that can be used to store a gun cabinet, game cooler, extra sleeping area, or small workshop. If you want to take a second mode of transportation with you while your land rig is parked, space is available to store your bicycle or motorcycle. To further accommodate this type of customer, Hunter RMV installed a lift to raise the bikes to garage level.
rich grill
Many Hunter RMV builds include a Traeger and Blackstone grill or two under the box. The grill is housed in a steel cabinet that can be pulled out with sliding rails whenever you want to cook.
Further individualization
Hunter RMV offers several options to customize the expedition truck to meet customer needs. Some buyers want to be able to take a taxi from their residence, and the Hunter RMV can equip the truck with a pass-through that connects the two spaces. This feature comes with a door and insulation to reduce noise intrusion.
If you want to stay online even when you’re off the grid, Starlink satellite internet powered by the Victron system is available as an option. A 4 kW generator is also available for backup power. And in the true spirit of overlanding, the Hunter RMV is equipped with off-road lighting for improved nighttime visibility. The rest is up to your imagination and how open your wallet is.
How much does the Hunter RMV Expedition Truck cost?
Due to the individualized nature that Hunter RMV offers, prices vary significantly from build to build. “Custom is the norm” is the ethos of this builder, giving you a high degree of flexibility in what your finished truck will look like.
Prices for Hunter RMV’s Sherpa series of ready-made boxes start around $200,000 and reach $300,000 for the top of the line. Prices for custom builds using the Isuzu FTR or Acela LMTV platforms start at $450,000 to $500,000 and can extend to $800,000 with sufficient personalization.
Some of Hunter RMV’s competitors build expedition trucks in the seven-figure range, so the rig pictured here aims to offer the same features at a (relatively) affordable price point. Custom builds can take 2,000 to 3,000 hours of work and can take 1 to 2 years from initial inquiry to final decision.
Nowadays, manufacturers typically produce three to four rigs per year, so be aware that patience is key when entering the expedition truck market. Luckily, those willing to wait should get exactly what they want when Hunter RMV finishes working its magic on one of these giant overlanders.
Photo credit: Darren Martin
