The off-road camper we didn’t think ARB would ever make

ARB has just released the new Earth Camper, their very bold entry into the RV market. With an idea that was born in 2016, ARB wanted to create the ultimate in outdoors, a camper trailer with all the luxuries that could handle the same tracks and destinations that your 4WD can. And while at first, it’s hard not to draw similarities between the Earth Camper and the iconic TVan by Track, when you delve into this new camper, there are some quite noticeable differences, particularly in the chassis construction.

ARB surprised us (in a good way) with their camper chassis construction

One of the first things you’ll notice about ARB’s new Earth Camper is the roll-cage-inspired look. This was no accident. ARB fabricated the chassis using a tubular design and a one-piece welded exoskeleton frame for superior strength. Cylindrical tubing is stronger than a traditional rectangular chassis as there are no corner weak points. It’s also more resistant to flexing. Using 90mm mandrel bent steel, there’s no denying that this unique roll-cage design looks tough. 

Also of note is the suspension, which features one of the longest trailing arms on the market (900mm) and vertically orientated Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport coil-over-strut shock absorbers. The engineering team modelled the shock design from an LC200 and Ranger strut, then tuned it to the Earth Camper’s unique ride handling and weight. The advantage of the vertical design is that any movement at the axle is reflected directly at the shock. 

All of this rides on a set of custom 16″ ARB alloys in a Hilux or Landcruiser stud pattern wrapped in a set of 32″ Maxxis Razrs. They didn’t skimp on the spare either, as even that’s alloy. The brakes are a set of 12″ heavy-duty electric.

Sleeping and living areas in the ARB Earth Camper

The ability to use the camper either as a quick roadside overnighter or as an extended stay is of appeal. So if you want to climb in quickly because it’s raining or because you just need to get some quick shut-eye without setting anything up, you can easily do that. Simply push the button at the rear and the automatic door opens clam shell style for quick access. ARB claims it’s one minute from button to bed. 

Speaking of beds, this one is queen-sized with a 150mm high-density foam mattress. If you lay on your back and stare at the ceiling, you can’t miss the world map printed up there

Set up the hard-floor canvas shelter for a versatile dining and living area during extended stays. This is in addition to a side awning that covers the external kitchen. The side awning is actually housed internally, so it won’t get hung up on low-hanging branches on those tight tracks. Use the awning freestanding if the weather is fine but otherwise, you can secure it with poles and ropes. All of this can be set up by one person and come standard. Additional awning windbreaks can be utilised and an ensuite room can be included as an optional extra.

Of note is the ability to charge inside the sleeping area. There are 6 x USB sockets and an additional 2 x USB-Cs. It even includes 2 x 240V outlets inside. 

The ARB Earth Camper is pretty switched on … electrical wise

120W solar panels sit up top but there is an external Anderson plug for running additional portable solar. The ARB Earth Camper comes standard with the Redarc Battery 30 Management System and a 100Ah lithium battery. 

The body and storage

A 100% wood-free design using fibreglass-reinforced polymer keeps it both repairable and light. Insulation is via a 20mm foam core, and the ARB camper walls and roof are both 25mm thick. ARB’s dust suppression system is a useful feature, with the ability to change out the filters when needed.  

Storage is well thought out; everything has a place with room to add more. The sleeping area has an under-bed slide-out drawer, storage nets and nooks. A front boot with gas struts will fit your camp chairs and tables, and gull-wing doors open to reveal a slide-out pantry as well as other nooks and crannies. This leads us into the kitchen…

Lacking kitchen prep space? Check out the size of the stainless bench top in the ARB camper

ARB doesn’t skimp on the fridge either, with an ARB Aero 96-litre dual-zone on a slide. It should be noted that this is a true dual-zone with separate compartments. Enjoy a pull-out stainless kitchen with a Thetford three-gas burner and sink when it’s time to whip up some grub.

Always an issue in smaller campers, many will be pleased by the size of the stainless steel bench top. It measures in at a spacious 1450mm x 525mm. 

Standards and extras

Other standard features include a rear wet storage locker, 2 x underbody mounted 70-litre fresh water tanks and 2 x 20L jerry cans. If all of these are utilised, this gives you a whopping 180L of potential water storage. Optional extras include a Webasto diesel heater, the Redarc Redvision System, a 2000W inverter, an additional lithium battery, an onboard air compressor, a Joolca portable hot water system and more. 

There are really too many standards and features to mention without dragging this on. So earmark this article for later and when you get the time, come back and watch ARB’s walkthrough of the Earth Camper below:

Prices and specs

Although ARB has given us a huge peek into the features of their new Earth Camper, they’ve been a bit light on with their specs in terms of dimensions. However, I expect this will be officially released soon, so stay tuned for that. 

Pricing starts at $74,500 (Australia East Coast Metro), and the Earth Camper is available to order now. 

What do you think of the ARB Earth Camper?

ARB’s Earth Camper is very capable direct from the factory. This means that you won’t need to add on extras to experience the best of what it offers. It seems that ARB has hit the nail on the head with creating a hard-shell camper that will allow you to travel further and stay off-road longer, and we can’t wait to get our hands on one of these to try it out.