A recent Out of Spec Reviews video unveils an exciting discovery made by Kyle at the Overland Expo Mountain West. This unique find is a fully functional RV that breaks away from the norm by not relying on a single drop of gasoline. The remarkable aspect is that it’s a result of the collaboration between GMC and EarthCruiser, a well-known manufacturer of overlanding campers and RVs. Below is the embedded video, and following that, you’ll find a concise overview along with some insights:

What sets this overlanding RV apart is its origin – a partnership between GMC and EarthCruiser. However, unlike the usual setup where GM exercises extensive control, this project took a different approach. GM lent its engineering expertise to the collaboration without demanding significant control or a dealership sales approach. EarthCruiser retains full creative control over the design and will offer it as either a standalone vehicle or an add-on for existing Hummer EV owners.

At a glance, the RV appears factory-made due to the meticulous collaboration between the two companies. Elements such as paint matching and optimized aerodynamics, as much as possible for a substantial vehicle of this kind, contribute to a seamless blend that appears harmonious.

Functionality-wise, this RV is a true standout, even beyond its EV status. With a substantial battery pack similar to that of a stock Hummer EV, it boasts spaciousness and capability. While it might not be the most efficient EV with around 300 miles from a 200+ kWh battery, this characteristic plays in its favor as an RV, preserving efficiency due to its already less-than-optimal efficiency. Its electric torque, sophisticated computer-controlled motor coordination, and rear-wheel steering contribute to its impressive performance, making it feel smaller than its actual size, even when towing the camper.

The installation process is nearly fully reversible, with attachments requiring no permanent modifications, except for a modified front T-Top roof. This addition features a hatch allowing direct access from the front passenger seat to the RV when unfolded. Notably, if needed, the T-Top panel can be swapped out, leaving no trace of the camper’s presence.

The exterior boasts enclosed cargo spaces, an electrical access door, and a plumbing access door. It cleverly incorporates a fold-out outdoor shower powered by an efficient electric water heater drawing around 400 watts. Complementing this is a 6 kWh onboard battery charged by approximately 600 watts of solar power. Other electric appliances, including a cooktop, heater, and compressor fridge, rely on the battery for operation.

While the Hummer EV does not yet offer V2L capability, future compatibility could allow the camper’s battery pack to charge directly from the vehicle’s battery. In the interim, EarthCruiser experimented with charging the Hummer EV from the house battery, providing a small boost to the range through solar panels’ energy absorption.

Inside, the interior offers ample space for sleeping, cooking, dining, and even showering (both indoors and outdoors), all while enjoying the surrounding scenery through the tent sides’ large windows. Built using premium marine-grade materials, durability and longevity are prioritized. The top section, elevated by electric motors in about 40 seconds, contains a sizable bed, access to the Hummer’s interior, and a small storage compartment beneath the foam bed.

Designed for ease of maintenance and service, the RV’s components, including electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances, can be accessed by removing a few screws and panels using an Allen key.

Installation may require a visit to Bend, Oregon, with your Hummer EV, although other options might be introduced upon the vehicle’s availability for purchase. While the final price remains undisclosed, an estimated figure of around $100,000 is suggested by Kyle. Combining this with the Hummer EV’s cost totals to approximately $200,000 for a complete electric RV – an attractive proposition given the current RV market prices.

Furthermore, the possibility of financing the integrated Hummer EV-RV package as an RV instead of making a separate investment in the camper is likely to make it more accessible to a broader audience.

When discussing future plans, an EarthCruiser representative expressed the desire to further explore electric options. While specifics weren’t divulged, the prospect of similar campers tailored for other vehicles like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning is promising.

Impressions of the RV:

A remarkable aspect is how effectively the Hummer EV has been repurposed. Despite being criticized for its electric efficiency, this perceived drawback has actually paved the way for a practical application like this, enhancing its usability off-road and for off-grid adventures.

Moreover, this development bodes well for those awaiting the Cybertruck. Although the Hummer EV’s design doesn’t naturally accommodate standard slide-in truck campers, the emergence of custom overlanding and RV solutions tailored to non-standard trucks, like the Cybertruck, seems imminent. Even if EarthCruiser doesn’t offer a Cybertruck-specific solution, it’s likely that others will step in to fill the gap.

What do you think? Could you handle RV Living full time in a rig like this?

Source: CleanTechnica