Earthbound RV Review: The New Earthbound RV Green and Eco-friendly Travel Trailers

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When it comes to shopping for a RV that is as friendly to the earth as it is to the family, the choices on the market are limited. Until 2010, with the launch of the Evergreen line of travel trailers and fifth wheels, the focus on eco-sensitive RV design was virtually non-existent. But Dave Hoefer, the 30-year RV industry veteran who launched popular brands like Dutchman and Four Winds, wanted to change that and developed the Earthbound line of travel trailers.

After years of planning, designing, and testing hundreds of RV prototypes, Hoefer and his team of industry professionals, including his son David B. Hoefer, began manufacturing the Earthbound RVs. The seven models in the line began appearing at various RV dealers across the United States and Canada in late 2010 as part of the 2011 Earthbound RV Series.

The Standard Features in the Earthbound Travel Trailer RVs

The most notable standard feature of any of the seven Earthbound travel trailers is the weight, or lack thereof. Earthbound uses composite materials that were developed in conjunction with the automotive and plastic industries to replace the use of wood in RV construction. This innovation largely reduces the overall weight of the Earthbound RV, making each model up to 1,500 pounds lighter than RVs of similar size made with conventional materials. Further, almost any SUV is capable of towing trailers from the Earthbound line. This means that people can tow it with their existing SUV, without buying a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
The standard features in the collection of Earthbound travel trailers is competitive with other high-end RV manufacturers, including:

• Designer fabrics
• Door side cable/TV hookups
• Power awning
• Torsion axles and independent torsion suspension
• AM, FM, CD, DVD player with surround speakers and iPod dock
• Built-in storage under the seating
• Stainless steel sinks and appliances
• Large privacy skylight over shower/tub
• Pillowtop queen-sized mattress
• His and Hers wardrobe
• Easy access docking station with outside shower and all hookups needed

However, there are several standard options that make the Earthbound travel trailer stand out from the competition. Beyond being made out of the lightweight composite, the Earthbound line is comprised of recyclable materials that elevate the standards of environmentally sensitive RV construction, along with other features not found in other high-end RVs:

• Aluminum framed and insulated interior walls
• Aluminum and composite retro-modern cabinetry similar to those found on a private jet or yacht
• Interior and exterior L.E.D. lights
• Euro-style appliances and fixtures throughout the trailer
• Pull-out kitchen faucet
• Residential style vanity and composite medicine cabinet
• Ceramic coated underside for ultimate weather protection
• Seamless roof
• 3-year bumper to hitch limited warranty (as compared to the industry standard 1-year warranty)

Other Benefits of Earthbound Travel Trailers

In addition to the features mentioned above, all of the Earthbound trailer models feature three 20-lb. propane tanks in the front of the unit, instead of the standard 30-lb. tanks found on most RVs. This makes propane exchange easy in virtually any location, instead of trying to find a place that will fill the larger tanks. Further, those who struggle to lift and move the heavier tanks will find the smaller tanks easier to navigate overall.

The look and feel of the Earthbound line is what you would expect from a retro-modern company like Airstream. The lines are clean and simple, without extraneous fabrics or décor. The simple design makes the trailer appear larger and more spacious throughout the interior. The layout of each of the seven models is simple, but caters to the preferences of most people who camp in an RV.

The exterior shape is a compromise between the traditional rectangular shape and the aerodynamic bullet shapes from days gone by. The result is a streamlined shape that improves fuel economy and makes towing easier, especially in wind or on the open highways of the western states.

Optional Features Available on the Earthbound

The Hoefers wanted to create a travel trailer that provided most of the commonly used options as a standard feature, so the available options on the Earthbound models are few:

• Bike rack
• Eco-leather valance package for the interior
• Stainless Amana propane oven (instead of a convection microwave)
• Bedroom fan
• Independent power rear jacks (instead of standard jacks)
• Power front tongue jack
• Carmanah solar power system
• Eco-friendly cork flooring
• On demand hot water

Drawbacks of the Earthbound Travel Trailers

The average cost of the travel trailers in the Earthbound RV line hovers around $50,000, depending on the model and the options. While the trailer is designed to withstand the rigors of “full-timing,” or living full-time in an RV, the price may be prohibitive for people who are looking for a family-friendly unit that will only hit the open road a few times a summer.

All of the 2011 Earthbound models feature a built-in dinette, which is great for family travelers, but can take up considerable space for those who plan to use their trailer on a regular or full-time basis. Further, not having the option of a freestanding table and chairs doesn’t compete with other high-end travel trailers available on the market.
Like most RVs, the practical bathroom space in the Earthbound travel trailers is mediocre at best. If you stand more than 5’ 10”, you may have to sit down to comfortably use the shower.

Earthbound Formaldehyde-Free and Low V.O.C. Information

When tested by NTA, Inc., and independent green certification company, Earthbound RVs were found to have just 20 parts per billion (ppb) of formaldehyde in their completed unit, without any conditioning prior to the testing. As a comparison, the Centers for Disease Control reports that the average human living in a single family home is exposed to 10 – 30 ppb of formaldehyde on a daily basis. Many travel trailers regularly exceed 100 or more ppb of formaldehyde, depending on the products used in construction and the time of year the trailer is tested.
Dave Hoefer advised that when the cork flooring is installed, or the travel trailer is given a chance to air out, the formaldehyde levels drop even more.

Overall, the Earthbound travel trailers are well-designed RVs that appeal to many demographics. Family campers will enjoy the spacious interior with ample storage, while long-time RV enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail where details matter.

While the price is higher than RVs of similar size, the Earthbound travel trailers provide campers with a lot of bang for the buck. The features are practical for campers of all experience types, and designed with both the camper and environmental impact in mind.

Resources for More Information on the Earthbound RV

Visit the Earthbound RV company website

Earthbound RV named “Green RV of the Year” by Roaming Times

BuildingsGuide:Pre-Fab RV Garages

Green Building Options

Earthbound RV Company Profile and Information about their product line.

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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