Luxury meets rugged expedition mastery
From the sprawling Serengeti to the unpredictable trails of the Amazon, there's a longing inside many of us to break away from the mundane, to explore the untouched, to reconnect with the rawness of our planet. But in doing so, most wouldn’t compromise the creature comforts of home. Enter a collaboration that truly pushes the boundaries of wanderlust: Bliss Mobil's craftsmanship meeting the rugged prowess of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).
If there was ever a modern chariot made for the passionate adventurer, it would be the AEV Ram 5500. AEV, already renowned in the States for their unmatched aftermarket off-road components, partnered with Bliss Mobil to redefine the very notion of expedition vehicles. The result? A smaller yet incredibly versatile beast, for those who believe in distance without discomfort.
This isn't just a vehicle; it's a statement. It's a product that is borne from meticulous CAD drawings from Ram and fused with a time-tested design philosophy that AEV has championed with the 2500/3500 chassis. By taking the engineering up a notch to meet the 5500 chassis's demands, they've crafted a machine that, with its 41” Continental MPT81 tires and beadlock wheels from Hutchinson Industries, isn't just complete—it's perfection on wheels.
Now, about that Bliss Mobil 13 foot Type 4 expedition unit. Originating from the Dutch landscape and now a global sensation, Bliss Mobil transforms containers into luxury homes. These aren't just metal boxes; they're visions of lavishness and functionality blended seamlessly. The Prospector XL 550 with a bespoke container from Bliss Mobil seems like the culmination of every explorer's dreams. From its sturdy 41” all-terrain wheels to the AEV HighMark front fender flares and that indispensable ComeUp 16.5 winch, this is a rig prepared to face the elements.
But it's not all about rugged exteriors. The true magic lies within. This isn’t your granddad's campervan. It's a plush dwelling, reminiscent more of a contemporary tiny home than a vehicular abode. A kitchen that's a chef's dream, a yacht-styled toilet, a shower to wash away the day's fatigue, and a bedroom with a full-sized mattress. Can we talk about that skylight for a moment? It promises nights under the stars, with all the luxury one can dream of. The teak cladding, premium appliances, and that touch of modern with a wall-mounted flat screen—it's opulence on the go. And for the two-wheeled enthusiasts, the Husqvarna FE enduro motorcycle rack on the back is just the cherry on top.
Now, I've seen my share of the world, traversed many terrains, and experienced various cultures. But doing it all while wrapped in such luxury would be something else. For those who've felt the call of the wild but never wanted to leave the comforts of home behind, your chariot awaits. As for the price tag, well, adventures like these don't come cheap. But from where I'm standing, the experience would be priceless. Safe travels.
Pros:
- Versatility and Size: The design offers the ruggedness of an expedition vehicle in a smaller, more manageable size, making it ideal for various terrains.
- High-Quality Engineering: With CAD designs from Ram and AEV's experience with the 2500/3500 chassis, the 5500 chassis is meticulously crafted, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
- Luxury Interiors: The Bliss Mobil unit turns the vehicle into a mobile luxury home. It's furnished with high-end fixtures, a full kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom, ensuring comfort during travels.
- All-Terrain Capability: Equipped with 41” Continental MPT81 tires and beadlock wheels, the vehicle is designed to handle challenging terrains, giving travelers peace of mind in remote locations.
- Customizable Options: Features like the AEV intercooler skid plate, snorkel, splash guards, and off-road light kit allow for personalized upgrades to further enhance its off-road capability.
- Durable Exterior: The vehicle boasts heavy-duty components such as the AEV HighMark front fender flares, custom bumper with winch, and a 2″ front lift kit.
- Unique Extras: The custom roof rack, ROAM gear boxes, and the motorcycle rack for a Husqvarna FE enduro make it stand out and add to its functionality.
Cons:
- Price: The high-quality features and luxurious amenities could place this vehicle in a higher price range, making it inaccessible for some.
- Size vs. Urban Areas: While it’s compact for an expedition vehicle, maneuvering in densely populated areas or tight spaces might still pose challenges.
- Maintenance: Given its customized nature and luxury components, maintenance might be costlier and might require specialized services, compared to more common vehicles.
- Fuel Efficiency: Given its size and heavy-duty features, it might not offer the best fuel efficiency.
- Resale Value: Its niche market might limit potential buyers when looking to sell or trade in the future.
- Availability of Parts: In remote locations, finding replacement parts or specialized mechanics familiar with the vehicle's intricacies might be a challenge.
- Limited Availability: The product description mentions that the project is already spoken for, which means availability could be limited, at least in the short term.
