How do you take a full-size truck and make it the ultimate vehicle for vehicle-based and overland adventure? You outfit it with AT Overland’s Aterra XL Flatbed Truck Camper, set your navigation system to virtually anywhere in the world, and explore.
Over 20 years ago, Mario Donovan and the crew at AT Overland have been developing and innovating some of the finest products to enhance the adventure travel experience. When I first met Mario in 2006, AT Overland was one of a handful of companies in the U.S. catering to the fledgling overland market. Since that time, I’ve continued to be impressed by AT’s ingenuity as they make capable vehicles more capable. The Aterra XL Flatbed Truck Camper is no exception. Built using lightweight fiber reinforced thermoplastic honeycomb composite material, the Aterra XL was engineered by the folks at Tern Overland and built in collaboration with AT Overland to develop a voluminous, durable, and fully self-sufficient home on four wheels.
Fundamentals
The canvas for Mario’s truck starts with a Ram 3500 flatbed utilizing a command cab chassis. Mario describes his truck as a “Work Play” vehicle, with daily use for operations at the AT Overland shop to tow a 24’ over-axle flatbed trailer for handling raw materials and deliveries. The heart of the truck is a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel with a whopping 1,075 lb.-ft of best-in-class torque, 425hp, and a tow capacity of 31k lbs. – yes, you read that correctly – thanks to the 6-speed Aisin transmission. 74 gallons of onboard fuel mated to a 9-gallon def tank ensures the Aterra XL Ram 3500 can maintain its thirst without leaving Mario stranded. An AEV Snorkel helps the truck breath much better in dusty conditions, and AEV Highmark Fender Flares and Premium Front Bumper, housing a Come Up 16.5k winch and synthetic cable, provide form and function by allowing for larger tires, robust protection, and a powerhouse of recovery capability.
40” rubber courtesy of Toyo’s Open Country M/T, wrapped around AEV Katla wheels, keep the truck firmly planted to whichever terrain is encountered, and an AEV Dualsport suspension with repositioned shackle mounts and lower control arms up front maximize wheel travel without compromising load. Mario has found no need for locking differentials on the truck, which originally started out as a dually but converted to a single rear, relying solely on the Aterra XL Ram’s limited slip differential and 4.10 gears given the tires’ tread maintains such a large footprint. This alone provides more than adequate traction when traveling off-pavement. The overall length and width of the truck is nearly identical to that of a Jeep Gladiator which is quite remarkable, particularly given how “big” the truck looks.
The Camper
The gem of the truck is the Aterra XL Flatbed Camper. Weighing in at roughly 1,200lbs., it’s one of the lightest weight campers on the market while offering a full suite of luxurious functionality. The camper rests on an Overland Explorer Vehicles Aluma Tray, formed from high strength aluminum and weighing less than 800lbs. Integrated storage cabinets with sealed weather stripping ensure contents are protected from the elements while maximizing the tray’s versatility.
On the outside, double pane acrylic windows placed strategically up top and around the camper provide plenty of natural lighting. A pair of AT Overland Can Holders and MAXTRAX recovery boards are positioned at the rear of the camper on an integrated rear accessory rack. On the driver side is an Eezi-Awn shower enclosure where a hose outlet is located that quickly connects to the camper that can then regulate temperature while getting clean in a private space. A 20lb propane tank and 30 gallons of water storage are tucked into the Aterra XL’s body and easily accessible from the exterior. Additionally, the camper is outfitted with a Truma on-demand hot water heater with all the mechanicals of the camper clearly marked in the event a roadside repair is required, making it easy to know which wires and fuses handle each item within the camper.
Once you’re ready to relax inside, an integrated handrail on the body provides a rugged and sturdy aid through the entry with a step ladder conveniently stored in one of the storage bins integrated into the OEV Aluma Tray. Once you’re inside, the magic begins.
The Aterra XL’s voluminous interior provides ample standing room that can be fully-customized based on your needs. Mario’s truck is outfitted with a variety of options, with all the power generated from two 220-amp alternators with LiFePO4 batteries and managed by National Luna’s NLDC-40. The NLDC-40 is a versatile unit, supporting up to 40 amps of output current as a DC-DC battery charger and isolator for dual battery systems, as well as a solar controller capable of handling up to 600 watts. Whether on or off the grid, Mario utilizes Sol-Go flexible solar panels in series to produce 400 watts of sun-powered energy.
To the left of the entry is a comfortable seating area with a swivel table top, providing a relaxed setting to eat or work. Below the swivel table top is a shower pan with a Wrappon Trekker waterless toilet system tucked under the seat adjacent to the entry way, allowing the area to be quickly converted into a privacy space as needed. If Mario has guests joining him on an excursion, the seating area can be converted into a generous bed 6.5’ long and nearly 2.5’ wide.
The camper’s kitchen space is efficient with a Dometic two-burner stove and bamboo countertop with plenty of drawer space underneath. Two pull out drawers keep Mario’s kitchenware tidy, and eight storage compartments, housing Step 22’s Stingray HD cubes, provide excellent storage for miscellaneous gear. A National Luna 90-Liter dual-zone fridge/freezer adjacent to the sink ensures plenty of storage for food and beverages on extended trips.
Within the housing of the fridge/freezer is a ton of storage for clothing including three under bed storage drawers, a hanging closet, shoe cubby, and three additional storage compartments under the spacious king-sized bed. Plenty of USB and 12V power outlets are placed throughout the camper, and an electric roof hatch skylight can open to circulate fresh air with a screen to keep bugs out. On chilly mornings, a Truma VarioHeat comfort heater does a fine job of regulating the temperature while allowing Mario to kick back with a cup of coffee and the pleasure of enjoying a comfortable and capable home away from home.
Aterra XL Ram 3500 Buildsheet:
- Aterra XL Flatbed Truck Camper and AT Can Holders
- AEV Snorkel, Highmark Fender Flares, and Premium Front Bumper
- Come-Up 16.5 S Winch
- Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
- Overland Explorer Vehicles Aluma Tray
- MAXTRAX Recovery Boards
- National Luna NLDC-40
- Sol-Go Flexible Solar Panels
- Dometic Two-Burner Stove
- Wrappon Trekker Waterless Toilet System
- Step 22 Stingray HD Storage Cubes
- Truma Comfort Heater
Editor Note: Mario is incredibly humble and a tremendous resource for anyone seeking adventure off the beaten path. AT Overland’s expertise in the overland market is extensive, and his background along with the company’s story is as intriguing as the products they produce. You can learn more about Mario and AT Overland from our Around the Campfire interview with Mario by scanning the QR code. You can also learn more about AT Overland products by visiting www.atoverland.com.