In the world of high-end campers, the Ascender, priced at a staggering $1.2 million, serves as a flagship overlanding vehicle. Produced by 27 North, this monumental camper is built on a Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis and boasts a massive carbon composite camper shell and top-tier off-roading features. To explore its claims of comfort, convenience, and capability, a team decided to test the Ascender in a series of challenging scenarios over a 48-hour adventure.
The journey began with an introduction to the robust design of the Ascender, equipped with advanced features. These include wirelessly controlled coilovers, powerful winches, military-grade tires, and a luxe interior adorned with quartz countertops and walnut cabinets. However, the first driving impressions revealed a mixed experience. The vehicle's massive weight and high center of gravity made steering feel cumbersome, likening it to “riding an elephant.” Navigating through town was doable, but low-speed maneuvers and bumps were disconcerting, revealing an overall ‘active driving experience’ that involved considerable bouncing.
Upon arrival at their campsite in Santa Clarita, the team set to work on standard camping setups. Despite minor hiccups in maneuverability, they managed to set up their campsite efficiently, proving that the convenience factor did hold ground, at least in thought. As they settled in for the night, they took advantage of the camper's features, including a stocked fridge that, despite its expensive reputation, yielded some college-like culinary choices.
While the team appreciated the elevated sleeping arrangements, their comfort levels were not as high as expected. Confined to the inside of this million-dollar camper, they experienced some discomfort, with a few instances of head bumps and midnight escapades to the bathroom. In contrast, those camping outside faced colder and wetter conditions, making the Ascender a more appealing, albeit pricey, nighttime refuge.
With the camping experience under their belts, the focus turned toward the real challenge: off-roading in the Ascender. This truck, claiming to conquer rough terrains, faced its first steep incline with some trepidation from the crew. Despite its intimidating size, the team was impressed with its climbing ability but noted a few scary moments as it wobbled perilously close to rolling over.
When it was time for a second ascent with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel, disaster struck. The drive shaft broke on a steep incline, leaving the monstrous camper helplessly stranded. The challenges of maneuvering such a heavy vehicle became glaringly clear, showcasing the risks associated with high-end off-roading vehicles.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the team called for external assistance. Luckily, a professional recovery team showed up to help extricate the Ascender from its predicament. They creatively devised a temporary drive shaft to get the camper moving again, symbolizing a triumph for the team. Still, the experience provided humorous, yet humbling lessons about the capabilities and limitations of such an extravagant vehicle.
After pushing the Ascender through its paces—from the tedious drive on paved roads to the harsh realities of off-road conditions—the team reached mixed conclusions. The luxury, comfort, and high construction standards were impressive, but the vehicle’s performance under stress left questions about its practicality. While beautiful and equipped with an array of features, the Ascender's ability to navigate tough terrains without concern for mechanical failures is still in question. The test ended on a note of both learning and amusement, affirming that while the Ascender dazzles with its features, it may not be the best choice for off-road adventures without a support team at the ready.
Part 1/7:
Testing the Ascender: A 1.2 Million Dollar Camper
Introduction
In the world of high-end campers, the Ascender, priced at a staggering $1.2 million, serves as a flagship overlanding vehicle. Produced by 27 North, this monumental camper is built on a Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis and boasts a massive carbon composite camper shell and top-tier off-roading features. To explore its claims of comfort, convenience, and capability, a team decided to test the Ascender in a series of challenging scenarios over a 48-hour adventure.
First Impressions and Initial Drive
Part 2/7:
The journey began with an introduction to the robust design of the Ascender, equipped with advanced features. These include wirelessly controlled coilovers, powerful winches, military-grade tires, and a luxe interior adorned with quartz countertops and walnut cabinets. However, the first driving impressions revealed a mixed experience. The vehicle's massive weight and high center of gravity made steering feel cumbersome, likening it to “riding an elephant.” Navigating through town was doable, but low-speed maneuvers and bumps were disconcerting, revealing an overall ‘active driving experience’ that involved considerable bouncing.
Setting up Camp
Part 3/7:
Upon arrival at their campsite in Santa Clarita, the team set to work on standard camping setups. Despite minor hiccups in maneuverability, they managed to set up their campsite efficiently, proving that the convenience factor did hold ground, at least in thought. As they settled in for the night, they took advantage of the camper's features, including a stocked fridge that, despite its expensive reputation, yielded some college-like culinary choices.
The Night Experience
Part 4/7:
While the team appreciated the elevated sleeping arrangements, their comfort levels were not as high as expected. Confined to the inside of this million-dollar camper, they experienced some discomfort, with a few instances of head bumps and midnight escapades to the bathroom. In contrast, those camping outside faced colder and wetter conditions, making the Ascender a more appealing, albeit pricey, nighttime refuge.
Hitting the Trail: The Real Test
Part 5/7:
With the camping experience under their belts, the focus turned toward the real challenge: off-roading in the Ascender. This truck, claiming to conquer rough terrains, faced its first steep incline with some trepidation from the crew. Despite its intimidating size, the team was impressed with its climbing ability but noted a few scary moments as it wobbled perilously close to rolling over.
When it was time for a second ascent with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel, disaster struck. The drive shaft broke on a steep incline, leaving the monstrous camper helplessly stranded. The challenges of maneuvering such a heavy vehicle became glaringly clear, showcasing the risks associated with high-end off-roading vehicles.
Rescue Mission
Part 6/7:
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the team called for external assistance. Luckily, a professional recovery team showed up to help extricate the Ascender from its predicament. They creatively devised a temporary drive shaft to get the camper moving again, symbolizing a triumph for the team. Still, the experience provided humorous, yet humbling lessons about the capabilities and limitations of such an extravagant vehicle.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
Part 7/7:
After pushing the Ascender through its paces—from the tedious drive on paved roads to the harsh realities of off-road conditions—the team reached mixed conclusions. The luxury, comfort, and high construction standards were impressive, but the vehicle’s performance under stress left questions about its practicality. While beautiful and equipped with an array of features, the Ascender's ability to navigate tough terrains without concern for mechanical failures is still in question. The test ended on a note of both learning and amusement, affirming that while the Ascender dazzles with its features, it may not be the best choice for off-road adventures without a support team at the ready.