The recreational vehicle (RV) industry promises freedom: the open road, self-sufficiency, and escape from conventional life. But for many, the reality falls short. Crowded campgrounds, limited access, and the sheer impracticality of navigating rough terrain often deflate the dream. Hunter RMV, founded by Keith Storey, tackles this disparity head-on, building rugged, off-road RVs that truly deliver on the promise of untethered exploration.
From Military Surplus to Luxury Overlanding
Hunter RMV’s origin lies in recognizing that the most capable off-road vehicles were already developed… by the U.S. military. Storey’s company repurposes heavy-duty military trucks, and increasingly, builds from the ground up, to create RVs that don’t just handle dirt roads – they conquer them. The firm’s name, “Repurposed Military Vehicles,” speaks to this ethos. The business model isn’t about cheaping out, but about leveraging existing capability. Why reinvent the wheel when the government already spent millions developing one?
Inside the Isuzu Predator XLE: A Mobile Fortress
One of Hunter RMV’s flagship models, the Isuzu Predator XLE, exemplifies this approach. Built on an Isuzu FTR MT3 chassis with a Cummins 6.7-liter diesel engine, the Predator boasts 260 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. The truck gets a Meritor front-drive axle with locking differentials and a two-speed transfer case, installed by Tulsa Truck Manufacturing, turning it into a formidable four-wheel-drive machine.
The real innovation comes with the 22-foot “habitat” mounted on the chassis. This includes 18 feet of living space and a four-foot rear garage capable of storing an adventure motorcycle (with an optional lift). Climbing into the cab requires agility, thanks to the truck’s towering height – the floor sits about six feet off the ground. Once inside, it feels like a large, capable truck with air brakes. The Allison six-speed automatic delivers power smoothly, though the ride can be bouncy on pavement due to the heavy suspension.
Beyond the Campground: Where This RV Excels
Hunter RMV’s vehicles aren’t designed for resort parking spots; they’re meant for places where other RVs can’t reach. A test drive near Minden, Nevada, demonstrated this. The Predator effortlessly climbed steep trails that would have stranded a conventional RV, proving its true off-road capability.
Accessing the living quarters involves a motorized landing platform and set of stairs that deploy to accommodate uneven terrain. Inside, the Predator offers high-end custom finishes, rivaling Airstream interiors in quality. The cabin includes a motorized queen mattress that parks against the ceiling, a U-shaped dinette convertible into bunks, and standard RV amenities like air conditioning and a microwave.
Built for Extended Off-Grid Living
The Predator goes beyond basic RV comfort. Two refrigerators and freezers maximize food storage, while a washer-dryer combo handles laundry. Outside, a slide-out grill area features both a Traeger smoker and a flat-top stove. A Nature’s Head composting toilet eliminates the need for black water tanks, eliminating a major headache for off-road travelers.
The roof is covered with over 1,000 watts of solar panels feeding a 10-kWh battery. An optional 100-gallon fuel tank provides up to 1,000 miles of range. Water capacity is a respectable 110 gallons, though resourceful adventurers may need to supplement with natural sources.
Price and Practicalities
The Isuzu Predator XLE starts at $545,000. The smaller Acela models range from $225,000 to $275,000, while the six-wheel-drive Apex starts at $495,000. Financing can be challenging given the vehicles’ unconventional nature and potential title issues (some Acelas are titled based on their original military service date). Cash is the easiest payment method.
Ultimately, Hunter RMV delivers on the promise of true off-grid exploration. For those willing to pay the premium, the trade-off – a private, spectacular view from a vehicle that can reach it – is worth the investment.
