EarthCruiser G-Pro Escape breaks cover

Following on from the release earlier this year of its $700,000-plus Unimog-based Explorer, Wollongong, NSW based expedition vehicle specialist EarthCruiser has rolled out another Mercedes-Benz-based off-road motorhome, this time off the slightly more affordable and compact, military-inspired G-Wagen Professional 4x4 cab-chassis.

The tough-as-nails Earthcruiser G-Pro Escape with 3430mm wheelbase offers more compact dimensions than the big Explorer, and with a 4.5 tonne GVM can be driven on a standard car licence.

According to Earthcruiser the G-Pro Escape “is for adventurers that want to travel ‘off the radar’ as they explore without the constraints of normal all-terrain vehicles.”

Accordingly, it’s fitted with front and rear mounted, 13,500lb-rated power winches, uprated shock absorbers, an onboard air compressor, separate 250 litre tanks for fuel and water and an upright 122 litre capacity fridge/freezer, to go with the factory front, centre and rear differential locks.

Under the stubby bonnet is Mercedes-Benz 135kW/400NM 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Off-the-grid technology added by EarthCruiser includes a lithium battery and solar power set-up, while there’s a 120 Amp vehicle alternator to keep things going when on the move.

There’s also a separate air conditioning unit at the rear, to go with the G-Pro’s factory cabin air-con, while other ‘home’ comforts include an internal shower and toilet, outside shower, double bed (with additional sky bed option), and diesel-fuelled cooker.

In addition to the standard telematics with satellite tracking and monitoring, vision from five externally mounted cameras provide 45 days recording in real time, with the system controlled by a touchscreen tablet.

There’s also an 80-channel UHF radio fitted, with a DVR/GPS/4G solid state cellular hot spot (through a 6-dba gain antenna) to help keep in touch.

EarthCruiser says the $200,000-plus motorhome (price will depend on options fitted) is a good choice for those who want to take their expedition vehicle overseas, as the G-Pro Escape will fit into a standard ISO container for shipping.

According to EarthCruiser's Facebook page, both the Earthcruiser G-Pro Escape and Unimog Explorer are currently on a promotional tour of some of Australia’s harshest regions, including West Australia’s Kimberley.