Patriot unleashes extreme LandCruiser ute

Creative Conversions has been offering its unique LandCruiser 200 Series ute conversions for a while, but now it’s teamed up with fellow Queensland company Patriot Campers to create the jaw-dropping LC 200 SuperTourer.

On display at this year’s Queensland Caravan Supershow, the SuperTourer is essentially a Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series wagon, ‘cut', 'shut’ and 'stretched' into a four-door cab chassis ute including a new, custom-built, aluminium tray.

Based on a LandCruiser GXL with 650mm extension, the show vehicle (pictured) is an example of what’s possible with around 40 accessories fitted from the 4WD and RV aftermarket industries. 

Just some of the 4x4 add-on gear fitted included remote reservoir suspension and airbag control kit, front and rear diff locks, remote-controlled front and rear winch, 180 litre fuel tank, underbody protection, 17x8in alloys with 35in off-road rubber, roof rack, UHF antenna, wet seat covers, HID driving lights, snorkel, recovery gear and a bullbar, side steps and rear rails.

While the custom-built aluminium tray incorporated a 70 litre water tank, 100Ah lithium battery kit, 90w solar panel, along with slide-out storage, mini kitchen, and external speakers.

In this configuration, the SuperTourer was priced at $187,000, or around $100,000 more than a standard, turbo-diesel GXL LandCruiser wagon.

The range-topping SuperTourer joins the lightweight X1 camper and TH560 toy hauler in Patriot’s rapidly expanding, premium off-road range.

“We work in collaboration with Creative Conversions and can arrange the purchase of the vehicle, the conversion and body fitment as well as the full range of aftermarket accessories,” explained Patriot Campers’ boss Justin Montesalvo.

“We have a base package which is conversion, tray, Icon (remote reservoir) suspension and choice of bar work. We then build from there depending on the customer’s requirements.”

Like Patriot’s other products, the idea for the SuperTourer came about after spotting a perceived gap in the off-road adventure market.

“I was looking for a full size truck like an F250 or Silverado with a high towing capacity and the power to pull through harder terrain (but) I don’t like the idea of being in a remote area with no dealer support so Toyota is the obvious choice. You’re never far from a dealer should something go wrong,” Montesalvo said.

He said Patriot has produced five SuperTourers so far and “have a few more on order”.

And as perhaps the ultimate ‘accessory’ for any SuperTourer owner, Patriot is set to release a similarly hi-tech, new slide-on camper in early 2016.