Tough 70 series LandCruiser camper coming
NSW's EarthCruiser building go-anywhere Toyota ute based campervanWollongong, NSW based expedition vehicle specialist EarthCruiser is about to launch another compact, go-anywhere campervan, but this time based on the tough-as-nails Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series.
Similar in size and concept to the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen-based G-Pro Escape released in 2018, the new Earthcruiser Extreme XTR is a three-berth off-road campervan based on the old-school Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series cab-chassis ute, complete with gutsy 151Kw/430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel and five-speed manual transmission.
Apart from a proposed 4200-4350kg GVM upgrade, the base vehicle will be beefed up with upgraded shock absorbers, leaf springs, diff, axle and bigger wheels, along with a two inch lift for extra clearance off-road.
However, EarthCruiser Australia’s Mark Fawcett said unlike the G-Pro, the fully moulded and insulated composite camper body on the Extreme XTR will feature an extended peak over the driver's cabin, to create more room for the elevated queen bed.
The LandCruiser version will also be available in single and dual-cab versions and unlike the computer mock-up (pictured), the final production version will have a vertical rather than tilt-up, pop-top roof that's raised with electric actuators. Standard (3180mm) as well as extended wheelbase versions will also be offered.
For a bit more comfort up front, the Earthcruiser Extreme XTR will also get re-sculptured and leather covered driver and passenger seats, with a crawl hole to access the living area from inside.
The compact interior will sleep up to three people in the roof-top bed plus dinette/lounge that converts to another bed.
Other internal features include a kitchenette with sink and tap, diesel cooktop, and fridge/freezer, along with a diesel air and hot water unit, 800m x 700mm shower unit and pull-out toilet. There's also a 400Ah lithium battery system with 3000W inverter and 540W solar panels.
Externally, the off-road campervan will come standard with an outside shower, air snorkel, awning, external (along with internal) lights, side entry door with electric steps, 80 litre water tank and two opening windows with screens and blinds.
Fawcett said he expects the LandCruiser camper to be more successful than the G-Pro Escape, which has had seven orders so far. Pricing for the Earthcruiser Extreme XTR will start around $240,000, with a fully optioned version (with pricey extras like portal axles, six-speed auto, central tyre inflation and monitoring system, front and rear winch and extra fuel and water tanks) getting closer to $300,000.
Fawcett said EarthCruiser is also planning to build another fixed-body off-road campervan, based on the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
Also read:
EarthCruiser G-Pro escapes cover
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