Trailblazers builds LandCruiser motorhome

Most hard-core off-road motorhomes are either based on one-tonne utes like the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux, or big 4x4 truck platforms that require plenty of room and the hassle of a truck licence.

But now Trailblazers RV is one of the first to offer a fully-equipped, go-anywhere motorhome based on Toyota’s popular, 79 Series single-cab LandCruiser workhorse ute – that the Braeside, Victoria-based manufacturer boasts is a proper off-road ‘expedition’ vehicle but, with an upgraded GVM of 4000kg, one you can still drive on a regular car licence.

The new ‘baby’ Overland XP expedition vehicle features a demountable, lightweight fibreglass composite pop-top 'pod' -- essentially a slide-on camper -- that sits on the back of a modified LandCruiser ute cab-chassis which, apart from the GVM upgrade, gets new airbag suspension, bigger 35in wheels and chunky tyres, and a custom-built aluminium tray with toolboxes and two spare wheels.

The power-assisted roof provides 2.1m interior height when raised, with the prototype’s layout incorporating a raised queen bed at the front, kitchen with sink, two-burner induction cooktop, 150L compressor fridge, microwave and coffee machine, a combination shower/toilet and a two-person dinette with portable table.

Other features included a 140L fresh water tank and water filter, 50L grey water tank, powered awning, air-conditioner, gas instant hot water system, two 4kg gas bottles, electric jacks, internal and external LED lighting and a 19in TV and audio system.

Designed for off-the-grid adventures, there’s a 300Ah lithium battery system, fed by 500W solar panels, and controlled by Redarc's smart phone-friendly RedVision power unit with an M30 charger and 3000W inverter.

Another nice feature is the attached, five-step collapsible ladder for climbing into the motorhome, that neatly slides into a cavity under the floor when not in use.

Travel height is about the same as an off-road caravan – 2.95m -- while payload is around 700kg, with quite a few storage options both inside and out of the camper.

"We've been doing expedition vehicles for a long time, but they have always been on your 4x4 trucks like Isuzu and Iveco, but this brings that type of fully-equipped motorhome into the realms of a vehicle you can drive on a car licence," Trailblazers’ boss Phil Richardson explained.

The prototype had a show price of $192,500, with options to boost that price with extras like gas or diesel ducted heating.