EarthCruiser

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EarthCruiser was an Australian company that designs and manufactures off-road recreational vehicles and truck campers for expedition and overlanding.[1] The company was founded in 2008 by Lance Gillies and Michelle Boltz after the couple could not find a suitable overland vehicle for undertaking the Great Sandy Desert.[2] EarthCruiser's motto is, "Go Further, Stay Longer."[3]

The company closed on April 25, 2024.[4]

Production[edit]

As of late 2020, EarthCruiser employs over 24 workers who hand-build about 30 expedition vehicles per year.[2] Each vehicle takes approximately three and a half to four months to complete.[5] Vehicles for the U.S. market are built in Bend, Oregon, while vehicles in the Australian market are built in North Wollongong, New South Wales.[1]

History[edit]

  • 2008: Founded by Australian Lance Gillies and his American wife, Michelle Boltz in Brisbane, Australia.[2][5]
  • 2009: Introduced EarthCruiser, the company's first production expedition vehicle based on the Mitsubishi Fuso chassis.[2][6][7]
  • 2011: Introduced EarthCruiser EXP, an expedition vehicle with an electric pop-up roof.[6][8]
  • 2013: Moved company headquarters to Bend, Oregon to be closer to family.[2][5]
  • 2015: Introduced EarthCruiser FX, an expedition vehicle with a fixed-roof.[9][6]
  • 2017: Introduced GZL, the company's first production slide-in camper for pickup trucks, equipped with a pop-up roof.[10]
  • 2018: Introduced EXD, a camper body and vehicle modification package for American one-ton pickup truck chassis'.[11][12]
  • 2018: Introduced MOD, a customizable version of the GZL slide-in camper body for pickup trucks.[10]
  • 2020: Introduced Dual Cab versions of the EarthCruiser FX and EXP.[2][13][14]
  • 2020: Introduced Terranova, an expedition vehicle based on various American one-ton pickup truck platforms.[2][15]
  • 2022: Announced EarthCruiser EXP, FX, and the CORE commercial vehicle's transition to the Isuzu NPR Series chassis.[16][17]
  • 2022: Announced EarthCruiser Adventure, a tour division overseeing training expeditions for small groups of EarthCruiser owners.[3]
  • 2023: Announced an expansion into overlanding products for EV, starting with slide-in campers for EV trucks.[18][19]
  • 2024: Shuts all operations down.[20]

Vehicles

EarthCruiser (2009–2024)[edit]

The EarthCruiser company shares their name with the original prototype and first production expedition vehicle line released in 2009.[2][6][7] Built on the single cab Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 4x4 chassis, the RV was powered by the standard GM Vortec 6.0L V8 or an optional 3.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.[5][6] The gasoline V8 model had a driving range of 600 miles while the less-powerful diesel variant range was 900 miles.[2] In 2020, a dual cab version of the platform was released which had four doors with four seats instead of two doors with two seats.[13][14] In 2022, the EarthCruiser chassis transitioned to the Isuzu NPR Series Class 4 platform, powered by the GM 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine.[16][17]

The EarthCruiser fiberglass camper bodies are insulated to help reduce energy usage.[6][8] The rounded shape is intended to reduce wind drag at higher speeds and avoid accidental contact with terrain while on a trail.[17] Depending on the model, the body may have a fixed or electric pop-up roof upon which solar panels are mounted that feed the onboard battery and electrical system.[5][6][17] Other exterior attachments include an electric awning and recovery winch.[5][8] An EarthCruiser camper body is attached to a vehicle chassis using kinetic spring mounts to prevent stress and damage to the body structure.[8] Inside the camper, amenities include a shower, slide-out toilet, sink, refrigerator/freezer, mini wine cellar, dinette table, and two beds which can sleep up to four people.[5][1][6][13]

EarthCruiser EXP (2011–2024)[edit]

The EarthCruiser EXP is the model that company-founder Lance Gillies considers to be the original EarthCruiser.[10] Introduced in 2011, it is the most expensive model, equipped with an electrically-operated roof that increases the ceiling height by 24 inches[5][6] the extra height allowing a 360 degree view out of the canopy.[2][5] When lowered, the diminished roof line allows the vehicle to fit more easily into a shipping container.[5]

EarthCruiser FX (2015–2024)[edit]

The EarthCruiser FX is a more basic, lower-priced model with a stationary roof.[6] Introduced in 2015, it is engineered to better handle extreme temperatures as the body is fully insulated, unlike the canopy portion of the EXP model.[9] The roofline sits eight inches above the cab roof, but is still compact enough to fit into a shipping container.[6]

Terranova (2021–2024)[edit]

The Terranova is an expedition vehicle built on a Chevrolet, Ford, or RAM one-ton pickup truck chassis.[2][11] First announced in 2020, the platform is targeted at owners with strong brand preferences or feel more comfortable operating a consumer-class vehicle over a commercial-grade truck.[2][11] A domestically-manufactured chassis also allows better availability of parts and more familiar maintenance procedures.[2][11]

The camper body is constructed of fiberglass with a foam core, molded into a cab-over configuration, and bolted to the vehicle chassis using a kinetic mount system.[1][11][12] The roof can be electrically raised for a panoramic view using a similar setup to that of the EXD and EXP, including the canopy with integrated vinyl windows, insect and privacy screens.[11][12][15] When raised the canopy allows the camper to sleep up to four people.[11][12] When lowered, the RV is more compact for trails and more aerodynamic.[11][12] Solar panels are mounted on top of the roof to supply the onboard battery and electrical system.[11][12][15] Inside the camper, amenities include a bathroom, sink, induction cooktop, refrigerator/freezer, ventilation fan, and an optional air conditioner.[1][11][12][15] A shower is also included, however it is located on the outside of the unit. [1][11][12][15]

CORE (2021–2024)[edit]

The CORE is a chassis cab expedition vehicle; a camper body is not included.[21] Introduced in 2022, the model has the same Isuzu NPR Series Class 4 chassis as the EarthCruiser EXP and FX vehicles, powered by a GM 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine and available in a single or dual cab configuration.[16][17][21]

The nature of the body allows the customer to customise the vehicle for their purposes.[21]

Camper bodies[edit]

EXD (2018–2020)[edit]

The EXD was a camper body and vehicle modification package designed for a 2017 or newer Chevrolet, Ford, or Ram 1-ton long-bed pickup truck chassis.[1] Introduced in 2018, the package required customers to provide their own chassis cab, but in return, they could select the vehicle brand, cab size, and engine type.[10] The camper body was connected to the vehicle chassis using EarthCruiser kinetic mounts, or alternatively attached to a flat bed as a quicker and cheaper option.[10] Mounting to the chassis was part of an "Expedition Package" which included camper body side skirts and a cab pass-through.[10] Donor vehicles would also receive upgraded bumpers, wheels and suspension as part of the deal.[1]

The camper body was a non-cab-over design with molded body lines meant to match those of the vehicle cab.[10][11] Composed of one inch thick insulated fiberglass, the walls were angled to avoid trees while on the trail and lessen wind noise on the road.[10] The roof was four inches thick and electrically-operated to raise for 360 degree visibility inside the camper, similar to that of the EarthCruiser EXP expedition vehicle.[10][15] On top, the roof was recessed for standard solar panels which fed the onboard battery and electrical system.[10] Inside, the camper was equipped with amenities including a walk-through shower, sink, refrigerator, induction cooktop, roof-fan system, dinette table, and a bed for two, although there was sky bed option for children as well.[1][10][11] Overall, the unit weighed about 3,000 pounds.[10]

EV (Never produced)[edit]

The EV slide-in camper body is currently in a pre-order status so not many details are known.[18][19] As part of the deposit program, customers are relaying their preferences which could potentially tweak the product outcome.[19] The new model will be compatible with both EV and non-EV vehicles.[18][19] The EV camper line is likely never going to be produced, as the company closed in April of 2024.[4]

GZL (2017–2020)[edit]

The GZL was EarthCruiser's first slide-in camper body.[10] Introduced in 2017, it was intended to be an affordable alternative to the more expensive EarthCruiser vehicles.[22] Multiple versions of the body allowed the product line to fit both mid-size and full-size pickup trucks.[10][22] The unit itself was constructed of insulated fiberglass and was molded into a cab-over configuration.[22] Similar to the higher-end expedition vehicles, the camper featured amenities such as a shower, portable toilet, dinette table, refrigerator and a queen-sized bed.[22] Unlike the EXP and EXD, the solar panel-integrated pop-top roof only lifted on one end and did not do so electrically.[10][22]

GZL 300[edit]

The 300 was a narrow version of the GZL, designed to fit mid-size pickup trucks including the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Ranger. The unit weighed about 1,200 pounds.[22]

GZL 400[edit]

The 400 was a wide version of the GZL, designed to fit full-size pickup trucks including the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Ford F-150.The unit weighed about 1,500 pounds.[22]

GZL 500[edit]

The 500 was a version of the GZL designed specifically for flatbed truck installation.[22]

MOD (2018–2021)[edit]

The MOD, an acronym for "My Own Design," was EarthCruiser's most customizable product and considered to be a low-cost version of the GZL.[10][23] Introduced in 2018, the slide-in fiberglass camper body came in a cab-over configuration with a pop-up roof and overhead lights.[1] Additionally, the unit had a variety of PAKs (Personal Accessory Kits) that could be added or removed from the camper.[1][23] PAK options included small or large seat boxes, sink system, storage cabinet, counter extensioner, toilet cabinet, and a cooler cabinet.[1][23]

MOD 300[edit]

The 300 was a narrow version of the MOD, designed to fit 2012 or newer mid-size pickup trucks including the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Ranger. The unit weighed about 700 pounds.[23]

MOD 400[edit]

The 400 was a wide version of the MOD, designed to fit 2012 or newer full-size pickup trucks including the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Ford F-150.The unit weighed about 800 pounds. [23]

Training expeditions[edit]

EarthCruiser Adventures are training expeditions for small groups of EarthCruiser owners.[3] The domestic and overseas journeys are staffed by tour guides who help participants develop their overlanding skills, including driving, navigation, and cooking.[3][24] EarthCruiser expedition vehicles that are eligible for the trip include models EXP, FX and Terranova.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "What, Exactly, Is an EarthCruiser?". MotorTrend. 2020-11-18. Retrieved 2023-01-05.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Getaway Vehicles: EarthCruiser's Creations Define Off-the-Grid Cool". MotorTrend. 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2023-01-05.
  3. ^ a b c d e "EarthCruiser Launches Overland Tours Adventure Division". RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News. 2022-06-16. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  4. ^ a b EarthCruiser (2024-04-24). "EarthCruiser Announces Closure After 16 Years of Overlanding Innovation". EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "2020 EarthCruiser EXP Is a Rugged Home Away from Everything". MotorTrend. 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "EarthCruiser FX 4x4 expedition vehicle rolls far off the beaten track". New Atlas. 2015-05-30. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  7. ^ a b "Mitsubishi Fuso Shows Presence at the "Brisbane Truck and Machinery show"". Mitsubishi-Fuso. 2009-06-30. Archived from the original on 2014-04-29. Retrieved 2023-01-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ a b c d "Off-Road Dream Machine". Caravan & Motorhome on Tour. 2015-01-13. Archived from the original on 2015-04-15. Retrieved 2023-01-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ a b Dorr, Bryon (2015-05-20). "10 Top 'Adventure-Mobiles' From Overland Expo 2015". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Mike, Mello (2018-12-10). "In the Spotlight: The New EarthCruiser EXD Expedition Camper". Truck Camper Adventure. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Dorr, Bryon (2020-09-29). "Life on the Road: EarthCruiser Terranova Overland Truck Camper". GearJunkie. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Krahn, Sam (2020-09-30). "EARTHCRUISER TERRANOVA IS THE LATEST OFF-ROAD HD PICKUP CAMPER". Muscle Cars and Trucks. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  13. ^ a b c "2020 EarthCruiser FX and EXP campers now come with double cab". Autoblog. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  14. ^ a b Chang, Brittany. "The company that makes these $400,000 overlander off-road RVs with up to 3 beds just added a dual-cab version — see inside". Business Insider. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  15. ^ a b c d e f "EarthCruiser Terranova Is a Camper for One-Ton Pickup Trucks". MotorTrend. 2020-09-29. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  16. ^ a b c "EarthCruiser's Next-Gen Vehicle Platform". Overland Expo®. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  17. ^ a b c d e Katsikopoulou, Myrto (2022-05-04). "EarthCruiser Launches Next-Generation Overland RV Series with Isuzu Cab-Over Platform". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  18. ^ a b c Murphy, Anya (2023-01-18). "EV Overlanding with EarthCruiser". TREAD Magazine. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  19. ^ a b c d "EarthCruiser Teases Slide-In Camper For Electric Trucks". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  20. ^ EarthCruiser (2024-04-24). "EarthCruiser Announces Closure After 16 Years of Overlanding Innovation". EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  21. ^ a b c Corn, Peter (2022-06-13). "The New EarthCruiser CORE Platform Is Not Just Cool, It's Also Meant to Save the World". MotorBiscuit. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h Mike, Mello (2017-05-01). "EarthCruiser Announces GZL Pop-Up Truck Camper". Truck Camper Adventure. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  23. ^ a b c d e "Trailer Life Examines Fiberglass Truck Campers". RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News. 2018-12-14. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  24. ^ Corn, Peter (2022-07-11). "The EarthCruiser Adventure Program Will Change the Way You Think About Overlanding". MotorBiscuit. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
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