Английская Википедия:EarthCruiser

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EarthCruiser is 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]

Production

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.[4] 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

  • 2008: Founded by Australian Lance Gillies and his American wife, Michelle Boltz in Brisbane, Australia.[2][4]
  • 2009: Introduced EarthCruiser, the company's first production expedition vehicle based on the Mitsubishi Fuso chassis.[2][5][6]
  • 2011: Introduced EarthCruiser EXP, an expedition vehicle with an electric pop-up roof.[5][7]
  • 2013: Moved company headquarters to Bend, Oregon to be closer to family.[2][4]
  • 2015: Introduced EarthCruiser FX, an expedition vehicle with a fixed-roof.[8][5]
  • 2017: Introduced GZL, the company's first production slide-in camper for pickup trucks, equipped with a pop-up roof.[9]
  • 2018: Introduced EXD, a camper body and vehicle modification package for American one-ton pickup truck chassis'.[10][11]
  • 2018: Introduced MOD, a customizable version of the GZL slide-in camper body for pickup trucks.[9]
  • 2020: Introduced Dual Cab versions of the EarthCruiser FX and EXP.[2][12][13]
  • 2020: Introduced Terranova, an expedition vehicle based on various American one-ton pickup truck platforms.[2][14]
  • 2022: Announced EarthCruiser EXP, FX, and the CORE commercial vehicle's transition to the Isuzu NPR Series chassis.[15][16]
  • 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.[17][18]

Vehicles

EarthCruiser (2009–present)

The EarthCruiser company shares their name with the original prototype and first production expedition vehicle line released in 2009.[2][5][6] 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.[4][5] 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.[12][13] In 2022, the EarthCruiser chassis transitioned to the Isuzu NPR Series Class 4 platform, powered by the GM 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine.[15][16]

The EarthCruiser fiberglass camper bodies are insulated to help reduce energy usage.[5][7] The rounded shape is intended to reduce wind drag at higher speeds and avoid accidental contact with terrain while on a trail.[16] 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.[4][5][16] Other exterior attachments include an electric awning and recovery winch.[4][7] An EarthCruiser camper body is attached to a vehicle chassis using kinetic spring mounts to prevent stress and damage to the body structure.[7] 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.[4][1][5][12]

EarthCruiser EXP (2011–present)

The EarthCruiser EXP is the model that company-founder Lance Gillies considers to be the original EarthCruiser.[9] Introduced in 2011, it is the most expensive model, equipped with an electrically-operated roof that increases the ceiling height by 24 inches[4][5] the extra height allowing a 360 degree view out of the canopy.[2][4] When lowered, the diminished roof line allows the vehicle to fit more easily into a shipping container.[4]

EarthCruiser FX (2015–present)

The EarthCruiser FX is a more basic, lower-priced model with a stationary roof.[5] 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.[8] The roofline sits eight inches above the cab roof, but is still compact enough to fit into a shipping container.[5]

Terranova (2021–present)

The Terranova is an expedition vehicle built on a Chevrolet, Ford, or RAM one-ton pickup truck chassis.[2][10] 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][10] A domestically-manufactured chassis also allows better availability of parts and more familiar maintenance procedures.[2][10]

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][10][11] 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.[10][11][14] When raised the canopy allows the camper to sleep up to four people.[10][11] When lowered, the RV is more compact for trails and more aerodynamic.[10][11] Solar panels are mounted on top of the roof to supply the onboard battery and electrical system.[10][11][14] Inside the camper, amenities include a bathroom, sink, induction cooktop, refrigerator/freezer, ventilation fan, and an optional air conditioner.[1][10][11][14] A shower is also included, however it is located on the outside of the unit. [1][10][11][14]

CORE (2021–present)

The CORE is a chassis cab expedition vehicle; a camper body is not included.[19] 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.[15][16][19]

The nature of the body allows the customer to customise the vehicle for their purposes.[19]

Camper bodies

EXD (2018–2020)

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.[9] 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.[9] Mounting to the chassis was part of an "Expedition Package" which included camper body side skirts and a cab pass-through.[9] 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.[9][10] 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.[9] 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.[9][14] On top, the roof was recessed for standard solar panels which fed the onboard battery and electrical system.[9] 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][9][10] Overall, the unit weighed about 3,000 pounds.[9]

EV (2023–present)

The EV slide-in camper body is currently in a pre-order status so not many details are known.[17][18] As part of the deposit program, customers are relaying their preferences which could potentially tweak the product outcome.[18] The new model will be compatible with both EV and non-EV vehicles.[17][18]

GZL (2017–2020)

The GZL was EarthCruiser's first slide-in camper body.[9] Introduced in 2017, it was intended to be an affordable alternative to the more expensive EarthCruiser vehicles.[20] Multiple versions of the body allowed the product line to fit both mid-size and full-size pickup trucks.[9][20] The unit itself was constructed of insulated fiberglass and was molded into a cab-over configuration.[20] 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.[20] Unlike the EXP and EXD, the solar panel-integrated pop-top roof only lifted on one end and did not do so electrically.[9][20]

GZL 300

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.[20]

GZL 400

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.[20]

GZL 500

The 500 was a version of the GZL designed specifically for flatbed truck installation.[20]

MOD (2018–2021)

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.[9][21] 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][21] PAK options included small or large seat boxes, sink system, storage cabinet, counter extensioner, toilet cabinet, and a cooler cabinet.[1][21]

MOD 300

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.[21]

MOD 400

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. [21]

Training expeditions

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][22] EarthCruiser expedition vehicles that are eligible for the trip include models EXP, FX and Terranova.[3]

References

Шаблон:Reflist

Партнерские ресурсы
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Разное

  1. ↑ 1,00 1,01 1,02 1,03 1,04 1,05 1,06 1,07 1,08 1,09 1,10 1,11 Шаблон:Cite web
  2. ↑ 2,00 2,01 2,02 2,03 2,04 2,05 2,06 2,07 2,08 2,09 2,10 2,11 2,12 Шаблон:Cite web
  3. ↑ 3,0 3,1 3,2 3,3 3,4 Шаблон:Cite web
  4. ↑ 4,0 4,1 4,2 4,3 4,4 4,5 4,6 4,7 4,8 4,9 Шаблон:Cite web
  5. ↑ 5,00 5,01 5,02 5,03 5,04 5,05 5,06 5,07 5,08 5,09 5,10 Шаблон:Cite web
  6. ↑ 6,0 6,1 Шаблон:Cite web
  7. ↑ 7,0 7,1 7,2 7,3 Шаблон:Cite web
  8. ↑ 8,0 8,1 Шаблон:Cite web
  9. ↑ 9,00 9,01 9,02 9,03 9,04 9,05 9,06 9,07 9,08 9,09 9,10 9,11 9,12 9,13 9,14 9,15 Шаблон:Cite web
  10. ↑ 10,00 10,01 10,02 10,03 10,04 10,05 10,06 10,07 10,08 10,09 10,10 10,11 10,12 Шаблон:Cite web
  11. ↑ 11,0 11,1 11,2 11,3 11,4 11,5 11,6 11,7 Шаблон:Cite web
  12. ↑ 12,0 12,1 12,2 Шаблон:Cite web
  13. ↑ 13,0 13,1 Шаблон:Cite web
  14. ↑ 14,0 14,1 14,2 14,3 14,4 14,5 Шаблон:Cite web
  15. ↑ 15,0 15,1 15,2 Шаблон:Cite web
  16. ↑ 16,0 16,1 16,2 16,3 16,4 Шаблон:Cite web
  17. ↑ 17,0 17,1 17,2 Шаблон:Cite web
  18. ↑ 18,0 18,1 18,2 18,3 Шаблон:Cite web
  19. ↑ 19,0 19,1 19,2 Шаблон:Cite web
  20. ↑ 20,0 20,1 20,2 20,3 20,4 20,5 20,6 20,7 Шаблон:Cite web
  21. ↑ 21,0 21,1 21,2 21,3 21,4 Шаблон:Cite web
  22. ↑ Шаблон:Cite web
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