Frequently asked questions

frequently asked questions

Have more questions?
You’re in the right place.

Welcome to the EarthCruiser frequently asked questions (FAQ) page.

Here you will find information regarding general interest, company profile, purchasing process and EarthCruiser manufactured vehicles: EXP, FX, and EC Terranova. 

Have further questions? Drop us an email.

Where are EarthCruisers made?
EarthCruisers built for the US and export markets are hand-crafted in Bend, OR. Australian and New Zealand markets are manufactured near Sydney, Australia.
How long has EarthCruiser been in business?
EarthCruiser was started in Australia in 2008, then moved to Bend, Oregon in 2013.
How do I know if an EarthCruiser is the right fit for me?

Is your dream to explore places beyond the traditional RV park or campground in North America, or elsewhere in the world? Do you want to be able to go streamside, mountainside, beach-side or in the snow with access to a warm shower, toilet, and a cold beverage in a true all-weather vehicle? Do you want to continue moving forward rather than having to turn back for fuel or provisions? If the answers are yes, then read on.

How do I know if an EarthCruiser is the right fit for me?
Is your dream to explore places beyond the traditional RV park or campground in North America, or elsewhere in the world? Do you want to be able to go streamside, mountainside, beach-side or in the snow with access to a warm shower, a flush toilet, a cold beverage in a true all-weather vehicle? Do you want to continue moving forward rather than having to turn back for fuel or provisions? If the answers are yes, then read on.
So, if EarthCruisers were developed in Australia, what do you know about cold?
Having spent the last several years building EarthCruisers in Bend, OR and traveling throughout other parts of the world, we know a thing or two about cold. EarthCruisers are all-weather, four season vehicles. Their fiberglass construction provides excellent insulation qualities and all other systems have been designed to work in extreme cold conditions. Ask some of our Mongolian customers!
How did the shape of an EarthCruiser come about?

An EarthCruiser is sized for ease of handling on and off road. The living compartment isn’t simply a bolt-on box full of amenities; it is engineered in a way to compliment the chassis. The width of the house relative to the cab has been designed so when traveling through scrub, branches are easily deflected past. An EarthCruiser’s widest elements are its side mirrors; an easy to monitor dimension when trying to squeeze through tight environments. When we started building EarthCruisers in Australia there were restrictions on length ~22ft (6700 mm). Those same restrictions are now in place on some roads in national parks and other places in the world to limit environmental degradation. An EarthCruiser from the front of the bullbar to the back of the spare wheel carrier is 21′ 9″ (6630 mm). To comply with these regulations, EarthCruiser has no plans to extend the length of the vehicle.

How do I apply for a job at EarthCruiser?

Job postings have historically been posted on Indeed, but sending in a resume any time never hurts. 

Does EarthCruiser offer internships?
EarthCruiser has offered and will continue to offer a verity of working internships, ranging from high school to college level. Availability depends on the time of year, commitments to schools/programs and if current positions are full, but we love to work with young people and our community. Invest in the future and the future will be brighter!
I have more questions.

Please drop us an email and we’re happy to answer your questions.

How long does it take to get an EarthCruiser?

We build to order, and it takes approximately 10 weeks to build an EarthCruiser. Delivery timing is dependent on a few factors: the amount of personalized options and  builds in front of you in the queue.

Do you have a showroom, and can I come to see one?

Because we build to order, seeing an EarthCruiser is dependent on what is being built at the time. Our workshop builds during four, ten hour shifts and we’re available by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays. Please organize in advance if you would like to visit as we can’t guarantee we won’t be out enjoying all Oregon has to offer. If you are indeed serious about an EarthCruiser, we like for you to come spend the day with us learning more about what we do and how an EarthCruiser may compliment your outdoor lifestyle. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Are there any second hand EarthCruisers available?

Absolutely! We have a Certified Pre-Owned sales program for owners looking to upgrade to new models. All vehicles go through an extensive certification program. You can find all these well-cared for trucks by clicking on the pre-loved EarthCruiser page.

Do you offer financing?

EarthCruiser vehicles are listed in the NADA Guides, which many lenders use to determine financing. We have several partners we recommend for financing. Contact sales@earthcruiser.com to learn more.

So how much does an EarthCruiser cost?

EarthCruiser EXP and FX models start at $595,000. Terranova models start at $350,000. Pricing does change periodically. Contact our sales team for up to date pricing at sales@earthcruiser.com.

Changing a spare looks hard — is it?

Our wheel and tire combination weigh roughly 100 lbs./45 kgs, making it easy to change. Our spare wheel carrier is also engineered to make dropping and stowing hassle less. We NEVER use military type tires, you can take your EarthCruiser to nearly any local tire shop around the world

I don’t know anything about cab-over chassis, why do you use them?

Cab-over chassis are engineered to be operated by drivers, not owners. They are robust, have reasonable fuel economy, and are very reliable. Outfitted with our proprietary 4wd system, these vehicles are more than competent in off-road settings, and once we’re done with them, their on-road manners shine just as well. The wide windscreen provides a panoramic view of forward obstacles while also granting a commanding presence when knocking down those pavement miles on the way to your dirt tracked destination. There is access to a network of service available worldwide; this is important for little things that can make a big difference, like replacing a windscreen while traveling domestically or around the world.

Are the cab-over chassis easy to drive?

The current 6-speed auto with a full manual mode is a dream to drive our customers really enjoy it. The steering column is fully adjustable so that people of all heights can easily reach all of the controls. It isn’t a ‘big’ truck, it is smaller in overall length than many US pick-up trucks. They easily fit in a standard car parking space. The great turning radius with a visibility only available in a cab-over truck just adds to enjoyment of touring in a EarthCruiser EXP or FX

Why did EarthCruiser switch to a petrol (gasoline) powered truck chassis?

New cab-over trucks with a factory 4wd in the states are produced by CORE Vehicles, a division of EarthCruiser. With emission standards becoming even more regulated you’ll start seeing many manufacturers of mid-duty trucks switching to gas or electric platforms. These emission regulations are also forcing the demand for ULSD to increase drastically and diesel fuel prices are expected to rise significantly.

Most importantly, our business is about long distance remote overland travel. Our job is to give customers as many options to travel without limitations anywhere they want to go. Many parts of our beautiful world are getting away from diesel as a fuel, and this is only going to get more common as time goes on. Switching to a petroleum platform means owners won’t have to worry about something that could be a limitation when traveling to remote areas.

How many people can fit in an EarthCruiser?

You have 2 options when ordering your EarthCruiser FX or EXP, a single cab or a dual cab. The single cab can seat two people comfortably. The dual cab option gives you two extremely comfortable Scheelman Vario captains chairs in the cab and the option for either two more or a bench seat with seatbelts for four. Our standard sleeping arrangement can comfortably sleep two adults in the rear, and two in the dinette area. An optional sky bed can be installed to fit 2 more small kids, or one adult under 150 lbs.

EarthCruiser Terranova vehicles seat four persons in the cab. The Terranova comfortably sleeps two adults in the rear, and two in the dinette area.

I’m getting older and tired of my van conversion, is there enough space to live ‘inside’ for me, my partner and my dog?

We hear this a lot and van conversions are great for a weekend. An EarthCruiser FX or EXP gives you about 92 sq. ft. or 8.6 sq. m of internal living space. Having the bed always made in the back and a dinette up front means that there is defined space for different activities or just to have separate ‘personal’ space when needed. Being light and bright makes even rainy or cold days enjoyable and our walk-through mudroom/shower area makes drying wet clothes, dogs or boots easy.

EarthCruiser Terranova trucks feature 90 square feet of living space, including copious storage drawers and bins to keep you organized.

I have a lot of stuff I like to travel with, is there enough storage for me?

An EarthCruiser has a lot of storage — we have customers traveling the world in their EC’s, demanding enough room for not only everyday items, but also tools, spares, recovery gear, and outdoor swag! In an EarthCruiser, you have pass through storage for long items like skis as well as a plethora of internal storage for kitchen and personal items.

How much water can I carry?

An EarthCruisers capacity for fresh water is 75 gallons. They also have an onboard water purification system so that any water you pick up (you can fill tanks with stream or other water sources) can be safely consumed.

Terranovas come standard with a 36 gallon fresh water tank and a 20 gallon auxiliary tank as well as an on-board filtration and purification system.

I don’t see a propane tank on an EarthCruiser. Why?

Propane, often called LPG, is a very common, transportable fuel for heating and cooking. It does have some drawbacks for extended overland traveler. Propane tank shut-off valves have a have a nasty habit of vibrating to the ON position when traversing rough or corrugated roads. The results can be devastating. It can be very difficult have bottles refiled in remote places and countries, there are different standards for gas, meaning gas vents may not work or become unstable. Not ideal. Hence, we use other fuel sources. Induction cook tops are safe, extremely reliable and efficient for inside cooking. A petrol-fired air heater allows for comfortable nights in the most extreme conditions. 

Can I still have a microwave or air conditioner?

Yes, there are addition power creation and storage options available beside the standard  system installed. It simply depends on what is important to you. Our trained and knowledgable sales team can help.

As an example, our crew can provide a “energy usage”map based on your expected usage requirements, taking into account driving and weather conditions. Energy systems engineering is a discipline our team is well versed in. We provide everything you need, and nothing you do not for adventures of a life time.

I like to fish/hunt what are my options for storing my catches?

In the house of every EarthCruiser and Terranova you’ll find a 130L fridge freezer, which is very efficient and functions off-level (very important when you can’t always park on a nice flat spot). We also wire for an additional fridge/freezer in the rear locker box which we can install on sliders for easy access and an efficient use of space.

Why don’t you put anything on the roof – can I put things on the roof?
We put our flat, flexible solar panels on the roof. If you want to put things up top, a basket or box can be mounted to our EarthCruiser roof rack and scrub bar.
What can you access with the top down?

Our EarthCruiser EXP and Terranova vehicles come with electronic pop-up roofs. 

When the roofs are down in both vehicles it is still possible to access the house, use the toilet and sit at the dinette table. You can still lie down and use the bed in the EXP with the roof fully closed.

Where are EarthCruisers made?
EarthCruisers built for the US and export markets are hand-crafted in Bend, OR. Australian and New Zealand markets are manufactured near Sydney, Australia.
How long has EarthCruiser been in business?
EarthCruiser was started in Australia in 2008, then moved to Bend, Oregon in 2013.
How do I know if an EarthCruiser is the right fit for me?

Is your dream to explore places beyond the traditional RV park or campground in North America, or elsewhere in the world? Do you want to be able to go streamside, mountainside, beach-side or in the snow with access to a warm shower, toilet, and a cold beverage in a true all-weather vehicle? Do you want to continue moving forward rather than having to turn back for fuel or provisions? If the answers are yes, then read on.

How do I know if an EarthCruiser is the right fit for me?
Is your dream to explore places beyond the traditional RV park or campground in North America, or elsewhere in the world? Do you want to be able to go streamside, mountainside, beach-side or in the snow with access to a warm shower, a flush toilet, a cold beverage in a true all-weather vehicle? Do you want to continue moving forward rather than having to turn back for fuel or provisions? If the answers are yes, then read on.
So, if EarthCruisers were developed in Australia, what do you know about cold?
Having spent the last several years building EarthCruisers in Bend, OR and traveling throughout other parts of the world, we know a thing or two about cold. EarthCruisers are all-weather, four season vehicles. Their fiberglass construction provides excellent insulation qualities and all other systems have been designed to work in extreme cold conditions. Ask some of our Mongolian customers!
How did the shape of an EarthCruiser come about?

An EarthCruiser is sized for ease of handling on and off road. The living compartment isn’t simply a bolt-on box full of amenities; it is engineered in a way to compliment the chassis. The width of the house relative to the cab has been designed so when traveling through scrub, branches are easily deflected past. An EarthCruiser’s widest elements are its side mirrors; an easy to monitor dimension when trying to squeeze through tight environments. When we started building EarthCruisers in Australia there were restrictions on length ~22ft (6700 mm). Those same restrictions are now in place on some roads in national parks and other places in the world to limit environmental degradation. An EarthCruiser from the front of the bullbar to the back of the spare wheel carrier is 21′ 9″ (6630 mm). To comply with these regulations, EarthCruiser has no plans to extend the length of the vehicle.

How do I apply for a job at EarthCruiser?

Job postings have historically been posted on Indeed, but sending in a resume any time never hurts. 

Does EarthCruiser offer internships?
EarthCruiser has offered and will continue to offer a verity of working internships, ranging from high school to college level. Availability depends on the time of year, commitments to schools/programs and if current positions are full, but we love to work with young people and our community. Invest in the future and the future will be brighter!
I have more questions.

Please drop us an email and we’re happy to answer your questions.

How long does it take to get an EarthCruiser?

We build to order, and it takes approximately 10 weeks to build an EarthCruiser. Delivery timing is dependent on a few factors: the amount of personalized options and  builds in front of you in the queue.

Do you have a showroom, and can I come to see one?

Because we build to order, seeing an EarthCruiser is dependent on what is being built at the time. Our workshop builds during four, ten hour shifts and we’re available by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays. Please organize in advance if you would like to visit as we can’t guarantee we won’t be out enjoying all Oregon has to offer. If you are indeed serious about an EarthCruiser, we like for you to come spend the day with us learning more about what we do and how an EarthCruiser may compliment your outdoor lifestyle. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Are there any second hand EarthCruisers available?

Absolutely! We have a Certified Pre-Owned sales program for owners looking to upgrade to new models. All vehicles go through an extensive certification program. You can find all these well-cared for trucks by clicking on the pre-loved EarthCruiser page.

Do you offer financing?

EarthCruiser vehicles are listed in the NADA Guides, which many lenders use to determine financing. We have several partners we recommend for financing. Contact sales@earthcruiser.com to learn more.

So how much does an EarthCruiser cost?

EarthCruiser EXP and FX models start at $595,000. Terranova models start at $350,000. Pricing does change periodically. Contact our sales team for up to date pricing at sales@earthcruiser.com.

Changing a spare looks hard — is it?

Our wheel and tire combination weigh roughly 100 lbs./45 kgs, making it easy to change. Our spare wheel carrier is also engineered to make dropping and stowing hassle less. We NEVER use military type tires, you can take your EarthCruiser to nearly any local tire shop around the world

I don’t know anything about cab-over chassis, why do you use them?

Cab-over chassis are engineered to be operated by drivers, not owners. They are robust, have reasonable fuel economy, and are very reliable. Outfitted with our proprietary 4wd system, these vehicles are more than competent in off-road settings, and once we’re done with them, their on-road manners shine just as well. The wide windscreen provides a panoramic view of forward obstacles while also granting a commanding presence when knocking down those pavement miles on the way to your dirt tracked destination. There is access to a network of service available worldwide; this is important for little things that can make a big difference, like replacing a windscreen while traveling domestically or around the world.

Are the cab-over chassis easy to drive?

The current 6-speed auto with a full manual mode is a dream to drive our customers really enjoy it. The steering column is fully adjustable so that people of all heights can easily reach all of the controls. It isn’t a ‘big’ truck, it is smaller in overall length than many US pick-up trucks. They easily fit in a standard car parking space. The great turning radius with a visibility only available in a cab-over truck just adds to enjoyment of touring in a EarthCruiser EXP or FX

Why did EarthCruiser switch to a petrol (gasoline) powered truck chassis?

New cab-over trucks with a factory 4wd in the states are produced by CORE Vehicles, a division of EarthCruiser. With emission standards becoming even more regulated you’ll start seeing many manufacturers of mid-duty trucks switching to gas or electric platforms. These emission regulations are also forcing the demand for ULSD to increase drastically and diesel fuel prices are expected to rise significantly.

Most importantly, our business is about long distance remote overland travel. Our job is to give customers as many options to travel without limitations anywhere they want to go. Many parts of our beautiful world are getting away from diesel as a fuel, and this is only going to get more common as time goes on. Switching to a petroleum platform means owners won’t have to worry about something that could be a limitation when traveling to remote areas.

How many people can fit in an EarthCruiser?

You have 2 options when ordering your EarthCruiser FX or EXP, a single cab or a dual cab. The single cab can seat two people comfortably. The dual cab option gives you two extremely comfortable Scheelman Vario captains chairs in the cab and the option for either two more or a bench seat with seatbelts for four. Our standard sleeping arrangement can comfortably sleep two adults in the rear, and two in the dinette area. An optional sky bed can be installed to fit 2 more small kids, or one adult under 150 lbs.

EarthCruiser Terranova vehicles seat four persons in the cab. The Terranova comfortably sleeps two adults in the rear, and two in the dinette area.

I’m getting older and tired of my van conversion, is there enough space to live ‘inside’ for me, my partner and my dog?

We hear this a lot and van conversions are great for a weekend. An EarthCruiser FX or EXP gives you about 92 sq. ft. or 8.6 sq. m of internal living space. Having the bed always made in the back and a dinette up front means that there is defined space for different activities or just to have separate ‘personal’ space when needed. Being light and bright makes even rainy or cold days enjoyable and our walk-through mudroom/shower area makes drying wet clothes, dogs or boots easy.

EarthCruiser Terranova trucks feature 90 square feet of living space, including copious storage drawers and bins to keep you organized.

I have a lot of stuff I like to travel with, is there enough storage for me?

An EarthCruiser has a lot of storage — we have customers traveling the world in their EC’s, demanding enough room for not only everyday items, but also tools, spares, recovery gear, and outdoor swag! In an EarthCruiser, you have pass through storage for long items like skis as well as a plethora of internal storage for kitchen and personal items.

How much water can I carry?

An EarthCruisers capacity for fresh water is 75 gallons. They also have an onboard water purification system so that any water you pick up (you can fill tanks with stream or other water sources) can be safely consumed.

Terranovas come standard with a 36 gallon fresh water tank and a 20 gallon auxiliary tank as well as an on-board filtration and purification system.

I don’t see a propane tank on an EarthCruiser. Why?

Propane, often called LPG, is a very common, transportable fuel for heating and cooking. It does have some drawbacks for extended overland traveler. Propane tank shut-off valves have a have a nasty habit of vibrating to the ON position when traversing rough or corrugated roads. The results can be devastating. It can be very difficult have bottles refiled in remote places and countries, there are different standards for gas, meaning gas vents may not work or become unstable. Not ideal. Hence, we use other fuel sources. Induction cook tops are safe, extremely reliable and efficient for inside cooking. A petrol-fired air heater allows for comfortable nights in the most extreme conditions. 

Can I still have a microwave or air conditioner?

Yes, there are addition power creation and storage options available beside the standard  system installed. It simply depends on what is important to you. Our trained and knowledgable sales team can help.

As an example, our crew can provide a “energy usage”map based on your expected usage requirements, taking into account driving and weather conditions. Energy systems engineering is a discipline our team is well versed in. We provide everything you need, and nothing you do not for adventures of a life time.

I like to fish/hunt what are my options for storing my catches?

In the house of every EarthCruiser and Terranova you’ll find a 130L fridge freezer, which is very efficient and functions off-level (very important when you can’t always park on a nice flat spot). We also wire for an additional fridge/freezer in the rear locker box which we can install on sliders for easy access and an efficient use of space.

Why don’t you put anything on the roof – can I put things on the roof?
We put our flat, flexible solar panels on the roof. If you want to put things up top, a basket or box can be mounted to our EarthCruiser roof rack and scrub bar.
What can you access with the top down?

Our EarthCruiser EXP and Terranova vehicles come with electronic pop-up roofs. 

When the roofs are down in both vehicles it is still possible to access the house, use the toilet and sit at the dinette table. You can still lie down and use the bed in the EXP with the roof fully closed.