The Truck Worth Waiting For

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I Can’t Believe SEMA Is Here Already.

This has been the statement used by pretty much the entire crew for the past few weeks. It’s amazing to look back to March 2018 when we first started discussing the v8 truck concept, to this past February when we started taking apart the first chassis. It has been a transformation in not just the vehicle, but how great our crew has worked together to make miracles happen.

Chassis Transformation from a basic Fuso FE to the new EarthCruiser EXP

For 11 years EarthCruiser has seen over 177 vehicles fulfill dreams of exploration from the Steps of Mongolia, to the Steens Mountain in Oregon. This was done without any major modification to the original EarthCruiser platform. Now the world is changing, and the company finds it necessary to create something new.

The Vortec 6.0L v8 gasoline engine puts out an impressive 297 horsepower and 361 foot pounds of torque. This boost in power gives it better on-road and off-road performance compared to its diesel predecessor. Power wasn’t the only driver behind the change to a gasoline powered drivetrain.  As we’ve already mentioned in other posts many countries have begun increasing emission regulations on diesel engines in favor of high efficiency gasoline and electric power plants. In addition, Fuso engine manufacturers have made it clear that because of these inherent changes, they will not invest in new diesel engine technology past 2020. So, as these regulations and policy changes continue, we are choosing to change as well. This allows us to do what is best for our owners, to continue to create reliable vehicles free from limitations, regardless of their global destination.

Our engineering team worked closely with Allison Transmission to develop a program that would optimize power and fuel efficiency. This transmission program is an EarthCruiser exclusive and designed to integrate seamlessly into our custom gearing. Partnering with Trail Worthy Fab the two speed HERO transfer case has 1-1 high and 1-4.33 low gearing. Most impressive are the drive options you can quickly select using 2 levers in the cab: 2WD High rear, 2WD High front, 2WD Low rear, 2WD Low front, 4WD High, 4WD Low.

For axles we found a great partner in Dyna Trac to develop ProSeries 80’s Full floating axles with universal axle lengths front to rear and left to right, Warn locking hubs, and ARB Air Locker Differentials. 14” vented disk brakes with ABS help stop the Method 305 NV Heavy Duty 8-6.5 17 X 8.5 wheels wrapped with Toyo Open Country M/T 37″ E rated tires. These components were all chosen and designed to our spec making it the brawniest mid-duty 4×4 truck available.

While the chassis received the most notable changes, our team has also made numerous innovative leaps forward inside the living quarters. Storage was vastly increased inside and out, to make it easier to carry your recreational gear and supplies for longer trips. One large hinging door makes the under-bed storage easily accessible, and a 30” pull out drawer by the kitchen is perfect for storing non-refrigerated food. There is an optional slide-out kitchen on the passenger side of the truck, perfect for grilling when the weather is nice.

EarthCruiser designed a new roof, taking 150 pounds out of it to lower the trucks center of gravity. Integrated into the roof is a fan system that efficiently moves over 200 cfm of air keeping the house fresh and practically eliminating any condensation from occurring.

The entry way bathroom was redesigned to be more ergonomic, and provides increased privacy by utilizing a sliding wall to create an enclosed space. Another game changing innovation, which is currently in the testing phase, is our proprietary grey water recycling system. Developed with Oregon State University, this closed circuit water recycling system uses 3 different types of carbon filters, a UV filter, and dedicated electric hot water tank. This system significantly reduces the power required to take a hot shower, by cycling the already heated water through the filtration system, and back out the shower head.  It allows for long, steamy showers, without worrying about depleting your fresh water supply.

Overall the truck boasts 84 gallons of fresh water storage, up to 720 Amp hours of lithium power storage, and up to 800 watts of solar generation. While we did expand the power capacity, you won’t see huge battery storage and solar generation numbers, as with some other manufacturers.  This is for the simple reason that, you don’t need it.  Our electrical systems were designed to sip power, and have numerous backup systems if and when necessary. We only select proven systems for our trucks, then test them to all the extremes to see how they perform. Only once we are happy with the result are these products chosen.

With the option of a dual cab, the sleeping configuration was updated to sleep more passengers. While the rear full bed stayed the same (55”W x 78”L), EarthCruiser made the front dinette bed larger to sleep 2 adults comfortably. Plus, an optional sky bed rolls out to sleep 2 small kids or one adult under 150lbs. The first dual cab is planned to be built in early 2020, and more specs on this will follow.

These are just a handful of new features you will experience with these trucks. After SEMA we will be consistently updating our website with more images, test specs, and videos of this new platform. We are now taking orders for this new truck, and the 2020 build slots will fill really quickly. If you are seriously interested we welcome you to come test the truck out the week of November 11th, and claim one at our introductory price of $350,000.  It is really important to reserve yours now as pricing will increase after January 1st, 2020.

Most of All… HUGE thanks to our dedicated crew for literally making miracles happen, and designing and building a vehicle that can stand proud in the EarthCruiser family. We have big plans for this new rig, and we know you’ll be impressed in what you see.

Click here to check out the new EXP webpage!

 

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