IVECO DAILY’S NEW 7-TONNE CHASSIS TO UNDERPIN LATEST AUSSIE EXPEDITION EARTHCRUISER
OK, so you’ve read recently about bespoke Aussie camper van manufacturer Earthcruiser Australia’s latest Toyota Land Cruiser-based build.
Well, be prepared to again have any preconceptions you might have about Aussies blown away for a second time in as many months, thanks to the company’s next build project; the new seven-tonne Iveco Daily 4x4-based Expedition Earthcruiser EXP.
Built from the get-go to be Euro 6 compliant, the new EXP 4x4 will also be available for the first time with a fluid eight-speed transmission, or a traditional six-speed manual.
The new EXP model is part of a range of Iveco Daily cab/chassis options available for customers to configure to their exact specifications for their dream adventure in Australia’s outback, or indeed, worldwide.
Powered by Iveco’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine developing 134kW (180hp) and 430 Nm of torque, the all-wheel drive chassis with low range transmission, delivers true go-anywhere adventuring. Its Euro 6 compliance ensuring extremely low exhaust emissions, reducing the environmental impact of each journey.
Working with the base Iveco cab/ chassis, Earthcruiser modifies the original vehicle to add in features born of years of experience on the road (and off it).
The new seven-tonne chassis has a towing capacity of 3.5-tonne, and across the Tasman requires the driver to possess a light or medium rigid licence.
Running 17-inch forged alloy rims with a 2250kg load rating, and 37-inch Kevlar-reinforced mud terrain tyres with a 2300kg rating, the IVECO does sit high off the deck, so an electric threestep entry system is fitted.
It is equipped with 100-litres of water as standard, although a 400-litre tank is optionally available. Similarly, the standard Iveco 90-litre fuel tank can be augmented by a further 400-litre tank.
Earthcruiser adds an upgraded 85-litre AdBlue tank to extend the cruising range considerably, with consumption of around three litres per 100 km, depending on terrain and loading, giving a notional 2800 km between refills.
The camper is fully moulded as a single piece for structural rigidity, and features high density thermal foam walls, floor and roof to provide strength and temperature protection.
The cabin is modified to allow walkthrough from the reprofiled swivel front seats to the camper area.
An integrated awning is fitted to the side of the body, and there are three exterior spotlights and two opening side windows as well as the pop-top roof for a comfortable ceiling height. An all-new double leaf door opens up the living area to enhance the sensation of a more spacious environment within.
The roof is home to an upgradable 270-Watt solar panel system. There is an 1800-Watt inverter/charger, also upgradable, and there are three x 120 Amp batteries on board as well as a touch screen to control more than 80 functions in the camper body.
The interior fit-out is comprehensive. Across the Iveco Daily range there are multiple camper configurations with single and queen beds, with plush highdensity mattresses with memory foam
topper, and a fold down table.
Home comforts include a stainlesssteel kitchen sink, inside and outside shower, slide-out internal toilet, freshwater drinking fountain and upright fridge-freezer. The cook-top can be either induction or diesel powered. There is also a continuous hot water service and climate control system.
The array of optional extras is as broad as the imagination of the wouldbe adventurers, all of whom are able to customise their new vehicle with features they have used before or have always wanted to include: from snorkels to toolboxes, winches to reversing cameras, Bilstein shocks or full air suspension, washing machine or air conditioner.
“Seriously,” Mark Fawcett owner of Earthcruiser Australia told NZ4WD, “there is an almost unlimited choice of accessories and fittings that can be added at the production stage, for a fully integrated and very high-quality finish, that will stand the test of time and off-road exploring.
“Customer satisfaction is what is driving us towards producing the ultimate dream machines for that big off-road adventure. Our customers know that we are building a bespoke vehicle for their needs based on their dreams or their experience, or both.
“An Earthcruiser is definitely no ordinary motorhome built on the back of a 4x4 truck. It is derived from personal experiences, a passion for excellence, comfort, reliability and significant field testing, not only in our
Australian outback home but across the globe.
“The Iveco Daily chassis provides a very flexible basis for the ultimate adventure camper, as it is available in many configurations, so there’s a solution for everyone.”
Videos of the Earthcruiser range are available via www.earthcruiser.net.au or search for Earthcruiser Australia on You Tube, Face Book or Instagram. Meanwhile for full details on the standard and optional specification available with the Iveco Daily 4x4 Euro 6 7-tonne chassis, visit: www.earthcruiser.net.au or contact Mark Fawcett direct on mobile 0412 64 24 37 or sales@earthcruiser.net.au