EarthCruiser Australia has unveiled its latest, a go-anywhere 6×6 based on the tried and tested Landcruiser 79 Series platform. Now, the new EarthCruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 was originally a special custom build. But as word got out, more people wanted a piece of the action which includes a spec list to conquer the world’s toughest terrain in comfort.
The EarthCruiser Extreme 330 XTR6X6 appears to mean business from the ground up. With a drive system developed by 6×6 Australia, it features a unique coil/airbag sprung bogie drive rear axle set-up, with full load-sharing capability between each rear axle. When the vehicle is on the blacktop, a drive-through diff and power divider mean the third axle remains undriven. But once traction starts to break, the power divider locks up to 100% drive to all wheels. A variable ratio rear steer feature provides variable steering assistance from the rear bogie based on turn radius and speed.
As you would expect, this EarthCruiser Extreme has a low-range transfer case, paired with either a 6-speed Toyota automatic transmission or a standard manual with a fortified clutch. Engage the three differential locks via in-cabin switches when things get serious.
Further aiding offroad credentials are portal axles that provide a 5″ lift along with an impressive 390mm of under axle clearance at the diff pumpkin. The portals have been FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tested and certified to over 1,500kg each (3,000kg per axle) and include a CTIS (Central Tyre Inflation System), that supplies air to the tyres through the hub centre.
Airbag suspension smooths out the bumps, and owners can take advantage of three height modes – kneel, ride and lift. Chassis clearance of the EarthCruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 at ride height is 610mm.
Of note, is the fitment of four hydraulic rams. Use these for maintenance and changing tyres without manually jacking it up. All of this sits on 17” Earthcruiser forged alloy rims with dual inflation valves and 35 x 12.5” Federal Xplora mud terrain tyres with 137Q load rating (2300kg per tyre).
GVM has been upgraded to 7,000kg with a front axle capacity 500kg higher than stock. All up, owners will end up with around a 3,000kg payload in addition to the outfitted camper body. To handle all this, the EarthCruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 has a hydraulic brake booster, upgraded calipers and oversized heavy-duty vented brake rotors to increase stopping power.
Travel long distances on a single tank with a fuel capacity of 275 litres!
Inside, the Landcruiser’s factory seats have been re-sculptured and retrimmed, and the cabin is fully sound and vibration dampened. You can crawl through to the camper from the cabin, where you will find two additional seat belted positions. However, even though you can carry four people, it doesn’t appear to sleep that many.
Mixing luxury and practicality on the road, you’ll find leather dinette seats, Corian benchtops, a stainless sink, and purified water. Enjoy either an internal or external showers with a diesel hot water system and 275 litres of onboard water. Grey water goes into a 27-litre tank.
Other comforts in the EarthCruiser Extreme 6×6 include air conditioning, a microwave, a two-burner induction cooktop, two fridges, a washing machine, a dryer and an electric slide-out Thetford chemical toilet ensuite.
Powering off-grid is catered for with a full Lithium battery system and 810w of solar. A 3000w Victron inverter, a 50amp Multi Country Victron battery charger and a fully sealed and water-cooled brushless alternator round out the deal.
In terms of lighting, auxiliary spotlights are upfront, as well as a curved road vision light bar and bull bar with fog lights. 360° flood lighting is fitted with an ‘emergency lighting’ function.
Along with traditional UHF communications, the EarthCruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 runs a Starlink Satellite System. This provides easy internet access while allowing owners to view and track their vehicle from anywhere.
Lockers and toolboxes are plentiful for easy access to all your stuff. For when you hit the fun stuff, protection and recovery are aided with a steel bullbar, steel scrub rails, side steps, heavy-duty front and rear recovery points and two 13,000lb 12-volt electric winches both front and rear.
For more information, watch the EarthCruiser Extreme 6×6 walk-around here:
Towing capacity is 3500kg and you can’t drive this beast on a standard car licence. You’ll need a LR (Light Rigid) or higher. As for the all-important pricing, EarthCruiser have told me pricing is a “work in progress”. This means you’ll have to stay tuned for more details.
