Last time we looked at EarthCruiser, it was shrinking its off-road expedition vehicle hardware markedly with the new GZL pickup camper. This time around, it’s growing its rigs, albeit only slightly. At Overland Expo West, the company showcased the new GZL 400 and 500 models that fit larger trucks than the original GZL, which has been modified and numbered the 300. It also advertised a slightly upsized version of its hulking, Fuso 4×4-based FX expedition vehicle.
EarthCruiser shows its new GZL 400 at Overland Expo West 2017 Boarding the EarthCruiser GZL 400 The GZL 300 model that EarthCruiser had on display is the original European GZL prototype, which is not the finalized GZL 300 EarthCruiser shows a GZL 300 prototype
Since expanding operations from Australia to the US about five years ago, EarthCruiser has been growing its US line of expedition vehicles and camper modules. The FX fixed-roof expedition truck joined the EXP pop-top a few years ago, and EarthCruiser turned its attention to those looking for something smaller with last year’s GZL introduction.
The original GZL model, now named the GZL 300, was designed for midsize pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. To extend GZL availability to other pickup owners, EarthCruiser has developed the larger GZL 400 and 500 models. It didn’t have the flatbed-mount 500 on display at Overland Expo, but we did get to look over the slide-in 400.
The honeycomb composite-bodied GZL 400 is designed for a list of half-ton pickups that includes American top-sellers like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500. The 400 model is roughly the same length as the 300, about 139.5 in (3,543 mm), but stretches wider, measuring 75.9 in (1,928 mm) from sidewall to sidewall (compared to 68.3 in/1,735 mm on the 300). Weight is in the 800-lb (363-kg) range but will depend upon specific options and equipment.
Based on the info and specs EarthCruiser was giving at the show, the 300 and 400 models share the same standard equipment package, but that package has changed since we looked at the original GZL last October. Solar power was originally optional, but the 300 and 400 now come standard with dual 100W Zamp solar panels, a 1000W inverter and a 90Ah AGM battery. They also pack a heater, Elgena 10L water heater, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and 6.5-foot (2-m) awning outside.
The kitchen layout has also changed from last year, sliding over to the passenger-side corner, where an L-shaped unit houses a dual-burner propane stove, sink and 1.5-cu ft (42L) Isotherm fridge-freezer. This design lines the sink up with the shower drain, allowing the faucet to pull out and serve as a shower head, a smoother design than the separate hose/hookup EarthCruiser was showing last year. EarthCruiser shows this floor plan for the 300, as well as the 400 featured in our photos.
http://newatlas.com/earthcruiser-gzl-400-500/49709/
Post time: Jul-09-2017