EarthCruiser Explorer XPR440 released

FOR THOSE looking for that ultimate long-distance, remote-travel vehicle, EarthCruiser may just have the answer, with the release of its new expedition model which combines a Mercedes-Benz Unimog U430 with the EarthCruiser Explorer XPR440 off-road motorhome.

The 2018 EarthCruiser packs in pretty much everything you and your companions will need to disappear off the grid or tackle that long-dreamed-of African overland adventure.

Just a few examples of the long list of remote-travel specific features include a claimed fuel range of up to 3500km thanks to its 800-litre tank, the ability to quickly (read: 30 seconds) swap the steering wheel and pedals between left- and right-hand drive (you know, just because it can. Jokes aside, for that global expedition, this is brilliant), excellent approach, ramp-over and departure angles, an 860-litre water tank, run-flat tyres, central inflate/deflate set-up, and a hydraulic jacking system that will lift the wheel/tyre off the ground for you to then change. Yep, it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind adventure vehicle.

Impressively – and belying its somewhat beefy appearance – the Explorer XPR440 only measures 4400mm in length, so this rig is not only uber-capable but surprisingly compact. There’s also the XPR380 variant, measuring 3800mm, to allow for storage of a motorcycle or bicycles out back.

Other tweaks available for buyers pre-purchase include weatherproofing for both extreme cold and exceedingly hot climates. The coil-spring suspension and disc brakes, along with ultra-low-range gearing, up the durability levels, while the 212-litre fridge – and its 68L fridge/freezer backup – should ensure limited visits to the local supermarket for supplies. If you somehow get stuck in this thing, you have the luxury of front and rear 24V 20,000lb winches for recovery.

As an extreme remote-area family tourer, the EarthCruiser fits the bill very well. There is seating for five, the option of a queen or twin beds, an additional two sky beds and – yes! – an exterior-mounted barbecue.

For added assurance when exploring those remote corners of the globe, standard fitment also includes telematics with satellite tracking and monitoring, and you can check exactly where the vehicle is positioned on the track – or what dangerous wildlife is circling – via the five external cameras that are claimed to offer 45 days real-time recording.

Interestingly, this footage can be viewed globally; so, yeah, great for distant family members to keep an eye on your travels. It’s also a great option for giving the parents-in-law the occasional fright. Not that we’d condone that.

EarthCruiser’s experienced team has been building tough remote tourers (based on not only MB chassis, but also those from IVECO and Fuso) for a number of years now, and this new model continues the brand’s trend of churning out what most of us can only dream of owning: the ultimate four-wheel escape machine.

Go to their website for all the info on the new XPR440 and XPR380.