Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 unveiled

Earthcruiser Australia has taken the covers off an all-new purpose-built 6x6 based on a 79 Series LandCruiser, dubbed the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6.

Following more than 12 months of development, the end result is an off-roader that has been tailor-made to overcome the world’s harshest terrain.

At the core of its go-anywhere ability is a drive system developed by renowned 6x6 conversion specialists, 6x6 Australia. The “bogie drive system” comprises a unique coil/airbag sprung bogie drive rear axle system that boasts full load-sharing capabilities between the axles.

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The vehicle is fitted with a drive-through diff and power divider, which allows the third axle to remain undriven on smooth roads but lock up 100-per-cent drive to all wheels should traction stumble. Other attributes of the bogie system include Ford 10- and 9-inch differentials fitted with ARB air lockers, and hardened Chromoly 300M high-strength axles shafts.

Portal axles provide up to five inches of lift, and each portal is FEA tested and certified to over 1500kg each - or 3000kg per axle. The axles include a CTIS (Central Tyre Inflation System), which enables on-the-move inflation and deflation via an in-cabin Garmin digital touchscreen.

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The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is also fitted with an airbag suspension system (totalling six airbags) with automatic load and horizon levelling, and it comes pre-loaded with three height modes with up to 100mm between the lowest and highest settings. The suspension also comprises military-spec HD sway bars, custom-built heavy duty Bilstein shocks, and Bilstein heavy duty steering dampers.

The vehicle rides on 35 x 12.5-inch Federal Xplora mud-terrain tyres, wrapped around 17-inch forged alloy rims that are exclusive to Earthcruiser.

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A build of this magnitude requires an upgraded GVM capacity, and the Earthcruiser has a generous 7000kg GVM, with a front axle capacity of 1980kg - that’s 500kg more than stock. Payload has increased to 3000kg, to boot. To assist with the extra heft, the rig features a hydraulic brake booster, upgraded calipers, heavy duty brake rotors, and an electric parking brake. To take adventurers further, the vehicle has 275 litres of fuel capacity.

For protection, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is fitted with a winch-compatible bullbar with colour-coded steel scrub rails and side steps. The vehicle also comes with front and rear 13,000lb electric winches, two spare wheel carriers, a set of Maxtrax, and heavy duty front and rear recovery points.

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The chassis was extended and reinforced using advanced CAD modelling and CNC laser cutting techniques. The engine remains unfettled, with drive running through either a six-speed genuine Toyota automatic transmission or standard manual.

Other key features

• Four lockable tool boxes
• Lockable pass-through rear locker
• Triple-layer block-out roof curtain
• Clearview power-fold electric mirrors
• Personalised leather console
• More than 10 USB ports
• Sleeping capacity for up to three
• Stainless-steel sink
• Internal and external showers
• Central air heating (diesel)
• Slide-out toilet
• Complete lithium battery system
• 810w solar panels
• 3000w Victron inverter
• GME XRS UHF radios
• Hella HID spotlights
• 52-inch Road Vision light bar
• 360-degree flood lighting
• Starlink capability
• Garmin head unit touchscreen
• Microwave oven
• 224v electric barbecue
• 12v air compressor
• Two fridge/freezers
• Two-burner plate induction cooktop

The Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 will be on display at the Sydney 4WD and Adventure Show, held at the Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek, from September 8-10.