Extreme 330 XTR6x6 – Leading expedition motorhome manufacturer, Earthcruiser Australia, has unveiled its latest creation. An imposing, purpose-built, go anywhere 6×6 based on the proven Landcruiser 79 Series platform.
Dubbed the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6, the vehicle was developed over 12 months. It features the specifications and equipment list to conquer the World’s toughest terrains safely, reliably and comfortably. Allowing owners to spend extended time on the road.
The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 program began as a special custom build for a valued customer. When word got out, the order book for the vehicle started to quickly fill and it’s not difficult to see why.
Built to conquer the toughest terrain
From the ground-up the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 means business. The drive system was developed by respected 6×6 conversion specialists, 6×6 Australia. It features a clever bogie drive system with a unique coil/airbag sprung bogie drive rear axle set-up, with full load sharing capability between each rear axle.
With a drive-through diff and power divider, the third axle remains undriven while the vehicle is on the blacktop, but once traction starts to break, the power divider locks up 100 per cent drive to all wheels.
The three axles also have the same track width for easier wheel placement when tackling obstacles. And for extra strength, the fully fabricated rear axle/diff housings feature a 3,600kg load rating each.
A variable ratio rear steer feature also provides variable steering assistance from the rear bogie based on turn radius and speed.
Portals, triple diff locks and more
Then when it’s time to negotiate the serious terrain the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is equipped with three differential locks which can be engaged at the same time via in-cabin switches.
The vehicle of course also features a low-range transfer case which is matched to a 6-speed genuine Toyota Automatic transmission or standard manual with a fortified clutch.
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). They include a CTIS (Central Tyre Inflation System), that supplies air to the tyres through the hub centre.
Inflation and deflation can be actuated simultaneously to all wheels while the vehicle is in motion using a Garmin in-cabin and removable digital touchscreen. The system can also be programmed to automatically adjust air pressures based on road speed.
Extreme 330 XTR6x6 Suspension system
Smoothing out the bumps is a full airbag suspension system with automatic load and horizon levelling. Owners have access to three height modes – kneel, ride and lift – with up to 100mm difference between the lowest and highest modes.
Up to 250mm of variation can be achieved in manual control mode but this feature is not for driving purposes. Chassis clearance at ride height is a terrain-taming 610mm.
Complementing the airbags are military-spec heavy-duty sway bars with an in-cabin disconnect function that allows greater articulation off road.
A further feature of the truck is the fitment of four hydraulic rams which can be used for performing vehicle maintenance or simply to change tyres without needing to manually jack.
The is shod with 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).
Generous 7,000kg GVM
Due to the scale of the vehicle, the equipment fitted and its 4130mm wheelbase, the truck has an upgraded 7,000kg GVM. This has been fully engineered and is registerable federally via SSM (Second Stage of Manufacture).
The front axle capacity is also 500kg higher than stock to 1980kg. All up, these changes provide owners with 3,000kg payload (in addition to the outfitted camper body). To handle the added mass, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is equipped with a hydraulic brake booster that reduces braking effort while increasing responsiveness.
Upgraded calipers and oversized heavy-duty vented brake rotors have also been specified to increase stopping power. And the vehicle also now boasts the surety of an electric parking brake that actuates on all four rear calipers.
While Earthcruiser does not perform engine upgrades or tuning themselves, they can introduce prospective buyers to their trusted partners should they want to explore tuning or remapping opportunities. The vehicle’s fuel capacity is 275 litres allowing large distances to be covered on a single tank.
The body beautiful
Inside the truck, Earthcruiser has made several cabin upgrades to the Landcruiser’s factory offerings. These include re-sculpturing and retrimming the driver and passenger seats for greater comfort and aesthetics. The cabin is also fully sound and vibration dampened and heat insulated with crawl-through access to the camper.
Two additional seat belted positions are located in the camper body, extending carrying capacity to four people, while sleeping for three is catered for.
The body features moulded structurally insulated foam walls and floor and a one-piece infusion moulded structural foam roof that’s closed with double seals.
The entry door receives the same treatment and also features deadlock with all latches and locks being flush mounted or recessed. Overhead, the body boasts a triple-layer block-out roof curtain, incorporating PVC windows, insect and full privacy screens. These materials are rated from -30 to +70°C.
Offering luxury and practicality on the road are
- leather dinette seats,
- precision CNC-routed Corian benchtops,
- stainless steel sink with a separate purified drinking fountain and
- freshwater wash taps,
- internal and external showers with immediate and continuous hot water and
- central air heating – both diesel-powered.
On board water capacity is 275 litres and there’s also a 27 litre grey water tank.
Adding to the camper body’s convenience is
- split system air conditioning,
- microwave oven,
- two-burner induction cooktop,
- two fridges,
- washing machine and dryer.
The truck also features an Arctic System that heats the water tanks. An eclectic slide-out Thetford chemical toilet ensuite and an integrated high-pressure water cleaner are also included.
Extreme 330 XTR6x6 – It’s not just about the looks
Earthcruiser has harnessed the power of vacuum infusion technology, seamlessly integrating carbon elements to fortify and lighten the camper module.
Employing the innovative Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP), this method employs vacuum pressure to intricately infuse resin into the laminate.
The process commences with the precise placement of dry materials within the mold, followed by the application of vacuum pressure prior to resin introduction.
The outcome is a meticulous fusion, boasting an optimal fibre-to-resin ratio that ensures unparalleled uniformity in crafting top-tier components.
The result, a remarkable enhancement in tensile strength and stiffness, all while astonishingly reducing module weight by an impressive 50%.
Electrical, lighting and comms
The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 features a
- full Lithium battery system for start and house batteries,
- 810w mono-crystalline solar panels,
- a 3000w Victron inverter,
- a 50amp Multi Country Victron battery charger with 200amp high output and
- a fully sealed and water-cooled brushless alternator ensuring reliable power no matter what the location.
Forward lighting on the vehicle is handled by auxiliary spotlights, a curved road vision light bar and bullbar integrated fog lights.
360° flood lighting is also fitted to the vehicle and includes an ’emergency lighting’ function.
Along with traditional UHF communications, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 runs a Starlink Satellite System providing easy internet access.
Owners can view and track their vehicle from their phone anywhere in the world.
Storage, protection and recovery
Storage areas, lockers and toolboxes are plentiful throughout the vehicle offering secure stowage that’s also easy to access.
Protective bar work includes a Hammer-tone textured deluxe winch compatible steel bullbar and protective steel scrub rails and side steps, which is colour coded to the bullbar.
There are heavy-duty front and rear recovery points if needed. Further assisting in vehicle recovery are two 13,000lb 12-volt electric winches both front and rear.
Two spare wheel carriers with electric ‘wheel lifters’ are also fitted to the truck for effortless tyre changing. A dual-purpose Maxtrax / fire-wood carrier allows owners to carry up to for Maxtrax and a load of firewood simultaneously.
Earthcruiser offers virtually limitless options allowing prospective owners to specify and accessorize their Extreme 330 XTR6x6 to meet their exacting needs. To learn more about the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 including full specifications, please visit: www.earthcruiser.net.au
