Earthcruiser debuts Extreme 330 TRX6X6

EARTHCRUISER Australia has unveiled its latest creation, an imposing, purpose-built, go anywhere six-wheel drive beast based on the proven Toyota LandCruiser 79-series platform.

Dubbed the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6, the vehicle was developed over 12 months and features the specifications and equipment list to take on some of the world’s toughest terrains “safely, reliably and comfortably”, the manufacturer says.

Aimed at allowing customers to spend longer off the beaten track, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 began as a custom build for an Earthcruiser customer. But according to the manufacturer, “when word got out, the order book for the vehicle started to quickly fill”.

Earthcruiser developed the driveline for the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 in conjunction with 6x6 Australia. It features 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.

Considering the vehicle’s weight, size and off-road capabilities, the fully fabricated rear axle and diff housings feature a 3600kg load rating each. A variable ratio rear steer feature also provides variable steering assistance from the rear bogie based on turn radius and speed.

For even more serious terrain, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is equipped with three differential locks, which can be engaged simultaneously for tank-like off-road traction.

Further forward, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is all Toyota with a V8 turbo-diesel engine, Toyota-sourced six-speed automatic (or standard five-speed manual with fortified clutch), and low-range transfer case. Fuel supply is from a single 275-litre tank.

Additional off-road cred comes from portal axles that provide a 5.0-inch lift along with an impressive 390mm of under axle clearance. The portals have been FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tested and certified to over 1500kg each (3000kg per axle) and 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.

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6’s airbag suspension system incorporates automatic load and horizon levelling and is adjustable through three driver-controlled heights: kneel, ride and lift. Earthcruiser says there is up to 100mm difference between the lowest and highest settings, and that as much as 250mm of variation can be achieved in manual (static) control mode.

Complementing the airbags are military-spec heavy-duty sway bars with an in-cabin disconnect function that allows greater articulation off road. The vehicle is also equipped with four hydraulic rams which can be used for performing vehicle maintenance or simply to change tyres without needing to manually jack.

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is shod with 17-inch Earthcruiser forged alloy rims with dual inflation valves and 35 x 12.5-inch Federal Xplora mud terrain tyres.

Earthcruiser says that due to the “scale” of the vehicle, the scope of equipment fitted, and its extended 4130mm wheelbase, the model has been upgraded to offer a GVM of 7000kg and 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, the changes provide owners with 3000kg 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 is said to reduce braking effort while increasing responsiveness. Upgraded calipers and oversized heavy-duty vented brake rotors have also been specified to increase stopping power.

The vehicle is also fitted with an electric parking brake that actuates on all four rear calipers.

Inside, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 receives an extensive makeover with improved seating, upgraded upholstery, additional sound and vibration damping, and added thermal insulation. Two additional seat-belted positions are fitted within the camper body, taking passenger capacity to four.

With sleeping for three, the camper 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.

Earthcruiser says these materials are rated from -30 to +70°C.

Offering a luxury touch away from home, the camper features leather dinette seats, precision CNC-routed Corian benchtops, stainless steel sink with a separate purified drinking fountain and freshwater wash taps. There are also 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 is also a 27-litre grey water tank.

Home-style comfort and convenience features further include split-system air-conditioning, a 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 electric slide-out Thetford chemical toilet ensuite and an integrated high-pressure water cleaner are also included.

The Extreme 330 XTR6x6 features a full lithium-ion 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. A 360-degree flood light 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 while allowing owners to view and track their vehicle from their phone anywhere in the world.

And, to make sure you can pack everything you need for the big trip, the Extreme 330 XTR6x6 features “plentiful” storage areas, lockers and toolboxes.

Protective bar work includes a Hammer-tone textured deluxe winch compatible steel bullbar and protective steel scrub rails and side steps, heavy-duty front and rear recovery points, and front and rear 13,000lb (5896kg) 12-volt electric winches.

Two spare wheel carriers with electric ‘wheel lifters’ are also fitted to the truck for effortless tyre changing, while a dual-purpose Maxtrax / fire-wood carrier allows owners to carry up to four Maxtrax and a load of firewood simultaneously.

Earthcruiser says it offers “virtually limitless options” for Extreme 330 XTR6x6 customers and has even offered a video of the rig in action.

Pricing for the Earthcruiser Extreme 330 XTR6x6 is determined on a build-by-build basis. The vehicle shown is priced at $800,000 plus on-road costs.