Tasted: EarthCruiser G-Pro Escape

EarthCruiser’s Merc-based G-Pro pop-top crams a lot of features into a small, go-anywhere package…

In the second half of 2018, EarthCruiser added the Mercedes-Benz G-Pro to its motorhome vehicle range. It had a 4.5t Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating and therefore could be driven by the holder of any standard passenger car driver’s licence. The G-Pro Escape allowed owners, “To explore without the constraints of normal all-terrain vehicles”.

Standard equipment included an automatic transmission, front and rear differential locks and allcoil-spring suspension. Should the unforeseen occur and traction was lost, Earthcruiser fitted 13.500 lb power winches front and rear.

A3.0-litre V6 Mercedes-Benz diesel V6 engine squeezed under the G-Pro’s stubby bonnet delivered maximum power of 135kW, with peak torque rated at 400Nm. EarthCruiser fitted uprated shock absorbers, an onboard air compressor and 250-litre tanks for both fuel and water.

The latest lithium battery technology powered the electrical system and recharged through solar panels when stationary, or via the 120-amp vehicle alternatorwhen on the move. A rear mounted, independent air conditioning unit kept the luxury accommodation cool, while the G-Pro cabin had its own integral air conditioning unit on the move.

Home comforts included an upright 122-litre capacity fridge/freezer; internal shower and toilet, plus a supplementary external shower module. A standard double bed was complemented by a sky bed option that slept three.

Catering was made easy and safe by the fitment of a diesel-fuelled cooker.In addition to the standard inclusion of telematics with satellite tracking and monitoring, vision from five externally mounted cameras provided forty five days recording in real time, with global systems control via an IPAD touch screen.

Communications options included an 80-channel UHF radio, with a DVR/GPS/4G solid state cellular hot spot via a 6-dB(A) gain antenna. Charting your progress was also made easy, with the onboard navigation system pre-loaded with Hema mapping, Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity.

World travellers should note that the compact external overall dimensions enabled you to slot your adventure traveller into a standard ISO container forshipment.

We inspected the Escape model several times during its development at EarthCruiser’s Wollongong (NSW) factory and were most impressed with the behind-the-facade work that was necessaryto convert what is a military vehicle into a recreational one. For example, the cab rear wall was replaced by one that allowed more seat travel, in addition to a walkthrough doorway.

The EarthCruiser range is available in a variety of formats and sizes to suit specific requirements, together with a choice of host cab/chassis from manufacturers that include Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and Fuso.

EarthCruiser’s 2020 Extreme version is being built on the more popular and lower-priced Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series cab/chassis, with several chassis and suspension modifications to increase its GVM. Keep a look out, we’ll have more information on this vehicle in the next few months.

In the mean time, for further information on any of the EarthCruiser range call Mark on (+61) 0412 642 437 or email sales@earthcruiser.net.au.