There are many lessons learned in traveling around the world, and the same was true for Greg Miller of Expeditions 7. From 2011 to 2014, Greg Miller and I traveled to all seven continents with the same vehicle, a VDJ78 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy. It was the perfect platform for the task, but resulted in many learnings about what vehicle would be best for another lap around the planet. For that, Greg spent five years working with industry experts to specify his ultimate Toyota expedition vehicle, the E7 200M
Greg’s primary goal was to start with a North America specification platform, which could be registered and insured in the USA, and driven on US highways without a temporary import or Carnet. For this, the Heritage Edition Land Cruiser 200 was chosen, as it had the durability and payload required for around-the-world travel. The 200 was also sold in markets throughout the globe, so parts and service are easier to come by should an unlikely mechanical issue arise. The 200 is also a gasoline V8, which can be fueled in any country, as modern diesels suffer from ULSD and DEF requirements. Conveniently, the 200 is also widely supported by the aftermarket, with parts available from ARB, Slee Offroad, and others. Who better to install all of these components than Kurt Williams, and his impressive team at Cruiser Outfitters.
The last piece of the puzzle was to identify a custom camper partner, and few solutions match the quality, durability, and expedition pedigree of the Maltec conversion. Maltec conversions are performed at their facility in Germany, and benefit from their owner’s (Malte) extensive travel experience throughout the world.
The Camper
The E7 200M is impressive in its balance between performance and comfort, retaining the drivability and trail prowess of the 200, while integrating a self-contained composite camper with all the comforts of home. The kevlar roof lifting camper includes a queen size bed, a configurable dinette, sink, fridge, power systems, solar, hot water shower, and a heater to handle even four season conditions (with the top down). Storage abounds, with small cubbies and cabinets to accommodate most traveler’s needs. Additional storage is available in hanging soft bags, and even in the spare tire locker. Impressively, the camper only uses 400 pounds of the vehicle’s payload, due to removing the roof, rear doors, windows, and hatch of the stock vehicle.
Specifications:
- Heritage Edition
- 5.7-liter V8
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Air intake snorkel
- Air conditioning
- Dual airbags and side impact protection
- Front and rear air-lockers
- Long range auto auxiliary fuel tank 12.5 gal
- Pass through expedition cab
- Pop up Kevlar carbon roof tent
- Teak interior
- Outdoor shower
The Land Cruiser 200 is already a capable off-road platform, but it has been enhanced by Cruiser Outfitters with front and rear ARB Air Locker differentials, Old Man Emu uprated suspension, Safari snorkel, Slee front bumper with Warn 12.5 winch, and aftermarket light bars. The larger diameter BFGoodrich AT tires (final size TBD) are mounted to factory aluminum wheels.
We congratulate Greg Miller and his team on the development of such an impressive overland platform. This vehicle is a reflection of their decades of international overlanding, and the accumulation of countless learnings from previous expeditions. There will be seven of the E7 200M produced, one for each of the seven continents. Two of the units are already spoken for, which will likely make these some of the most rare expedition campers ever produced. For more information on how to reserve an E7 200M, visit expeditions7.com
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