There are few premium overland vehicle builders within the industry that have achieved the same reputation for excellence as EarthCruiser. It was saddening to hear that after almost two decades, the company would be closing its doors due to economic challenges and shifts in market dynamics. With this in mind, should you still buy an EarthCruiser? The answer is a resounding yes! These vehicles will now become even more of a rarity, and because a mass-produced platform underpins them, they do not require any specialist assistance from the former company. A big part of EarthCruiser’s mission was to create a vehicle serviceable anywhere in the world (whether by local mechanics or their owners). While these vehicles are unquestionably expensive, pre-owned examples such as today’s 2021 EarthCruiser Terranova represent an impressive value when you consider that it’s less than half the price of a new EarthRoamer LTi (starts at $775,000). It will also retain more of its value being an EarthCruiser than a comparable DIY alternative, which means you could buy today’s rig and travel in it full-time for five years and when you’re ready to sell, recoup a significant chunk of what you’ve spent. If you live full-time in the Terranova, you’ll potentially save thousands of dollars per month you’d usually be spending on a house, bills, vehicles, etc. This rolling mini luxury apartment removes many of the compromises and discomfort often associated with living in a vehicle, which promotes longer trips. Today’s offering is barely run in with less than 14,000 miles and was crawled under “top to bottom” and subsequently certified by EarthCruiser this spring. If you’d like to learn more about this platform, read the Terranova Expedition Truck Joins the EarthCruiser Ranks on Expedition Portal.
From the Seller:
“For those of you who are familiar with EarthCruiser quality, as well as their recent financial challenges, this is TN #8, which was enrolled in their ‘certified Pre-owned’ program until they shut their doors. It’s a perfect overlanding vehicle; it can go anyplace most people want to go, is totally comfortable off-grid when you are where you want to be, and with the gas ‘Godzilla’ engine, can make great time down the highway (80 mph easy) when you want to drive on civilized roads. We paid almost $350,000, and new ones (with a more recent F-350 truck model) would be $400,000. Granted, the builder is no longer operating, so we have taken that issue into consideration. This is a sturdy, well-conceived rig, and we foresee no issue [or maintenance] that couldn’t be addressed with a little common sense and a regular Ford dealer. We have lived inside comfortably in temperatures ranging from -10° to 98°F; the heater works well, and it has fully functioning AC powered by solar panels. The enhanced 4WD suspension handles mud, ruts, sand, and uneven ground easily; we just wouldn’t take her on extremely challenging rock crawling trails due to its overall length. But the length does come with benefits, including plenty of space in the truck cab. The house systems are intuitive, reliable, trouble-shootable, and documented. The EarthCruiser community maintains a robust private knowledge-sharing platform and already former EC workers are providing advice and assistance.”
2021 EarthCruiser Terranova
The EarthCruiser is underpinned by a Ford F-350, which is powered by the “Godzilla” 7.3-liter gas motor that produces a considerable 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. A dependable engine is matched with excellent capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, a rear locking differential, lifted and uprated suspension, a winch, armor, and more. Inside, these rugged attributes are complemented by a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Heated and powered leather seats
- Cruise control
- Air-conditioning
- Infotainment system with navigation
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Steering wheel controls
- Running boards
- Garmin system
- Backup camera
- Full body and cab wrap and paint protection film
- Tow Package Class IV hitch
- Premium stereo and speakers
- Keyless entry
- Center console with cupholders
Distinguishing Features
As you’d expect from EarthCruiser the specifications and features are extensive, reference the original listing for more info. Below is a selection of highlights:
- Isotherm 130-liter refrigerator, Engel fridge and slider in locker box
- Lithium house batteries (800 amp-hours total) with 432 watts of Sunflare solar and touch screen command panel (5-inch screen)
- Freshwater (36 gallons), a 20-gallon expansion tank, and water filtration system
- Composting toilet
- Air furnace and water heater
- Warn winch with synthetic line
- DC air conditioner
- 23Zero Peregrine 270-degree awning
- VisionX bumper light package
- Alloy bull bar with heavy-duty rear bumper with 2-inch receiver and mount for MaxTrax, AX, and shovel
- Induction cooktop
- Locker boxes with hot/cold shower, drinking water faucet, and airline track
- Upgraded wheels with Toyo Open Country A/T III tires
- Upgraded suspension
This 2021 EarthCruiser Terranova is listed for $305,000 and is currently located in Idaho. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Forum: Travler229
