EarthCruiser EC-GZL: new Tacoma and Frontier slide-in

[Bigfoot]

Interesting small truck option from Bend's EarthCruiser. Not many details yet such as price and availability. It looks nice although I have my doubts that the weight can be kept within reason. The bed layout looks dubious to me based on my experience with the XPCamper. I'll have to take a look at one in person.

http://earthcruiser.com/our-vehicles/earthcruiser-gzl/

 

[Ted]

Interesting. But it still has vinyl sides. Even though we use our FWC year round, I really like the fact that the XP V2 is hard sided. That would make winter camping much more enjoyable. I have not been in a production V2 yet. I'd like to lie in the bed to check out the issue you mentioned.

 

[Jollyrogers]

Looks pretty nice. Not sure of interior layout and no price. But being in Oregon, it's a non starter for me.

 

[Bigfoot]

The EC-GZL appears to be an import of the GaZell, a French camper manufactured in Poland. A high-end model has a cost of around 30,000 €.

 

[enelson]

Looking on the Gazell website these campers look very impressive. However, I'm also in the camp of hard sides are better for winter camping. It's nice to see a composite camper that looks well built and thought out. I'd like to check one out in person.

 

[Bigfoot]

I dropped by the EarthCruiser shop in Bend and looked at the GZL on a Tacoma with beefed up shocks and springs. They are still working on details but the basic unit is impressive albeit expensive ($30k+). It looks very European both inside and out. They plan a few changes better suited to the American market and to reduce weight (around 750 lbs dry).

The top is relatively easy to raise and lower with piston assist. The pop-up sides are soft but well insulated and have several adjustable openings. I think winter camping would be comfortable.

The dinette is big enough to seat 4 and can be converted into a bed, so it is possible for a family of 4 to travel. The table can even be moved outside. However, the limited storage and truck payload make it more likely for this to be suitable for a couple. The storage consists of many small cubbyholes--I counted 15--and shallow cabinets with some additional space under the seats. The cubbyholes are covered with a thick, flexible fabric to keep stuff in place, although I'm afraid I could never find anything with so many places to look!

The bed slides out to a north-south direction with your head towards the rear. I found this arrangement to be very awkward in the XPCamper V2, and the GZL is similar. That alone would keep me from considering this camper although it might not bother some people, especially if they are alone.

All-in-all my impression is that the GZL is a strong, compact, high-end unit that should carry well on a mid-sized pickup. But perfection doesn’t exist--definitely not in campers--so you have to decide if the layout and cost work for you. If so, the GZL would be a great choice and is backed by an experienced company.

 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks for your report on another format.

 

[ski3pin]

Thanks for your report on another format.

Yes, thank you. It is great to see different designs and ideas.

 

[ski3pin]

Yes, thank you. It is great to see different designs and ideas.

I went back and looked at this during my mid-morning break. I like the idea of a molded composite body. On this camper I would like to see a wider door and the spare tire off the camper. I'd also like to see an idea with a pop up on both ends and a sideliner with robust insulating value. Just my thoughts .

 

[smlobx]

There was one at Expo East and I had a chance to go inside and check it out. Now I'm coming from a Hallmark Everest so take this with a grain of salt but it felt very claustrophobic to me. There weren't a lot of windows for natural light and of course it hinges at the front so the sleeping area seemed tight.
The guy said the cost was about 35K...

 

[Stalking Light]

I also saw it at Expo East. Even compared to my Eagle it seemed cramped, but it did seem sturdier.

 

[Bigfoot]

I went back and looked at this during my mid-morning break. I like the idea of a molded composite body. On this camper I would like to see a wider door and the spare tire off the camper. I'd also like to see an idea with a pop up on both ends and a sideliner with robust insulating value. Just my thoughts .

I didn't mention it but EarthCruiser did tell me that they planned several mods for the U.S. market in the next version. The mods include a wider door and moving the spare underneath (which would add some camper storage space). They were funny about the spare, noting that in Europe where the shell is made that it's not an expedition vehicle unless there's a tire on the back.

 

[ski3pin]

I didn't mention it but EarthCruiser did tell me that they planned several mods for the U.S. market in the next version. The mods include a wider door and moving the spare underneath (which would add some camper storage space). They were funny about the spare, noting that in Europe where the shell is made that it's not an expedition vehicle unless there's a tire on the back.

Thanks, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

 

[park]

I got the chance to go in one as well but in my opinion, it seemed claustrophobic in comparison to my Fleet FWC. Well built but not sure I could justify the cost.

 

[Bigfoot]

EarthCruiser just updated their GZL pop-up truck camper. There are now 3 models for mid-size, full-size and flat-bed pickups. Dry weights range from 690 lbs to 800 lbs, less than any other comparable camper I have seen. Costs at a special intro price range from $32,500 to $43,345. Standard equipment includes solar panels, battery, refrigerator, water heater, propane cooktop, propane radiant heater, awning, interior shower, fresh and grey water tanks and jacks. No toilet although a porta potti can be added. Contact gzlsales@earthcruiser.com for details; the info is not on their website yet.

They say a construction run will begin in May. From what I can see in their drawings the interior looks better arranged although I'm still not liking how the bed works. The full-size model is 8 inches wider than the mid-size which should help with elbow room, and the flat-bed adds another 8 inches. If I was shopping this year a respected local source like EarthCruiser would be attractive.

 

[btbaker22]

Hey Bigfoot. Thanks for checking out our new GZL series camper, and sharing it on this forum. We're excited to install our first pre-ordered campers this month. Once we get through the first set of pre-orders we are going to build a demo in January. I'd like to invite you to stop by again if you want to check it out. We're also opening an overland travel specific shop in Bend, and the grand opening is Friday November 10th @4pm. Check out our Facebook page, TrucksForTravel, for more details.

 

[Bigfoot]

Hey Bigfoot. Thanks for checking out our new GZL series camper, and sharing it on this forum. We're excited to install our first pre-ordered campers this month. Once we get through the first set of pre-orders we are going to build a demo in January. I'd like to invite you to stop by again if you want to check it out. We're also opening an overland travel specific shop in Bend, and the grand opening is Friday November 10th @4pm. Check out our Facebook page, TrucksForTravel, for more details.

I'd love to drool on... I mean look at your demo unit. Interested to see what changes you have made. Sorry I missed the travel shop opening--we were on a trip to Death Valley--but I will drop by eventually.

 

[ETAV8R]

Whoa!
36k?
Heavier than my Finch too albeit with more goodies but wow.