17 replies to this topic

[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....rthcruiser-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...

Edited by smlobx, 19 October 2016 - 07:45 PM.