Iconic Overland Camper Company EarthCruiser Out of Business

Iconic overland camper builder EarthCruiser is shutting its doors. Here's what we know so far.

Photo byBring a Trailer

After 16 years of making some of the most well-traveled off-road expedition campers in the world, EarthCruiser’s last day in business is today. In a press release, the company stated that its “last day of operations will be April 25, 2024.”

“Our journey over the past years has been extraordinary. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and industry partners for their support and trust in our brand,” said Lance Gillies, EarthCruiser CIO and Founder. “Although this decision marks the end of an era, we are proud of our legacy and impact on the world of travel, automotive innovation, and overlanding. We hope our vehicles, our customers, and their stories will continue to inspire the adventurous spirit in all of us.”

EarthCruiser FXPhoto byBring a Trailer

EarthCruiser

EarthCruiser started in 2008 in Australia. In 2013 the founder, Lance Gillies, moved his family and primary production to Bend, Ore.

Production continued in Australia, with Gillies having a stake in the Australian company, but it was run as a separate entity. We’re unsure at this time how this announcement from the U.S. arm of the company impacts the Australian company.

EarthCruiser TerranovaPhoto byunknown

Overland Campers

EarthCruiser is known primarily for its overland camper builds based on forward-control delivery trucks, with Fuso and NPR chassis. These 4×4 builds are designed to fit in shipping containers to easily and securely get around the globe. Models include the EarthCruiser EXP and FX.

One of the most compelling products for North American travel is a lifting roof composite camper integrated onto a 1-ton U.S. full-size truck chassis, like a Ford F-350. This EarthCruiser model is called the Terranova.

Just recently EarthCruiser also unveiled and toured around the country its collaboration with GMC on an electrified overland camper system. The GMC HUMMER EV EarthCruiser Upfit looked like an impressive package and the first of its kind.

GMC HUMMER EV EarthCruiser UpfitPhoto byEarthCruiser

EarthCruiser Out of Business

In a press release sent out this week, EarthCruiser lays out its current position. It reads:

“Despite EarthCruiser’s many successes, changing market dynamics and economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations going forward. The decision to close the business was not taken lightly, but after careful consideration and in-depth strategic analysis the company has made the decision to wind down operations in its current form.

The company is working with professionals to accomplish an orderly liquidation in accordance with state law. Further announcements will be made in the near future regarding this process.“

What that amounts to for current deposit holders for EarthCruiser campers, the company’s creditors, and other business interests is a bit unknown. We do know this will be quite hard on current EarthCruiser camper owners, as they will no longer have product support for these expensive, complex, and unique overland campers.