EarthCruiser: ‘New Direction’ for Future of Overland Travel – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
BEND, Ore. – EarthCruiser announced in a press release the completion of a major milestone: the final direct customer-ordered EarthCruiser EXP in the build queue has been completed and delivered.
“This is a proud moment for us,” said EarthCruiser founders Lance Gillies and Michelle Boltz. “Delivering EXP #107 not only fulfills our promise to our customers — it marks the beginning of a bold, innovative new future for EarthCruiser.”
With this achievement, EarthCruiser closes an incredible chapter and embarks on a transformative journey to make authentic overland experiences more accessible than ever before.
New Operational Model to Expand Overland Accessibility
EarthCruiser is officially launching a new operational model that will expand its reach and impact. Moving forward, the company will supply EC MOD slide-in campers and EarthCruiser Terranova shells to select adventure van builders and upfitters across the United States for interior fit-out.
In development is the highly anticipated EVADO for the Sprinter chassis, along with additional offerings including towable options. This innovative strategy allows EarthCruiser’s trusted engineering and design to reach a broader audience while empowering local builders and service providers.
“This shift isn’t just about distribution,” said Gillies. “It’s about realigning with the core values that EarthCruiser has stood for since the beginning — craftsmanship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to our customers.”
The company’s new approach focuses on making EarthCruiser decades of experience more available and attainable for more recreational vehicle users. It emphasizes long-term customer relationships and partnerships with independent U.S.-based businesses that share EarthCruiser’s values.
“Too many people today have been disappointed by mass-produced recreational vehicles badged as ‘overland,’” said Gillies. “Legacy RV manufacturers offer affordability — but often sacrifice quality and true innovation. Today’s RV owners want something more: community, authenticity, and connection. We’re here to help them find it.”
“From day one, we’ve believed in the power of small-town manufacturing and skilled local tradespeople,” added Boltz. “Now, we’re scaling that philosophy nationally. When you support local manufacturing, you support your community your neighbors who care about what they do — and real innovation.”
Supporting Partners, Empowering Customers
Under the new model, EarthCruiser will deliver structurally complete, unfinished MOD and Terranova units to its partner network, allowing customers to customize their vehicles at their own pace and budget — all backed by EarthCruiser’s legendary expedition-grade design.
“Building a real overland vehicle requires a fundamentally different approach than producing large volume mass produces assembly line RVs,” said Gillies. “It must be engineered from the ground up with experience and customer requires front of mind, the real needs of the people who use them.” That takes a conversation, not always possible with the traditional RV dealer model. Experience counts.
Innovation will remain anchored in EarthCruiser Innovation in Bend, Oregon, where R&D continues to fuel new ideas. The company is also building a nationwide service network and welcomes customer input on local service providers.
Introducing Tag-Along Training Tours
Adding to the momentum, EarthCruiser is launching Tag-Along Training Tours — immersive adventures where customers can refine their skills, build confidence, and connect with the EarthCruiser community in stunning overland destinations.
“From the very beginning of the overlanding movement in the U.S., our customers have been partners in innovation,” said Boltz. “This next chapter honors that spirit — bringing the EarthCruiser experience to more people while staying true to the values that built our community.”
