All circuits for both 12V...
All circuits for both 12V and 220/110V run through marine-style circuit breakers on a master control panel.
With those critical issues out of the way, the camper was designed. The GXV Turtle is built of SCS (Structural Composite Sandwich) 3-ply body panels with a wall thickness of 2.36 inches and an insulation rating of R20. The SCS floor is 4.3 inches thick. All windows are German-made Seitz dual-pane with integrated blinds and mosquito screens. Dometic skylights also feature integrated blinds and mosquito screens.
An enclosed bathroom has a sink, a shower, and a Thetford cassette toilet. In Europe and many other countries around the world, there are no dump stations as we know them here. All RVs use the cassette system. An 18-gallon gray-water holding tank empties with a remote cable, and if needed, a collapsible drain hose.
The heavy spare tires are...
The heavy spare tires are easily lowered with cables and electric winches.
The standard bumper includes...
The standard bumper includes tie-down loops and an auxiliary trailer hitch receiver.
A cool option on this first...
A cool option on this first GXV Turtle is the Natura oversize window next to the dinette.
“Despite the growing popularity of overland travel, no company in the United States has been able to match the quality and engineering of the Europeans—until now.”
The kitchen area uses a diesel...
The kitchen area uses a diesel two-burner cooktop and a convection microwave for grilling and baking.
A 175-watt solar panel keeps two 210 Ah AGM deep-cycle batteries charged. The electrical system is configured for 220/240 volts, a more international standard. A 220V to 110V converter is used in North America. All circuits for both 12V and 220/110V run through marine-style circuit breakers on a master control panel just inside the entry.
A Wabasto combination forced-air furnace and hot water heater runs on diesel. Fresh water capacity is 48 gallons, connected to an optional microbiological purifier. The kitchen area uses a diesel two-burner cooktop and a convection microwave. The Dutch couple added a pod-style coffee machine.
The multipurpose rack over...
The multipurpose rack over the cab is very similar to The Turtle Expedition’s design.
A mountain bike rack mounts...
A mountain bike rack mounts securely to the rear. A motorcycle carrier could be substituted.
Despite its inside comforts,...
Despite its inside comforts, the GXV Turtle is still about travel and outdoor living.
A rear slide-out extension...
A rear slide-out extension allows for a queen-size bed to run lengthwise in the camper.
Several options on this first GXV Turtle caught our attention. The Natura oversize window next to the dinette brings the outdoors inside and the slide-out rear extension allows for a queen-size bed to run lengthwise in the camper. A 6,500-Btu air conditioner is a luxury, as is the large plasma TV and a sound system set up for an iPod. A full-length electric awning rolls out with a push of a button. A bike rack and additional storage were provided both at the rear and on the cabover rack.
They say imitation is the greatest complement you can receive, so we are pleased GXV wanted to name its latest model a Turtle, and we think the company is on track to attract the growing number of overland travel enthusiasts, both in the U.S. and abroad—many of whom are already familiar with the performance and reliability of eight-lug HD American pickups.