The ultimate live aboard solution, with separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge areas.
The SLRV Commander 8×8 is the ultimate solution for those wanting a house on wheels!. The TATRA phoenix has 4 locked diffs and is almost unstoppable. Dream big…..
The SLRV Commander 8×8 is available on the Tatra Phoenix 8×8 platform, with an 8.0m body. Its interior space includes separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge/dining areas.
The SLRV Commander 8×8 has an extremely spacious and well appointed interior – perfect for those requiring the additional comforts of home. High end cabinetry, solid surface benchtops, Miele appliances and Italian leather lounge combinations furnish the multiple living areas of this vehicle – creating an incredible living space.
SLRV vehicles can be fitted with an almost endless range of features and appliances, including:
These features are seamlessly incorporated into the interior space creating an extremely spacious and comfortable atmosphere.
The rear of the vehicle incorporates a separated bedroom with a north/south orientated queen bed. Robes are featured either side.
The Commander 8×8 features a luxuriously appointed ‘full ensuite’ with separate shower and toilet with vanity unit. The wash basin is incorporated into the solid surface benchtop for a seamless finish.
The optional electric lift up bed configuration optimises available internal space by incorporating both the bed and large club lounge into one area. Conveniently located out of the way – towards the roof, the bed can be lowered to its sleeping position at the press of a button. Perfect for those ‘additional passengers’.
No matter what your interior style is, SLRV have you covered. With a range of interior finishes including:
You’re sure to find a style that makes you feel right at home.
An Expedition Vehicle by definition, should not only reach remote locations, but it must also allow its occupants to stay for extended periods. To do this, the vehicle must incorporate a power system that verges on self-sufficiency. This power cycle can be split into 3 main stages:
Let’s have a look at how the SLRV Commander combines cutting-edge design and the latest technology to do just that……
SLRV are proud partners with Mastervolt – the world leaders in Lithium battery systems. The MLI Ultra series is designed to enjoy all the best properties of Lithium Ion technology in the harshest conditions. These high-performance batteries are ideal for running heavy loads for long periods and short charge times. The battery communicates with the charging system via the MasterBus network, ensuring safety and performance is maximised at all times. With up to 70% saving in space and weight, these are the ideal choice for any expedition vehicle.
The SLRV Commander 8×8 is equipped with 1380Ah of lithium battery power as standard – and can be optioned with additional 460Ah batteries as required. These larger systems generally provide the power capacity required to run 110/240v household appliances and air conditioning, off grid, for longer periods of time. This in turn, is one of the key elements that allows SLRV vehicles to be equipped with the many ‘comforts of home’.
Much of SLRV’s power is supplied as 12V or 24V – and operates a majority of systems including LED lighting, refrigerators and freezers, pumps & plumbing, various appliances and monitoring systems.
Other appliances that we take for granted in our homes, such as induction cooktop, oven/microwave, washer/dryer, electric BBQ and air conditioner to name a few, require 110/240V power to operate. To convert 12V battery power into usable 110/240V energy for these appliances, an inverter is required. SLRV vehicles are all equipped as standard, with a 3500W Mastervolt unit. This is suitable to run one to two appliances at a time. If you require additional power, SLRV’s larger systems include 2 inverters, giving a total of 7000W!
For your convenience, all SLRV vehicles feature multiple internal and external charging sockets, including:
The ability to recharge your battery system from multiple sources is vital. The nature of an expedition vehicle often requires this to be done during remote travel, where mains power isn’t readily available. Lets take a look at the ways an SLRV helps keep you charged….
When you are connected to the power grid, charging is done via the Mastervolt 100A battery charger. This system can be configured to accept both 110V and 240V power sources – so you can charge your battery system anywhere in the world.
By far the best source of battery charging is SLRV’s Secondary Alternator system. This unit can provide up to 2.5kW charge while driving and even charge while at idle. This makes it an ideal source of charge during remote travel. The second alternator is a key part of the Commander 8×8’s electrical system – which incorporates a large battery capacity, loads of inverter power and multiple highly efficient recharging systems. This means you can use more appliances….more often!
Multiple charging sources are crucial for any expedition vehicles power system. Solar cells play an essential role in keeping your system charged when no other source is available. A good array of panels will, in fact, keep the necessary appliances in the Commander running self sufficiently – given a decent ray of sunshine.
SLRV expedition vehicles utilise a series of highly energy efficient 200W panels. The Commander features a 1.6kW system as standard.
Under normal usage, with a high-end SLRV electrical system, a generator is not regularly required. It does, however, provide a valuable backup source for charging during an extended period of overcast or rainy weather – or even when you’re camped up for an extended stay. Generators can range anywhere from a small Honda 2.0i to a large built-in Diesel unit.
Those who follow the crowd, usually get lost in it
Water is undoubtedly our most precious commodity when remote touring. An Expedition Vehicle must not only hold ample water for its passengers; it has to aid in the conservation of water. This, in turn, allows you to remain out in the wilderness for longer. The SLRV team have designed a system that will do just that. Let’s have a look how it works.
To store and conserve water, the SLRV system incorporates multiple tanks – arranged in series of separate ‘cells’. By doing this, various quality water can be stored in separate tanks and accessed for specific uses – ultimately enabling you to conserve your water. This intelligent system allows you to select which tank you wish to fill by the press of a switch. Similarly, inside the vehicle, you can choose which tank you want to draw from. Depending on configuration, the Commander 8×8 holds anywhere from 600 to 1000 litres of water – suitable for long-term remote travel.
Ensuring you always have a safe source of drinking water is vital. SLRV have a dedicated and independent drinking water system – with its own filler, tank, pump, filtration system and mixer outlet. This ensures your quality drinking water remains just that – and is ultimately conserved for extended isolated travel.
All SLRV water systems incorporate a city water entry – bypassing your tanks and allowing you to connect to the mains water supply whenever available. Pressure fillers used in the SLRV system also provide added security to your water supply.
All SLRV vehicles utilise diesel powered hot water and heater systems. These are extremely efficient and are plumbed into the trucks diesel tank. The heater works brilliantly – and the water system can supply constant hot water for your needs.
Staying out in the wilderness for longer is the name of the game. With water tanks set up in separate cells, it is possible to isolate and store water from various sources such as creeks, dams or rivers. This can be pumped into a dedicated tank using the ‘Thirsty Boy’ – and used for tasks including showering or doing a washing cycle. The Thirsty Boy can also be used on the ‘city water entry’ circuit – bypassing tanks altogether. The Thirsty Boy comes in its own ‘tough case’ with an internal pump and power supply for complete mobility. Just hook up your water hoses, and away you go.
The SLRV Commander 8×8 is constructed using the latest in composite technology and sits on a specially engineered 4 point torsion free chassis. The result is something to behold.
Take a look!
SLRV use the latest SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software to continually develop and evaluate vehicle design. Customers receive a full 3d model and working drawings of their vehicle design, to ensure the build meets their exact requirements. By utilising this Solidworks software, a wide variety of steel and aluminium components are CNC cut and folded for precision accuracy and build quality.
The torsional ‘twist’ of the MAN truck chassis in extreme conditions, requires the body to be mounted using a proper ‘4 point torsion free subframe’. Conventional ‘spring mounted’ systems do not remove all the force from the body – and can potentially cause structural issues with composite panel constructions. A true torsion free system allows the body and truck chassis to twist freely and independently – removing the transfer of these forces into the motorhome body and retaining the structural integrity of the vehicle. This design also increases off-road performance by increasing the wheels ability to remain in contact with the ground over rough terrain.
60mm composite fibreglass panels are used in the construction of the Commander’s body – for ultimate strength and cold bridge free insulation. Unlike inferior hot glued panels, SLRV panels are fully infused, which means they are manufactured under vacuum – injecting the perfect amount of resin into the fibreglass. The premium closed cell, self-extinguishing core material has a series of holes, allowing the resin to flow thru and connect the inside and outside fibreglass layers. This prevents de-lamination and adds to the overall strength of the panel. Both sides of SLRV panels are finished in gelcoat, for the maximum durability, serviceability and a brilliant finish.
The SLRV Commander features custom double glazed, gas-filled recessed windows from Germany. The recessed design creates a flush external fit, while double glazing provides excellent insulation against the elements. Insect and block out screens are fitted internally and all windows are available with external armour plating.
All wiring throughout the SLRV Commander is run in conduit for protection against wear and shorting. In fact, every electrical device has its own wiring, in conduit, the entire way back to the main circuit breaker.
SLRV joinery is constructed using the highest quality materials, fixtures and fittings – and is specifically constructed for rugged off-road travel. Cabinet carcass’ are constructed from an ultralight, waterproof and fire retardant plastic material, giving high strength and durability. Cupboard and drawer fronts are finished in a high-quality ABS plastic and are complemented by soft close drawer runners and Blum overhead stays. Signature SLRV heavy duty compression latches are used throughout.
SLRV manufacture its own range of aluminium hatch’s. Unlike mass-produced hatch’s, they are dust, and waterproof do not degrade in the sun. 60mm composite door panels open with gas strut assist and LED lights automatically turn on inside the hatch area.
The SLRV Commander 8×8 body can be mounted to the MAN TGS or Tatra Phoenix 8×8 truck platform.
Either vehicle features 4 locking diffs. Diff locks forces both wheels on the diff to turn in unison, regardless of the traction (or lack thereof) available to either wheel individually.
Seating is all air controlled and multi-adjustable. The air suspension seats provide maximum comfort over rough and relentless terrain.
SLRV spec vehicles are optioned with an additional diesel fuel tanks, giving the vehicle up to 1000L for extended range.
All SLRV’s are fitted with a powdercoated aluminium Expedition Roof Rack as standard. Frontal bars protect the windscreen and guide tree branches up and over the vehicle. The rooftop provides a massive area for storage and features tie down bars, spotlight mounts and an access ladder. The rack can be fitted with an optional aluminium box for additional storage. A handy rooftop davit with remote controlled electric winch makes it easy for anyone to load gear up top.
The SLRV custom winchbar is designed and built in house – and houses a 25,000lb electric, or 30,000lb hydraulic crane winch to help get you out of those tricky situations! Features of the bar also include:
The SLRV rear winch receiver is designed to house the same electric or hydraulic winch used up front. Very handy for a rear recovery – when there just isn’t any chance of going forward. The receivers smart design allows a number of towbar attachments, including a standard 50mm towbar attachment and pintle hook.
Both vehicles already features an onboard air system. The air system is utilised by the tyre inflation and deflation setup, which can be simultaneously controlled for all tyres by an optional semi-automatic control system.
For some of you that don’t already know, we’ve had an SLRV Expedition Vehicles YouTube channel for the last 10 […]
For those of you who haven’t purchased an INEOS Grenadier yet, now’s your chance to experience it first hand and […]
Join Australian overlanders, Heather and Garry as they leave their comfortable life behind and discover what life is really like […]