Everything about our Monster Trucks
Engineering for Iceland’s Extreme Environments
Sleipnir Tours' Tatra truck stands as a monumental example of engineering and adaptation to Iceland's extreme environments. This vehicle, specifically tailored for glacier tours, combines robust design with advanced technology, making it an essential asset for navigating the challenging terrains of Langjökull glacier, the second-largest glacier in Europe.
Why Tatra?
Chosen for its exceptional engineering, the Tatra truck features independent suspension on each tyre, a smooth ride, and a durable chassis capable of carrying significant weight without additional modifications. The choice was further solidified by Tatra’s historical reliability and the integration of Euro 6 DAF technology, ensuring a blend of tradition and modern efficiency.
Book your trip on Langjökull Glacier onboard the biggest monster truck in the world
Design and Construction
The Tatra was custom-built with a specific chassis from Tatra, designed to accommodate large, 65-inch tires on 30.5-inch rims with a double beet lock system. This setup allows the truck to operate in rough terrain with air pressures as low as 4 psi. Sleipnir Tours constructed the passenger cabin in Hafnafjörður, Iceland, focusing on strength (using Steel 52) and excellent insulation, essential for the cold Icelandic climate.
Engine and Modifications
The truck is equipped with a powerful 530 HP DAF engine and an Allison 4700 automatic transmission, which includes a torque converter and retarder to enhance both power and control. Although the truck is modified, its 26-ton weight provides enough stability and traction that no additional steering or wheel adjustments are needed.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
The Tatra truck is equipped with a unique Pacto dry toilet system from Danfo, which uses a biodegradable flushing foil made of corn starch instead of plastic, reflecting Sleipnir Tours' commitment to sustainability. This system encapsulates waste without the need for water or electricity, making it ideal for the environmentally sensitive areas where the truck operates.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 12 meters (39 ft)
- Width: 3.3 meters (10.8 ft)
- Height: 4 meters (13 ft)
- Max Speed: 85 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 40-60 liters per hour, depending on offroad conditions
- Capacity: 47 passengers seats, plus a driver and guide
- 8x8: with individual suspension on each wheel
- Tyre size: Sleipnir 1 has 78 inch, Sleipnir 2 has 65 inch
- Special Features:
WiFi, low-range transfer case, steering on the last axle, and an ecological toilet, Skyline windows.
Usage and Capabilities
The Tatra truck is primarily used for tours to Langjökull glacier starting from Gullfoss Cafe. Taking visitor's all year round to the glacier, with a summer and a winter program, see more about that here.
The large tires are specially designed to cross crevasses up to 2 meters wide! However, during our standard tours, we only visit areas of the glacier where there are no crevasses at all, making it a very safe experience.
The Sleipnir Legacy
Named after the mythical horse Sleipnir, Sleipnir 1 and Sleipnir 2 represent the company’s quest to build the ultimate glacier tour vehicles. Sleipnir 1, completed in 2017, marked the first major milestone with its massive 75-inch tires and a powerful 630-horsepower engine, specially designed for challenging glacier conditions.
Sleipnir 2, "our" Tatra, was completed in 2020. With its exceptional performance, it has exceeded the expectations of Sleipnir Tours and set a new standard for glacier exploration.
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