Overview
This very special van draws ideas from the Sunland engineers, designers and users of the van, Chris and Miriam of Aussie Destinations Unknown. In this premium, full-time off-grid market, it competes against heavy-duty rivals like the KEDRON TE7 ‘TOPENDER’, Legend’s GroundBreaker 48V Ultimate and the Titanium Ti22 S4.
The process had to incorporate the high standards of Sunland and the needs and wants of Miriam and Chris. This was a long job because they had to get everything right, the right equipment in the right place and the centre of gravity had to be correct.
Words and Photos: Alison Huth
Is the Sunland LTD ADU Premium right for me?
This van is designed for a couple who live a busy life, love travel and keeping fit and require a full-time home on the road.
| Strengths | Compromises |
|---|---|
| I was struck by the space in the ensuite. Miriam showed me–it’s the right size for her yoga. | Yes, it’s heavy, so they have a vehicle that can tow it. |
| Clever customisations like the lockable bike store at the front meeting Chris and Miriam’s needs. | |
| The massive system that provides power for full-time living. |
Layout, Comfort & Liveability – Will it fit my lifestyle?
Interior Layout
The LTD ADU Premium floorplan has a master bedroom with a queen bed at the front next to two robes defining the sleeping configuration. There is an L-shaped dinette in the living and dining area opposite the kitchen in the centre. The ensuite towards the back has a corner shower, toilet, washing machine–and broom cupboard.
The 23’6″ length adds so much more space. While some of that went into the ensuite, the kitchen bench and L-shape lounge are also longer, which gives more cupboards in the kitchen setup.
The draining board is incorporated in the huge bench top, rather than added on top. There is no visible cooktop, because like so many caravanners today, Miriam wanted a mobile induction hotplate. That leaves them with so much bench space, and no bulky cooktop or raised draining board.
Miriam mentioned a broom cupboard. I was surprised by the bed height and the storage containers between the bed and wall.
Comfort & Practicality
The focus on livability has not been diluted. Miriam and Chris are on the road full time, they know what they need to make their life one of comfort and luxury.
One of the lovely features is the movable lights. There is a strip on the bottom of the cupboards over the L shaped seating. This strip has lights on it. If you want the light moved, all you have to do is gently pull it off the strip and put it back where you want it. .
Other touring comforts include the Gusto Plus dust reduction system Dometic Freshjet 7 Air Conditioner. There is an LED 32in Smart TV, wired-in Starlink with 12V Converter & Spacetek Pole and SpaceTek Starlink Gen 3 attachments. There are also storage containers between the bed and wall.
Build, Features & Self-Sufficiency – Can it handle my adventures?
Every van needs a chassis and Sunland have been making their own for over 15 years now and it comes with a 20 year warranty.
Power & Water systems
Chris was telling us about the power system in the van. It’s a massive system that provides power for all the full-time home living that they do. The number of solar panels and the battery system had to work together.
- 10x 220W solar panels (2.2kW total)
- 3x 300Ah Enerdrive B-TEC lithium batteries (900Ah total)
- 1x 3000W and 1x 2600W Enerdrive inverters (5600W total)
- Twin 40A solar controller
- Two 50A DC to DC chargers
- Simarine Nereidi 2 System switching & monitoring
Storage & exterior design
Chris and Miriam live an active lifestyle. Sunland fulfilled that need with a huge lockable bike store at the front of the ADU Premium.
Miriam and Chris have lots of hobbies too, not just biking and yoga but also snorkeling and bushwalking that are popular with many others living a full life. This is their full-time home and a full-time home requires all the basics such as clothes for every season.
Value, Warranty & Safety – Can I afford it with confidence?
Price & Inclusions
The price is $299,990 with features including full Starlink connectivity, two high-powered inverters and a 2.2kW solar array.
Warranty & Ownership
- 5 year warranty
- 20 year warranty on the chassis
- Dealer network or service access
Verdict – Which option is best for me?
The ADU Premium was designed to be the full-time home for a couple who live a busy life, love travel and keeping fit. The design incorporates high standards of Sunland and ideas from experienced users, focusing on livability, a massive power system and specialised storage like a huge lockable bike store.
Rivals at a glance
The Sunland LTD ADU Premium is a purpose-built residence for full-time touring, engineered through a unique collaboration with its owners. It sits at the peak of the market, challenging established heavy-duty builders with its massive, customised off-grid power system.
- KEDRON TE7 ‘TOPENDER’ – Its Design Registered air-brake integrated, triple-axle KRS airbag suspension
- Legend GroundBreaker 48V Ultimate – Its fully ‘gasless’ design built around a massive 15kWh 48V EcoFlow lithium power system
- Titanium Ti22 S4 (23.6ft) – Its interlocking aluminium wall frame construction using Henrob riveting technology
