Is the latest $267K Zone RV Summit the pinnacle of off-grid caravanning?

Zone RV's Summit Series model broke new ground for Aussie-built caravans when, back in 2018, it introduced a host of innovative features including carbon-fibre exterior panels and iPad-controlled smart technology, all for a starting price approaching $200,000.

Now, six years later the Queensland-based composite caravan specialist continues to push the boundaries of what a locally built, off-grid caravan can offer, and cost to buy, with the announcement of a major update of its range-topping 23ft 3in Summit full composite, off-road couple's caravan.

With just about every imaginable feature (plus a couple no-one has thought of before!) included in the $267,000 (plus delivery and on-road costs) price-tag, the new 2025 Zone Summit couple's caravan is a "complete new build" and offers more off-grid power and functionality than before, according to Zone RV CEO Adrian Toft.

The MY25 Zone Summit tandem axle van rides on a hot dipped galvanised chassis with Cruisemaster ATX Unleashed airbag suspension and disc brakes, DO-45 coupling, 17in Method Race wheels and Yokahama mud tyres, while the new exterior design includes a fresh light grey finish for the carbon fibre clad exterior panels.

Like the latest Expedition hybrid, Zone has significantly down-sized the A-frame toolbox and incorporated more sealed external storage into the Summit's body design, particularly towards the front, with an extra-large vertical tunnel boot and horizontal offside locker helping to make the most of the 3270kg Tare van's, maximum one-tonne plus payload.

A new slimline toolbox up front is reserved for wet gear, twin gas bottles and a 45 litre diesel auxiliary tank, with wall mounted Maxtrax and an electric jack also part of the all-terrain package.

"This van has 4000 litres of storage which is incredible for a 21ft (internal length) van," Toft said.

Configured to "stay off grid for a lot longer", the 45 litre diesel tank feeds a diesel-powered Webasto hot water and space heater and Wallas convection oven, while electrical power from the 1200Ah lithium battery system with eight rooftop solar panels (1520W in total, plus a 200W portable folding solar panel), a Redarc Alpha Manager 100 and 3000W inverter, is reserved for the induction cooktop, 85 litre external/ 274L internal fridge-freezers, rooftop air-conditioner, microwave and 2.5kg wall mounted washing machine.

The Summit can also carry 400 litres of water, for washing using the internal and external showers as well as cooking and drinking when coupled with the ultraviolet water sanitiser.

An updated outside kitchen area includes separate lockers for the upright fridge-freezer, slide-out BBQ, and outdoor pantry and prep bench, while other external features include a powered awning and entry steps, rear ladder and bike carrier, Fusion sound system and Starlink Mini.

Inside, to allow for the bigger external storage areas the high-mounted front queen bed now sits flush with the offside wall, although there's the option for a more conventional walk-around bed. Zone has also optimised internal storage with more overhead cupboards, foot lockers and underfloor compartments, and fitted larger windows along the offside wall to allow for more natural light and ventilation.

Other premium features include a pillowtop mattress, leather lounge, waterless toilet, anti-theft security and a large-screen Smart TV and, to top it off, Zone has also included a full set of German-made Silwy porcelain tableware and glasses with magnetic bases to prevent movement and breakage when stored inside the Summit's lighweight composite cabinets.

"This is the pinnacle of caravanning," Toft said.

Perhaps the best news for impatient, well-heeled buyers is there is currently only a three month wait time for a 2025 Summit, with a February 2025 delivery date if you put an order in today via the Zone RV website...

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