Spotlight: Legend Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate

Melbourne's Legend Caravans is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the introduction of a new range of premium 'electrified' off-road caravans to the market.

A new, full off-grid 48V electrical package will be initially available on Legend's top-spec 21ft 6in Groundbreaker tandem axle model, plus a couple of smaller 16ft single axle hybrids, before it's rolled out across other Legend models.

Zoran Stojanoski who together with his brother Robert started Legend Caravans in 2008, said the new 48V power pack will allow the boutique Melbourne caravan builder to cater to the growing number of buyers wanting a fully-equipped, luxury off-road caravan with cutting-edge off-grid power capability.

Topping the new Legend range is a 21ft 6in, 4500kg ATM-rated Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate Off-Road couple's caravan, fitted with a 15Kwh EcoFlow 48V lithium-ion battery pack and 1400W rooftop solar.

The range-topping 'gas free' van retails for $227,000, or around $60,000 more than a 2023-model 21ft 6in Groundbreaker with 12V system and gas appliances, but Legend has added plenty of extras apart from the big 48V battery system to help justify the price hike.

"In regards to specifications this is pretty much the hamburger with the lot; it's got everything on it but without going overboard and getting out of reach, price-wise, for buyers," Zoran said.

For those on tighter budgets or with a 3500kg rated tow vehicle but still wanting the EcoFlow 48V upgrade, the two 16ft Trackline single axle hybrid versions are priced at $112,000 with the EcoFlow 2kWh battery, 2600W inverter and 600W solar, or $152,000 with the 5kWh battery, 3600W inverter and 800W solar.

Like other Legend caravans, the new 21ft 6in Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate boasts 'rot-free' aluminum-frame construction that is similar to that offered by some of its rivals, but with some key differences.

Borrowing methods from the civil engineering industry, Legend's HTAF (High Tech Aluminium Frame) construction process utilises Henrob self-piercing rivets and lockbolt fasteners that are designed to withstand tough Outback conditions better than a TIG welded caravan frame.

Legend also goes the extra mile with its body insulation, using commercial building-grade reflective film and wool batts under composite aluminium exterior panels, instead of the polystyrene foam used in cheaper timber-framed vans. The new Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate also gets a solid one-piece honeycomb floor and sandwich panel roof to further enhance the van's acoustic and thermal insulation properties.

There are also serious off-road underpinnings including a hot dipped galvanised Truss chassis with heavy-duty 6in extended A-frame, fitted with Cruisemaster's DO-45 coupling and ATX manual wireless airbag suspension, together with 12in hydraulic disc brakes and 16in alloy wheels with mud terrain tyres.

The Legend 48V caravan also gets additional side and underbody 'armour' in the form of extensive checker plate and other protection around the four chassis-mounted 95 litre water tanks (three fresh and one grey) as well as exposed plumbing, along with a front mesh stone guard, mud flaps, skid plates, and a stone chip-protected rear window.

To fulfil its mission of being able to run many of its power-hungry on-board appliances for extended periods when camping off-the-grid, the 21ft 6in GroundBreaker 48V Ultimate is fitted with the top-spec 15kWh lithium battery system from EcoFlow.

The three 5kWh EcoFlow batteries are mounted side by side in an easily accessible offside external locker, next to another locker holding the EcoFlow Power Hub which includes a 3600W inverter. EcoFlow's AC/DC Smart Distribution Panel is found inside in an overhead cabinet, not far from the wall-mounted digital display.

One advantage of the EcoFlow 48V system is its 'plug n play' versatility, with four different charging options as well as interchangeable sockets for plugging in another portable solar panel or even a separate EcoFlow portable power station.

Ecoflow also makes it easy to add more caravan batteries at a later stage, if the buyer initially opts for a smaller 2kWh, 5KWh or 10kWh system, and you can even plug in a generator to charge the batteries if the sun isn't shining.

Another neat feature is the in-built heater that automatically kicks in at low temperatures to maximise battery efficiency. Each battery has its own digital read-out, and there's also a smartphone app to monitor battery charge and solar levels from the tow vehicle.

Feeding the EcoFlow batteries are seven 200W roof-top solar panels; leaving just enough space on the roof for a Carafan dust reduction unit and RV Wi-Fi receiver.

By itself, the 15kWh EcoFlow 48V power kit adds around $30,000 to the price of the van, so Legend also give buyers the option to fit fewer EcoFlow batteries in combination with gas-powered appliances, or alternatively a more affordable lithium battery system from Enerdrive, Redarc or Victron.

Legend has been towing the black and gold, 21ft 6in GroundBreaker 48V van behind a matching black Chevrolet 2500 pick-up -- an ideal tow tug given its hefty 3255kg Tare and 4500kg ATM.

The premium finishes on the van's exterior are as much for looks as durability, with the glossy panels and dark tinted windows contrasting with the matte black Dimple Plate side protection and powdercoated front toolbox and rear bar. Other adventure 'bling' includes a black Tred recovery board and gold alloys with chunky mud tyres.

Setting up is made easier by a Black Jack electric trailer jack and four Bos corner stabilisers, and there's a 'two-in-one' socket on the A-frame with a single harness for the trailer and Anderson plugs that's easily replaced if damaged.

An electronic stability control unit isn't fitted as it's not compatible with the Dexter disc brakes installed on the van.

The switches for the power-operated entry steps and electric roll-out awning are located near the floor just inside the van, after opening the black security door.

The 21ft 6in Groundbreaker 48V also gets Legend's extra-large front toolbox with two separate compartments with slide-outs for the Waeco CFX 75 litre fridge and an optional generator.

There's a large tray on top with tie-down points for carrying wood or other outside gear, and much of the space in the large tunnel boot is taken up by the slide-out kitchen.

The premium, external kitchen comes with an NCE induction cooktop, Weber electric BBQ and a recessed sink with mixer tap, with wall sockets close by to plug in a toaster or breakfast juicer, while the custom four-arm rear bar includes twin jerry holders, a wood box and a single spare wheel.

Among other exterior highlights are two side-by-side picnic tables, an outside hot-cold shower, front and rear spotlights, a reversing camera, and an entertainment locker for mounting one of the 32in Smart TVs which also houses the airbag controls.

The twin berth, apartment-style layout in the 21ft 6in Groundbreaker is an appealing option for couples wanting to spend long periods on the road, or doing a big lap, without feeling on top of each other.

There are three distinct zones: a comfortable and roomy club lounge/dinette at the rear, with kitchen facilities close by; a central ensuite with separate shower, toilet, washer/dryer and vanity; and a master bedroom up front.

Befitting its prestige pricing, the furniture fit-out includes sleek CNC cut cabinetry fitted with Blum premium hardware including soft-close hinges and slides, and double positive locks with metal striker plates to prevent doors flying open when rattling along corrugations.

Adding to the five-star feel are solid surface acrylic benchtops (also fitted to the outside kitchen); two-tone leather upholstery, Roman blinds, dimmable strip LED lighting and various bespoke touches including a shiny 'Legend' coat rack.

The club lounge with its sturdy Nuova Mapa adjustable table is surrounded by windows as well as a roof hatch, and could comfortably accommodate six people if you wanted to invite a few camping friends around for Happy Hour. There are also quite a few overhead cabinets, electrical sockets, 12V fans and a TV arm close by.

The kitchen comes kitted out with a square recessed sink with both filtered water and mixer taps, a twin hob induction cooktop, rangehood and large convection microwave oven. On the opposite side is a Dometic 224L fridge, and a slide-out coffee machine in one of the cupboards to go with a pull-out pantry and other storage options in and around the kitchen.

For privacy in the ensuite there's a solid sliding door to the bedroom, and a flexible concertina screen to the rear living area.

There's more floorspace than usual to towel off, along with an extra-large shower door with full-length mirror, and the ensuite also gets a 3kg wall mounted washing machine and dryer, a ceramic cassette toilet, three towel rails, a vanity with square sink and cupboards, plus there's black tapware and a fan hatch in the fibreglass shower cubicle.

The bedroom boasts a queen size pillowtop innerspring mattress, with an extendable bed frame for longer legs and a large underbed cavity for storage. There's more overhead cabinetry, plus a couple of side robes with cut-outs and more sockets to plug in a phone or electric blanket.

The bedroom also gets twin 12V fans, a big roof hatch/skylight and 'double stack' opening windows on both sides, and there's a diesel heater with two outlets and a central rooftop air conditioner for climate control.

The Fusion head unit for the two internal and one external sound bars is located in the same overhead kitchen cupboard as the EcoFlow Smart Distribution Panel, together with two water tank gauges.

The 21ft 6in Legend Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate joins a growing number of options available for the lucky few shopping in the $200,000-plus off-grid caravan market.

It's best summed up as an all-terrain, self-contained apartment-on-wheels, that delivers home-style comforts even when far from civilization.

Key facts
Model: Legend Groundbreaker 48V Ultimate Off-Road 21ft 6in couple's caravan
Price: $227,000
Travel length: 9025mm
External body length: 6585mm
External width: 2500mm
Travel height: 3200mm
Internal height: 1960mm
Tare: 3255kg
ATM: 4500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 165kg
Chassis: S&M hot-dipped galvanised Truss chassis with extended 6in A-frame
Body: Riveted aluminium frame, aluminium composite side panels, honeycomb floor, composite roof
Suspension: Cruisemaster ATX airbag manual wireless
Brakes: 12in hydraulic discs
Wheels: 16in alloy with 265/75 BF Goodrich mud terrain tyres
ESC: NA
Water: 3 x 95L fresh, 1 x 95L grey
Battery: 15Kwh EcoFlow 48V lithium-ion
Solar: 1400W roof-mounted panels
Gas: Not fitted
Hot water: Storage Electric
Cooking: NCE twin burner induction cooktop (internal/external), Weber electric BBQ, LG convection microwave
Fridge: Dometic 224L upright compressor; Waeco CFX 75 litre
Shower: Internal/external, hot/cold
Toilet: Thetford cassette
Air-conditioner: Dometic FreshJet 3.4kW rooftop
Space heater: Diesel
Lighting: LED
Audio: Fusion Bluetooth with two internal and one external sound bars
TV: Twin 32in Smart
Washing machine/dryer: NCE 3kg wall mounted
Full details: Legend Caravans