Australian Off Road Matrix vs Crusader Caravans Excalibur
Both are full off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter to tow, carries more gear and carries more fresh water; the Crusader Caravans Excalibur costs less to buy and puts less weight on the towbar.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs - no ratings, no opinions.
Australian Off Road Matrix
- Lighter to tow1,960 kg vs 2,835 kg
- More payload capacity840 kg vs 665 kg
- More fresh water on board265 L vs 200 L
Crusader Caravans Excalibur
- Lower starting price$122,127 vs $144,900
- Less weight on the towbar154 kg vs 190 kg
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Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Australian Off Road Matrix | Crusader Caravans Excalibur |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Australian Off Road | Crusader Caravans |
| Type | Full Off-Road | Full Off-Road |
| Price from | $144,900 | $122,127 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 2,800 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 1,960 kg | 2,835 kg |
| Payload (ATM minus tare) | 840 kg | 665 kg |
| Ball weight | 190 kg | 154 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Bed length | Queen | Queen |
| Travel length | 7 m | 9.279 m |
| Travel height | 2.82 m | Not published |
| Width | 1.95 m | Not published |
| Axles | Not published | Tandem axle |
| Fresh water | 265 L | 200 L |
| Grey water | Not published | 100 L |
| Solar | 700 W | 600 W |
| Battery | 600 Ah | 300 Ah |
| Battery type | Lithium | Lithium |
| Inverter | 3000 W | 2000 W |
| Fridge | Not published | Compressor |
| Construction | Not published | Composite |
Figures in green mark the van with the lighter weight, lower price or greater capacity on that row."Not published" means the maker has not put that figure out, not that the van goes without it.Weights are manufacturer specs - confirm against the compliance plate.
Verified features
These are the features we have confirmed from the published specs.A feature missing from one list has not been verified for that van, which is not the same as the van going without it.
Australian Off Road Matrix
- Large water tanks
- Solar panels
- Diesel heaterverified here only
Crusader Caravans Excalibur
- Large water tanks
- Solar panels
- Air conditioningverified here only
- Club loungeverified here only
- Ensuite bathroomverified here only
- Washing machineverified here only
Australian Off Road Matrix vs Crusader Caravans Excalibur: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Australian Off Road Matrix or the Crusader Caravans Excalibur?
The Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter, with a tare weight of 1,960 kg versus 2,835 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Australian Off Road Matrix has an ATM of 2,800 kg and the Crusader Caravans Excalibur 3,500 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Australian Off Road Matrix or the Crusader Caravans Excalibur?
The Australian Off Road Matrix has the larger payload: 840 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 665 kg. That is the weight of water, gear, food and accessories you can legally load before hitting the van's ATM.
Is the Australian Off Road Matrix or the Crusader Caravans Excalibur cheaper?
The Crusader Caravans Excalibur has the lower starting price at $122,127, compared with $144,900 for the Australian Off Road Matrix. Both are drive-away starting prices before options, so the on-road gap can change once each is specced up.
How many people can the Australian Off Road Matrix and Crusader Caravans Excalibur sleep?
The Australian Off Road Matrix sleeps 2 and the Crusader Caravans Excalibur sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.