Australian Off Road Matrix vs Lotus Caravans Trooper
Both are full off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter to tow, costs less to buy, carries more gear and carries more fresh water; the Lotus Caravans Trooper puts less weight on the towbar and sleeps more people.
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 2,950 kg
- Lower starting price$144,900 vs $158,790
- More payload capacity840 kg vs 545 kg
- More fresh water on board265 L vs 190 L
Lotus Caravans Trooper
- Less weight on the towbar185 kg vs 190 kg
- Sleeps more people5 vs 2
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Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Australian Off Road Matrix | Lotus Caravans Trooper |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Australian Off Road | Lotus Caravans |
| Type | Full Off-Road | Full Off-Road |
| Price from | $144,900 | $158,790 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 2,800 kg | 3,495 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 1,960 kg | 2,950 kg |
| Payload (ATM minus tare) | 840 kg | 545 kg |
| Ball weight | 190 kg | 185 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2-5 |
| Bed length | Queen | Not published |
| Travel length | 7 m | Not published |
| Travel height | 2.82 m | Not published |
| Width | 1.95 m | Not published |
| Fresh water | 265 L | 190 L |
| Solar | 700 W | 1050 W |
| Battery | 600 Ah | 600 Ah |
| Battery type | Lithium | Lithium |
| Inverter | 3000 W | 3000 W |
| Fridge | Not published | Compressor |
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
- Diesel heater
- Solar panels
- Large water tanksverified here only
Lotus Caravans Trooper
- Diesel heater
- Solar panels
- Air conditioningverified here only
- Ensuite bathroomverified here only
- Off-grid readyverified here only
- Washing machineverified here only
Australian Off Road Matrix vs Lotus Caravans Trooper: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Australian Off Road Matrix or the Lotus Caravans Trooper?
The Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter, with a tare weight of 1,960 kg versus 2,950 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Australian Off Road Matrix has an ATM of 2,800 kg and the Lotus Caravans Trooper 3,495 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Australian Off Road Matrix or the Lotus Caravans Trooper?
The Australian Off Road Matrix has the larger payload: 840 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 545 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 Lotus Caravans Trooper cheaper?
The Australian Off Road Matrix has the lower starting price at $144,900, compared with $158,790 for the Lotus Caravans Trooper. 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 Lotus Caravans Trooper sleep?
The Australian Off Road Matrix sleeps 2 and the Lotus Caravans Trooper sleeps 2-5. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.