Australian Off Road Matrix vs New Age Caravans Desert Rose
Both are full off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter to tow, puts less weight on the towbar, carries more gear and carries more fresh water; the New Age Caravans Desert Rose costs less to buy.
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 2,860 kg
- Less weight on the towbar190 kg vs 290 kg
- More payload capacity840 kg vs 640 kg
- More fresh water on board265 L vs 220 L
New Age Caravans Desert Rose
- Lower starting price$124,990 vs $144,900
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Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Australian Off Road Matrix | New Age Caravans Desert Rose |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Australian Off Road | New Age Caravans |
| Type | Full Off-Road | Full Off-Road |
| Price from | $144,900 | $124,990 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 2,800 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 1,960 kg | 2,860 kg |
| Payload (ATM minus tare) | 840 kg | 640 kg |
| Ball weight | 190 kg | 290 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Bed length | Queen | Queen |
| Travel length | 7 m | 8.4 m |
| Travel height | 2.82 m | Not published |
| Width | 1.95 m | Not published |
| Fresh water | 265 L | 220 L |
| Grey water | Not published | 110 L |
| Solar | 700 W | Not published |
| Battery | 600 Ah | Not published |
| Battery type | Lithium | Not published |
| Inverter | 3000 W | Not published |
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
- Solar panels
- Diesel heaterverified here only
- Large water tanksverified here only
New Age Caravans Desert Rose
- Solar panels
- Ensuite bathroomverified here only
- Off-grid readyverified here only
Australian Off Road Matrix vs New Age Caravans Desert Rose: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Australian Off Road Matrix or the New Age Caravans Desert Rose?
The Australian Off Road Matrix is lighter, with a tare weight of 1,960 kg versus 2,860 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Australian Off Road Matrix has an ATM of 2,800 kg and the New Age Caravans Desert Rose 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 New Age Caravans Desert Rose?
The Australian Off Road Matrix has the larger payload: 840 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 640 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 New Age Caravans Desert Rose cheaper?
The New Age Caravans Desert Rose has the lower starting price at $124,990, 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 New Age Caravans Desert Rose sleep?
The Australian Off Road Matrix sleeps 2 and the New Age Caravans Desert Rose sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.