Australian Off Road Aurora vs Retreat Caravans ERV
Both are semi off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Australian Off Road Aurora is lighter to tow, costs less to buy, puts less weight on the towbar, carries more gear 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 Aurora
- Lighter to tow2,545 kg vs 3,493 kg
- Lower starting price$197,900 vs $199,990
- Less weight on the towbar175 kg vs 334 kg
- More payload capacity955 kg vs 907 kg
- Sleeps more people4 vs 2
Retreat Caravans ERV
No clear spec advantage on price or weight — see the full table below.
Compare finance for either — see what you could borrow with Jade →
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Australian Off Road Aurora | Retreat Caravans ERV |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Australian Off Road | Retreat Caravans |
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $197,900 | $199,990 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 3,500 kg | 4,400 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 2,545 kg | 3,493 kg |
| Payload (ATM − tare) | 955 kg | 907 kg |
| Ball weight | 175 kg | 334 kg |
| Sleeps | 2–4 | 2 |
| Travel length | 7.925 m | — |
Figures in green mark the van with the lighter weight, lower price or greater capacity on that row. Weights are manufacturer specs — confirm against the compliance plate.
Key features
Australian Off Road Aurora
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
Retreat Caravans ERV
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Off-grid readyonly this one
Australian Off Road Aurora vs Retreat Caravans ERV: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Australian Off Road Aurora or the Retreat Caravans ERV?
The Australian Off Road Aurora is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,545 kg versus 3,493 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Australian Off Road Aurora has an ATM of 3,500 kg and the Retreat Caravans ERV 4,400 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Australian Off Road Aurora or the Retreat Caravans ERV?
The Australian Off Road Aurora has the larger payload: 955 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 907 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 Aurora or the Retreat Caravans ERV cheaper?
The Australian Off Road Aurora has the lower starting price at $197,900, compared with $199,990 for the Retreat Caravans ERV. 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 Aurora and Retreat Caravans ERV sleep?
The Australian Off Road Aurora sleeps 2–4 and the Retreat Caravans ERV sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.