Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top vs Retreat Caravans ERV
Both are semi off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top is lighter to tow, costs less to buy, puts less weight on the towbar and sleeps more people; the Retreat Caravans ERV carries more gear.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs — no ratings, no opinions.
Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top
- Lighter to tow1,820 kg vs 3,493 kg
- Lower starting price$139,900 vs $199,990
- Less weight on the towbar190 kg vs 334 kg
- Sleeps more people4 vs 2
Retreat Caravans ERV
- More payload capacity907 kg vs 780 kg
Compare finance for either — see what you could borrow with Jade →
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top | Retreat Caravans ERV |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Australian Off Road | Retreat Caravans |
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $139,900 | $199,990 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 2,600 kg | 4,400 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 1,820 kg | 3,493 kg |
| Payload (ATM − tare) | 780 kg | 907 kg |
| Ball weight | 190 kg | 334 kg |
| Sleeps | 2–4 | 2 |
| Travel length | 7.05 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 Matrix Pop Top
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
Retreat Caravans ERV
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Off-grid readyonly this one
Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top vs Retreat Caravans ERV: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top or the Retreat Caravans ERV?
The Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top is lighter, with a tare weight of 1,820 kg versus 3,493 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top has an ATM of 2,600 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 Matrix Pop Top or the Retreat Caravans ERV?
The Retreat Caravans ERV has the larger payload: 907 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 780 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 Pop Top or the Retreat Caravans ERV cheaper?
The Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top has the lower starting price at $139,900, 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 Matrix Pop Top and Retreat Caravans ERV sleep?
The Australian Off Road Matrix Pop Top sleeps 2–4 and the Retreat Caravans ERV sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.