Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V vs Retreat Caravans Macquarie
Both are semi off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V puts less weight on the towbar and sleeps more people; the Retreat Caravans Macquarie is lighter to tow, costs less to buy and carries more gear.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs — no ratings, no opinions.
Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V
- Less weight on the towbar228 kg vs 278 kg
- Sleeps more people6 vs 2
Retreat Caravans Macquarie
- Lighter to tow2,431 kg vs 2,593 kg
- Lower starting price$99,950 vs $103,285
- More payload capacity1,069 kg vs 628 kg
Compare finance for either — see what you could borrow with Jade →
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V | Retreat Caravans Macquarie |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Jayco Australia | Retreat Caravans |
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $103,285 | $99,950 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 3,221 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 2,593 kg | 2,431 kg |
| Payload (ATM − tare) | 628 kg | 1,069 kg |
| Ball weight | 228 kg | 278 kg |
| Sleeps | 2–6 | 2 |
| Travel length | — | — |
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
Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V
- Ensuite bathroom
- Off-grid ready
- Solar panels
- Bunk bedsonly this one
Retreat Caravans Macquarie
- Ensuite bathroom
- Off-grid ready
- Solar panels
Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V vs Retreat Caravans Macquarie: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V or the Retreat Caravans Macquarie?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,431 kg versus 2,593 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V has an ATM of 3,221 kg and the Retreat Caravans Macquarie 3,500 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V or the Retreat Caravans Macquarie?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie has the larger payload: 1,069 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 628 kg. That is the weight of water, gear, food and accessories you can legally load before hitting the van's ATM.
Is the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V or the Retreat Caravans Macquarie cheaper?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie has the lower starting price at $99,950, compared with $103,285 for the Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V. 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 Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V and Retreat Caravans Macquarie sleep?
The Jayco Australia Adventurer 48V sleeps 2–6 and the Retreat Caravans Macquarie sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.