Retreat Caravans ERV vs Fraser
Both sit in the Retreat Caravans semi off-road line-up. On the numbers, the ERV carries more gear; the Fraser is lighter empty, has the lower ATM to check against your car, costs less to buy and puts less weight on the towbar.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs - no ratings, no opinions.
ERV
- More payload capacity907 kg vs 622 kg
Fraser
- Lighter empty (tare)2,878 kg vs 3,493 kg
- Lower maximum loaded weight (ATM)3,500 kg vs 4,400 kg
- Lower starting price$159,990 vs $199,990
- Less weight on the towbar130 kg vs 334 kg
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | ERV | Fraser |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $199,990 | $159,990 |
| 2% more on the loan rate | about $13,600 over seven years | about $10,900 over seven years |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 4,400 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 3,493 kg | 2,878 kg |
| Payload (ATM minus tare) | 907 kg | 622 kg |
| Ball weight | 334 kg | 130 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Fresh water | 220 L | 220 L |
| Grey water | 110 L | 110 L |
| Solar | 2000 W | 880 W |
| Battery | 1167 Ah | 600 Ah |
| Battery type | Lithium | - |
| Inverter | 5,000 W | 3,000 W |
| Fridge | Compressor | Compressor |
| Construction | Composite | Composite |
Figures in green mark the van with the lighter weight, lower price or greater capacity on that row.A dash means that figure isn't shown, not that the van goes without it.Weights are manufacturer specs - confirm against the compliance plate.
Two people buy the same van at the same price. One gets a loan rate 2% higher than the other.
Over seven years, the one with the higher rate pays about $13,600 more on the ERV and about $10,900 more on the Fraser.
Different lenders will offer you different rates.
Jade's loan specialists compare offers from major banks and other lenders, and negotiate on your behalf.
A free two-minute finance quote from Jade tells you what your loan would cost on either van.
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Example figures: 20% deposit, seven years, change them in the calculator.
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.
ERV
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Large water tanks
- Off-grid ready
- Solar panels
- Washing machine
- Diesel heaterverified here only
- Outdoor kitchenverified here only
Fraser
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Large water tanks
- Off-grid ready
- Solar panels
- Washing machine
Not sure either fits your car?
Check whether your vehicle can legally tow either van - ball weight, GCM and payload headroom - or take the 2-minute quiz to shortlist by how you camp.
Retreat Caravans ERV vs Fraser: common questions
What is the difference between the ERV and the Fraser from Retreat Caravans?
Both are semi off-road vans in the same Retreat Caravans line-up, so the differences are in the published figures rather than in the category. On the specs Retreat Caravans publishes, the Fraser starts at $159,990 and the ERV at $199,990, their ATMs are 4,400 kg and 3,500 kg, solar is 2,000 W against 880 W and payload works out at 907 kg and 622 kg. The full side-by-side table below covers every figure both ranges publish, and a gap stays a dash rather than a guess. Floorplan choice within each range changes the layout and the sleeping capacity, so confirm the exact build against the compliance plate before you commit.
Which is lighter, the ERV or the Fraser?
Empty, the Fraser is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,878 kg versus 3,493 kg. For towing, the number that matters is each van's maximum loaded weight: the ERV has an ATM of 4,400 kg and the Fraser 3,500 kg - check that figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the ERV or the Fraser?
The ERV has the larger payload: 907 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 622 kg. That is the weight of water, gear, food and accessories you can legally load before hitting the van's ATM.
Is the ERV or the Fraser cheaper?
The Fraser has the lower starting price at $159,990, compared with $199,990 for the ERV. Both are published "from" prices - options and on-road costs move the final figure, so confirm the drive-away price with the dealer.
How many people can the ERV and Fraser sleep?
The ERV sleeps 2 and the Fraser sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.