Retreat Caravans ERV vs Zone RV Expedition
Both are semi off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Zone RV Expedition 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.
Retreat Caravans ERV
No clear spec advantage on price or weight — see the full table below.
Zone RV Expedition
- Lighter to tow2,280 kg vs 3,493 kg
- Lower starting price$158,000 vs $199,990
- Less weight on the towbar240 kg vs 334 kg
- More payload capacity1,220 kg vs 907 kg
- Sleeps more people4 vs 2
Compare finance for either — see what you could borrow with Jade →
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Retreat Caravans ERV | Zone RV Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Retreat Caravans | Zone RV |
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $199,990 | $158,000 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 4,400 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 3,493 kg | 2,280 kg |
| Payload (ATM − tare) | 907 kg | 1,220 kg |
| Ball weight | 334 kg | 240 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2–4 |
| Travel length | — | 7.2 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
Retreat Caravans ERV
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Off-grid readyonly this one
Zone RV Expedition
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
Retreat Caravans ERV vs Zone RV Expedition: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Retreat Caravans ERV or the Zone RV Expedition?
The Zone RV Expedition is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,280 kg versus 3,493 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Retreat Caravans ERV has an ATM of 4,400 kg and the Zone RV Expedition 3,500 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Retreat Caravans ERV or the Zone RV Expedition?
The Zone RV Expedition has the larger payload: 1,220 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 Retreat Caravans ERV or the Zone RV Expedition cheaper?
The Zone RV Expedition has the lower starting price at $158,000, 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 Retreat Caravans ERV and Zone RV Expedition sleep?
The Retreat Caravans ERV sleeps 2 and the Zone RV Expedition sleeps 2–4. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.