Retreat Caravans Macquarie vs Willow RV Ironbark Series
Both are semi off-road caravans. On the numbers, the Retreat Caravans Macquarie is lighter to tow, costs less to buy and carries more gear; the Willow RV Ironbark Series puts less weight on the towbar.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs — no ratings, no opinions.
Retreat Caravans Macquarie
- Lighter to tow2,431 kg vs 2,541 kg
- Lower starting price$99,950 vs $109,990
- More payload capacity1,069 kg vs 909 kg
Willow RV Ironbark Series
- Less weight on the towbar213 kg vs 278 kg
Compare finance for either — see what you could borrow with Jade →
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Retreat Caravans Macquarie | Willow RV Ironbark Series |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Retreat Caravans | Willow RV |
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $99,950 | $109,990 |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 3,500 kg | 3,450 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 2,431 kg | 2,541 kg |
| Payload (ATM − tare) | 1,069 kg | 909 kg |
| Ball weight | 278 kg | 213 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 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
Retreat Caravans Macquarie
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Off-grid readyonly this one
Willow RV Ironbark Series
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Slide-outonly this one
Retreat Caravans Macquarie vs Willow RV Ironbark Series: common questions
Which is lighter to tow, the Retreat Caravans Macquarie or the Willow RV Ironbark Series?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,431 kg versus 2,541 kg. Loaded to their maximum, the Retreat Caravans Macquarie has an ATM of 3,500 kg and the Willow RV Ironbark Series 3,450 kg. Always check the figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Retreat Caravans Macquarie or the Willow RV Ironbark Series?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie has the larger payload: 1,069 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 909 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 Macquarie or the Willow RV Ironbark Series cheaper?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie has the lower starting price at $99,950, compared with $109,990 for the Willow RV Ironbark Series. 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 Macquarie and Willow RV Ironbark Series sleep?
The Retreat Caravans Macquarie sleeps 2 and the Willow RV Ironbark Series sleeps 2. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.