Willow RV Ironbark Series vs Waratah Series
Both sit in the Willow RV semi off-road line-up. On the numbers, the Ironbark Series is lighter empty, puts less weight on the towbar and carries more gear; the Waratah Series costs less to buy and sleeps more people.
What the numbers say
Every point below is taken straight from the published specs - no ratings, no opinions.
Ironbark Series
- Lighter empty (tare)2,541 kg vs 2,633 kg
- Less weight on the towbar213 kg vs 269 kg
- More payload capacity909 kg vs 817 kg
Waratah Series
- Lower starting price$105,289 vs $109,990
- Sleeps more people5 vs 2
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Ironbark Series | Waratah Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi Off-Road | Semi Off-Road |
| Price from | $109,990 | $105,289 |
| 2% more on the loan rate | about $7,500 over seven years | about $7,200 over seven years |
| ATM (loaded weight) | 3,450 kg | 3,450 kg |
| Tare (empty weight) | 2,541 kg | 2,633 kg |
| Payload (ATM minus tare) | 909 kg | 817 kg |
| Ball weight | 213 kg | 269 kg |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2-5 |
| Travel length | - | 8.825 m |
| Travel height | 2.955 m | 2.88 m |
| Width | 2.47 m | 2.47 m |
| Axles | Tandem axle | Tandem axle |
| Fresh water | 190 L | 190 L |
| Solar | 170 W | 170 W |
| Battery | 100 Ah | 100 Ah |
| Fridge | 3-Way | 3-Way |
| 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 $7,500 more on the Ironbark Series and about $7,200 more on the Waratah Series.
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.
Ironbark Series
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Slide-outverified here only
Waratah Series
- Ensuite bathroom
- Solar panels
- Bunk bedsverified here only
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.
Willow RV Ironbark Series vs Waratah Series: common questions
What is the difference between the Ironbark Series and the Waratah Series from Willow RV?
Both are semi off-road vans in the same Willow RV line-up, so the differences are in the published figures rather than in the category. On the specs Willow RV publishes, the Waratah Series starts at $105,289 and the Ironbark Series at $109,990, both are rated to the same 3,450 kg ATM and payload works out at 909 kg and 817 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 Ironbark Series or the Waratah Series?
Empty, the Ironbark Series is lighter, with a tare weight of 2,541 kg versus 2,633 kg. For towing, the number that matters is each van's maximum loaded weight: the Ironbark Series has an ATM of 3,450 kg and the Waratah Series 3,450 kg - check that figure against your car's braked towing limit.
Which caravan can carry more, the Ironbark Series or the Waratah Series?
The Ironbark Series has the larger payload: 909 kg of carrying capacity (ATM minus tare) versus 817 kg. That is the weight of water, gear, food and accessories you can legally load before hitting the van's ATM.
Is the Ironbark Series or the Waratah Series cheaper?
The Waratah Series has the lower starting price at $105,289, compared with $109,990 for the Ironbark Series. 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 Ironbark Series and Waratah Series sleep?
The Ironbark Series sleeps 2 and the Waratah Series sleeps 2-5. Sleeping capacity depends on the floorplan you choose within each range.