Some people buy a caravan.
Jeff and Jade built a lifestyle.
Today, they’re travelling Australia in their third Retreat ERV, a custom-built Tundra 216 ERV that’s designed to let them camp exactly where they want to be: right on the beach, completely off-grid, with every comfort of home.
For them, it wasn’t about buying a bigger caravan.
It was about creating complete freedom.
Every Adventure Starts Somewhere
Like many Australians, Jeff and Jade’s caravanning journey started small.
Very small.
“We first started about 15 years ago in a swag,” Jade laughs.
“Jeff was a bit precious, so that only lasted about two nights.”
From there they upgraded to a Jayco pop-top before moving into a larger Jayco caravan. As their confidence grew, so did their desire to explore places beyond caravan parks.
“We started off doing caravan park camping, but I wanted to go off-grid and camp on the beach.”
There was just one problem.
Jeff still wanted air conditioning.
The Caravan That Changed Everything
Their previous caravan had been upgraded with extra batteries and an inverter, but it still wasn’t capable of delivering the true off-grid lifestyle they wanted.
When they began researching Australian-made off-road caravans, they discovered Retreat Caravans.
Then they saw the ERV.
“What sold it was being able to run the air conditioner while off-grid.”
That single feature changed everything.
Combined with the ERV’s fully electric platform, advanced energy system and serious off-grid capability, they finally had a caravan that could keep up with the way they wanted to travel.
Building Their Perfect Retreat
Their first ERV was a showroom model, a 210R.
After experiencing what the platform could do, they decided to build a second one customised specifically to suit their travelling style.
Then came number three.
Their current Tundra 216 ERV features an east-west bed layout, split-system air conditioning, airbag suspension and a range of personalised upgrades that make life on the road effortless.
“We’ve really kitted this one out exactly how we wanted it.”
One of their favourite features?
The self-levelling airbag suspension.
“No levelling ramps. It just adjusts itself.”
Serious Off-Grid Capability
Jeff and Jade’s ERV isn’t just designed to camp away from powered sites.
It’s designed to stay there.
Their setup includes:
- 11kW inverter system
- 2,400 watts of solar
- Fully electric off-grid operation
- Split-system air conditioning
- Advanced battery storage
- Airbag suspension
The result is a caravan capable of supporting extended remote travel without compromising on comfort.
They even have plans to use the van to help power their home in the future, making the most of the advanced electrical system long after their travels are over.
Chasing Australia’s Best Beaches
Every July and August, Jeff and Jade head north.
Their favourite stretch?
The incredible coastline between Port Hedland and Broome.
“We basically aim to be by the water.”
Some of their favourite destinations include:
- Pender Bay
- Winderabandi
- The Broome Peninsula
Their perfect day is simple.
Wake up on the beach.
Walk a few metres to throw in a fishing line.
Cook whatever they catch.
Then relax under the awning while the caravan quietly looks after everything else.
“Being able to wake up on the beach and fish from your awning… that’s what it’s all about.”
