Video Review: Retreat Hamilton Offroad

The Retreat Hamilton is warranted for full offroad use, is strong and sturdy, and has everything you need to explore the unbeaten tracks. 

VALUE FOR MONEY

The Hamilton checks in at a pretty reasonable price for a fully offroad van with all the fruit your need for remote outback touring.

TOWABILITY

It’s a very steady and stable van under tow.

SETTING UP AND HITCHING UP

There are no real problems in hitching up. It would pay to be mindful that the Hamilton has a DO35 coupling which does require a bit more precision when hitching.

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

The Hamilton is built for serious offroad travel, within the bounds of common sense, of course. Retreat has put a lot of effort into strengthening the body structure and providing offroad features such as solar power, large water tanks, scrub rails and recovery points.

LAYOUT

The Hamilton has a familiar front bedroom/rear bathroom layout. The bed’s extended length of 1.8m (5ft 11in) may be an issue for some people. The angled kitchen bench is practical and creates added length and bench space.

QUALITY OF FINISH

The finish is mostly very good, with Euro-style CNC-cut furniture and roll-form benchtops. But there were a few minor points in the general trim that could have been looked at more closely.

BUILD QUALITY

Retreat has gone to some trouble to improve the strength of the van’s frame, as well as ensuring solid mounting points for the cabinetry. The stronger, rougher finish in the shower creates extra strength, but requires explanation for its unique look.

CREATURE COMFORTS

It has just about everything you need, including a washing machine, pull-out pantry, and oven.

INNOVATION

Retreat gets bonus points for giving the Hamilton a 120L grey water tank, which is very unusual in a new caravan, as well as the innovative shower cubicle. The front tool box is removable, leaving a storage tray on the A-frame.

X-FACTOR

This van certainly makes a great first impression with silver cladding over black exterior.

THE CARAVAN WORLD VERDICT

This Retreat Hamilton, built for offroad use, has a classic offroad shape, and has all the usual items that the modern caravanner needs for remote travel but with added conveniences as well! It certainly scrubs up very nicely!

To discover the Retreat Hamilton Offroad final score be sure to check out Caravan World Issue 521. Why not subscribe today!