What a Plan: Retreat 219B SE
We check out the stunning family-friendly 219B SE layout created by the Retreat
WORDS RACHAEL DOHERTY [LIFESTYLE PHOTOS 2EASY TOURING]
When I heard Retreat was donating a luxury 22ft family van to help combat senseless social violence for the Pat Cronin Foundation, I was itching to peek inside. Afterall, Retreat is a premium RV manufacturer, excelling in the off-the-grid space.
While construction of the Pat Cronin Whitsunday XE 219B SE giveaway van was underway at the time of writing, I did get to inspect the layout up for grabs, the 219B SE, courtesy of Freestyle RV.
And boy, was I glad I did. The 219B SE is a real crowd pleaser with Retreat smartly appointing this 6.7m floor plan with a full height pantry, a children’s bedroom separate to main living quarters with ample storage and worktop space.
That Long Table
A core strength to the 219B SE layout is the family friendly dining set-up, accommodating a long table on an adjustable leg, made possible by the unobtrusive yet lush four seater bench seat. The space-saving impact in this already mid-to-large size van is immediately felt–the 219B SE just seems incredibly spacious even for its towing profile. Not only can you comfortably dine with the crew but there’s space for salads and platters so picky eaters can help themselves. What’s more, that extra surface provides a practical working space for extra hands when preparing a family meal that’s sometimes forsaken in other layouts accommodating bunks.
I also like the deep square sink and full-height pantry opposite the Dometic 188L three-way fridge. Cooking wise, you get the built-in NCE 23L flatbed microwave and a four hob stovetop and grille that allows for a deep pot drawer below.
Defined Spaces
Divided spaces are a luxury in a caravan. In the 219B SE, families can enjoy privacy with the bunk quarters and ensuite separated by concertina doors. Each bunk has its own lightswitch with a 12V charging point and twin power point outlet, and there are drawers under the bed. That’s adjacent to a cupboard with shelves, two handy drawers for smalls and a 3.5kg washing machine for managing family laundry on the go. You’ll find more storage in the bathroom to the left, which also features a large Thetford C263CS toilet with a swivel seat and a fully-moulded high gloss shower with a mottled base for stability.
Towards the front, Retreat creates a welcoming space in the master berth. A grand padded bedhead with reading lights is surrounded by robes and storage up top. Individually lit cubby holes with charging points either side of the pillowtop mattress comfortably accommodate glasses, books and the like. While a small divider at the door introduces a bit of privacy.
Whitsunday XE
While I didn’t get to inspect the Whitsunday XE in the giveaway 219B SE floor plan, I did spot it on another. And even though its Retreat’s foundation specification, you get a pretty generous off-grid package including the 270Ah of AGM battery storage secured to the sturdy ARV chassis. That’s managed with the BMPRO system, 420W of solar and a Blue-tooth enabled Odyssey link for monitoring the three 95L tanks (two freshwater, one grey) that with optional sensors can also monitor your cylinders and fridge temperatures.
The twin axles are fitted with 3.7T ARV Titan X independent coil sprung suspension with Trak Ryder dampers and 16in All Terrain tyres and there’s a DO-35 coupling for dirt roads.
A black checkerplate toolbox provides two slide-out drawers for a barbecue, generator or a second fridge to complement your adventures, whether you’re at a local caravan park or brook-side a little down the road.
Meet Tash & Rob
For eight months, Tash and Rob for 2easy_touring toured Australia in an up-specced Whitsunday XE sporting the 219B SE. Here’s what Tash had to say.
“For us the Retreat 219BSE layout was everything we were looking for when searching for our full time home on wheels! The storage is incredible ~ hello full pantry. We absolutely love the straight bench seat to maximise space around the main area and also the concertina doors in the bunk and bathroom areas are definitely a winner for us. It makes the space super functional and gives us as much room as possible in the bunk or bathroom areas, which is definitely a must with two growing boys!”
