Here's a decision that confuses a lot of renters: you're on the THL Group website, and you can see Apollo and Mighty offering what looks like the same vehicle type at different prices. What gives?
The answer is the THL cascading fleet model. Both brands are owned by THL Group, but they sit at different tiers of the fleet rotation. Apollo gets the vehicles after Britz is done with them. Mighty gets them after Apollo. Same fundamental vehicle, different age, different price.
This guide explains exactly what you get at each tier and helps you decide whether the Apollo upgrade is worth it.
The THL Fleet Ladder
To understand Apollo vs Mighty, you need to understand THL's brand system:
- Star RV — ultra-premium (under 12 months old)
- Maui — premium (0–2 years)
- Britz — mid-range (2–3 years)
- Apollo — value (2–5 years) ← you're deciding between these two
- Mighty — budget (3–6 years) ← you're deciding between these two
A vehicle that starts life as a Star RV eventually works its way down to Mighty before being sold off. Both Apollo and Mighty vehicles are well-maintained and thoroughly cleaned between rentals — the difference is purely in age, wear, and the resulting price.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Apollo | Mighty |
|---|---|---|
| THL Tier | Value (4th tier) | Budget (5th tier) |
| Vehicle Age | 2–5 years | 3–6 years |
| Price Range | $55–$250/day | $40–$200/day |
| Price Difference | — | 10–20% cheaper |
| Interior Condition | Good — some wear but well-maintained | Functional — more visible wear, older appliances |
| Best For | Value-seekers wanting decent quality | Ultra-budget travellers, longer trips |
The Real-World Difference
Let's be honest: the difference between a 3-year-old Apollo and a 4-year-old Mighty is not dramatic. Both will have:
- Functional kitchen with stove, fridge, and basic utensils
- Comfortable sleeping for 2–6 people depending on the model
- Clean, well-maintained mechanical systems
- The same depot experience and customer service infrastructure
Where you'll notice the difference is in the details: Mighty vehicles may have slightly more cosmetic wear (minor scratches, faded upholstery, older-generation entertainment), while Apollo vehicles tend to look and feel a touch fresher. Neither will look new — for that, you'd need to step up to Britz or Maui.
When the $10–$25/Day Matters
The daily rate difference seems small, but it compounds:
- 7-day hire: ~$70–$175 savings with Mighty
- 14-day hire: ~$140–$350 savings with Mighty
- 21-day hire: ~$210–$525 savings with Mighty
For a couple on a 3-week road trip, $400 saved on the van could mean several nights at a powered campsite, a whale-watching tour, or a week's worth of fresh seafood dinners.
The Verdict
Choose Apollo if you're on a trip of 10 days or less, want a slightly nicer vehicle, or the price gap is small for your dates (sometimes Apollo runs sales that bring it very close to Mighty pricing).
Choose Mighty if you're on a longer trip, you're genuinely budget-focused, or you'd rather put the savings toward experiences. The vehicle will still get you everywhere you want to go.
Best move: Compare live prices on CamperCompare for your exact dates — the price gap varies by season and route, and sometimes Apollo's deals make the decision for you.
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