Blog See The Difference: Hardtop vs Pop Top

Buying a caravan can be an overwhelming experience. It’s a considerable investment to make so you want to get it right! However, if you’re brand new to the camping game, it’s even harder. As long-time camping enthusiasts, we know that there are certain camper and caravan features that you don’t know you want or need until you’re out on the road and living in your van.

Good news! Empty Nest Adventures has put together this comprehensive video highlighting the pros and cons of hardtop caravans, pop-top campers, and pop-top campers with a bump-out bed. Their invaluable insights are based on extensive van life experience so you’re bound to learn something about choosing a camper that you hadn’t even considered!

In this video, you’ll get an up-close look inside three of JAWA’s most popular offroad campers and caravans.

• The Commander – 16ft Hardtop Caravan
• Sirocco Grande – 15ft Pop-Top Camper
• Infinity 15 – 15ft Pop-Top Hybrid Camper with bump-out king-size bed

By touring the interior of each van, you can get a better sense of what it might be like to live in. However, there’s no substitute for stepping inside the van yourself. To do that, head to your nearest JAWA showroom.

Until then, this virtual tour is a great jumping-off point!

Things To Consider When Choosing an Off-Road Camper or Caravan

If you’ve been reading the camping forums or chatting to friends who own a caravan, you’ve probably heard a range of conflicting advice. And the truth is that none of it is necessarily right or wrong. That’s because everyone has their own camping style. If you plan to use your camper for short trips only, storage capacity and the size of your bed might not be the biggest concerns. If you’re buying a hybrid camper for The Big Lap, maximising storage, comfort, and overall liveability will be a much higher priority.

The right van for you will depend entirely on a set of criteria that’s unique to you. Keep that in mind as you watch the video.

Here are some of the considerations posed in the video.

CUPBOARD STORAGE + ELECTRICAL CONTROLS: They’re typically built in lower in pop-tops and up higher in solid caravans. Consider how their position may impact you when using them daily.

DOOR + INTERIOR HEIGHT: Constant bending down may be an issue for tall individuals or if you’re travelling for extended periods.

INTERIOR LIVING SPACE: Hardtop vans can utilise high spaces for storage, leaving floor space for a dinette. How much will you use the indoor living space?

OUTDOOR LIVING: From awning height to outdoor kitchen functionality, note the differences between the alfresco set-up of each van. What suits your camping style best?

SET UP/PACK DOWN: Pop-tops and bump-outs take longer to set up but are more compact to tow. Is the convenience of a bed that’s always ready to sleep in important to you? Could mobility issues make fold-out features difficult?

TOWING + MANOEUVRABILITY: Towing and manoeuvring ease is an important consideration, especially if challenging off-road tracks in remote locations are on your travel bucket list. The towing capabilities of your vehicle will also impact the size of camper you choose.

FUEL ECONOMY: Solid caravans are typically less fuel efficient than pop-tops because the higher van height catches more wind resistance. For an extended trip, the added fuel costs will be significant. Weigh this up against the overall comfort and convenience a hardtop offers during long periods on the road.

The video also looks at:

• Dust issues
• Windows and airflow
• Condensation
• Heating and cooling efficiency
• Camper storage

There’s lots to think about! The JAWA team are always on hand to chat through any questions or concerns you might have. We live and breathe the camping life and have loads of advice to share! Get in touch.

More Helpful Articles for Choosing an Off Road Camper

• Off Road Campers Vs Caravans
• Caravan Vs Hybrid Caravan
• Lightweight Caravans
• Towing A Caravan
• Caravan Troubleshooting
• See More Videos