To pop or not to pop… that is the question.

Hybrid pop top caravans are a popular choice for many caravanners, but are they the right choice for you? They have a lot going for them, providing additional space when you arrive at your destination, but there are hidden risks, especially for grey nomads.

Towing & Setup

Many people are interested in a hybrid pop top because they're much easier to tow, which means they're cheaper to fuel. They’re a good choice in that regard, but they can be complicated when it's time to setup.

The experts warn against falling for a low price tag and the disaster that it could spell for the quality of the product.

"Fitting the hydraulics is too risky to have done anywhere but in Australia to Australian standards,” said a spokesperson for JAWA Off Road Campers Sydney. “After investigating the pop tops and pop-outs, as well as the outdoor kitchens on cheap imported hybrid caravans and campers, we raised concerns about the risks for seniors on the road.”

"Worse still, senior travellers may find they're without support when something goes wrong. Choosing a caravan company with after-sales service is not something they consider when buying their dream van, but it's so very important."

Setting up some pop top caravans can require a lot of manual work, strength, and effort, particularly cheaply made, imported models. Sure, you’ll gain an outdoor kitchen and some additional living space, but is it worth risking injury in the process? For those with limited mobility, setting up can be fraught with additional difficulties, with cheaply made pop tops being notoriously difficult to construct. The last thing anybody wants is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere without the ability to set up properly.

The key to stress-free travel in a pop top caravan is ensuring you shop with a reputable brand. Australian manufacturers work to Australian standards, using the highest quality materials and fitting hydraulic struts to make setup a breeze.

You can ensure the kitchen is fully designed for the easiest access and that your awning or annex is easy to erect. Otherwise, you risk being far from home without the support you need.

Features to Consider

Think about how you travel. Do you like to pop into the van for a cuppa and a snack while driving to your destination? That's not something you can easily do with a pop top.

Additionally, there is a risk of mould in the creviced areas behind the window flap and the bellows. So, a pop top caravan requires additional cleaning to maintain.

Do you have elbow, wrist, rotator cuff, or shoulder issues? Consider whether the setup could exacerbate those issues. Is it likely that you could injure yourself lifting, moving, and setting up? Could your height make set up difficult? If you’re particularly tall consider whether you could hit your head on exit and entry.

With a pop top caravan there's also a risk of forgetting to fasten the cam lock clips correctly, which could cause issues when you're back on the road.

Before purchasing a caravan and embracing the grey nomad lifestyle, it’s important to bear in mind that it isn’t just your physical condition now that counts. It’s best to also consider any potential future limitations and choose an investment that strikes the right balance for your wants and needs.