Choosing a caravan for your outdoor adventures often comes down to two options; a pop-top caravan and a hard-top caravan. While several other caravan types and varieties exist, these two are among the most popular options and are often pitched against each other. So which of these options should you go for? In this post, we’ll define pop-top and hard-top caravans, comparing their pros and cons to determine which of them you should choose for your adventures.
What Is A Pop-Highest Caravan?
A pop-top caravan is a portable recreational vehicle with a roof that can be folded or raised. The collapsible roof can be lowered and raised on the road to create more headroom when parked at a campsite. Pop-top caravans may also feature pull-out bunks and collapsible walls. All of these give you more flexibility in creating space in your caravan.
Photo: Cub Campers
What Is A Hard-Highest Caravan?
A hard-top caravan is a small conventional trailer with a solid roof that does not fold out or collapse. The hard-shelled top makes it impossible to create more headroom or reduce the caravan’s profile while on the road.
Pop Highest Vs Hard Highest Caravan Comparison
Towing and Parking
Pop-top caravans are often compact and lightweight compared to hard-top caravans. This means it can be towed by smaller or less powerful vehicles. The compact size of this type of caravan also makes them more manoeuvrable.
The relatively low profile of a pop-top caravan also improves stability while on the road and makes the caravan easier to park. In many cases, you can fit the caravan into a low garage. Pop-top caravans are also preferred by off-roaders who need to travel through areas with low-hanging branches.
A hard-top caravan is generally easier to set up on a campsite. Since the roof and walls are solid, you don’t have to set anything up. It may take a few minutes for a pop-top unit to get the caravan set up.
Fuel Economy
In addition to being cheaper to purchase, pop-top caravans can help you save costs in the long run. The roof of a pop-top caravan can be collapsed while travelling and raised when you’re at the camp. The low travelling height reduced wind resistance. This can go a long way in making your caravan more fuel-efficient.
Ventilation and Insulation
The collapsible walls and roofs of a pop-top caravan make it easier for the breeze to get through the trailer. This can be a significant advantage, especially when travelling through hotter regions.
However, there are instances where the solid build of a hard-top caravan may be preferred. For instance, when camping in colder regions, the pop-top caravan provides poor insulation against the cold. In such cases, a hard-top unit will be preferred.
Durability
Hard-top units are generally more durable than pop-top caravans. A pop-top caravan’s fabric wall and roof are more susceptible to wear or damage, especially if they aren’t cared for properly.
