Buying A Caravan? Pop Top, Pop Out, Hybrid - The Lingo to Know Before You Shop
Caravans are just caravans, like cheese is just cheese. Knowing the differences could save you hours of confused browsing. Learn the lingo and shop armed with an informed list of precisely what you want (and don't want) for your holiday home on wheels.
Pop Top and Pop Out Caravans
As the name suggests, a pop top caravan’s ceiling pops up to provide more height.
Consider the evolution of the pop top caravan like that of a tape cassette to an MP4. Previously hot in summer, and cold in winter, the days of cleaning mould off the canvas, and an hour of exhausting setup are gone. Still lighter, easier to tow, and smaller than traditional caravans, they are cheaper on fuel and ideal for first-time caravaners.
Some may have electric winches to lift the roof, so if you have arm, shoulder, or back issues, a manual pop top may not be ideal.
Not to be confused with pop tops, pop-out caravans have parts that pop out, usually the beds. Some have electric or hydraulic lifting or pop-out assistance. However, pop-out beds may not be ideal for those with knee, hip, and back pain.
Pop outs have evolved greatly in recent years from leaky, flappy canvas cocoons that can allow suspicious wet spots or mysterious leaks, to solid and sturdy extensions you can trust.
Some can be towed with SUVs and don't require 4WD vehicles; however, they have dual axles because they can expand more than three feet when set up.
The Hybrid Caravan
Hybrid caravans are a combination of a caravan and a camper trailer, offering the comfort and features of both. A solid structure that may include pop-out or up features, with an exterior annex and pull-out kitchen and living area. This offers travellers the best of both worlds, with luxury indoor glamping and authentic outdoor dining.
Camper Trailers vs Camper Vs Caravans
Camper Vs Caravan - “It's not the size, it's what you can do with it,” is a valid comment here. Camper trailers are the smaller, lightweight, and more nimble cousins of the caravan. Basic models are a trailer that a tent extends up and out of — ideal for light towing and camping in remote, hard-to-reach places.
Campers are sleek, lightweight, and easier to tow than a caravan, but have a solid structure unlike a camper trailer. The perfect compromise, with outdoor dining and living, they allow for a smaller design while also providing flexibility in your towing environment.
Unlike camper trailers and campers, caravans generally feature indoor kitchens, showers, and toilets. In simple terms, caravans are tiny homes on wheels. Compared to camper trailers, campers, and hybrids, they are heavier, more difficult to tow and often require high-tow-capacity vehicles. However, setup time is minimal, and they provide more privacy with indoor facilities. If you are a glamper, not a camper, a caravan may be more suited to your lifestyle needs.
