Snowy River SRP-18F Review | Is this Australia's Best Value Family Pop-Top?

We review the all-new ‪@snowyrivercaravans‬ SRP-18F, an 18-foot family van built well and priced aggressively at only $60,490

Pros:
● Price
● Layout and storage
● Standard inclusions (roof lift especially)
● The way it’s built

Cons
● Could do with more power systems
● Need to option on a grey water tank

REVIEW EXTRACT FROM https://caravanworld.com.au/
See the full review here - https://caravanworld.com.au/blogs/car...

I got the chance to have a look at the first Snowy River SRP-18F in Australia and knew you’d want to know more about it — I certainly did. So off we went on a two-day test around Victoria’s marvellous Licola Valley in Gippsland.

The SRP-18F is a mid-size pop-top with bunks. This style of caravan is seeing somewhat of a resurgence in popularity. The low roofline of a pop-top lowers fuel consumption on the freeway, and they fit in more garages and carports than full-size vans. And then there’s the price. Wowser.

It has a driveway price of only $60,490, Australia-wide. That's right, you’ll get the same bargain price from any of the 20 nationwide dealers.

The SRP-18F undercuts similar-sized vans from Goldstream RV by around $20,000 and Swag Off-Road Campers, whose build style is similar, by more than $10,000. You have to look at industry leaders, Jayco for a van that I think could go head-to-head with the Snowy. The Jayco Journey 17.58-3 retails a touch under $60,000 (also a bargain, in my opinion) but the Jayco is ever so slightly smaller and lacks a few features the Snowy has, namely an electrically lifted roof and lithium battery power as standard.

There are a few things standard on all pop-top Snowys — lithium batteries (100A in this van) are one and so is a wireless remote for popping the top. I know actuated tops have been a thing for a while now but having the control on a wireless remote is good if you are popping the top in a tight spot, say tight to a tree. I tested it and it will work anywhere close to the van so that you can be outside, on the far side checking clearance as it goes up. And should you need it, there is a manual override to lift or lower the roof.

When Snowy River came to market it launched with a then-contemporary build, a full sandwich panel construction. The brand still uses the same method now with XPS foam sandwiched between fibreglass skins and strategically placed alloy box section in the walls that help strengthen joins as well as offer support around critical items like the air-con on the roof and window frame. The walls and roof measure 23mm thick and the floor 45mm thick.
Dubbed ALOPLEX, it’s a good thing, great in my opinion. It has great sound deadening and insulation and even if you are to lose a bit of that when the roof is popped, do not forget that when travelling with the roof down it is fully sealed, meaning a better experience when you pull up at camp and a consistent temperature inside and a lighter load on your fridge.

If you are hunting for a family pop-top, you won’t find a better deal than the Snowy River SRP-18F. The way it is built is impressive and it comes with enough to get you on the road with a few short off-grid stops. Even with the options I suggest you order (second battery and grey water tank), you will still be off on family fun for well under $65,000.


Read the full review online:
https://caravanworld.com.au/blogs/car...

For more Snowy River Reviews head to https://caravanworld.com.au/pages/exp...