Hilltop specialises in timber-framed caravans; however, aluminium framing is available as well. Our Augustus, in fact, was framed in aluminium, with smooth aluminium cladding over the top. When I stepped inside, I was greeted by a clever layout. Let me explain.
Hilltop has fitted two bunks across the rear wall of the van. Each bunk has its own fan, reading light, power points, and even a storage‘ cubby’ that I reckon the kids would love.
Then, there’ s a bathroom. Now, I love a split bathroom – not only do I find them to be a good use of space, they often provide a sense of separation between one living zone and another. In this van, we have a cassette toilet on the nearside along with a vanity with washbasin and overhead cabinet. The shower cubicle sits immediately opposite, on the offside, with a concertina screen to separate the bathroom and kids’ bunks from the rest of the van.
The kitchen is equipped with various features for a convenient life on the road. First, there’ s the 200L Dometic RCD10 compressor fridge-freezer with microwave above. The kitchen bench gets a four-burner gas cooktop with griller and oven, recessed below the bench to improve overall workspace. Yes, this van does rely on gas for cooking, but that doesn’ t mean the off-grid electrical system lacks capability. In fact, the 18ft 6in Hilltop August comes with a 314Ah lithium battery, three 210W Hitech solar panels on the roof, a Hitech threein-one charger( MPPT, DC-DC and AC), and a 2600W Hitech inverter.
18 \