RV FEATURE
“ Because we ’ re in our van all the time , we decided to spec it up so we are comfy ,” Graham said . “ You only live one , so we wanted to be comfy , which we are . It ’ s an excellent van .”
TOWING THE HILLTOP
The Reids tow their Hilltop Grampian with a Ford Ranger . According to Graham , the van tows “ like a dream ”, and they have no need of towing aids – except for the sway control system built into the van itself .
Unladen , the Grampian has a ball weight of about 200kg . However , once loaded up for travel , that increased to 250-260kg – well within the capacity of the Ranger .
The cargo area of the Ranger is where they keep their main source of transport when at camp : a couple of foldable electric bikes . These bikes get excellent use , too .
“ We ’ ve ridden them all over the place – we went all around Uluru one way one day , and then the other way the next ,” Graham said .
Among the external fitout , the Grampian is equipped with a storage box on the A-frame , a slide-out tray within the tunnel boot that perfectly suits their barbecue . The fact that the gas bayonet connection is built into the van , rather than mounted to the chassis rail or similar , is a neat touch .
Naturally , the van is also equipped with an external TV locker , allowing the Reids to watch TV from under their awning , and there ’ s also a picnic table , speakers and more . It truly is a well-equipped caravan for comfortable full-time caravanning .
As you ’ d expect , the Reids have nothing by praise for Hilltop Caravans . So much so , that they are already planning their third Hilltop , which will also be a Grampian .
“ The whole van is great ,” Marianne said . “ Everything works well together and compliments different parts of the van . You don ’ t feel like you ’ re in a caravan – it ’ s like an upmarket Sydney apartment , except it ’ s on wheels .”
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