RV FEATURE
INTERNAL FITOUT
Although the Hilltop H-17 had a smaller on-road ‘ footprint ’ than some of its bigger siblings , the layout in no way felt cramped or compromised . This van made good use of the latest features available , too . For example , the kitchen had a Thetford induction cooktop , backed by 400Ah worth of lithium batteries and three 200W solar panels on the roof , as well as a separate Thetford oven . Further , there was a 188L Dometic compressor fridge on board – more good equipment .
The dinette was fitted with a multidirectional table and faux-leather upholstery for the seats . In the storage space underneath , Hilltop had fitted a 2000W pure sine wave inverter . I did wonder if the raw ply seat bases could ’ ve been finished in laminate ; however , this is a small point since the seat bases were not visible without removing the seat cushions .
There was plenty of storage space under the bed , though , and I particularly appreciated the fact that a laminate-finished ply housing had been built around the diesel heater fitted in this space . This meant there was no risk of damaging this appliance when you were tossing your gear in this area . Other manufacturers might take note .
There were other features to mention , too , from the wireless battery monitor with GPS tracking functionality to the filtered drinking water . There was classy black tapware throughout , wireless phone chargers built into each bedside table , the Dometic Dust Reduction System , a couple of 12V fans … the list goes on . And it was all packaged into a relatively small caravan without feeling cramped or as though things had been bolted on as an afterthought .
Towing it at highway speeds , the Hilltop H-17 was quite predictable and pleasing . It came with sway control as standard , which was obviously welcome peace of mind .
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