AUTO ROOF !
For a lot of people , the fact they need to lift the pop-top roof is a key reason they choose a full caravan instead . Fair enough – those roofs can be heavy , especially when there ’ s a roofmounted air-conditioner involved . But the SRP range of Snowy River pop-tops solves this via an automatic lifting and lowering system . Just push a button on the remote control and electric rams will raise and lower the roof – no back-work required .
The system works well . I raised and lowered the roof multiple times . At no stage did it falter , and nor did the pop-top gusset snag or become squashed when being lowered . The only manual ‘ labour ’ that ’ s involved is releasing the external roof catch in each corner before opening the roof , and relocking the catches for travel . It ’ s quite brilliant . Should the system fail , or perhaps there ’ s no juice left in the battery , the roof can be lifted and lowered manually .
Another neat feature : the pop-top gusset is given a separate onepiece insulating panel with zippered windows that correspond precisely with the zippered windows in the gusset itself . The result is going to be a warmer van , because it is double insulated and it also makes it feel more homey inside .
In fact , ‘ homey ’ is a good word for this pop-top . With a queen-size bed in the front , a fabricupholstered lounge on the nearside facing an offside kitchen , and a rear bathroom , the SRP-Nineteen ’ s layout works well , while remaining cosy and welcoming .
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