Ray replied:

I personally would not buy a pop tops you do not gain much as far as towing is concerned and you have more mechanical parts to break. Non pop top c'vans are easier to fit annexes to and also roll out awnings. Pop tops can also get very cold or hot as there is no insulation in the pop top area. As I said I would avoid pop tops unless storage is a problem. Just my two pennyworth.

Motherhen replied:

Hi Di

You say you prefer to bush camp, so a good solar setup would be desirable. Again a pop top does not have scope for an array of solar panels, and i do agree with Ray, although i have had no experience with annexes as we don't bother with them.

A slide out barbecue/stove may seem useful, but it is not a common feature, and i find a table and chairs and my faithful old gas camping stove easy and adaptable. Eg: Use on lee side if windy, always with us to take camping when doing short trips away from the van where vans are not permitted, back up if we ever ran out of gas or something went wrong with gas delivery such as a damaged gas line.

Points to consider:

Where do you intend to go? The structure and strength of your caravan will be more important that layouts and features. Consider what types of roads.

Will you be using a present vehicle or will you be purchasing a tow vehicle to match your eventual choice in caravan?

Is cost a factor? New or second hand? (From your comments i take it new is your choice.) I favour purchasing second hand for a number of reasons.

Dual axle is more stable on the rough stuff than single, and in a van of 16 - 18 foot, desirable.

Motherhen

didiaust replied:

Thanks all

We already own a poptop- there are a few reasons for another poptop

1. A full van won't fit in the garage ( moving soon ansd its a smaller garrage - height wise

2. Weight is a big consideration - only pulling with a Mazda tabletop

Keep the suggestions comming

Not going too far off road or inland as need to be close to hospitals
Di

Racey replied:

Talk to the people at Evernew, you won't be lead astray.
We have had an off road Evernew for 3 years and have done a few thousand klms on dirt road. No problems and are about to do Birdsville track and beyond.

Cheers
racey