Jayco pop top or Coromal pop top

Hi John. It is an absolute minefield out there regarding second hand vans. My suggestion would be to try and hire (or borrow) one similar to your choices and try it first. They are both pretty good choices but I ended up with a Jayco. Cheers,Bob

Hi John,

We have had both. The Jayco came with less problems and was a great van (poptop). The Coromal (poptop)came with many problems which we have fixed and it too is now a great van. The Coromal is bigger and has some things in that we wanted like a bigger fridge.

We'd say both are good. Lots of people will rubbish Jaycos but we think they're fine.

Bruce and Di

we're really happy with our Coromal pop top/sides. We purchased our last year and haven't had any major or even minor probs.

There are heaps second hand on Gumtree....

Good luck!

I have been caravanning for many years and would not even consider a pop top. Go for a fixed roof full height type

Hi John,
There are plenty of van options and opinions out there but the advice already given to "try before you buy" is a good one. We've had a few vans both pop top and full vans and each have their merits. I guess you have done all your "weights" homework first, It can be annoying to find the right van can't be towed by your tug.

Happy Hunting

Pete

Yes, I think your starting point is to establish what weight your vehicle is able to tow - this will give you your size limit. Any van dealer should know what you can pull with your car or you could find that in your handbook or ask the car dealer.

If I'm not mistaken, the Eagle is a wind-up camper and not a pop-top? I have had four pop-tops and not had any problem whatsoever with them but if pushed, I would go for a full van for the convenience of not having to pop the top and the extra cupboard space. I have had pop-tops because I can get them under my car-port. Regarding the brand, I wouldn't worry about that but would look to see which van suits the most. I have had three Coromals and presently have a Jayco and marginally prefer the Coromal but the individual van and your requirements are the important thing. I like the Coromal's independent suspension and the extra clearance that brings which enabled us to tackle many a rough road but if you don't intend leaving the bitumen it isn;t much of an issue. You will hear good and bad about both brands but really there isn;t a lot to choose between them that you could generalise about.

Have a look here - http://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/Caravans/Default.aspx

some useful info if you look at the panel below the top you'll see a section on pop-tops you can click on amongst other stuff.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) you will get mixed opinions on almost every aspect of choosing a caravan. Jayco versus XYZ brand. Pop-top versus full height. On-board toilet/shower versus none. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference, which is confusing for you as the advice you get is based on other people's preferences, budget, tow-vehicle, and what they've also been told! And it's almost always conflicting.

I recommend what others have suggested. Take into account your tow vehicles' weight specifications which will narrow the field. Then decide what chassis you want i.e. pop-top, full-height, expanding, etc. We chose a pop-top purely because it is easier for us to store at home (less height), has less wind-drag behind our vehicle, and it has more usable height when popped up compared to the full-height vans we compared it to. We also ensured we had an internal shower/toilet as we have young children. If these factors aren't important to you, then your choice would obviously be different.

Buying a van is very subjective ... what I value is not necessarily what others might, which effects what you eventually buy.

Sass.

Last September we went from a 16ft Regal off roader to a 18ft Jayco poptop Freedom standard van dual axle shower toilet model and have done quite a few trips now with it.
Tows behind Patrol like a dream. And we DO love the convienience of the toilet shower on board.
We have had several pop tops over the years and one solid van and do like the poptops because when in the warmer areas the added ventilation is great.

See pic.
Image Could Not Be Found

Same one in Members pic below.

Cheers Dodg.

G'day John. Eventually you'll buy a van that you like. Regardless of who built it. We went from a Jayco Dove camper van,1978 model, and it was a beauty too. And now have a Coromal Pop Top, 1988 model. Also a beauty. Easier for overnight stops. Especially if it's wet. It's a Coromal Lowline, 17 feet long and tows well. I think I've added a picture!! Best of luck.

Roger B....Image Could Not Be Found

Jayco & Coromal Pop Tops are Low Line Pop Tops with lower doors.
Most other brand Pop Tops have slightly higher walls and thus a full height door the same as a full size van.
I've had both vans and Pop Tops and marginaly. prefer vans. With our current home we can't access the back yard with a van, hence we have another Pop Top.
For the budget you've quoted of mid $20K, I'd personally be looking at a better quality brand than the Jayco and Coromal. You'll find quite a few late model Pop tops between $20 and $30K.
Cheers, ozjohn.

John
I note you are 6'2" in the old money. I am about the same.
If you get a shower van DO NOT get one with a cross-facing bed that you have to walk around to get to the shower/ toilet.
When stopped for a few days, or even when travelling, you probably want to leave the bed extended (and may need a bit more length for your height) and getting around the bed will drive you nuts. You end up crawling over it each time.
I just sold a Jayco 21 that I loved in every way except the bed. The van towed beautifully and never faulted on the road, including on dirt down the Darling run etc. But the bed was a pain.
Geoff