Caravan review: Snowy River SRP-18F pop-top family van

Since its inception in 2015, Snowy River Caravans has been building momentum like a snowball down a ski slope and with new models launching throughout 2024 that won’t stop.

I got the chance to have a look at the first Snowy River SRP-18F in Australia and knew you’d want to know more about it — I certainly did. So off we went on a two-day test around Victoria’s marvellous Licola Valley in Gippsland.

The SRP-18F is a mid-size pop-top with bunks. This style of caravan is seeing somewhat of a resurgence in popularity. The low roofline of a pop-top lowers fuel consumption on the freeway, and they fit in more garages and carports than full-size vans. And then there’s the price. Wowser.

A powerful price

I rarely start a review with the value proposition, I tend to work through what I like about the trailer then ask and answer the question ‘is it worth it?’. But with value being such a big driver in the success of Snowy River, I figured let’s get that out of the way before we get into the details.

The SRP-18F has a driveaway price as low as $60,490, Australia-wide. Thats right, you’ll get the same bargain price from any of the 20 nationwide dealers.

It undercuts similar-sized vans from Goldstream RV by around $20,000 and Swag Off-Road Campers, whose build methodology is similar, by more than $10,000. You have to look at industry leaders, Jayco for a van that I think could go head-to-head with the Snowy. The Jayco Journey 17.58-3 retails a touch under $60,000 (also a bargain, in my opinion) but the Jayco is ever so slightly smaller and lacks a few features the Snowy has, namely an electrically lifted roof and lithium battery power as standard.

Looking at the layout

Unsurprisingly, the F in SRP-18F stands for family. The 18 is the body length in feet, the P stands for pop-top and SR should be obvious.

The SRP-18F has a front east–west main bed of 2m x 1.3m (6ft 6in x 4ft 3in) and a pair of more than 1.8m (5ft 9in) long bunks in the rear, opposite a compact shower-over-toilet ensuite. This is a tried-and-true layout, popular with pre-teen families and it works. Yes, a wet toilet seat is a reality, and the dinette will fit the family in but at a squeeze. This layout works as it’s a fair compromise for the size, weight and cost of a van like this. The reality is you spend more time outside with a young family and they just don’t mind that little compromise in space, I know I don’t.

The east–west bed is comfortable

The bunks are more than 1.8m long

A low roof means it’s better to tow (more on that later) and easier to park but it also means the roof can typically be higher when deployed as the canvas between the roof and walls can be almost as deep as you want. In the SRP-18F’s case, the internal ceiling height is about 2m or 6ft 6in in the old parlance. This is great for growing families or giants like me.

Some will bemoan the lost heat (or cool air) and extra sound a partial canvas wall sacrifices but Snowy has done a stellar job of double insulating its canvas with an internal layer that is a padded insulation. If it has been done before, I have not seen it, but I think I will again as it really works. We had the roof up on a striking spring day with clear skies doing little to reduce the sharp sun and yet inside the SRP-18F the fabric sections of the walls were cool to the touch.

Other layout details that stood out to me includes the positioning of the microwave below waist height (an important safety design) and good storage under the bunks, between the bunks and bathroom and in overhead cupboards all around the inside of the van.

Having a pop-top roof also means a lot of top-shelf space, no I don’t mean space for top-shelf liquor, but you could use it for that. I mean on top of the cupboards and fridge cabinet, there is a lot of space to place things when the top is popped and getting that top up is just the push of a remote button.

Key features

There are a few things standard on all pop-top Snowys — lithium batteries are one and so is a wireless remote for popping the top. I know actuated tops have been a thing for a while now but having the control on a wireless remote is good if you are popping the top in a tight spot, say tight to a tree. I tested it and it will work anywhere close to the van so that you can be outside, on the far side checking clearance as it goes up. And should you need it, there is a manual override to lift or lower the roof.

As standard, the SRP-18F comes with a 100A lithium battery

The aforementioned battery is a single 100Ah lithium unit, you can (and I would suggest should) add a second one. I say should as devices are only getting more power-hungry and growing kids love to open and close the fridge door, constantly. They’ll never run out of spots to plug in either with USB ports everywhere you could want plus 11 general power outlets (GPOs) for when running 240V.

On the roof of the SRP-18F, framing the Belaire AC unit are two 180W solar panels and on the rear of the van is a rear-view camera, all standard features on the SRP-18F.

The fridge is by Thetford and comes with good local support. In the 18-footer, the compressor fridge has a volume of 150L with an internal freezer compartment. Fridge size jumps in bigger models with separated fridge/freezer compartments in trailers like the SRP-19. The stove is a two-burner Dometic mini grill, perfect for a van this size as I suspect most cooking will happen on a barbecue outside.

The Thetford 150L fridge is a good size for the van

Self-sufficiency

The 100Ah battery (or more if you option it) is fed by a modern battery management system (BMS) by Projecta. A PM200 unit, it is not groundbreaking but has enough capacity to charge at up to 30A, which is sizeable, and it features a truly easy-to-use app. The app will tell you your state-of-charge and other data connected to it like water levels which in the SRP-18F’s case total 190L via two 95L freshwater tanks. There is an option for a grey water tank, which again, I would recommend.

The display for water levels and battery status — you can also use Projecta's excellent app

You'll struggle to get through the 180L of fresh water

The toilet is a cassette-style so grab a second cassette should you plan on more than a fgew days with the family away from a pit or holiday park abode.

Depending on if it’s working hard, the fridge will pull in the region of five to seven amps an hour and given that the lighting is all LED, you should see a day of use from the single battery in so-so weather before having to either hook up a generator or go for a drive to recharge.

Should you be in peak sunshine, like we saw, the 360W of solar should give you in the realm of 7–10A early and late in the day and around 12–15A at peak. This should mean you can get by without needing to plug in at all, if careful and it’s cloudless (a second battery will go a long way to removing this need). The Belaire rooftop air-conditioner will not run off the system without a serious upgrade (triple the battery volume, add on a 2000–3000W inverter and more charging ability) so it is nice to see there is a spot for a generator on the far side of the front toolbox for families travelling into the humid north or hot centre.

The build

When Snowy River came to market it launched with a then-contemporary build, a full sandwich panel construction. The brand still uses the same method now with XPS foam sandwiched between fibreglass skins and strategically placed alloy box section in the walls that help strengthen joins as well as offer support around critical items like the air-con on the roof and window frame. The walls measure 32mm thick and the floor 42mm thick.

Dubbed ALOPLEX, it’s a good thing, great in my opinion. It has great sound deadening and insulation and even if you are to lose a bit of that when the roof is popped, do not forget that when travelling with the roof down it is fully sealed, meaning a better experience when you pull up at camp and a consistent temperature inside and a lighter load on your fridge.

Towability

We had the opportunity to tow the SRP-18F with a late-model Everest Sport. I like the quiet and refined drive of the V6-equipped Everest (and Ranger) thanks to the inherent smoothness and balance of the engine and the fast-changing 10-speed automatic gearbox feels well suited to it, it always feels like it’s in the right gear.

The SRP-18F towed well behind the Ford Everest Sport

I’d suggest any double-cab ute or large modern SUV will fit the SRP-18F well. Its 3000kg ATM is considerable for a van of this size but that's due to its immense payload of 874kg. To get the best of the SRP-18F and its carrying capacity, you will want a tow vehicle with a 3000+kg braked tow capacity limit.

In terms of fuel use when towing, I had expected to see around 13L per 100km travelled which would be on par with similar vans vehicles but we saw a bit more. The test Everest had a wheel and tyre upgrade which made it look outstanding but didn’t help its efficiency which sat at around 15L/100km.

Under the SRP-18F is a suspension that is more capable than most people will ever need. Using independent rubber torsion suspension (IRS), the SRP-18F sits low to the ground compared to jacked-up offroaders but higher than older vans on leaf springs and importantly, as the name suggests, each wheel has independent suspension travel from one and the other. When you look at it, you’ll see the main axle housing and may think the wheels are connected but they are not. Inside the housing are two large rubber bushes that compress as the axle rotates on its centre. It is a simple design that works — it sits low, and it tows great.

The van sits at an easy height thanks to the torsion suspension

Customer care

The SRP-18F comes with a five-year warranty on its structure and a two-year warranty covering materials and parts, which is fairly typical for the industry. Each appliance has its own warranty determined by the respective manufacturer. The warranty information is straightforward and aligns with Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Customers can submit claims through Snowy River’s warranty portal or a network of 20 dealerships throughout Australia.

Snowy River outlines the necessary scheduled maintenance to keep the warranty valid. The manufacturer even includes a detailed servicing checklist with 21 items, such as checking sealant, gas lines and brake components. This thoughtful addition is often missing from warranty documentation.

The SRP-18F is not an offroad caravan but it is warranted for gravel roads. Snowy recommends drivers adjust their speed according to the conditions as abuse or negligence is not covered nor should it be.

The front tunnel boot will take care of chairs and fishing gear

The pop-top range

If you got this far, firstly thanks and know that if the SRP-18F is a little too small or you are free of the shackles of little ones, there are three other vans in the Snowy pop-top family all sharply priced.

My pick would be the SRP-19 which is a foot longer allowing for a north–south main bed and instead of bunks, features a split bathroom at the rear of the van — my favourite layout. Impressively, the SRP-19 is only $1000 more expensive than the 18F at $61,490.

There is a couples version of the SRP-18 which has a lower ATM (2500kg) and lower price at $58,490 and a SRP-19F which keeps the bunks and east–west main bed with a small price jump to $62,990.

The wrap

If you are hunting for a family pop-top, you won’t find a better deal than the Snowy River SRP-18F. The way it is built is impressive and it comes with enough to get you on the road with a few short off-grid stops. Even with the options I suggest you order (second battery and grey water tank), you will still be off on family fun for well under $65,000.

Measuring up

Pros

• Price
• Layout and storage
• Standard inclusions (roof lift especially)
• The way it’s built

Cons

• Could do with more power systems
• Need to option on a grey water tank

SNOWY RIVER SRP-18F RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY

The Snowy River SRP-18F will be hard to beat for value

TOWABILITY

I love how low it sits but that will limit your options

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING

This is close to the perfect first pre-teen family van

BUILD QUALITY

I am a big fan of the way it’s built, particularly the walls and double-insulated canvas

LIVEABILITY

For its size, it is the right balance of space, storage and privacy

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

You’ll be good for a few days, and with another battery and toilet cassettes you can extend this to around five

CUSTOMER CARE

The warranty is an industry-standard five years on its structure and two years on materials and parts. The 20 nationwide dealers should offer good support too

INNOVATION

The insulation on the canvas is fantastic as is the way it’s built

X-FACTOR

When other campers hear the price, they’ll be shocked in a good way

SNOWY RIVER SRP-18F SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Snowy River SRP-18F price from $60,490

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

Snowy River SRP-18F price as shown $60,490

MORE INFORMATION

Snowy River Caravans
20-50 Fillo Drive
Somerton Vic 3062
P: 03 9303 6100

THE NEXT STEP

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