Review: Hilltop Feathertop 19.6

Hilltop Caravans have built a solid reputation across the ditch for producing caravans that are not only well finished but thoughtfully designed and impressively well put together.

The family-owned Melbourne-based business has been operating since 2015 and has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Each caravan is custom-built using locally sourced materials and components.

The line-up includes a model for just about every kind of traveller, each one named after an Australian mountain or slope, and each offering a level of refinement that elevates the experience well beyond the basics.

Rugged Good Looks

While a variety of exterior colour options are available – a punchy green, a stand-out orange, and a classic grey – the copper finish on this model is eye-catchingly elegant. Finished with black trim and checkerplate protection, the Feathertop 19’6” has a crisp, modern look with a hint of rugged intent.

Underneath, it rides on a hot-dipped galvanised Australian chassis with rocker roller suspension and 16-inch MPC wheels. The fibreglass roof and double-glazed windows add another layer of durability, and the whole setup feels solid – no loose trim, no lightweight panels, just a well-built caravan that’s ready to be towed the length of the country.

There’s a good amount of exterior kit, too. A front toolbox holds two 9kg gas bottles, and you’ll find tunnel boot storage at both ends. LED lighting runs along both sides, with speakers, a fold-down picnic table, and a Dometic awning all included as standard.

Off-Grid Ready

Off-grid capability is one of the Feathertop’s strong suits and that’s something many Kiwi travellers will appreciate. With a 200-litre freshwater capacity, dual 120Ah AGM batteries, a 200W solar setup, diesel heater, a decent-sized fridge, a proper oven, and loads of storage, it’s well geared for travellers who like to stay put for a while – even when there’s no power or water on tap.

Easy Living Layout

Some caravans feel a bit boxed in the moment you step inside, but this one has a real sense of breathing room. It’s not that it’s overly huge at eight metres in length, but the way the layout flows, and the amount of natural light coming in, gives it a welcoming, open feel that makes a strong first impression.

The layout keeps things simple in the best possible way. There’s a walk-around bed at one end, an L-shaped lounge and kitchen through the middle, and a full-width bathroom at the other. Nothing feels shoehorned in, and there’s a clear divide between the living and sleeping areas, which creates a lovely sense of flow.

Storage is generous, with full-height wardrobes, plenty of deep drawers, and a good amount of overhead space inside. Outside, the tunnel boot and front toolbox offer extra room for bulkier gear.

Lounging Around

The L-shaped lounge offers up plenty of space to sit and unwind – or stretch out for a mid-afternoon snooze if the mood hits.

It also converts into an extra bed if needed, which is a handy option to have up your sleeve. The hydraulic table is free-standing and adjustable, so it’s easy to shift around depending on what you’re doing. It works just as well for dinner, a laptop, or a morning coffee, and if it’s in the way, you can move it aside completely.

A wide window behind the lounge brings in loads of natural light, and like all the windows throughout the van, it’s fitted with insect screens and block-out blinds. Overhead lockers provide a spot for everyday odds and ends, and the 24” smart TV (paired with a built-in WiFi router) means you can catch up on a series or stream something new without relying on patchy campground reception.

From Toast to Roast

Opposite the lounge, the kitchen area ticks all the boxes in terms of size, storage, and gear. A full oven with separate grill and cooktop, a microwave, and a generous 199L Thetford fridge with a separate freezer means no compromising on your favourite homecooked meals.

Bench space is practical and easy to work with. The sink and cooktop both have fitted covers, and there’s a fold-up extension at the end if you want a bit more room to spread out. A water filter is fitted at the sink, and the rangehood vents cooking odours and steam outside.

Storage in here really stands out. There are deep drawers, overhead lockers, and a good run of cupboards below the bench, so everything has a place. It’s a setup that feels more like a small home kitchen than a caravan workaround.

Sleep easy

The bedroom has an easy, inviting feel. This is helped along by a roomy island bed and a well-thought-out layout. On either side, full-height robes with mirrored doors offer hanging space, while bedside shelves give you somewhere to pop your phone, book, or morning cuppa. There are power points and USB ports within reach, plus reading lights right where you’d want them.
Storage is generous, with drawers beside the bed and overhead lockers that don’t make the space feel boxed in. Cross-ventilation is well sorted too, with windows on both sides and a roof hatch above – a real bonus on stuffier nights.

It’s a space that feels comfortable straight away – simple, practical, and easy to settle into.

Bathroom Bliss

When you’re travelling for more than a night or two, a decent bathroom makes all the difference, and the Feathertop doesn’t disappoint. Stretching right across the back of the van, it’s a generous, well-laid-out space with a separate shower, loads of storage, and a proper bit of bench space around the basin.

There’s plenty of room to move, so getting changed isn’t a game of elbow-dodging, and the toilet sits in a sensible, comfortable spot. A roof hatch and side window help keep things bright and well ventilated, even after a hot shower.

Tucked into the cabinetry is a built-in washing machine. This is a real bonus if you’re travelling off-grid or on the road for longer stretches and want to keep on top of the laundry without relying on holiday park facilities.

Summing Up

The Hilltop Feathertop 19’6” makes a great first impression with its modern, apartment-like feel and a real sense of comfort. But it’s not just about looks. The more you look around, the more you realise how well it’s been put together. This is a caravan built for the kind of travel that’s better unrushed – the kind where you stay parked up off-grid for days without giving a second thought to water, power, or where the nearest dump station is.

And because it’s Aussie-built, the Feathertop feels right at home on this side of the ditch too. It’s got the kind of spec and setup that lines up really well with how Kiwis like to travel – practical where it counts, well-equipped, and built to go the distance.

To arrange a viewing or find out more, visit coastalmotorhomes.co.nz

Hilltop Feathertop 19.6 specifications