Review: Hilltop Augustus

Since being established in 2015, Hilltop Caravans has had a particular focus on building couple’s vans. But this year, the company’s owners, Dam and Dula, felt that it was time to place some emphasis on family caravans, particularly when their Western Australia dealer suggested there was a market for them out west. 

Thus, the 18ft 6in Augustus came into being, named after Western Australia’s famous mesa. The Augustus that we hitched up was destined for Hilltop Caravans’ Queensland dealer, but before it was loaded onto a truck, we were given permission to take it into the bush for a night or two…

INSIDE THE HILLTOP AUGUSTUS

First, I’ll admit to being a fan of Hilltop. These are strong, beautifully finished caravans made by good people. The company began in 2015 and soon expanded into multiple different factories in Campbellfield Vic. Earlier this year, though, Hilltop found a new home in one large factory in Mickleham that gave the crew the space they needed.

Hilltop specialises in timber-framed caravans; however, aluminium framing is available as well. Our Augustus, in fact, was framed in aluminium, with smooth aluminium cladding over the top. When I stepped inside, I was greeted by a clever layout. Let me explain.

Hilltop has fitted two bunks across the rear wall of the van. Each bunk has its own fan, reading light, power points, and even a storage ‘cubby’ that I reckon the kids would love.

Then, there’s a bathroom. Now, I love a split bathroom – not only do I find them to be a good use of space, they often provide a sense of separation between one living zone and another. In this van, we have a cassette toilet on the nearside along with a vanity with washbasin and overhead cabinet. The shower cubicle sits immediately opposite, on the offside, with a concertina screen to separate the bathroom and kids’ bunks from the rest of the van.

The kitchen is equipped with various features for a convenient life on the road. First, there’s the 200L Dometic RCD10 compressor fridge-freezer with microwave above. The kitchen bench gets a four-burner gas cooktop with griller and oven, recessed below the bench to improve overall workspace. Yes, this van does rely on gas for cooking, but that doesn’t mean the off-grid electrical system lacks capability. In fact, the 18ft 6in Hilltop August comes with a 314Ah lithium battery, three 210W Hitech solar panels on the roof, a Hitech three-in-one charger (MPPT, DC-DC and AC), and a 2600W Hitech inverter.

The Hitech Wireless Control Module is also worth pointing out. Not only will this system allow you to control all of the 12V features of the van at the main display screen, or via an app, it comes with a couple of portable, wireless switch panels that you can mount anywhere you like in the van, or leave loose – whichever you prefer. It’s a great system.

Opposite the kitchen, between the fridge and main bed, is an L-shaped lounge. There’s a small amount of storage beneath the lounge, accessible by some hatches, as well as a flip-up footrest and some reading lights with integrated USB points.

Now, this is a small point but it’s somewhat relevant, as it says something about the thought that Hilltop applies to its vans. There’s a gap of about 100mm between the dinette and the east-west bed. At first, I was unsure as to its purpose, but then I made the bed and realised that this gap made fitting the sheets much easier than it would’ve been otherwise.

The front bedroom has a few things that should make it just that little bit more comfortable: an open storage system at the foot of the bed, reading lights, USB charging points… it adds up to a convenient, nicely laid out space.

Other features include a Dometic Dust Reduction System, speakers, downlights, a reverse-cycle AC unit, a sound system (mounted above the Hitech digital display in the doorway) and quite a bit more. 

TOWING TALK

Let’s talk towing. I had zero problems with the Hilltop Augustus on the towbar of my MU-X. It uses a DO35 coupling and Cruisemaster ATX coil suspension rated to 3000kg. With the coupling secured onto my tow pin, I pointed my bonnet south-east and headed towards the Ninety Mile Beach for the weekend.

As I drove along the freeway at 100km/h, the van felt steady as a rock. No complaints. In fact, I’d say it’s a good match for the MU-X, both in terms of weight specifications and my real-world experience. The van didn’t twitch at all.

Our Augustus weighed 2390kg Tare – not bad, all things considered. It can be loaded up to 2990kg, giving it a payload capacity of 600kg which, in my opinion, is about right for a van of this nature. I don’t see how you could overload it if you packed using some common sense.  

Of course, the van has a roll-out awning, external speakers, anti-insect awning lights, an entertainment locker… but I wasn’t expecting two fold-down picnic tables!

As for storage space, the Hilltop Augustus isn’t lacking there either. There’s a tunnel boot storage system as well as another tunnel boot forward of that; however, this second boot is taken up by a slide-out Dometic kitchen. That said, there’s space in this boot on the offside for your gear, not to mention a storage locker at the offside-rear.

There’s also a storage box on the A-frame for two 9kg gas cylinders, as well as a slide-out tray for general storage or perhaps for a portable fridge. When it’s time to use the Dometic kitchen, it’s just a matter of hooking it up to the gas bayonet and the water taps.

Mounted to the rear is a traditional steel bumper that serves as the home for the single spare wheel and a jerry can holder. Meanwhile, a Safety Dave reversing camera is mounted high on the rear wall.

In some ways, the Hilltop Augustus has a ‘traditional’ appearance. Composite aluminium, black checkerplate and a familiar shape. This is absolutely not a criticism. In fact, I reckon it’s a great-looking van built with the care and attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from this company. 

SUMMING UP

The 18ft 6in Hilltop Augustus has a lot to offer travelling families. There’s a solid 12V system, 180L of onboard water, a decent spread of features and appliances, and the layout seems like a winner, especially for the kids.

I am occasionally asked by people searching for a new van for my opinion on which manufacturer to choose. Hilltop is always on my list. Ask around. Speak to other owners on internet forums. I suspect you’ll eventually reach the same conclusion: you’d be mad not to take a look at Hilltop for yourself.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

HILLTOP AUGUSTUS SPECS