Cub unveils new H16 pop-top hybrid

Almost a year after introducing its first hybrid caravan, Sydney’s Cub Campers has announced a pop-top version.

The new Cub H16 pop-top hybrid will be the cheapest and lightest variant in Cub’s full composite caravan range when it goes into production later this year, with a predicted Tare of 1700kg, 2500kg ATM, and ball weight of 160kg.

It will ride on basic AL-KO ‘Square Axle’ independent suspension with twin shock absorbers instead of the more forgiving coil spring set-ups under the pricier Cub caravan variants, with a 50mm ball coupling, 12in electric drum brakes, a steel spare wheel and 17in alloys with all-terrain tyres, also part of the H16 package.

“The H16 is purpose-built for travelling, supremely comfortable both off-road or on the tarmac, and with a light footprint... it is the perfect caravan for families to experience the lifestyle without having to factor in an expensive tow vehicle,” the 55-year-old Sydney manufacturer said in a media release.

The new 16ft H16 hybrid will feature a remote-controlled electric pop-top roof mechanism with PVC side material that raises the pop-top van to 2.91m in overall height when set up for camping, compared to its 2.515m travel height.

Cub’s fixed-roof caravans have a travel height of around 2.9m, making the new pop-top a more suitable option for buyers wanting to store the van under a carport, as well as making it more aerodynamic for improved fuel efficiency and towing safety.

“The pop-top includes four spring cross-canopy lifters at critical extrusion points, capable of holding up to 160kg, further enhanced with a synchronous control board that aligns the pop-top roof perfectly when opening,” Cub Campers said.

“Overall, the H16’s pop-top design allows for a lower height providing access to more difficult to reach travel locations while increasing the number of practical caravan storage options available.”

The Cub H16 will be available with three internal layouts, all with a dual-purpose dinette/lounge and combination shower/toilet: a king bed couple’s version, a family double bunk floorplan, and another couple’s layout with twin single beds.

Internally, the Cub H16 measures 2.04m wide, 4.8m long and 2.01m high, with the roof raised.

Some of the other standard features include two 4kg gas bottles, a pillow-top mattress, four-speaker Fusion Bluetooth stereo, Fiamma roll-out awning, external shower, a 150Ah lithium battery with Redarc BMS30 charger, two 180W monocrystalline solar panels and a Redivision display, inside and outside LED lighting, an internal kitchen with sink with filtered water tap and a 110L Dometic Coolmatic fridge, an external kitchen with SMEV three-burner stainless steel stove and sink, Truma gas-electric hot water, and 100L freshwater and 100L greywater tanks.

As Cub’s new entry-level caravan model, the H16 pop-top is priced from $79,990, or $10,000 less than the $89,990 L16 caravan released earlier this year.

Interested buyers can secure a production slot for the new Cub H16 via a fully refundable $2000 deposit, with first customer orders expected to be delivered before Christmas.