Club Lounge
Hilltop Saddleback Family 23'6"
5-6 Berth, Slide-Out, Club Lounge, Double Axle, 2-3 Banks.
$166,990.00
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a 'club lounge' layout — and what's the difference between full and side?
There are two types. A full club lounge spans the entire rear width of the caravan — it's the widest point of the van, giving you a genuinely spacious, wrap-around seating area that feels more like a living room than a camper. It's the most social and comfortable layout available, perfect for evenings with friends or simply stretching out. A side club lounge runs along one side wall of the caravan, making it more compact — a good fit when you need the opposite side for storage, a second bed, or a different layout priority. Both are far more relaxing than a standard dinette, but if living space is your priority, the full rear club lounge is hard to beat.
Which Club Lounge model should I choose?
It comes down to two things: party size and tow vehicle. Mawson 18'6" is the compact single-axle option — ideal for couples with lighter tow vehicles. Paddington Singles 22'6" adds twin single beds for those who prefer not to share. Thredbo 22'6" is our best-seller — a huge club lounge, full ensuite, and double axle stability. The Thredbo Lux is the flagship: every premium extra included. Come in for a walkthrough and we'll match you to the right van within minutes.
How much sleeping space do I get?
All Club Lounge models feature a private island bed separated from the living area by a cavity sliding door — giving you a true bedroom feel, not just a curtain. The Paddington Singles 22'6" offers twin singles instead. Most club lounges also convert to a third sleeping berth, making them genuinely flexible for guests or kids. Sleeping space never feels compromised because the bedroom sits forward in the van, fully insulated from late-night lounge activity.
Can my vehicle tow a Hilltop Club Lounge?
The compact Mawson 18'6" (single axle, ~2,500kg tare) suits most large SUVs and utes. The double-axle Thredbo and Paddington models have a tare of around 2,700kg and an ATM of 3,500kg — you'll want a vehicle rated to tow at least 3,500kg. We offer a free towing suitability check: bring in your vehicle's towing specifications, and we'll confirm compatibility on the spot. We can also arrange a Towing Preparation service through our workshop to make sure your setup is safe and legal before you hit the road.
Are these vans built for New Zealand roads and weather?
Absolutely. Hilltop vans are built to handle Australasian conditions — including NZ's mix of smooth highways, gravel back-roads, coastal humidity, and alpine cold. The double-axle models use rocker suspension with a 3.5T axle load capacity. Aluminium cladding walls are standard (composite upgrade available), and the structure is engineered for long-term durability rather than showroom gloss. These are caravans designed to be used hard, not just admired.
What's included as standard — am I really getting a complete van?
Yes. These aren't stripped-back base models. Standard inclusions across the Club Lounge range cover the essentials you actually need on tour: fan-forced oven and cooktop, 3-way fridge (199L), 25L microwave, 28L hot water service, 2kW/4kW diesel heater (depending on model), 200W solar panel with twin 120Ah AGM batteries, Safety Dave reversing camera, Dometic awning, external speakers, and full ensuite with separate shower and toilet. You can drive away and camp the same weekend — no scrambling to buy extras.
Can I go off-grid? How long will the solar last?
The standard 200W solar panel and twin 120Ah AGM batteries handle most moderate off-grid use comfortably — running the diesel heater, lighting, fridge, and device charging for 1–3 days depending on conditions. For serious free-camping, we can upgrade to lithium batteries and additional solar panels, dramatically extending your off-grid range. We also offer a self-containment certification service through our workshop, which is required for many NZ freedom camping sites.
Can I personalise the van to suit my style?
Yes — and there's a solid list of options to choose from. Popular upgrades include a roof-top air conditioner, leather upholstery, compressor fridge, inverter, electric awning, lithium batteries, slide-out kitchen, external shower, washing machine, and more. You can also convert the island bed to twin singles, or add a stone guard for gravel roads. These are sensible, field-tested upgrades — not gimmicks. Let us know what matters most, and we'll build you a spec that makes sense.
Are these vans genuinely good value, or am I paying for a brand name?
Hilltop is priced on what's inside, not on marketing spend. Compare the standard inclusions list against similarly priced competitors, and the story is clear: you get more van for your money. The build is consistent and proven, components are from trusted suppliers (Dometic, Thetford, Swift), and the layouts are designed by people who actually tour — not by a showroom committee. Strong resale value backs that up. We wouldn't stock them if we didn't believe in them.
Is finance available?
Yes. We work with lenders to help make ownership accessible. Finance options are available on new Hilltop caravans — visit our Insurance and Finance page or ask us directly when you get in touch. We can walk you through the numbers so you know exactly what you're committing to before you sign anything.
What support do I get after purchase?
Hilltop caravans come with a manufacturer's warranty, and our in-house workshop handles servicing, repairs, gas and electrical certification, upgrades, and insurance repairs — all under one roof in Rolleston. You're not left to figure things out alone post-sale. Our team picks up the phone and replies Facebook messages almost 24/7.
