New Age Manta Ray Pop Top Review

I love reviewing campers that honestly suit my lifestyle. The new Manta Ray Pop Top caravan from industry leader New Age is just my style. It’s not too big, not too small, has strong off-road construction, is full of creature comforts and still fits under my carport for storage. In fact, it’s just right, Goldilocks!

Combine all those goodies with engineering DNA spawned from the famous Walkinshaw stable, and the result is the birth of a veritable New Age in caravan standards that will allow you to glide through every climate from tropical to temperate with the free spirit of its Manta Ray namesake.

The design criteria are quite specific. The Manta Ray doesn’t pretend to be a family van or an uncomfortable or ill-equipped off-road camper. This 16’ pop-top is designed for a touring couple who want to experience all of Australia in comfort yet still retain the ability to find that perfect campsite off the beaten track and live off-grid in style. With a tare weight of around 2000 kg, you are not overly straining the friendship with a mid-range or larger 4X4, yet the weight reflects the high level of construction quality.

Domed Composite Roof Panel

However, it’s not only the superbly designed and engineered Walkinshaw galvanised chassis teamed with the capability of Cruisemaster XT independent trailing arm suspension and DO35 articulated coupling where you find the innovation – New Age have developed an all-new roof construction that features a domed insulated composite with durable aluminium top and unique roof surrounds. This provides insulation from the elements and promotes greater run-off, dramatically reducing the opportunity for water ingress even in harsh tropical downpours.

If you can make a box on wheels look great, then New Age has done it! We tested a fully optioned “Luxury Pack,” one of the features of which is smooth sidewall aluminium composite cladding with a broad coating of tough Raven coat lining to reduce stone and abrasion damage to the front and sides. Combine that with attractive decals, a bold colour scheme, premium Euro-style windows, wheel spats, and New Age’s trademark moulded ABS rear feature panel, and the Manta Ray becomes RV eye candy.

In this upgrade format, she rides on 16” AT wheels, which allow terrific ground clearance and pleasing entry and recovery angles. A single glance at the undersides will testify to premium construction. The 110-litre water tank and grey water tank, plus all the electrical and plumbing, are neatly fixed, lagged, and shrouded to avoid problems on those long, rugged tracks. There’s even a weatherproof floor liner for longevity and added underbody protection.

Extended A-Frame

Out in front is a strong 5” A-frame drawbar with dual-compartment tool box, one side housing twin 9kg gas bottles, dual Jerry can retainers, and the enclosed 100 AMP lithium battery compartment, also optioned up as part of the Luxury Pack. You will love the confidence of BMPRO sway control, plus, a full tunnel boot provides plenty of storage up in front. She features a pull-out awning, a reversing camera, an array of LED lighting, a pull-out hot/cold shower and external speakers for outdoor mood music. Overhead, the 150-watt solar panel tops up the power supply with the Odyssey display unit presenting full control and diagnostics of the electric system, including tank levels. There’s plenty of ventilation hatches, reverse cycle air conditioning and a wind-up aerial for great reception on the 24" Smart TV & DVD player.

Terrific Internal Height

Extended touring has never been so comfortable! Step inside, and you are treated to almost every modern convenience, including a fully fitted ensuite at the rear. The full-height shower, vanity with mirror and dressing cabinetry, ceramic toilet with elbow room, and even a wall-mounted washing machine will please even the most fastidious Goldilocks.

The premium package includes a full queen bed up in front and a surprising array of wardrobes, drawers, and assorted cabinetry highlighted by gloss finishes. I loved the café-style dinette with tri-fold table, particularly the beautiful diamond stitch, thickly padded upholstery, and recessed fold-out footrests.

The kitchen is reasonably compact for a 16’ pop-top caravan, but it is surprisingly well fitted and beautifully presented. It has a 164L 3-way fridge, 4-burner gas cooktop with grill and range hood, microwave, stainless steel sink and mixer, and a reasonable selection of cabinets, including overheads. Unfortunately, this layout does not have a utensils drawer or oven.

Speaking of layouts, you will find this 16’ pop-top surprisingly spacious considering its level of fit-out and premium construction attributes. New Age offers the Manta Ray caravan in sizes ranging from 16ft to 22ft, and the pop-tops are available from 15ft to 18ft, with various configurations and options to make your next sojourn in our great land “just right.” All you need is some porridge!

Specifications

Tare: approx. 2000kg (as displayed)

ATM:  2400kg (as displayed) 

Body: Smooth finish insulated aluminium composite panel (Luxury option)

Chassis: Walkinshaw 6” heavy-duty galvanised chassis with a 5” A-Frame

Ball Weight: 160 kg 

Suspension: Cruisemaster XT coil and twin shock independent trailing arm

Tyres/Wheels: R16 General Grabber All Terrain tyres & 16” alloy wheels

Sleeps: 2

Water Capacity: 105L with electric water pump

Battery & Charger: 150-w Solar and 100-amp Lithium (Luxury option)

Fridge: 164L 3 Way Fridge/Freezer.

Cooktop: 4 burner gas cooktop with grill, microwave, range hood

Dimensions

Length: 7085MM

Width: 2500MM

Height: (Including AC) 2950MM

Internal Height: 2030MM

Average Towball Weight: 110KG

Average Tare Weight: 2060KG

Hits

• Good off-roader

• Aesthetics

• Sensible range of accessories

• Walkinshaw engineering

• Comfortable flow and head height

Misses

• No oven

• No utensil drawer

• Minimal payload

Are You Still Shopping for the Perfect Camper or Van?

Check out our current selection of New Age Caravans for sale at OnlyVans.com.au!

If you're still in research mode, we have many other great deals on caravans for sale, including used caravans and caravans from private sellers. You can also find motorhomes for sale, camper trailers, and pop top caravans.

No matter how you like to travel, we've got you covered.  

Found your perfect purchase? Let’s make financing just as easy!

Work with Australia’s best-reviewed finance broker for a great deal and a stress-free experience. With 3,000+ glowing Google reviews, you can trust you're in good hands! See what our happy customers say in Credit One reviews, or jump right in and crunch the numbers with our handy loan repayment calculator. Your ideal financing solution is just a few clicks away!