The most common question we get from buyers is refreshingly blunt: what exactly do I get for my money? It's a fair thing to ask. The Australian teardrop market runs on "starting from" pricing, where the number on the ad is the number before you add solar, before you add a battery, before you add hot water — and by the time you've ticked the boxes you actually need, the total has climbed thousands past what caught your eye. So this guide does the opposite. It lists, in plain terms, every system that comes standard on the Hip Summit and Hip Companion, what makes the two models different, what they weigh, what they cost, and how delivery and after-sales actually work.
Whether you're a couple planning weekend escapes, a young family gearing up for the school holidays, or a retiree mapping a lap of the country, the aim here is the same: no surprises. Read it top to bottom for the full picture, or jump to the side-by-side comparison table, the pricing breakdown, or the FAQs.
The short answer: Both the Hip Summit and Hip Companion arrive off-grid ready from the factory — a 100W solar panel, 120Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery, 2,000W pure sine wave inverter, 80L fresh water with instant hot water, a full stainless-steel galley, an outdoor shower, a retractable awning and a gas-bottle holder — on a hot-dip galvanised chassis with electric brakes as standard. Nothing on that list is a paid extra.
The Summit ($22,500) is taller (about 2.0m inside), adds a skylight and sleeps two adults plus one child. The Companion ($21,500) sits ~100mm lower, has a side window and sleeps two. Prefer to build your own? The configurator base price starts at $19,000 (Summit) and $18,000 (Companion). There is no built-in cooktop — cooking is via your own portable gear or the inverter's 240V power.
What "included" actually means here
Plenty of campers are sold as a platform with a shopping list bolted on. That's a legitimate way to buy — but it makes comparison hard, because two ads showing the "same" $16,000 teardrop can end up thousands apart once one has lithium, an inverter and hot water and the other doesn't. Hip Campers is built the other way around: the fully-equipped standard build already has the whole off-grid system in it, so the price you read is the price you tow away.
Everything below is standard on both models unless we specifically call out a difference. Where a feature is a genuine paid upgrade — independent suspension, for instance — we say so plainly and put it in its own table so there's no ambiguity. If you want the deeper "is this good value over five years" analysis, our cost of owning a camper trailer in Australia guide runs the numbers, and is a teardrop camper worth it? tackles the value question head-on.
Off-grid electrical: power that keeps up
The electrical system is identical across both models, and it's the part most first-time buyers underestimate. This isn't a token "starter" kit — it's a properly sized system designed to keep you self-sufficient for days without plugging into mains.
100W roof-mounted solar panel
A monocrystalline 100W panel sits flush on the roof and feeds the battery through the daylight hours. In typical Australian sun that's enough to sustain lighting, the water pump, USB and phone charging, and general campsite draw for a couple — often replacing a full night's usage by early afternoon. If you run a portable fridge or camp for longer stretches in shoulder season, it's worth reading how much solar a camper trailer really needs so you can judge whether the standard panel suits your style or whether you'd add a portable blanket for cloudy runs.
120Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is standard here, not the older AGM chemistry you'll still find on cheaper builds. It matters more than the spec sheet suggests: lithium is far lighter for the same usable energy, holds a steady voltage across the whole discharge, and lasts thousands of cycles rather than a few hundred. Because LiFePO4 can safely use around 80–90% of its rated capacity (versus roughly 50% for AGM), a 120Ah lithium bank gives you genuinely usable overnight power for lights, pumps, charging and a fridge. If you're weighing the two chemistries, our LiFePO4 vs AGM comparison lays out the real-world difference, and the teardrop camper power systems guide explains how solar, battery and inverter work together as one system.
2,000W pure sine wave inverter
This is where a lot of budget teardrops quietly cut costs — either skipping the inverter or fitting an underpowered modified sine wave unit. Both Hip models include a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter as standard. Pure sine wave delivers clean, stable power that's safe for sensitive electronics — laptops, CPAP machines, camera and drone chargers — and the 2,000W ceiling means you can run a kettle, a toaster or an induction plate directly off the battery. There are 240V power points at the galley and inside the cabin, plus 12V and USB charging for phones, tablets and a portable fridge.
| Component | Standard spec | What it runs |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | 100W monocrystalline, roof-mounted | Daytime top-up for lights, pump, charging |
| Battery | 120Ah LiFePO4 lithium | Overnight power; ~80–90% usable capacity |
| Inverter | 2,000W pure sine wave | 240V appliances: kettle, toaster, induction, chargers |
| Outlets | 240V points + 12V + USB | Cabin and galley; portable fridge on 12V |
Worth noting: high-draw appliances like a 1,800–2,000W kettle will pull the battery down fast, so they're best in short bursts rather than continuous use. But having the option genuinely changes camp life — a proper morning coffee without a generator is one of those small luxuries that adds up over a long trip.
Water and shower: hot water, sorted
Water is one of those systems you never think about until you don't have it. Both models arrive with a complete setup ready to go from day one.
- 80L fresh water tank — enough for a couple to comfortably manage two to three days of drinking, cooking and washing up between refills.
- 12V water pump delivering steady pressure to the galley sink, quiet enough that it won't wake the neighbours at a quiet campground.
- Instant hot water — the feature that surprises people at this price. Plenty of teardrops in this bracket are cold-water only. You choose your system: a portable gas instant heater that mounts on the outside (the gas bottle sits in the external holder and the hose connects when you set up, then disconnects for travel — nothing is plumbed inside the camper, so there's no gas certificate to maintain), or an 8L electric instant system that runs on 240V at a powered site, or off the battery and inverter when there's no mains. Either way you've got warm water for dishes, a wash-up and a shower — on a cold Grampians morning you'll appreciate it more than you'd expect.
- Outdoor shower — a standard fitting on both models, fed from the hot water system, so you can rinse off sand, mud or salt at the end of the day without hunting for camp facilities.
Together with the power system, that's what makes both models genuinely self-contained for free and remote camping — you're carrying your own power, water and hot water rather than relying on powered sites. If you're new to living off your own tanks and battery, off-grid camping: solar, water and power basics is a good primer.
Practical tip: 80 litres stretches further than you'd think if you're mindful. Use a washing-up basin instead of running the tap, and three days between refills is easy. Most campgrounds and many rest stops have potable taps for topping up.
The galley: a proper outdoor kitchen (and the honest bit about cooking)
The kitchen lives beneath the rear hatch on both models. Lift the hatch and you've got a full working galley open to the outdoors — the classic teardrop layout that never gets old. What's standard on both:
- Full stainless-steel galley with a solid benchtop — real workspace to prepare a meal, not just reheat something from a tin.
- Stainless-steel sink with hot and cold water on tap, fed from the onboard tank and pump.
- Ample storage for pots, pans, utensils and dry goods, laid out so nothing rattles loose on corrugated roads.
- 240V power points at the galley, powered by the inverter, so a kettle, toaster or induction plate runs without an extension lead from a powered site.
- LED lighting under the hatch so you can cook comfortably after dark.
Now the part we're deliberately clear about, because some listings aren't: there is no built-in cooktop, so you cook on your own portable cooker. What you do get is a gas-bottle holder — a secure bracket so you can carry your own bottle for a portable cooker if that's how you like to cook. Many owners use an electric kettle or a single induction plate off the 2,000W inverter, or a simple butane/portable stove of their own.
The upside is flexibility: you keep full freedom to cook however you prefer, and it's the same honest-inclusions philosophy that runs through the rest of the build.
Sleeping and cabin comfort
Both models are built around a queen-size mattress that fills the cabin — a genuine mattress for comfortable sleep night after night, not a thin mat on a hard base. The cabin is fully insulated, which holds warmth on cold nights and keeps things cooler through hot afternoons while cutting the condensation that plagues uninsulated campers. Interior LED lighting lets you read or settle in without a head torch. This is where the two models diverge.
Hip Summit — ~2.0m interior height, skylight, sleeps 2 + 1
The Summit's taller profile gives roughly 2.0 metres of internal height. That extra headroom is noticeable the moment you sit up in bed, get changed, or move around inside. It also lets the Summit sleep two adults plus one child, which is what makes it the pick for young families. The roof skylight floods the cabin with daylight and turns into a stargazing window at night — a small feature that genuinely lifts the whole experience.
Hip Companion — ~1.9m interior height, side window, sleeps 2
The Companion sits about 100mm lower at 1.9 metres and sleeps two adults comfortably. In place of the skylight it has a side window that brings in light and gives great cross-ventilation on warm nights, and the lower roofline gives it a slightly sleeker look on the road. Plenty of couples actively prefer the side-window layout — it's a different feel, not a lesser one.
Awning and outdoor living
A retractable awning is standard on both models. It pulls out to throw shade over the galley and the doorway, which in Australian conditions is less a luxury than a necessity — it's the difference between cooking in full sun and cooking in the shade, and it gives you somewhere dry to stand when a shower rolls through. Combined with the outdoor shower and the open galley, the awning is what turns the back of the camper into an actual living space rather than just a place to sleep.
Chassis, suspension, weights and towing
Both models share the same road-going platform, so you get the same underlying build quality whichever you choose. This is the part that determines what you can tow it with and how it behaves loaded.
- Hot-dip galvanised chassis — galvanising is the right call for Australia's coastal salt and inland dust, giving long-term corrosion resistance where it matters most.
- Electric brakes as standard on the single axle, with a 50mm ball coupling. Because both models sit above the 750kg braking threshold, brakes aren't optional — they're built in. Our full explainer on electric brakes on camper trailers covers the law by weight and what an inspector checks.
- Leaf-spring suspension as standard, which is proven, simple and easy to service. Independent suspension is a paid upgrade for buyers who want more compliance on rougher tracks — see the upgrades table below.
- Tare (empty) weight of roughly 700–750kg, an ATM of 1,500kg and a GTM of 1,380kg, which leaves around 750–800kg of payload for water, gear and supplies — more than enough for any sensible camping load.
At this weight, both models are towable by a wide range of vehicles. A 1,500kg ATM sits within the braked towing capacity of many mid-size SUVs and dual-cab utes — our can you tow a camper with a RAV4? guide works through a real example, and if you're going electric, towing a teardrop camper with an EV covers range and towball considerations. Always confirm your own vehicle's braked towing rating and towball download limit in its manual, and note you'll need an in-cab brake controller to use the trailer's electric brakes.
Quick weights glossary: Tare is the empty weight. ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the most it can legally weigh fully loaded and uncoupled. GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) is the load carried by the trailer's own wheels when hitched. Payload is ATM minus tare — what you can actually pack.
Build, origin and compliance — the honest version
Being straight about where a camper comes from is part of buying with confidence, so here it is plainly: our campers are imported, then finished and inspected in Melbourne, Victoria, and certified for Australian roads through the Register of Approved Vehicles under the federal Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 — the framework administered by the Department of Infrastructure. Once it clears that process you register it in your own state or territory like any other trailer. If build provenance is a big part of your decision, we go deeper in camper trailer build quality in Australia.
Two things happen on Australian soil that we think matter. First, the 12V electrical system is checked and finished by our own in-house licensed electrician — a fully qualified, certified tradesman with more than 20 years in the trade — so the part of the camper most likely to cause grief down the track is signed off by a professional here, not left to chance. Second, every unit is inspected before it's handed over.
Warranty and your consumer rights
Both models come with a 24-month structural warranty and a 12-month warranty on fittings and components. That sits on top of your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which apply regardless of any manufacturer warranty — the ACCC's consumer guarantees mean goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose, and it's worth understanding how a warranty differs from those statutory guarantees. To keep everything valid and the camper in good shape, follow the simple routine in our teardrop camper maintenance and care guide.
Side-by-side comparison: Hip Summit vs Hip Companion
Here's the full specification comparison, so you can see exactly where the two models differ — and how much they share.
| Feature | Hip Summit | Hip Companion |
|---|---|---|
| Fully-equipped price | $22,500 | $21,500 |
| Configurator base price | $19,000 | $18,000 |
| Interior height | ~2.0m | ~1.9m |
| Sleeps | 2 adults + 1 child | 2 adults |
| Mattress | Queen | Queen |
| Skylight | Yes | No |
| Side window | No | Yes |
| Solar panel | 100W | 100W |
| Battery | 120Ah LiFePO4 | 120Ah LiFePO4 |
| Inverter | 2,000W pure sine wave | 2,000W pure sine wave |
| Fresh water | 80L | 80L |
| Instant hot water | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor shower | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless galley + sink | Yes (hot & cold) | Yes (hot & cold) |
| Retractable awning | Yes | Yes |
| Gas-bottle holder | Yes (BYO bottle) | Yes (BYO bottle) |
| Built-in cooktop | Not included — BYO cooker | Not included — BYO cooker |
| Chassis | Hot-dip galvanised | Hot-dip galvanised |
| Brakes | Electric (standard) | Electric (standard) |
| Coupling | 50mm ball | 50mm ball |
| Suspension | Leaf (independent optional) | Leaf (independent optional) |
| Insulation | Full | Full |
| Tare weight | ~700–750kg | ~700–750kg |
| ATM | 1,500kg | 1,500kg |
| GTM | 1,380kg | 1,380kg |
| Payload | ~750–800kg | ~750–800kg |
| Warranty | 24mo structural / 12mo fittings and components | 24mo structural / 12mo fittings and components |
For how the Summit stacks up against the wider field of budget and premium teardrops, see Hip Summit vs other teardrop campers, and for the big-picture format question, teardrop camper vs caravan and teardrop camper vs campervan are worth a read.
Pricing: two honest ways to buy
There are deliberately two price points for each model, and it's worth understanding why — it's not a bait-and-switch, it's a choice about how you want to buy.
- Fully-equipped standard build — the turnkey camper with the complete off-grid system exactly as described above, ready to tow away. $22,500 for the Summit, $21,500 for the Companion.
- Build-your-own (configurator) base — the starting price when you spec your own camper in the 3D builder, from $19,000 for the Summit and $18,000 for the Companion. From that base you add the colour, options and finish you want, and the total moves accordingly.
| Model | Configurator base | Fully-equipped standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Summit | from $19,000 | $22,500 |
| Hip Companion | from $18,000 | $21,500 |
| Difference (Summit over Companion) | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Either way, the full off-grid system is part of the deal — the solar, lithium battery, inverter, hot water and galley aren't premiums stacked on afterward. If you want to see where these prices sit against the market, our best teardrop campers in Australia (2026) shortlist has the context, and the cost of ownership guide covers what you'll spend beyond the sticker.
What's standard vs what's a paid upgrade
Because "standard" gets stretched in a lot of listings, here's the honest split. The left column is genuinely included at no extra cost on both models; the right column is where money is optional.
| Standard (included) | Optional / paid upgrade |
|---|---|
| 100W solar + 120Ah LiFePO4 + 2,000W inverter | Independent suspension (upgrade from leaf spring) |
| 80L fresh water + instant hot water + outdoor shower | Colour and finish choices in the configurator |
| Full stainless-steel galley + sink (hot & cold) | Selected add-ons offered in the 3D builder |
| Retractable awning + gas-bottle holder | Your own portable cooker / gas bottle (BYO) |
| Hot-dip galvanised chassis + electric brakes + 50mm ball | In-cab brake controller (fitted to your tow vehicle) |
| Full insulation + queen mattress + LED lighting | Aftermarket accessories to taste |
Note that a couple of "extras" in the right column aren't really Hip Campers upgrades at all — a brake controller is vehicle-side and specific to your tow car, and a portable cooker is a personal preference. We list them so the full cost picture is clear before you commit.
Delivery, lead time and after-sales
How you actually get the camper, and what happens if something needs attention later, is part of what you're buying — so here's how it works.
- Free interstate delivery to a depot near you. We deliver to a depot close to you at no extra cost, so you collect locally rather than driving to Melbourne. (Delivery is to a depot, not to your front door.)
- Lead time of about 2.5 to 3 months from your deposit. That's the window to finish, fit out, electrically sign off and inspect your unit before it ships.
- Interstate transit of roughly 4 to 12 days once the camper is ready to leave, depending on your state and the freight schedule.
- After-sales by our own technicians. Servicing and any warranty attention is handled by Hip Campers' own technicians and contractors, who can come to your home postcode rather than making you tow back to a workshop.
If you'd rather see one in the metal first, we have a display unit in Perth you can arrange to view before you order. It's the best way to judge the space, the finish and the galley layout for yourself — photos and specs help, but sitting inside settles most decisions.
Which one should you choose?
Honestly, you can't go wrong with either — they share the same off-grid system, water, galley and chassis. The decision comes down to a few specific questions about how you'll use it.
Choose the Hip Summit if:
- You need to sleep a child alongside two adults.
- You want the roof skylight for natural light and stargazing.
- The extra ~100mm of headroom matters to you (especially if you're taller).
- You're happy to spend $1,000 more for the taller, family-friendly layout.
Choose the Hip Companion if:
- You're a couple who doesn't need the extra sleeping capacity.
- You prefer the side-window layout and cross-ventilation over a skylight.
- The slightly lower, sleeker profile appeals to you.
- You'd rather save $1,000 to put toward accessories or your first big trip.
Good to know: both models suit everyone from weekenders to full-time grey nomads — if a long-haul retirement lap is the plan, retirement travel in a teardrop camper is written for exactly that. And before your first trip, our teardrop camper camping checklist makes sure nothing gets left behind. For anything not covered here, the FAQ page has more.
Frequently asked questions
What is included as standard with the Hip Summit and Hip Companion?
Both models come off-grid ready from the factory: a 100W solar panel, a 120Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery, a 2,000W pure sine wave inverter, an 80L fresh water tank with instant hot water, a full stainless-steel galley, an outdoor shower, a retractable awning and a gas-bottle holder for your own bottle. On the road side you get a hot-dip galvanised chassis, electric brakes, a 50mm ball coupling and leaf-spring suspension. Nothing on that list is a paid add-on.
What is the difference between the Hip Summit and the Hip Companion?
They share the same off-grid power, water, galley and chassis. The Hip Summit is the taller model at about 2.0m of internal height, adds a roof skylight, and sleeps two adults plus one child. The Hip Companion sits about 100mm lower at 1.9m, swaps the skylight for a side window, and sleeps two adults. The Summit is $1,000 dearer at each pricing tier.
Do the Hip Summit and Hip Companion include a built-in cooktop?
No. Neither model includes a built-in cooktop, so you cook on your own portable cooker. The stainless-steel galley is a bench-and-sink prep station with storage, and a gas-bottle holder is fitted so you can carry your own bottle for a portable cooker. Because the 2,000W inverter runs standard 240V appliances, many owners simply use an electric kettle or induction plate instead.
How much do the Hip Summit and Hip Companion cost in Australia?
There are two ways to buy. The fully-equipped standard build is $22,500 for the Summit and $21,500 for the Companion, ready to tow away as specced. If you build your own in the 3D configurator, the base custom price starts at $19,000 for the Summit and $18,000 for the Companion, and options adjust the total from there. Both prices are drive-away style with the full off-grid system included.
What are the tare weight and ATM of the Hip Summit and Hip Companion?
Both models have a tare (empty) weight of roughly 700 to 750kg, an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of 1,500kg and a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) of 1,380kg. That leaves about 750 to 800kg of payload for water, gear and supplies. They sit above the 750kg braking threshold, which is why electric brakes are standard on both.
Can I tow a Hip Summit or Hip Companion with an SUV?
In many cases, yes. With a 1,500kg ATM, both models sit within the braked towing capacity of a lot of mid-size SUVs and dual-cab utes, and even some capable smaller SUVs. Always check your own vehicle's braked towing rating and its towball download limit in the owner's manual, and remember an in-cab brake controller is required to use the trailer's electric brakes.
What warranty and after-sales service come with a Hip Camper?
Both models carry a 24-month structural warranty and a 12-month warranty on fittings and components, on top of your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. The 12V system is wired by our own in-house licensed electrician, and after-sales servicing is handled by Hip Campers' own technicians who can come to your home postcode rather than making you drive back to a workshop.
How does delivery work and how long does it take?
We include free interstate delivery to a depot near you, so you collect your camper locally rather than travelling to Melbourne. Typical lead time is about 2.5 to 3 months from your deposit, with interstate transit adding roughly 4 to 12 days once the unit is finished, inspected and ready. You can also arrange to view our Perth display unit in person before you order.
Ready to take a closer look?
If you've been weighing your options and want to see exactly what's included, the next step is easy. Browse the full specs on the Hip Summit and Hip Companion pages, check what's ready to go in current stock, or build your own in 3D to spec a Summit or Companion exactly how you want it — with the whole off-grid system included as standard, every time.
Got a question about tow-vehicle compatibility, delivery to your state, or which model fits your plans? Get in touch and we'll walk you through it. Happy camping.