Considering Pop-Top Install

[d95gas]

Hi Everyone,

Currently have a PVC Transit Custom L1H1. I have been looking at various options including selling the van (which I am loath to do), in order to make things more comfortable for myself and Skye the dog when on our travels.

I have now decided I need to keep the van for this year at least, so with that in mind I am looking at getting a "Pop-Top" installed to give me the extra headroom, and a spare bed for my Grandson when he comes with me.

I am looking into several installers that have been recommended, who can do a decent job. But my reason for the post is to see if there are any major disadvantages to having a pop-top?

I am concious that windy days might be an issue, but anything else? Also does it increase the noise level in the cabin when travelling?

Thanks in anticipation of your advice.

 

[CAB96]

I would say that wind noise depends on the roof and install. Also the bed base, if it fully covers the gap or has an insert above the cab it will help.

Noise, yes when up. Wind, cold also. A thermal pop-top cover makes a huge difference but there is the faff of putting it on / taking it off.

Also, they are not stealthy. I suppose it depends on how you use the van.

But being able to stand up and walk around is priceless.

 

[Nanniemate]

Sell it and get something more suitable.

Won't get you more headroom but will dothe job

TentBox GO - The lightweight, stripped-back roof tent

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[Neckender]

I had a Storm pop top fitted 2 years ago by Cosmic Campers in Derby to my T6.1 and we’re really pleased with it as it’s given us extra head room with us both being fairly tall and extra daylight as well, we were camped on the Isle of Wight 18 months ago in some very strong winds and our Storm pop top coped with it very well indeed, if it hadn’t I would have just lowered the roof. Also Cosmic Campers are a very professional camper van converters specialising in pop top roof conversions.

 

[d95gas]

Sell it and get something more suitable.

Won't get you more headroom but will dothe job

TentBox GO - The lightweight, stripped-back roof tent

The GO is a lightweight, stripped-back roof tent, designed by TentBox to be affordable and versatile. It comfortably sleeps two people on a stretched fabric bed. It arrives flat-packed, with the initial setup taking around 60 minutes.

tentbox.com

Tent box would be no good for me, I need the van as the dog goes with me

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[d95gas]

I had a Storm pop top fitted 2 years ago by Cosmic Campers in Derby to my T6.1 and we’re really pleased with it as it’s given us extra head room with us both being fairly tall and extra daylight as well, we were camped on the Isle of Wight 18 months ago in some very strong winds and our Storm pop top coped with it very well indeed, if it hadn’t I would have just lowered the roof. Also Cosmic Campers are a very professional camper van converters specialising in pop top roof conversions.

Sounds like I am in the same situation you were, going up to "Van-Lidz" in Peterlee next week to have a look at what they are offerring for the money. The extra headroom is going to mean a big difference, I dont particularly want to get rid of the van for something else, so Pop-Top should ensure a few years more use. Thanks

 

[Nanniemate]

Tent box would be no good for me, I need the van as the dog goes with me

I meant on the van, it was a tonge in cheek comment sorry
Being 5'2" I can stand up in mine and would not consider a pop top.
Like the idea of a dog but not the responsibility
So I carry dog treats for well behaved furry friends

 

[CazPaul]

A lot of work involved especially you are unsure if you are keeping the van beyond this year, flog it now and buy something better suited to you.

 

[d95gas]

I meant on the van, it was a tonge in cheek comment sorry
Being 5'2" I can stand up in mine and would not consider a pop top.
Like the idea of a dog but not the responsibility
So I carry dog treats for well behaved furry friends

I thought it was an odd response Without the dog, I would not be here, she was all that kept me going when my wife passed away, but I do agree, there is a lot of responsibility to having one, more so when camping. Love the fact you carry treats I think every coat/jacket I have, has dog biscuits and poo bags in the pockets!!

 

[Coolcats]

Hi Everyone,

Currently have a PVC Transit Custom L1H1. I have been looking at various options including selling the van (which I am loath to do), in order to make things more comfortable for myself and Skye the dog when on our travels.

I have now decided I need to keep the van for this year at least, so with that in mind I am looking at getting a "Pop-Top" installed to give me the extra headroom, and a spare bed for my Grandson when he comes with me.

I am looking into several installers that have been recommended, who can do a decent job. But my reason for the post is to see if there are any major disadvantages to having a pop-top?

I am concious that windy days might be an issue, but anything else? Also does it increase the noise level in the cabin when travelling?

Thanks in anticipation of your advice.

Depends, we had a T5 and loved it, however if your away for a few weeks and it’s inclement weather that’s a tent on the roof it gets damp….your van will feel damp…it’s not insulated and just like a tent that’s where the heat will escape.

This is one reason we changed vehicle, so if your planning shortish breaks in nice weather they are fab but…the sun doesn’t always shine when you want it.

As I say whilst we lived our T5 we would never have another pop top but they are what they are just be aware of the downside

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[d95gas]

A lot of work involved especially you are unsure if you are keeping the van beyond this year, flog it now and buy something better suited to you.

I did consider moving it on and get something else, but I really like this van as its not your standard Transit Custom, plus my son and daughter-law paid to have it converted as my retirement pressie.

I would prefer to keep the van for a good couple of years yet. Its also my daily drive, for shopping, etc, and again perfect size, just like driving and parking a car really.

 

[Nanniemate]

I thought it was an odd response Without the dog, I would not be here, she was all that kept me going when my wife passed away, but I do agree, there is a lot of responsibility to having one, more so when camping. Love the fact you carry treats I think every coat/jacket I have, has dog biscuits and poo bags in the pockets!!

And I don't have to arry poo bags

Don't rush in think carefully before you invest in poptop as CazPaul said a more suitable van may be a better option.

 

[d95gas]

Depends, we had a T5 and loved it, however if your away for a few weeks and it’s inclement weather that’s a tent on the roof it gets damp….your van will feel damp…it’s not insulated and just like a tent that’s where the heat will escape.

This is one reason we changed vehicle, so if your planning shortish breaks in nice weather they are fab but…the sun doesn’t always shine when you want it.

As I say whilst we lived our T5 we would never have another pop top but they are what they are just be aware of the downside

Thanks, been taking these things into consideration. I am hoping that majority of my visits will be in warmer climates, that doesnt mean to say they dont get rain, but at least there is a better chance of it drying out properly. In high winds I would just have to put it down. Thanks

 

[d95gas]

My other option is to leave the van as is, and keep the current Fiamma awning. I have no intention of cooking inside the van, more likely to be outside cooking........ Not that I can cook.......

Apart from that, the height has not really proved to be an issue on the outings we have already been on.

I like Forums as you get a good mixture of responses, and from people who have been there, dont it and got the T shirt. All certainly given me food for thought.

I will still take a ride up to Van-Lidz and see what they do, but there wont be any quick decisions. Thanks everyone for helping.

 

[Nanniemate]

Thanks, been taking these things into consideration. I am hoping that majority of my visits will be in warmer climates, that doesnt mean to say they dont get rain, but at least there is a better chance of it drying out properly. In high winds I would just have to put it down. Thanks

But when it's wet n windy thats when you appreciate the headroom if you in the van moving around.

The children will be happy your comfortable, I bought a number of extras for my parents van, they enjoyed them and they went with the van when they changed it , you couldn't take them off or out .
It was a learning curve of what was a compromise too far.

How long have you had the van? Maybe try it for a year without and then make costly decisions

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[d95gas]

But when it's wet n windy thats when you appreciate the headroom if you in the van moving around.

The children will be happy your comfortable, I bought a number of extras for my parents van, they enjoyed them and they went with the van when they changed it , you couldn't take them off or out .
It was a learning curve of what was a compromise too far.

How long have you had the van? Maybe try it for a year without and then make costly decisions

Yes can understand the appreciation of headroom on those wet n windy days, although so far managed to avoid them, or they have occurred whilst I am fast asleep.

The van was actually handed over to me completed around August 2024, so not really had it that long. Have managed to get 5 or so trips in it with myself and the pooch, and we have been happy, although with those we didnt have the awning, which was a must to shade the dog.


Cooking outside will be better for me, means no mess or nasty burn smells Although I do eat less than a 4yr old, the dog makes up for me.

And yes, I feel that I have to keep the van for a couple of years, and then learn what I really want, having gone through various experiences.

 

[Neckender]

I’ve never had any damp problems with our Storm pop top you get what you pay for and for cold times I’ve fitted a diesel heater that heats our van up nicely.

 

[d95gas]

My son had a decent diesel heater fitted in the van, that certainly kicks out some heat, and as "hot air rises", I am guessing that would help dry a potentially wet Pop-Top. Think I need to sit down and write a "Pro's & Con's" sheet.

 

[PeterCarole29]

My other option is to leave the van as is, and keep the current Fiamma awning. I have no intention of cooking inside the van, more likely to be outside cooking........ Not that I can cook.......

Apart from that, the height has not really proved to be an issue on the outings we have already been on.

I like Forums as you get a good mixture of responses, and from people who have been there, dont it and got the T shirt. All certainly given me food for thought.

I will still take a ride up to Van-Lidz and see what they do, but there wont be any quick decisions. Thanks everyone for helping.

I dont know the answer to this but thought it may be a consideration after a roof has been fitted will you get under height barriers (maybe it wont matter but you may find it important )also when its down will you have lost height inside that you have been used to having

 

[AndyPK]

Just had a quick look on this website

Pop Top Roofs, Prices, Guides, Conversions & More

Get all the info you need on Pop top roofs for VW’s Transporters. Info on prices, fitting, lead times and more from accredited fitters

www.bearwoodcampers.co.uk

Their prices start from £3.5k (for WV), but I guess it would be similar for Ford…..?
Seems rather a lot of money to spend, only to sell after a year or so - plus the time you’ll be parted from your ‘van whilst the work is being done……

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[d95gas]

I dont know the answer to this but thought it may be a consideration after a roof has been fitted will you get under height barriers (maybe it wont matter but you may find it important )also when its down will you have lost height inside that you have been used to having

Those are some of the consideration I currently have, although as it is I cannot fit under 2m barriers due to the awning sticking up, but so far its not been a problem.

I have a list of questions to either ask the supplier, or get the answer from looking at their install. One of the pop-tops I have looked at is the "Stealth FTC" which doesnt require a support frame fitting, is ultra slim, and no loss of height inside when its down, in addition it doesnt use the scissor like bracket at the back, its all on hydraulic rams.

 

[d95gas]

Just had a quick look on this website

Pop Top Roofs, Prices, Guides, Conversions & More

Get all the info you need on Pop top roofs for VW’s Transporters. Info on prices, fitting, lead times and more from accredited fitters

www.bearwoodcampers.co.uk

Their prices start from £3.5k (for WV), but I guess it would be similar for Ford…..?
Seems rather a lot of money to spend, only to sell after a year or so - plus the time you’ll be parted from your ‘van whilst the work is being done……

Yes its a fair amount to put up, actually nearer £4k or the Stealth roof is nearer £5.3k. Fitting is 2 days. If I spend that much on it, it would certainly be kept for a couple of years.

 

[AndyPK]

Our Firefly is based on a Transit Custom body, but is the hi-top version so there is (just) enough headroom for me (5 11) - I imagine you must feel quite cramped when getting in/out of yours? As you use it as a daily drive, does that mean you tend to move ‘off-site’
regularly when away - or are you more static then? Just thinking that perhaps a drive-away awing or similar to complement your wind-out awning might be an option to explore - it would certainly be cheaper……

 

[d95gas]

Our Firefly is based on a Transit Custom body, but is the hi-top version so there is (just) enough headroom for me (5 11) - I imagine you must feel quite cramped when getting in/out of yours? As you use it as a daily drive, does that mean you tend to move ‘off-site’
regularly when away - or are you more static then? Just thinking that perhaps a drive-away awing or similar to complement your wind-out awning might be an option to explore - it would certainly be cheaper……

It doesnt really feel cramped, I dont do cooking in it, and washing up pots, etc hasn't been an issue. Yes would be nice to have more headroom. I am only 5' 8" so not as tall as you.

Once I am on site I tend to be static, I am not one for driving all over the place, I much prefer to base myself somewhere and then use leg power as I enjoy walking, plus my time away is more about chilling out and relaxing.

Even when we have had on 1 occassion, some rain during the day, I was able to site very comfortable in the swivel seat, watch a bit of TV and have a cuppa. I also have the diesel heater if it gets cold (generally UK).

 

[Nanniemate]

Post in thread 'What have you done today?' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-done-today.215404/post-6463185

Just seen this it may be worth asking tonka why he's taken his out

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[tonka]

Post in thread 'What have you done today?' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-you-done-today.215404/post-6463185

Just seen this it may be worth asking tonka why he's taken his out

NOT ME.... Try Tonks ..

 

[Reallyretired]

I had a fibreglass high top fitted to a VW. Gave the extra room without the disadvantages of a pop top though obviously increased the height. It was 50 years ago though.

 

[d95gas]

Thanks Reallyretired Not something I have looked around it, but certainly with a shot on Google. Still weighing up my options. With so many options with a Pop-Top install, its an expensive game, so its not going to be something I just dive into, I need to look at the Pro's and Con's, and this thread has given me a good start. Thanks for replying.

 

[Reallyretired]

Thanks Reallyretired Not something I have looked around it, but certainly with a shot on Google. Still weighing up my options. With so many options with a Pop-Top install, its an expensive game, so its not going to be something I just dive into, I need to look at the Pro's and Con's, and this thread has given me a good start. Thanks for replying.

I think, when I looked into it, half a century ago, it was much cheaper than a poptop. Company who did it was in Grays Essex but no doubt long gone.

 

[AndyPK]

Might be worth a look here, d95gas …….

Denby Hi-Top Roof Conversions | Denby Campervans

Denby High-Top Roofs CAMPERVAN HIGH TOP ROOF Denby offer a range of high top roofs designed for Volkswagen Transporter vehicles, as well as many other popular Campervans including: Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Traffic, Mazda Bongo and Nissan Primestar. A high top roof provides extra...

www.denbycampervans.com

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