Converting a pop up to a high top?

[bennyyorkie]

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has tried to convert a pop top to a permanent high top. Reanon being I've heard the insulation on the pop top is pretty much like a tent when the pop is up. Sounds pretty cold to me!
Any one got an idea of ball park figures for making the change to a toyota hiace or similar size vehicle.
Many thanks

 

[Janine]

I had that same conversion done to a Hiace but it was 30 years ago so can't help with today's cost, I'm afraid.

 

[The Wino]

If you don't already have one probably a lot cheaper and easier to but a high top in the first place

 

[bennyyorkie]

If you don't already have one probably a lot cheaper and easier to but a high top in the first place

I thought that but anted to ask all the same
I guess I should be asking how bad is the insulation on pop tops?

 

[CazPaul]

I am a but confused here, does the pop top you want to convert have 2 sleeping areas, how many berths do you need?
If you want to convert it to a high top then don't elevate the pop top and it will be warmer, a pop top with the top down will be similar to a high top.

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[2657]

I thought that but anted to ask all the same
I guess I should be asking how bad is the insulation on pop tops?

Not good and not always waterproof in bad windy conditions.

 

[bennyyorkie]

I am a but confused here, does the pop top you want to convert have 2 sleeping areas, how many berths do you need?
If you want to convert it to a high top then don't elevate the pop top and it will be warmer, a pop top with the top down will be similar to a high top.

Sorry, my bad.
I only need it for myself and my yorkie so a 2 berth would do. I can understand the pop up will be down when sleeping, just a but cautious for heating the van during the day. I've no experience with them Im afraid.

 

[CazPaul]

Depending on the price of the van it would be waste of money converting it, just leave it down all the time apart from summer especially as you have another sleeping area, if it doesn't leak then just leave it as it is.
Is it a warm van with the pop top down? Because if is isn't then the rest of the insulation is not very good and it would be best just swapping the van.

 

[2657]

One big advantage with pop tops is that you can get under most height barriers.

 

[gus-lopez]

Search for Reimo roofs . I looked earlier this year but the cost wasn't too bad ex-factory , about 500€ but it was the transporting it which was going to cost the most.https://www.reimo.com/en/G-campervan_conversions_shop/good-roofs_for_camper_vans/

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[bennyyorkie]

Just wondering if you are cooking during the day, or jsut want to have a bit of space to stand up....does having the pop up seriously change the temperature in the van? Or is it barely noticeable?

 

[CazPaul]

Just wondering if you are cooking during the day, or jsut want to have a bit of space to stand up....does having the pop up seriously change the temperature in the van? Or is it barely noticeable?

If its cold and you have the pop top up it will seriously change the temperature, its only a bit of canvas like a tent.

 

[Terry]

Hi BY the pop top in your size vehicle would be a lot more desirable .......having said that you can buy fiberglass tops for around £1000 ....easy enough to cut out hole and fit but again I would recommend buying a van that already has a high roof fitted

 

[rod_vw]

You don't say what vehicle you are considering converting from pop-top to high-top. If it's a VW T4, T5 or T6 with a Reimo pop-top or one with the same size roof aperture then changing to a high-top should be quite feasible. I've converted five VWs with high-tops, all but one with a Reimo roof and believe that the reinforcing frame in the aperture is the same for either styles of roof. The vehicle in my avatar is NOT a Reimo roof, it's a factory high-top LWB VW T5.

Rod

 

[SpeedyDux]

If you want a high top van, buy that in the first place. It has its advantages, so try it and see if you like it.

Don't waste a good campervan with a proper elevating roof by sticking a high top on it.

In 10 years of ownership we put the roof up when we wanted to. Only in sub-zero conditions we slept with the roof closed, and stayed warm enough with the heating off. In hot weather the canvas sides are a huge benefit and make it easier to sleep without a fan. It never leaked even in heavy rain storms.

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[pappajohn]

You don't say what vehicle you are considering converting from pop-top to high-top.

You must have stopped reading before the end of the first post

Any one got an idea of ball park figures for making the change to a toyota hiace or similar size vehicle.

 

[John.]

If you want a high top van, buy that in the first place. It has its advantages, so try it and see if you like it.

Don't waste a good campervan with a proper elevating roof by sticking a high top on it.

In 10 years of ownership we put the roof up when we wanted to. Only in sub-zero conditions we slept with the roof closed, and stayed warm enough with the heating off. In hot weather the canvas sides are a huge benefit and make it easier to sleep without a fan. It never leaked even in heavy rain storms.

Excellent post

 

[paddymcc]

We found that rhe pop top was fine down to about 10C but we then bought a silver screen. Cost about £150 and fixes with a bungee round the pop top. Sits inside the overhanging roof so keeps the canvas dry also if there is driving rain. This made a big difference.