Pop top A Class (1 Viewer)

[Fragle]

Seen on site Today. It is a Dethleffs A class. Strange design wonder if it’s a one off as can’t find one for sale. Didn’t see the owner to ask

 

[DavidG58]

It looks to be a short A class, better option to drop down bed maybe if only occasional use, wouldn’t fancy it in winter

 

[Otter Spotter]

Why? I never understand why someone would buy a solid van which you can sleep reasonably insulated from the weather, then stick a pop top on it which effectively turns it into a tent ! I can understand it if it’s a VW because you need to stand up but not a PVC or A Class.

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[Minxy]

I suspect it's a retrofit, perhaps the owners are grandparents and wanted to take the grandsprogs away but didn't want to change their MH in order to do so, this would likely be a much cheaper option that changing their MH anyway, quite a sensible solution really.

 

[pandas]

It's actually owned by Verstappen who wanted something to keep his real wheels on the ground

 

[Fragle]

Managed to find out the name. It’s a Dethleffs Evan. Certainly different.

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[Swifter]

They do a C class with a pop top as well I believe .

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Managed to find out the name. It’s a Dethleffs Evan. Certainly different.

I wonder how many they actually sold?

 

[Fragle]

I wonder how many they actually sold?

One and I’ve just found it

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[Fragle]

I have to say apart from the pop top. It is a nice little compact A class and in the right layout with the rear door could work for a lot of people especially with driveway parking issues.

 

[Guigsy]

5.65m long and 2.15m wide. If they'd put a drop-down over the cab instead of a pop-top, I'd be first in the queue.

 

[gus-lopez]

I like it in that dark green/black color.

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[Minxy]

5.65m long and 2.15m wide. If they'd put a drop-down over the cab instead of a pop-top, I'd be first in the queue.

I think it has one of those too ... look carefully at this part of the video as there appears to be a drop down bed with a mattress on it.

 

[Minxy]

More info here:

https://www.dethleffs.co.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/dethleffs/uk/Downloads/GB_Broschuere_evan_2015_72dpi.pdf

 

[pandas]

I think it has one of those too ... look carefully at this part of the video as there appears to be a drop down bed with a mattress on it.

But I think the pop up top is just more air.

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[Minxy]

But I think the pop up top is just more air.

eh?

 

[pandas]

eh?

Unlike the VW campervan it’s doesn’t house a physical bed is what I mean - and I am probably wrong!

 

[69473]

Negativity about a poptop vans is understandable with the older generation for a number of reasons.
Firstly as they are not as spritly as the use to be so getting up there is the first problem, the VW California doesn't even have a ladder A slightly negative view is understandable to funsters travelling as a couple but with children it's a great use of space.
In a relatively small van this set up works well, the kids have there own room to store there various electronic gadgets etc and watch movies whilst not disturbing adults below.
As for it being cold in the roof, hymer supply a insulated inner shield and electric blanket for our van. We have neither as our kids are ok with a water bottle when it gets really cold, but to be honest most of our camping finishes at October half term.
The other option with four travelling in a 6 m PVC is for the kids bed to be made up in the front lounge twice a day, a real pain and where do you put the bedding, what happens when the kids want to go to bed early?
For us it's the only way to add useable space in a 6m package.
On our van the roof when closed also leaves a nice void to stores bedding which comes in very handy.
The A class Dethleff looks amazing.

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[Fragle]

5.65m long and 2.15m wide. If they'd put a drop-down over the cab instead of a pop-top, I'd be first in the queue.

I thought it did have one. Also one in pop up.

 

[Guigsy]

Looks like they didn't make it for long. No Euro6 versions sold... when it's ideal for going into cities.

 

[Minxy]

But I think the pop up top is just more air.

It says the above is a 'custom' feature so it does appear to have a bed up there if you chose that option.

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[Coolcats]

There are limitations with Pop tops, one is that you forgo the skylights meaning they are darker on the inside, another is that the van can feel damp if there has been a lot of rain the canvas no matter how good does attract and retain some moisture, having said this its not often it gets that bad. On the plus side as Wondering star says you do get a bit more storage and in a 6m PVC the ability for an easy sleeping area without the hassle of making up another area.

 

[vzac]

What about this pop top, with insulated pop top

Lyseo Gallery

innovation.buerstner.com

 

[Guigsy]

What about this pop top, with insulated pop top

Lyseo Gallery

innovation.buerstner.com

That appeared after the Hymer Vision concept:

Innovation meets vision - Your freedom to travel is the focus of our innovative energy

Discover our interpretation of motorhoming of the future. Our mission is to constantly achieve the exceptional and set new standards in all areas. Together with strong partners, we constantly work on new technologies and innovative solutions for tomorrow’s world. The result is a pioneering...

www.hymer.com

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[vzac]

Same company, I believe. Hymer and burstner. I think it looks good.

 

[cyberyacht]

Appears to have a wider door than normal so might be good for those with mobility issues.

 

[Minxy]

What about this pop top, with insulated pop top

Lyseo Gallery

innovation.buerstner.com

Must be aimed at the British market as it has shag-pile carpet!

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[69473]

Another video clip, makes you wonder why it never caught on.

 

[Minxy]

Another video clip, makes you wonder why it never caught on.

Its when you look more closely that I think you'll find the answer, eg a single burner hob, a porta-potti, you can't use the kitchen/toilet if you put a bike inside etc, so the number of people who would be happy with the compromises would be very, very small I suspect.

 

[69473]

I agree the hob and toilet are a little strange but this van was first introduced in 2014.
The kitchen work area is massive and would easily take two burners as for the toilet a modern slimline PVC set up would fit and still allow rear access.
With a little updating I'm sure a market would exist.
Far to many manurfactures stick to the same boring designs.
The ability to carry more outdoor gear trumps, TV's, full ovens and hair straighteners any time.

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