Austop Pop Tops: Honest Review From Pop Top Installer
If you’re looking into buying a pop-top roof for your campervan conversion, you’ve probably come across Austop. As someone who installs these for a living, I get a ton of questions from people about different brands and what I think of them.
There’s no denying Austop is one of the more popular pop-tops in the UK, but if I’m honest, the product is far from perfect. I’ve seen some of the issues people run into with them firsthand.
In this review, I’ll give you my honest take on Austop: what works, what doesn’t, and how it stacks up against other popular options like Storm. If you want a no-nonsense opinion from someone who’s been there, done that, and seen these roofs in action, stick around to find out if Austop is the one for you!
What I Like About Austop Pop Tops
Austop is definitely one of the most popular pop-top brands out there, I’ll admit that the design is much better than some of the really cheap models on the market. It’s very easy to set-up from the inside of the van, it comes in 20 different canvas colours so it’s pretty customisable and the sleeping space is spacious and sturdy.
Overall, the Austop had a solid design, which is probably why so many people go for it. At first glance, Austop seems like a great product, but the little issues tend to pop up after it’s installed – and unfortunately, after you’ve already spent your hard-earned money!
What I Don’t Like About Austop’s Design
Austop pop tops aren’t compatible with add-ons
Okay, so a big downside with Austops is that they aren’t compatible with roof racks, which can be a downside if you’re looking to carry extra gear like bikes, surfboards or luggage.
For some people this can be a dealbreaker, especially those that surf or live in their van full time and need some extra storage.
Austop pop tops can have defects
Austop pop tops are made using a hand-laid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) process. While “handmade” can sound appealing, it also leaves room for small mistakes. For example, if the technician is having an off day, you might end up with uneven layers or tiny imperfections in the roof.
These little defects can lead to problems like leaks or reduced durability. I’ve only seen this happen a few times, but when you’re investing in a pop top you want it to last 5+ years. Storm pop tops are made with a mechanical RTM process, which eliminates the chance of human error. For this reason, I’d recommend Storm for their consistent quality.
Austop hasn’t improved their product
Austop’s design hasn’t changed much since it came out in 2014. While it’s a solid pop top, it feels like they’ve fallen behind other brands like Storm, which have been rolling out updates to improve durability, weatherproofing, and overall usability.
It’d be nice to see Austop take customer feedback into account and refine their product.
The canvas could be better quality
Austop claims their canvas is marine-grade and weather-resistant, but honestly, it’s hit or miss. The material reminds me more of upholstery fabric in the way it feels. Back when I used an Austop, I noticed moisture, and even a few droplets, coming through during heavy rain. The flimsy fabric just doesn’t hold up super well in high winds and rain.
The canvas also marks easily, which is frustrating given how much you’re spending. By contrast, I’ve never seen these issues with Storm pop tops. Their canvas is much sturdier and more reliable, which is why I say Austop’s material isn’t the best out there.
Austop fixings are prone to rust
Austop uses stainless steel fixings, which I used to think were top-notch for rust resistance. But over time, I’ve seen rust develop on these fixings, sometimes just a few years after installation.
On the flip side, Storm pop tops use black powder-coated steel fixings, which are much better at resisting rust. From what I’ve seen, Storm’s fixings hold up way better over time, while Austop’s can seize up pretty quickly. This is a huge factor in determining the longevity of your roof, so don’t overlook this detail.
How Does Austop Compare to Other Pop Tops Roofs
Austop pop tops vs Skyline pop tops
In my opinion, Austop and Skyline pop tops are quite similar in terms of quality and price point. Depending on the model, Skyline usually costs just a couple of hundred pounds more.
One difference is that Austop has been around a bit longer—they launched their pop tops in 2014, whereas Skyline joined the market in 2016. That said, neither brand has made any major updates to their designs since their initial release.
If you’re deciding between the two, it’s really a matter of personal preference, as both are popular with UK campers. I’d probably suggest considering a STORM over both of these though.
Storm pop tops vs Austop pop tops
Alright, I’ve touched on this already, but Storm is hands-down my favorite pop-top roof brand. I recommend Storm pop tops over any other brand, and here’s why.
Storm has been constantly improving its product over the past few years. They’ve really nailed it when it comes to aesthetics, consistency, and durability, thanks to their focus on testing, customer feedback, and innovation.
Consistency
Like I explained before, what sets Storm apart is the consistent quality of its roofs. While Austop (and Skyline) use a hand-laid GRP process that can lead to small imperfections, Storm uses vacuum infusion molding (RTM). This machine-operated process takes away teh risk of human error, so every Storm pop top is built to the same high standard.
Durability and aesthetics
The finish on Storm roofs is cleaner and more durable across the board.
For starters, Storm uses a higher-grade canvas that feels much sturdier. You can tell just by looking at it that it’ll hold up better in tough weather, whether it’s wind, rain, or sun. By comparison, Austop’s canvas tends to sag, mark easily, and even leak after a few years.
Storm also has a polished gel coat underside, which gives the roof a sleek, tidy look when it’s raised—unlike Austop, which can sometimes look a bit unfinished underneath.
On top of that, Storm pop tops come with stainless steel and black powder-coated fixings. These are way more resistant to rust and corrosion, so they last longer and don’t seize up like the ones on Austop roofs. This is a big selling point for customers, and it’s one of the reasons I recommend Storm so often.
Installation and repairs
Storm has streamlined the installation process, making it quicker and easier for installers. This means less waiting time for customers, which is always a win.
Another bonus is that Storm sources all their parts and materials within the UK, so if you ever need van repairs, replacements are usually much faster to get. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case with Austop, where you might face longer delays waiting for parts.
This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you’re like me and get excited to hit the road as soon as your van’s ready, Storm’s quicker turnaround is a big plus!
Is Austop a Good Choice for a Pop Top?
I’ll be honest, whenever I’m chatting with customers about pop tops, I always recommend Storm over Austop. Don’t get me wrong, Austop isn’t a terrible choice, but it does come with some risks. The canvas quality isn’t great, the manufacturing can be a bit hit or miss, and the fixings are prone to rust over time.
For just a few hundred pounds more, I think Storm is absolutely worth it. When it comes to something as important as the pop top (arguably the biggest part of your van conversion) it’s worth getting it right. Storm uses better materials, has a more reliable construction process, and is quicker to install and repair.
That said, it’s totally up to you, and I’d still say Austop is a solid step up from the really cheap models on the market. I hope this has helped make your decision a bit easier! If you’d like to chat more about your options or book a pop top installation with us, feel free to get in touch!
