Is a Pop-Top Roof Worth It for VW Transporter Conversions?
When it comes to transforming a VW Transporter into the ultimate camper, one of the biggest decisions is whether to add a pop top roof. At first glance, it might seem like a hefty investment, but trust me, it’s a game-changer for comfort, functionality, and even resale value.
From creating extra sleeping space to making your van feel more spacious and liveable, pop tops come with a lot of perks. But are they worth the cost, and is one right for your van? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and who would benefit most from adding a pop-top roof.
Benefits of a Pop-Top Roof for a VW Campervan
You can actually stand up in the van
Let’s face it, hunching over in your van all the time isn’t exactly ideal. A pop-top roof gives you the freedom to stand up properly, making everything from cooking to simply stretching your legs feel way more comfortable.
When you’re prepping breakfast or just getting changed, that extra headroom is a game-changer.
The van can sleep two extra people (or a few more kids…)
Got company? No problem! A pop-top roof transforms your van into a double-decker camper. Most pop-tops come with a built-in sleeping area, perfect for two adults or a few kids if you’re travelling as a family.
Pop tops are a practical way to squeeze in more sleeping space without cramping your main living area.
VW transporters are better ventilated with a pop top roof
Many pop-tops come with mesh panels or windows that open up to let the fresh air in and the stuffiness out. Trust me, I’ve been on enough road trips to know how much of a difference this makes for both comfort and keeping the van smelling fresh.
Plus, more ventilation means that you can ward off moisture in the van which can lead to mould – a van lifer’s worst nightmare!
Pop tops boost the van’s resale value
Here’s the thing: a well-installed pop-top roof isn’t just great for you while you own the van, it’s also an awesome investment. Vans with pop-tops are highly sought after in the campervan market because they are the most major upgrade that you can make on a van. Basically, people want all the hard work done for them!
That means you’re likely to get a much better price when it’s time to sell or upgrade. A pop top is one of those features that pays off in the long run.
VW Transporters with pop tops have low profiles
One of the best things about a pop-top roof is that it keeps your van sleek and low-profile when it’s closed. Unlike a high roof, which is permanently tall and hard to miss, a pop-top lets your camper blend right in with regular vans.
This is a huge perk if you’re into stealth camping – parking up in urban areas or spots where you’d rather not shout, “Hey, I’m sleeping here!” It’s also great for sneaking under height restrictions, like those annoying barriers at car parks and drive-thrus.
High roofs, on the other hand, are a bit more conspicuous. They’re permanently tall, which makes your van stand out as a camper no matter where you park. Sure, that extra headroom is nice all the time, but it comes with trade-offs, like struggling to find parking in garages or tighter spaces. If staying low-key and versatile is your thing, pop tops are the way to go.
If you’re still undecided, I did a deep dive into the pros and cons of pop tops vs high roofs, so go give that a read!
Cons of a Pop Top Roof for a VW Camper Van
Pop tops aren’t cheap
A pop top is probably the most expensive upgrade you’ll make on your camper van, and a lot of people are deterred by the cost, which I totally get. But as a professional converter, let me tell you that a pop top is 100% worth the investment.
Like I outlined in the benefits above, a pop top is the number 1 upgrade that will make the biggest difference to your van life overall. It basically doubles the space inside the van, saves you from hunching over and gives you extra storage space so you don’t feel cramped. Plus, you can invite more adventure buddies along with you!
Consider a stage 1 conversion if you’re worried about cost
What I recommend to clients who are worried about the cost of a pop top is to do a stage 1 conversion. That includes installing windows, carpet lining and fitting the pop top. These are the basics that are very hard to add on later once you’ve started to mess around with electrics, furniture and add-ons.
From this stage 1, some customers will go on to DIY the rest of the build themselves (with all the most difficult parts already done by the professionals). Others will come back to get a RIB bed and kitchen unit fitted by us once they’ve saved up some more cash.
In my opinion, this stage-based conversion is the best way to do a VW camper van conversion because you work out exactly what you want and don’t. Plus, it’s much easier to manage your budget and make sure that you can afford the quality needed for the major upgrades (like the pop top)
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There are a lot of low quality pop tops out there
One of the biggest risks of buying a pop top is that the market is basically saturated with models, and it can be confusing to work out which is best. I get it, you’ve seen you can buy a pop top for £1.5k and you’re thinking ‘Why should I pay more?’
I can’t stress enough that a pop top is the last thing you want to save money on. I don’t recommend buying a pop top for anything less than £3k because I know for a fact that anything less will last a maximum of 2 years before it starts to fall apart.
There are major risks to buying a cheap pop top
Here are some common issues I see with low-cost pop tops:
- Low-Quality Canvas: Poorly made canvas can rip or leak, leading to uncomfortable and damp trips.
- Defects in the Gel Coat: This will also cause leaking into the van as well, even when the roof is closed.
- Weak Installation Frames: Cheaper frames are often flimsy, creating noise, rattling, and reducing the roof’s structural integrity. Since a large part of your van’s roof is cut out for installation, you need a frame that maintains strength and durability.
- Rust-Prone Hinges: Hinges that aren’t black powder coated are prone to seizing up or rusting after a few years, making it hard to open or close the roof.
- Short Warranties: Low-cost options often come with minimal warranty coverage, typically around two years. This short period doesn’t provide much long-term security. We offer a 5 year warranty on all of our roofs.
Trust me, I see these issues every day. I had a customer the other day that paid £2k for a pop top and within 18 months, the gel coat had heaps of defects in it and caused leaking into his van. It caused mould in the carpet and ruined the furniture, too.
Then the customer paid another 5k to get a quality roof from us with a 5 year warranty. So, the saying is true: buy cheap, buy twice!
The pop top roof I recommend for a VW Transporter
Okay, so now I’ve got your attention I will say that the best pop top roof hands down is the Storm pop top. When you work with these things every day like I do, it’s easy to see there’s just no comparison with anything else on the market.
They have a special construction process called vacuum infusion moulding (RTM) that ensures consistent, high quality. In comparison, other brands like Skyline and Austop use a hand-laid GRP process which causes small imperfections in the gel coat, leading to leaking after a few years.
Storm is also the only pop top roof brand that offers black powder coated fixings. Compared to stainless steel, black powder coated is much more rust proof in the long term.
So, in my opinion, if you’re wanting a pop top that will last you 5+ years without any leaking, rattling or rusting issues, Storm is without a doubt the brand to go for. For my full Storm pop tops review, check out my blog post.
Who Needs a Pop Top Roof?
Families who need extra sleeping space
If you’re hitting the road with kids or even just a couple of extra friends, a pop-top roof is a no-brainer. The extra sleeping space it provides can turn your VW camper into a proper family-friendly setup.
With two adults comfortably sleeping upstairs, you free up the main bed for the little ones or additional travel buddies. It’s also great for giving everyone a bit of privacy and personal space, which can make all the difference on longer trips.
If you cook inside the van, a pop top is for you
In my experience, cooking in a van without proper ventilation is an absolute nightmare. Not only does it get stuffy and hot, but the cooking smell takes days to go away. Who wants to tuck up into bed and smell steak on their pillow? Not to mention you’ll be bent over the whole time, which will push anyone to their wit’s end.
Also, the alternative to cooking inside the van is having an outdoor set-up. And when you’re van-lifing in the UK where the weather is an absolute wild-card, you’ll enjoy the option of making breakfast in the van rather than braving the morning drizzle.
So, if you’re planning on cooking inside the van, a pop top provides the extra ventilation, headspace and comfort that you’ll be looking for on your van adventures.
If you’re living in the van full-time, consider a pop top
Full-time van life means comfort and practicality are top priorities, and a pop-top roof delivers on both. The ability to stand up and move around easily makes day-to-day life so much smoother, whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or just stretching your legs.
Not to mention, the additional sleeping space and ventilation make it far more liveable in all seasons. And when you eventually decide to upgrade your van or move on, the resale value boost from a high-quality pop-top roof, like the ones from Storm, is an added bonus that pays off.
Transform Your VW into the Ultimate Camper
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Key Takeaways
So, is a pop-top roof worth it for a VW Transporter conversion? If you’re looking to maximise your van’s potential – whether for family road trips, cooking in comfort, or full-time van life – the answer is a resounding yes.
Sure, it’s a major investment, but the added space, ventilation, and resale value make it one of the best upgrades you can make. Just remember to prioritise quality, as a poorly made pop-top will only cause headaches down the line. With the right pop-top roof, like a Storm, you’re setting yourself up for years of adventure and comfort on the road.
If you’d like to get in touch about our pop top roof installations for VW Transporters, we’d love to hear from you!
