Storm Pop Tops: Honest Review From Pop Top Installer
When it comes to choosing a pop top for your campervan, there’s no shortage of options out there! As someone who’s been installing these for years, I’ve had the chance to work with most brands on the market and the Storm pop top is a real stand out.
In this review, I’ll break down what I love about the Storm pop top, how it compares to other options, and what makes it a great investment for your van.
What I Like About Storm’s Design
As someone who has installed countless pop tops over the years, I’ve come to appreciate what sets certain brands apart. Storm is one of the leading pop top brands in the UK, and their thoughtful design is a big reason why. Here’s what stands out to me:
Simple to set up
One of the things I love most about Storm pop tops is how easy they are to use. There are no external fittings so you can raise or lower the roof effortlessly without even stepping outside the van. This is a huge win on rainy days or when you’re parked in tight spaces.
Sleeping space for two
Like most pop tops, Storm includes a raised bed platform that comfortably sleeps two adults. The difference in the Storm bed is the quality of the bed, the customisation options and the mattress.
The quality is top-notch, with a laminated birch ply construction that feels sturdy and durable.
I also love that they offer two options for the bed setup. You can choose between a standard fold bed (angled at 45 degrees), and a bifold option if you want extra headroom.
And let’s talk about the mattress. Storm offers an optional 3-inch memory foam mattress, which is thicker than what most brands include. It’s super comfy and a real game-changer for getting a good night’s sleep.
Plus, you can leave the mattress in place when the roof is up, which is an absolute must in my opinion. It saves a ton of hassle when setting up or packing down. The bed also covers the full width of the van, giving you heaps of space to stretch out.
Ventilated windows
Again, this feature is included in a lot of other quality pop tops but the Storm has great window features. It comes with two mesh windows on the sides and a plastic window at the front, so you get plenty of airflow and natural light. This is also great for taking in the campsite’s view from the comfort of your bed (one of the best parts of vanlife!).
Storm pop tops also have the option to upgrade to the Scenic Canvas which has a Panoramic Zip Opening. With this upgrade, you can fully open up the canvas and enjoy fresh air and incredible views right from your van. This is perfect for summer camping trips especially.
Soft suede lining
The top of the roof is designed using super soft suede Alcantara, which makes a real difference to the comfort of your sleeping area.
Low profile
Okay, another thing I love about the Storm pop top is that the design is relatively low profile. I’ve seen other brands that stick out like a sore thumb once installed, so you’ll have issues making the clearance for parking garages.
The Storm rooftop adds minimal height to your van, so the finished product is sleek and streamlined.
Cosmic Campervan speciality finishes
All the above are the standard features that the Storm comes with straight from the manufacturer. But, when we fit pop tops at Cosmic Campervans, there are some finishing touches we include to add to the final look.
- Canvas cover panel: We install a sliding cover panel that hides the canvas and straps when the roof is closed, so you don’t have anything hanging down. I love this touch because it makes the van look so much more neat and polished when the roof is down.
- Carpeted bed: We carpet the bottom of the bed platform to match the van’s carpet lining interior, so there’s no exposed metalwork.
- Optional lighting package: We can also fit LED down lights on the bottom of the bed and stalk lights with USB chargers right near the bed area. This means you can charge your devices while sleeping and easily light the van at night.
Because I’ve been doing this for so many years, I really appreciate that these little touches are what makes a van conversion look polished and neat at the end of the day. And I know our clients appreciate it too!
Pros of the Storm Pop Top
Storm pop tops have a 5 year warranty
Storm offers an awesome 5-year warranty on their pop tops, which means you can be sure that it’s made to last. A lot of cheaper brands only offer 1- or 2-year warranties because their materials just don’t hold up long-term.
Storm pop tops are compatible with add-ons
Storm’s design supports add-on features like roof racks, solar panels and awnings.
This is a feature that a lot of customers don’t consider until it’s too late. If you’re wanting to upgrade your van with these add-ons, not all pop top roofs are actually compatible to do this.
This can be a game changer if you need to store surfboards or bikes on the roof racks. And if you’re planning on spending a lot of time off-grid, solar panels are a really worthwhile upgrade.
In my experience, a lot of people regret choosing a lower budget pop top that doesn’t support add-ons, so it’s worth considering.
Storm pop tops have UK M1 Testing Certification
Storm pop tops come with a Full UK M1 Testing Certification, a rigorous safety standard that ensures the materials, construction, and design meet strict durability and strength requirements. This certification means the pop top is built to handle real-world use, from daily driving to challenging weather conditions, with reliability and safety.
Honestly, having a certification like this for your pop top is peace of mind and it’s another reason I think the Storm is worth every penny.
Storm pop tops are made from durable materials
Storm pop tops are built to last, and it shows in the materials they use.
Canvas
The canvas is marine-grade vinyl which is water resistant and protects against UV exposure. Its a really high quality material that doesn’t mark easily or sag.
One thing I’ve noticed about the Storm canvas is that it has a good balance between flexibility and durability. In cold weather, other brands use a very thick canvas that becomes really stiff and almost impossible to fold away. So I really like that Storm’s canvas is thick enough to withstand the elements without becoming too rigid to work with when it’s chilly.
Another standout feature is the reinforced canvas around the hinges at the back, designed in a semi-circle for added strength. You don’t see this with other brands, and it’s a testament to Storm’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Fixings and finishes
Storm also uses stainless steel and black powder-coated fixings, which significantly reduce the chances of corrosion or sticking, even after years of use. This level of durability is one of the reasons customers love the Storm pop top, it just holds up better over time.
Even the strap mechanism and handles feel sturdy and well-made, so you can count on them to perform flawlessly every time. From top to bottom, Storm pop tops are built with reliability in mind, making them a fantastic investment for any van conversion.
Cons of the Storm Pop Top
In all honesty, the biggest con of choosing a storm pop top is that it’s one of the more expensive ones on the market. If you’re in the market for a pop top, chances are that you’ve seen some for around £2k and you’re thinking “Is it really worth paying double that for a Storm?” In my opinion, the quality that you get with the Storm is worth every pound.
Risks of buying a cheaper pop top than the Storm
First off, any pop top that costs you less than paying £3k is what we consider to be cheaply made. Here are some of the risks you run with a cheaper model:
- Poor quality canvas: With cheaper models, the canvas can tear, leak, or start to sag over time. Leaks can wreck the flooring and electrical in the van, which is an even bigger repair job.
- Flimsy installation frame: When you cut a big hole in your van’s roof, you need a strong frame to support it. Cheaper pop tops often use flimsy frames that can rattle or squeak while you’re driving. Trust me, no one wants that!
- Non-stainless steel hinges: If the hinges aren’t made of stainless steel, they’ll seize up after a few years. It’s a small thing now, but it’s a big headache down the road.
- Shorter warranties: With cheaper pop tops, you’ll often get a warranty that lasts only a year or two. This is because they are only built to last that long.
- No certifications: Storm pop tops are M1 crash test certified, so you know the pop top is quality and won’t compromise the safety of the van. Cheaper models often don’t have these certifications, so there’s no way to verify the quality before you buy.
Many of these cheaper brands might seem like a good deal at first, but the truth is, we often get asked to remove and replace them because they only last a year or two before having major problems. In the end, it can cost more than just investing in a quality pop top upfront.
How Does Storm Compare to Other Pop Tops Roofs
I always get questions about what makes the Storm pop top different from other leading brands. In my opinion, the most comparable to the Storm in terms of quality are the Austop and Skyline. But, there are a few key differences that set the Storm just that notch above the others.
Storm uses a more reliable manufacturing process
One of the biggest differences between Storm and other pop top models is that the manufacturing process is completely different. Storm pop tops are made using vacuum infusion moulding (RTM), a machine-operated process that ensures consistency and precision in every roof. Because it’s automated, there’s no room for the kind of human error you might see with hand-made roofs.
Both Skyline and Austop use a hand-laid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) process. While “hand-made” might sound like a selling point, it actually increases the risk of minor inconsistencies, like uneven layers or imperfections. These small defects can lead to issues like leaks or reduced durability down the line.
In my experience, the RTM process gives Storm a clear edge here. It’s one of the reasons I recommend their roofs so often: you just can’t beat the consistent quality they offer.
Storm is more durable
In my opinion, storm’s materials are just on another level compared to other pop tops. Here’s why.
Canvas
Let’s start with the canvas. Storm, Austop, and Skyline all use marine-grade vinyl, so they’re all waterproof—no worries there. But when you see them up close, the difference in quality is pretty obvious. Skyline and Austop use a canvas that feels kind of like upholstery fabric. It’s okay, but it’s definitely thinner and not as tough.
Storm, on the other hand, uses a thicker, sturdier canvas that just feels way more solid. That really makes a difference over time. I’ve seen the thinner fabric on Skyline and Austop roofs start to sag or pick up marks after a while, which wrecks the aesthetic of the van. Storm’s canvas holds up so much better, so you won’t have to deal with those annoying issues down the line.
Finishings
The finish on Storm roofs is also more polished. They include a fully polished gel coat underside, so you don’t get the untidy or exposed areas underneath that you sometimes see with Skyline.
Storm’s black powder-coated fixings also make a huge difference in durability. Austop and Skyline fixings are known to rust and seize up much quicker because they aren’t made with that same coated finish.
Storm is always improving their product
Storm as a brand are very committed to improving their product, and the same can’t be said about Austop and Skyline.
Over the last few years we’ve seen lots of changes to the Storm design based testing, feedback and innovation. This has created a much higher quality product in terms of aesthetics, consistency and durability.
On the other hand, neither Skyline or Austop have made any real changes to their design since their release (in 2016 and 2014 respectively). In my experience, this lack of updates means they aren’t committed to delivering the best product, which you can tell by the difference in manufacturing and the finish in general.
So even though Austop and Skyline are very decent choices for a pop top, it would be great to see continued innovation and refinement in future models to bring them up to par with Storm.
Storm has quicker installation and repairs
Storm has streamlined their installation process, which means it’s quicker for installers like me and results in a shorter wait for customers. Plus, because all their parts are sourced and manufactured in the UK, they’re able to offer faster support for van repairs or warranty issues.
Skyline and Austops, on the other hand, don’t always have the same level of efficiency when it comes to replacement parts. It’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but if you’re eager to hit the road (and who isn’t?) the quicker turnaround with Storm can be a big plus.
Summary of differences
Okay, I know I’ve just dumped a lot of information on you. Here’s a table with the key points of differences between the Storm, Skyline and Austop pop tops to make your decision easier.
Feature | Storm | Skyline | Austop |
Low Profile Design | Minimal height added; reduces drag; perfect for tight spaces and car parks. | Similar low profile; aesthetic design reduces drag. | Low profile, but slightly bulkier than Storm and Skyline. |
Construction Process | Vacuum Infusion Moulding (RTM) ensures consistent, high-quality builds. | Hand-laid GRP, may have minor inconsistencies due to manual production. | Hand-laid GRP, similar to Skyline. |
Canvas Material | Marine-grade vinyl; water-resistant, UV-protected, durable. | Weather-resistant but prone to sagging and marking over time. | Durable and reliable but slightly less premium than Storm. |
Customisation Options | 18 canvas colours; scenic opening upgrade; compatible with roof racks and solar panels. | 28 canvas colours; also compatible with upgrades. | 20 canvas colours; not recommended for use with roof racks. |
Bed Platform | Raised platform with sleeping space for two; 35mm foam mattress. | Similar to Storm; 25mm foam mattress | Similar to Storm; 25mm foam mattress |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years, 12 months on some components | 5 years |
Installation and Repairs | Streamlined process; parts sourced in the UK for fast support. | Longer wait times for parts due to international sourcing. | Similar to Skyline. |
Durability | High-quality fixings (stainless steel, black powder-coated); no rust or sticking. | Hinges and fixings prone to corrosion or wear over time. | Similar to Skyline. |
Innovation | Continually updated design for improved aesthetics and functionality. | Design remains largely unchanged since its launch in 2016. | Design remains largely unchanged since its launch in 2014. |
Price Range (can vary depending on model and upgrades – request a quote for an exact price) | £4-4.5k | £4k | £3.5k |
Is Storm a Good Choice for a Pop Top?
In my opinion, there’s no question that the Storm is the best pop top in the UK. It has the highest quality materials, a super reliable construction process, and is quick to install and repair.
You’ll likely pay a few hundred extra pounds, but for me it’s totally worth it considering this is probably the most important part of your van conversion. Of course, it’s totally up to you and slightly cheaper options like the Skyline and Austop are still a very solid choice compared to other models on the market.
I hope this has made your decision easier! If you’d like to chat more about your options or arrange a pop top installation with us, just get in touch!
