If you are planning a campervan conversion, one of the first big decisions you will face is what to do about headroom. A standard panel van like a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom is around 1.3 to 1.4 metres of internal height — fine for sitting, but you cannot stand up. The two main solutions are a pop top (an elevating roof) or a high top (a permanent raised roof). Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use your van.
What Is a Pop Top?
A pop top is a section of the roof that hinges up to create additional headroom when you are parked. When lowered, the van looks like a standard panel van. Most pop tops use a canvas bellows section that folds flat when closed, though solid-sided options are also available.
When raised, a pop top typically gives you full standing headroom in the centre of the van (around 1.9 to 2.0 metres total internal height). Many pop tops also include a bed platform in the roof, giving you an additional sleeping area above the main living space.
What Is a High Top?
A high top is a permanent raised roof section, usually made from fibreglass or GRP. It is bonded and sealed to the van body and does not move. A high top gives you permanent standing headroom without needing to raise anything — you just open the door and walk in.
High tops are more common on larger vans like the Mercedes Sprinter or Fiat Ducato, where the extra height is less of an issue for parking and driving. On smaller vans like the VW Transporter, high tops are less common because they significantly change the look and driving characteristics of the vehicle.
Pop Top: The Advantages
Stealth and versatility. When lowered, your van looks like a standard panel van. This is a big advantage for wild camping, parking in towns, and fitting into multi-storey car parks. Many campervan owners value the ability to blend in.
Lower profile for driving. With the roof down, you have the same wind resistance and driving characteristics as a standard van. This means better fuel economy and easier handling in crosswinds.
Extra sleeping space. Most pop tops include a roof bed, effectively doubling your sleeping capacity. This is ideal for families or couples who want guests to be able to stay over.
Ventilation. A raised pop top creates excellent natural ventilation, which is brilliant on warm summer nights.
Pop Top: The Disadvantages
No headroom while driving. You can only stand up when parked with the roof raised. This is fine for most people, but if you have mobility issues or want to move around the van while someone else drives, it can be limiting.
Canvas maintenance. The canvas bellows section needs occasional cleaning and reproofing to stay waterproof. In very heavy rain or snow, some condensation can form on the canvas.
Cost. A professional pop top installation typically costs from 2,500 to 4,000 pounds depending on the type and vehicle.
High Top: The Advantages
Permanent standing headroom. You can stand up at any time, whether the van is parked or moving. This makes the van feel much more like a small room than a vehicle.
More insulation. A solid high top can be fully insulated, making the van warmer in winter and quieter on the road.
More storage. The permanent extra height creates space for overhead lockers and storage that would not be possible with a pop top.
High Top: The Disadvantages
Height restrictions. A high top van will not fit in most multi-storey car parks, many drive-throughs, or under low bridges. You need to be constantly aware of height restrictions, which can be stressful in unfamiliar areas.
Fuel economy. The increased height and frontal area means more wind resistance, which typically adds 10 to 15 percent to your fuel consumption.
Appearance. A high top significantly changes the look of the van. Some people love it, others prefer the clean lines of a standard or pop-top van.
Cost. A high top conversion is typically more expensive than a pop top, starting from around 4,000 to 6,000 pounds.
Our Recommendation
For most people converting a medium-sized van like a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom, we recommend a pop top. The combination of stealth, versatility, extra sleeping space, and lower running costs makes it the better all-round choice for the majority of UK campervan users.
If you are converting a larger van and plan to spend extended periods living in it, or if permanent standing headroom is essential for accessibility reasons, a high top may be the better option.
We fit pop tops regularly at our Bransgore workshop and can show you examples of both options. Give us a ring on 01425 200826 to discuss what would work best for your van and your lifestyle.
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