The Campervan Roof is one of the most important components of your campervan. It not only serves as a shelter from the elements, but it also helps insulate your van from the heat and cold. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about campervan roofs, from the different types of roofs available, to the installation process, to the maintenance and repair of your roof.
We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your campervan roof. Whether you’re a first-time campervanner or an experienced adventurer, this guide will provide you with the information you need to ensure that your campervan roof is up to the task. So, let’s get started!
Campervan Roof Types
There are three main campervan roof options you’ll want to explore: the low roof, the hi-top roof, and the pop-top roof. There are many advantages to going with any of these options but they each have their own limitations as well. Let’s explore each campervan roof so you come out of this blog post feeling like a pro.
Low roof
A low roof on a campervan is going to be your standard van roof height. Think of mini vans and passenger vans. If you have a low roof, you probably won’t be able to stand up in the inside of your van.
Pros:
- Often a more affordable option
- Lower center of gravity – easier to drive in windy conditions
- Fewer limitations when it comes to parking or going to drive-thrus
Cons:
- You can’t stand up inside and often feel cramped
- Much less storage space
- Very difficult to cook inside a low roof van
Low roof campervan options include the Ford Transit, the Dodge Promaster, and the Mercedes Sprinter.
Mid-roof
Hi-top roof
A hi-top van roof, or “medium” height roof, has an extension to the roof’s height. A lot of times you see Amazon Prime delivery vans with these extended hi-top roofs. This will usually allow you to stand up inside your van, depending on your height. If you’re over 6 ft tall, you may have to bend your neck slightly, but not have to hunch over as you would with a low roof.
Pros:
- More space to stand up inside
- Less cramped and more homey
- Additional storage space such as shelves and cabinets
Cons:
- Usually more expensive
- Can be difficult to park in some garages or go in some drive-thrus
- Can feel more tippy/less stable when driving in windy conditions
In addition to low roof options, most manufacturers also offer hi-top roof options, such as the Ford Transit, the Dodge Promaster, and the Mercedes Sprinter.
Pop-top roof
With a pop-top roof, you have a roof that extends into a tent on top of your van, creating an additional bed that sleeps up to two people. This can be accessed from the inside of your campervan with a dropdown ladder. Pop-top roofs provide a great option for families traveling with children, or anyone who would like to comfortably sleep three to four people in their campervan.
A lot of times pop-top roofs are installed on low roof vans, so when the pop-top is not being used, you can drive and park in areas with a lower clearance.
Pros:
- More space! An additional bed for up to two people
- An opportunity to really camp under the stars and allow air to flow in
- Ability to drive/park in more areas, as with a low roof option (not always, but sometimes)
Cons:
- Most expensive van roof option
- Takes a few extra minutes to set up and take down
- May need repairs due to tears and water leaking in
Some campervans with the pop-top roof option include the Winnebago Solis, the Thor Tellaro, and the Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway.
Campervan roof materials
Now that you know more about types of campervan roofs, we’ll explore the different materials that go into them. Of course there are also advantages and disadvantages that come with each.
- Rubber – A great lower cost option that is easy to maintain. Rubber roofs are not easily damaged by the sun and often last about 20 years, in some cases over 50 years! One of the only disadvantages are they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing and can fade over time. It’s also important to note there are two different types of rubber roofs, TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). It is important to know which one you have for when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
- Fiberglass – A common durable material that leaves roofs looking sleek and shiny. A fiberglass roof should last at least 10 years, but if well maintained can last for more than 20 years. If you are searching for a fiberglass roof, they are going to be a more costly investment. They can also be a challenge to mount things on top. One more downside is they can be extra slippery when wet, so keep that in mind if you are needing to climb/walk on top.
- Aluminum – The majority of people probably picture the Airstream when it comes to aluminum. Other campervans can also have aluminum roofs. This material is very durable and holds up well with all types of weather. Not much maintenance is needed. Aluminum roofs are the heaviest of campervan roofs, making it difficult if you do need to replace it, or are looking to use it as a replacement to a roof you already have. It is a more expensive option and unfortunately can dent more easily.
Campervan roof conversions
You may start out with a low roof campervan and decide you’d like an upgrade. Maybe you’re too cramped and would love more headspace. Perhaps you bought a standard size van to build out and take on weekend road trips, and now you want more. You may be trying to decide if you want to become a full time vanlifer. Or you may even need an extra bed for your expanding family.
Whatever the reason may be, campervan roof conversions are possible for the brave DIYer.
Can you add a high top to your van?
You can certainly add a high top to your van and there are two different routes you can take.
- Hire a professional if your budget allows.
Hiring a pro can be pricey, but adding a high top can be a complicated build and you may not have the tools and experience needed to do it yourself. It may be worth it to hire a professional to ensure everything is done correctly.
- Do it yourself!
If you feel you are qualified to cut the roof open and raise it up, then go for it! You will save some money by not hiring a professional.
Start off by doing some research. Make sure to take some measurements before you get started. For example, if you park your van in a garage, make sure you know how high you can raise the roof while also still being able to park. Watching videos online can be helpful so that you know how it’s done and what tools will be needed. It also depends on the type of roof you have. The process will vary depending on if you have a rubber roof or a fiberglass roof.
Can you convert a van to a pop-top?
As with adding a high top, you can convert your van to a pop-top by either hiring a professional or doing it yourself. Instead of cutting the entire roof open, you will be cutting a roof opening that you’ll enter from the inside to enter the pop-top. There are DIY kits you can purchase and some companies will even cut the roof opening for you.
How much does it cost to add a pop-top to a campervan?
The prices for adding a pop-top roof can vary depending on if you do it yourself or hire a professional. Some vans are easier to build these additions onto. It also depends on the roof type your van has and the type of pop-top you are adding on.
If you are able to find a used pop-top for a very cheap price, and are able to install it yourself, you will save a lot of money and adding a pop-top won’t be very expensive.
If you are hiring a professional, this can cost you anywhere from $7,500 up to $15,000. There is often a base option and then additional add-ons, such as custom paint jobs, four-season insulation, a roof rack, and others.
Campervan roof maintenance
Just like anything else involving your campervan, you will want to keep your van roof in the best condition possible. After all, your roof is important and something you can’t function without!
Why should you take care of your roof?
Keeping your campervan’s roof maintained will help keep your vehicle on the road. If you aren’t taking care of your roof, small problems can develop into much larger issues over time that are also expensive to get fixed.
Think of your campervan roof as a defensive shield. Your roof helps protect you from all the environmental elements. Your roof takes the beating and helps shield you from things like rain, hail and wind. If you take care of your roof, you can avoid big problems like mold and water damage.
Routine inspection
If you use your campervan part time, it’s a good idea to get your roof inspected two times a year. You’ll want to have it inspected before your camping season, and again at the end of the season.
If you are a full time vanlifer, you should be getting routine inspections three to four times a year. We suggest going at the start of each season. Routine inspections can help fix minor issues before they develop into major issues. You may also be unaware of small scrapes and tears that may need attention. Routine inspections will also help you feel more prepared when faced with things like worrisome weather.
Routine cleaning
Another thing you’ll want to maintain to help your roof last longer is routine cleanings. It is best to clean your campervan roof at least every three months, if not more often.
Regular cleanings are important because mold can easily form in humidity. Your roof can also collect sticky tree sap which is difficult to remove, so be aware of that when parking under trees. If you are paying attention to your roof by cleaning it often, you may also notice small issues such as sealed areas that may start leaking.
You’ll stay in tune with your roof’s condition while also enjoying the shine and sparkle that a clean roof brings.
Campervan roof racks
One of the most popular accessories for campervans is the roof rack. These are a great addition because they make vans much more functional and create additional storage space. They also make it easier if you’d like to sit on your campervan roof and enjoy the view.
Key considerations when buying a roof rack
When trying to choose a roof rack, it will depend on your budget and the type of van you have. Some roofs have more space than others. Some roofs can hold more weight than others. Here are a few important things to take into consideration:
- Durability – If you want something very durable and heavy duty, then a steel roof rack is the way to go. Just know this is also going to be heavier. If your van can’t support as much weight and you’d like something lighter, consider an aluminum roof rack. The downside to this is that it’s less durable.
- Weight – You can run into big problems if you load your roof rack with too much weight. You’ll often see that the maximum capacity for a roof rack is 165 lbs. Some roof racks have a higher capacity but it’s important to take into account how much weight your vehicle can hold, it may be less than what the roof rack’s capacity is.
- Available accessories – When shopping around for a roof rack, keep in mind other accessories depending on your needs such as roof boxes for storage, bicycle racks, winter sports racks, and more. Roof racks are often paired with exterior ladders to make accessing the roof easier.
Keep in mind that with the addition of a roof rack, your van will be less aerodynamic and use more gas, particularly with more heavy duty roof racks that can carry more weight.
Is it possible to put a roof rack on a pop-top roof?
Yes, you can install a roof rack on a pop-top, but take into consideration the weight capacity will probably be lower on a pop-top roof.
Campervan roof FAQs
Can you stand on the roof of a campervan?
This depends on the campervan you own. It is not often recommended to stand on the roof of Class B vehicles, as you may with larger Class C RVs. A lot of times you will need to climb to the roof to access things from your roof rack or make repairs. Just know what your campervan’s weight restrictions are and proceed with caution.
How much weight can a camper roof hold?
Weight limitations also depend on the vehicle you have and the material it’s made with. On average, it’s best not to exceed 250 lbs. If your campervan has an exterior ladder it should have weight restrictions printed on it.
How do you secure a pop-top roof?
After lowering the pop-top down, you have straps that you’ll pull down on the inside that secures the tent. Make sure these are fastened tightly so that the pop-top does not raise up from the roof, especially with windy conditions.
Additional FAQs
Are pop-top roofs insulated?
Yes, pop-top roofs are insulated, but not when they are opened up all the way because of the mesh windows that let air flow through,
Are pop-top roofs waterproof?
Pop-top roofs are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. Since they are located on your campervan’s roof they won’t leak as a tent might on the ground. If you have a fiberglass top, then that part would be waterproof. As for the sides, plastic coverings over the windows will help keep water out and you dry.
How much weight can a pop-top hold?
A pop-top roof can often hold 200 lbs at the most when the roof is lifted. This can make it difficult if you are having to adjust things on your roof rack and take things off before raising the pop-top. Check with your van’s manufacturer so you can be aware of the specific weight requirements.
How do you clean a pop-top canvas?
First, brush off any dirt and debris that may have collected. Many suggest using a cleaning solution of two parts water and one part vinegar. You can use a scrub brush but make sure it’s not too rough so as not to create tears. It’s also good to add a water repellant spray like 303 Fabric Guard. Make sure the pop-top is dry before putting it down.
