Gear Reviews Best Camper Van Awnings in 2025: Ultimate Guide
A buyer's guide to camper van awnings — the Dometic 9500 as the top motorized pick and the Fiamma F45S as the best manual option, plus a checklist.
A close look at Colorado Camper Van's full-lift vertical pop-top conversion for high roof Ford Transits, featuring a steel halo frame and electric actuator.
If you're looking for the ultimate pop-top solution for your high roof Ford Transit, look no further than Colorado Camper Van's full-lift pop-top conversion. Unveiled at the Adventure Van Expo in Chattanooga, TN, this rugged and thoughtfully engineered system is changing the game for adventure van lifers who want more headroom, sleeping space, and full customization.
Unlike most clam-shell style pop-tops, this one lifts completely vertical, creating a spacious and open interior experience—even on high-roof vans!
This is not your average pop-top. It's a straight-up lift system, not a clamshell. That means more interior space, a boxier feel, and more room to move around—especially great for taller van lifers.
Colorado Camper Van installs a self-reinforcing steel lifting frame (top and bottom) that integrates directly with the van's structure. This design allows them to cut the entire roof if needed while maintaining or improving rigidity—even on high-roof builds.
Raising the top is as easy as pushing a button. The 12V actuator uses just 20 amps and lifts the roof in about 2 minutes. The slower speed is intentional—it's engineered to extend the actuator's lifespan to 30+ years.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Canvas Material | Alon rubberized insulated canvas—not nylon. Wind-resistant, taut, and built for all-season sleeping. |
| Top Shell | Gel-coated fiberglass exterior with internal wood and cross-rib supports. Reinforced like a boat hull. |
| Insulation | Thermofoil insulation with metallic backing. Approx. 1" thick for thermal efficiency. |
| Interior Finish | Four-way stretch carpet lining conforms to curves and contours for a clean finish. |
| Lighting | CNC'd wood "puck" mounts embedded in fiberglass roof allow for dimmable LED lighting, upstairs and downstairs. |
| Roof Load | Designed to handle solar panels, MaxxFans, roof racks, A/C units, and skylights. |
Whether you need a solar-ready roof, space for an AC system, or color-matching to your van, Colorado Camper Van can make it happen. Options include:
Note: The lifting frame is custom built per van model, and the cut-out size can vary depending on customer preference or design needs.
Additional highlights:
The team was genuinely impressed by the build quality, insulation, structure, and design choices Colorado Camper Van has made. If you're serious about van life in all weather conditions and want something more than a tent-on-a-roof, this pop-top is for you.
Whether you're going full-time or just need more flexibility for weekend getaways, this system provides the headroom, comfort, and durability you need.
Check out ColoradoCamperVan.com or contact:
Annie: annie@coloradocampervan.com
Caleb: caleb@coloradocampervan.com
They're based in Loveland, Colorado, and offer both in-shop installations and customization options.
Q: How much does the pop-top weigh?
A: Between 200–600 lbs, depending on van size and configuration.
Q: Can I install it on a low roof Transit?
Yes! Their halo frame allows for full cut-out if needed—still structurally sound.
Q: Can it be painted to match my van?
Absolutely. Choose between paint-matched, accent colors, or textured Raptor liner for off-road durability.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out to the team at Colorado Camper Van.
Gear Reviews A buyer's guide to camper van awnings — the Dometic 9500 as the top motorized pick and the Fiamma F45S as the best manual option, plus a checklist.
Gear Reviews A guide to the best campervan air conditioners, comparing the Velit 2000R and Dometic RTX 2000 plus off-grid power, AC types, and maintenance tips.
Gear Reviews A review of the best DIY campervan conversion kits, with help choosing the right one for your vehicle, layout, budget, and build experience.
Gear Reviews An updated guide to choosing the best campervan mattress for your layout — sizes, thickness, materials, and custom options that matter on the road.