Full Van or Poptop

gunadoo · Veteran Member

Full Van or Poptop

xina · Guru

Hi David,
I bought my Camper with a Pop-top in preference to a High top, as I believed that there would be not as much wind resistance, and therefore better fuel consumption. I think I was right.
I have e-mailed you the page with details of an Electric Jack [plugs into your cigarette lighter]some people have already bought, to help in raising the Pop-top as they get older, and it's not so easy. You only need to start it with the jack, and then it goes up easily apparently.

Some-thing to think about, anyway.

Cheers,
xina.

-- Edited by xina on Thursday 28th of January 2010 06:34:34 PM

JRH · Guru

xina wrote:

Hi David,
I bought my Camper with a Pop-top in preference to a High top, as I believed that there would be not as much wind resistance, and therefore better fuel consumption. I think I was right.
I have e-mailed you the page with details of an Electric Jack [plugs into your cigarette lighter]some people have already bought, to help in raising the Pop-top as they get older, and it's not so easy. You only need to start it with the jack, and then it goes up easily apparently.

Some-thing to think about, anyway.

Cheers,
xina.

-- Edited by xina on Thursday 28th of January 2010 06:34:34 PM

G'day xina, could you possibly put a link to the page so we all can have goosey gander, the electric jack sounds very interesting.

Thanks in advance.

xina · Guru

Quicker if you just click on Search [above], and type in Jack. It's in the Nomads Techie's Thread.
Cheers,
xina.

gunadoo · Veteran Member

thx Xina
As they get older,eh..seems like only yesterday I'd jump the fence..now I'll walk for ages to find the gate.
Cheers
Gunadoo(just takes longer)

JRH · Guru

Thanks xina ,will do.

xina · Guru

gunadoo wrote:

thx Xina
As they get older,eh..seems like only yesterday I'd jump the fence..now I'll walk for ages to find the gate.
Cheers
Gunadoo(just takes longer)

Join the club.
Cheers,
xina.

Xtrail51 · Senior Member

Hi David, I have a pop top now, I had a full van years ago, and would prefer the pop top! Easier to tow, less wind resistance; Mine is a 14ft rear door Coromal, best ever van! I had 2 x 40 watt solar panels fitted on the roof, and being a lady on my own I had a bit of trouble lifting the roof with the extra weight. So, I had heavier shocks fitted, and no worries at all now! Or I just stand on the bed to get them started, as I am only 5'3" tall!! Pop is the way to go, cooler too, open up the zippers and instant air.....

All the best.

Barb.

Hylda&Jon · Guru

Hi David!
Many people, myself included have had the same choice at one time or another. All I can give you is how my thinking went at the time after much forum & website searching. Before I buy anything from a camera to a generator to a computer I always read everything I can on the subject(which is a lot of reading as I have bought over 200 things on eBay including the 4WD & caravan).
I went for a full size van for a number of reasons:
# A poptop needs to be raised & lowered all the time
# Many people said modern full size vans were so streamlined that there was negligible difference in wind resistance compared to a poptop.
# Less moving parts to deteriorate with age
# Vinyl area accumulates condensation & can get mildew & rot.
# If you pull up at roadside to eat it's awkward to do stuff with low ceiling
# If stopped for the night where you aren't suppose to then a raised top is a dead give-away
# Maybe more cupboard space
#I felt a bit cramped when cooking etc due to the gap between the upper cupboards(lower because of poptop) & lower benches

Pluses for the Poptop that I can think of:
# Will fit in a garage
#Maybe better wind resistance??? definitely with the real low ones
Some people may add to the pluses or disagree which is cool as that gives you a broad spectrum of views
Good luck
Jon

-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Thursday 28th of January 2010 11:41:34 PM

gunadoo · Veteran Member

Just the sort of info I need.Appreciate it..I wonder how newcomers to the game ever managed without forums..Trial and error I guess..and maybe a lot of errors before it's sorted out..any one else want to get into this?I'm sorry if it's been done to death previously.

Cheers

ROAMIN · Veteran Member

Hi Gunadoo,
It will depend on personal choice for you. The pop top van will be heavier to tow. I do not know if a pop top roof will take the weight of an air conditioner or whether it will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The height between a pop top and a full van looks like about 300 mm I do not know for sure. To me the pop tops do not seem to be solid enough but this is a personal choice. In the end it will be your choice but good luck with which ever you decide.

Roamin.

seonau · Senior Member

Hi gunadoo I am in the same situation weighing up all the options but include motor homes in my calculations as well.

This site is a great start to gaining valuable and correct information, i love it and i am hooked.

By chance only yesterday i visited a caravan reseller and saw the pop top xtrail51 owns. It is one good looking and clever van although i thought the oven and sink could of been better. The van i saw did not have a shower or toilet. The van had air-conditioning mounted in the wall. Its fairly small but i think the clever way it is designed discounts that. Its a great van and a good example why a pop top should be considered. Good price too.

Fuel prices in just ten years could well be triple what they are now.
The demographics of housing is changing right now before our eyes. The likely hood of selling up and hoping to return to the housing market at a later time is i think not realistic.
The length of time you intend travelling and where is relevant to the comfort needed.

It looks to me since i have in mind long term touring then an off road full van would suit my own needs best. I am hoping the caravan show next mouth will help me finally decide.
All that said still for me is the suggestion that comes from this forum about baby steps when beginning your travels, wins the day. My not buy a good car but a cheaper / older pop top first up and then decide what really suits your own needs?

Just my thoughts.

Cruising Granny · Guru

I have a solid top 20 footer, and I have travelled with a pop top caravan.
I prefer the solid top.
All ok for all the reasons everyone has mentioned, but I worry about the long-term deterioration of the vinyl panels.
My vinyl roll-out awning roof is deteriorating with the long term exposure to the elements. So I'm figuring the vinyl does have a use-by date if it's exposed for a long time, rather than being tucked up in the carport or shed when not being used.
Some store the van with the roof up, and others leave it down. Which would be best for the van and it's vinyl?

If I find myself driving through a cross wind, I just park up and ask it if it's ok, and stay until it calms down. (Sorry, couldn't help myself)

The vans are very aerodynamic these days and offer very little wind resistance.
Besides, you can slow down a little, take your time and enjoy the country you're driving through. If the wind is really bad, just park up until the weather settles down.
Safe and happy travels in whatever you decide.

justcruisin01 · Guru

The reason for pop tops being heavy to,lift is because the gas struts have lost some of their presure over the time.
I have replaced ours with new, a couple of grades heaver than std, almost one handed now. They were only twenty odd bucks ea.

There is good air flow accross the top to let the heat out.we have six vents around the top.As for lunch on the road my wife can walk around in van with top down so I only have to duck to get to the table,

In servere wind we pulled the top down one night.& the so called no no spot, same deal top down .

You need to look at the different brands as pop tops very in height, some have low walls & a high top, this gives you a low doorway, tends to cause a few head aches.
I,m 6ft & can walk in & out of ous with little stooping.

gunadoo · Veteran Member

And your thoughts are appreciated Roamin and Seonau
As I mentioned previously I've sold the house and am prepared to accept that re-entry into the housing market for me anyway would be nigh on impossible

but being aware of that the decision is made

...as far as poptops go,as it's going to be my only house I've decided on the full van..I just needed to "pop" the question.
Thanks to all
Gunadoo

brickies · Guru

Wise move friend who have been on the road for 12 mts. have change from pop top to full van and think they should have done it sooner , full van give you better cupboards space and more homely

gunadoo · Veteran Member

I apologise if I've haven't replied to some resposes..it's hard to keep up with you all..should I leave replies for a later date or answer individually as they're made..obviously new to all this but,whatever the case.. my thanks.More questions to come I'm sure,but don't want to clag the system.
For all the guests that peruse this forum..don't be backward in coming forward,register and join in..the more the merrier..you can see how much friendship and support is available.
Thx again and cheers to all
Gunadoo..or call me David,just not late for dinner or DRINKS.

dave06 · Guru

if you are going to be in your van "full time" then I think full size is the way to go, the wear and tear on the pop top and sleeve would be costly over an extended period of time, the extra cupboard space gained by the solid roof would be a bonus, towing, if full time, would not be a bother as your distance is not great and you can pick your days

to store a pop top it is batter to have it under cover with the top up,

Helen · Veteran Member

I could have witten that Barb. Same car, same van and agree with what you said. Even the same height and yes, I have been known to stand on the bed or a little stool to raise the roof. Always have the door open!

Cruising Granny · Guru

Your question about vinyl vs canvas reminded me of a canvas annexe on a permanent van in Broome.
It was black with mould and rotten within 2 years.
While vinyl will go mouldy it's a fairly simple exercise to clean it.
Warm water with a little dish detergent and vinegar, a soft bristle brush such as a shoe polish brush, a soft scourer such as those with the sponge on the back and clean away.
The annexe gets mouldy on the inside AND the outside in the tropics, but I'd rather work on cleaning a vinyl one than a canvas one.
I reckon you've made the right decision about the full van to live in.
You're gunna luv it!