Tin top, High top or Pop top?

A guide to the different designs of camper van and motor home roofs

Camper van roofs are generally referred to in 3 different ways - TIN TOP, HIGH TOP, POP TOP AND ELEVATING ROOFS. Please see below for an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each campervan type.

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Tin top roof campervan

Camper tin top

What's a tin top camper?

Tin top campervans are campers that still have their original roof.

Advantages:

  • Unlikely to leak
  • Can be used as an everyday vehicle

Disadvantages:

  • Lack of headroom (unless high roof version)

High top roof campervan

Camper high top

What's a high top camper?

High top campers will have had the original steel roof removed and a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) moulded roof fitted over the top.

Advantages:

  • Good headroom
  • Extra windows can be fitted into the hight top roof

Disadvantages:

  • Can be subject to weathering
  • Won't fit under restricted car park barriers

Elevating/pop-top roof campervan

Camper elevating roof

What's a pop top or elevating roof camper?

Pop top or elevating roof campervans have had a hole cut into the original van roof to accommodate a canvas/vinyl rising roof structure that can be folded back down when not in use.

Advantages:

  • Good headroom when up
  • Can be folded back down
  • Camper van can used as an everyday vehicle and will fit under most car park barriers
  • Often the camper elevating roof will incorporate extra sleeping bunks

Disadvantages:

  • Subject to wear and tear (lining, hinges etc.)
  • Loss of heat in colder seasons
  • Quite costly to install.