
If you're looking to buy a new pop-up camper roof, there are several options available to you. You can either opt for a commercial installer or choose to build your own. Sportsmobile, GTRV, and Colorado Camper Van are some popular companies that offer commercial installation services. Sportsmobile, for example, charges between $6000 and $7000 for pop-top installation, while GTRV's prices start at $8000. If you're handy and want to save some money, you can also build your own pop-top with the help of online resources and DIY guides. Additionally, companies like Reimo and Weinsberg offer a range of camper roofs for different vehicle types, including Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Renault models. When considering a new pop-up camper roof, it's important to factor in the cost, your vehicle's make and model, and whether you prefer a professional installation or a DIY project.
Commercial installers
If you're looking to install a pop-up camper roof, there are several commercial installers that can help. Here are some options to consider:
Sportsmobile
Sportsmobile is a well-known Ford and Chevy converter that offers custom-built vans for overland adventures. They can also install a pop-top roof in your existing van. Their price range is between $6000 and $7000. Sportsmobile caters to Ford vans that are regular body or extended from 1992 onwards, and Chevrolet vans from 1994 onwards. They also offer electric lift options for an additional $1000.
GTRV (aka Coast Outfitters)
GTRV offers full and partial conversions, including pop-top installations on a range of vans, such as Sprinters, Ford Transits, Mercedes Metris, and more. They have shops in Canada and the US. While their prices start at around $8000, they don't provide exact quotes via email. GTRV is known for the quality of their work, and they use a special process and internal bracing to ensure the strength and lightness of their pop-top roofs.
Colorado Camper Van
Colorado Camper Van is located about an hour and a half north of Denver, CO, and is gaining popularity among the 4x4 van community. They offer custom pop-top solutions and create spacious interiors. Their low-profile pop-top starts at $6200 and includes electric lift, a flip-up bed, LED lighting, and a white gelcoat finish. They also offer high-top pop-tops and are rumoured to be working on a medium-height option.
Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor has developed a pop-top for the Honda Element, transforming it into a compact camper. Their ECamper conversion features a fibreglass and carbon fibre topper that is permanently attached to the vehicle. It offers gas struts for lift and provides standing height of 6'6". The starting price is $5250, and add-ons like colour matching and access hatch installation are available for an additional cost.
North Westy
North Westy, based in Washington state, specialises in adding pop-tops to hardtop VW Vanagons. Their total price, including the factory fibreglass top, new canvas, and new seals, is around $8500.
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DIY poptop
If you're looking to install a pop-top roof yourself, there are a few options available to you.
Reimo
Reimo offers DIY pop-top roofs for a variety of vehicles, including VW, Mercedes, Fiat, and Ford models. Their roofs are made in Germany and come in different variants, such as pop-top, high top, and vertical elevating roofs. Reimo has over 40 years of experience in manufacturing pop-top roofs, and their products are known for their quality and durability.
Sportsmobile
Sportsmobile is a well-known Ford and Chevy converter that offers pop-top installations for existing vans. Their pop-tops are available for Ford vans from 1992 onwards and Chevrolet vans from 1994 onwards. The cost of their pop-top installation ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, and they also offer an electric lift option for an additional $1,000.
GTRV (Coast Outfitters)
GTRV offers full and partial conversions, including pop-tops, for a range of vans such as Sprinters, Ford Transits, Mercedes Metris, and more. Their pop-tops are made of hand-laid fiberglass, which keeps them strong and lightweight. GTRV's prices start at around $8,000, and they have locations in Canada and the US.
Colorado Camper Van
Colorado Camper Van specializes in custom pop-tops for the 4x4 van crowd. They offer a low-profile top that adds about 5-6" above the drip rail and includes an electric lift, flip-up bed, LED lighting, and a white gelcoat finish. The cost of their low-profile top is $6,200, and they also offer high-top pop-tops and a medium-height top that is reportedly in the works.
North Westy
North Westy will add a pop-top to your hardtop VW Vanagon for a total price of around $8,500. This includes the factory fiberglass top, new canvas, and new seals.
The Pop Up Princess
While not a direct installer, The Pop Up Princess is mentioned in a blog post as a helpful resource for those looking to rebuild a pop-up camper roof from scratch. They may be a good source of information and guidance for your DIY project.
Refresh Camping
Refresh Camping offers a comprehensive guide on how to repair and rebuild a pop-up camper roof. Their step-by-step process includes removing water-damaged wood, rebuilding the roof structure, and sealing the seams to prevent future leaks. The post also includes helpful tips and tricks learned from their own experience with pop-up camper roof repair.
Camperize
Camperize provides a dedicated page for those looking to build their own pop-top roofs. While they do not sell the parts themselves, they suggest contacting the companies listed on their page, such as Sportsmobile, GTRV, and Colorado Camper Van, to inquire about purchasing individual pieces for a DIY installation.
Materials and Tools
Depending on the extent of the damage and your specific vehicle, you may need a variety of materials and tools for your DIY pop-top project. These can include lumber (such as 1x2 boards and pine boards), aluminum sheeting, contact cement or other adhesives, screws, sealants, and putty knives. Additionally, you may require a saw, screwdriver, pry bar, pliers, rotary tool, or handheld saw for the removal and reconstruction process.
It is important to note that prices and availability may have changed since the information was published, and it is always recommended to consult a professional or a specialized company for guidance before attempting any complex installations or repairs.
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Solar panels
There are two main types of solar panels for pop-up campers: those mounted on the camper's roof and those that can be moved around. The latter are known as portable solar panels and are typically lighter and more flexible than their mounted counterparts.
When choosing solar panels, it's important to consider size, material, durability, and portability. You want to ensure the panels can produce enough power to meet your needs, are compact enough to fit on your camper, and are durable enough to withstand the elements.
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel
Jackery's SolarSaga 60W solar panel is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for outdoor activities. It features high conversion efficiency, effectively turning sunlight into usable energy. While it may not be powerful enough for larger power requirements, it's great for charging smaller devices like smartphones and tablets.
Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline RV Solar Panel
Renogy's 200-watt solar panel offers significant power output, making it ideal for charging larger battery banks or running appliances in your RV. It's made of high-quality materials and is known for its durability. However, it is larger and heavier than smaller solar panels.
EF ECOFLOW 160 Watt Portable Solar Panel
EF ECOFLOW's 160-watt portable solar panel is lightweight and foldable, making it convenient for outdoor activities. It features a high conversion efficiency of 21-22%, allowing for faster charging of your devices or power stations. However, it may not be suitable for high-power devices or larger energy demands.
DOKIO 300W 18V Portable Solar Panel
DOKIO's 300-watt portable solar panel offers substantial power output, making it perfect for charging larger battery banks, running appliances, or powering various devices. Its foldable design makes it easy to carry and store. However, it is larger in size compared to lower-wattage panels, and its charging capacity may be reduced during cloudy or low-light conditions.
SUNSUL 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
SUNSUL's 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel is compact and versatile, effectively converting sunlight into usable energy. While it has lower power output than higher-wattage solar panels, it may not be suitable for larger energy demands or running high-power appliances.
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Electric lift
If you're looking to buy a new pop-up camper roof with an electric lift system, there are a few options available to you.
Buying a new pop-up camper with an electric lift system
Firstly, it's important to note that not all pop-up campers come with electric lift systems as a standard feature. However, some companies do offer models with electric lift systems, such as Clipper Pop Up Trailers by Coachman, Aliner, Sylvansport GO, and Rockwood Hard-Sided Pop Up Camper. These trailers typically come with additional amenities like a porta potty, shower, stove, and fridge, and can range in price from $11,000 to $20,000.
Converting to an electric lift system
If you already own a pop-up camper and are looking to convert to an electric lift system, there are a few companies that offer conversion kits. This option is usually less costly than buying a new camper and can often be installed yourself.
One popular option is the Carefree P30001/P92001 Campout 12V Pop-Up Camper Lift, which can be purchased on Amazon for around $500. This model is a direct replacement for the older P30001 model and offers a more robust design with a direct-drive gear. It is also compatible with some Goshen lift systems.
Another option is the Roof Jenie Hydraulic Lift System, which is designed to work with the Goshen lift system found on the majority of pop-up campers. This system costs around $448 and comes in two versions: the RV-1000 and the RJE-2000. The latter includes a 12-volt battery to power the hydraulics.
When considering a conversion, it's important to keep in mind that not all kits may be as easy to install as others, and you may need to drill extra holes or seek professional installation. Additionally, ensure that you carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your kit.
Parts and accessories
If you're looking for individual parts and accessories to repair or upgrade your electric lift system, Hanna RV & Trailer Supply offers a wide range of products, including electric lift kits, motorized winches, cables, and other components. Their website provides detailed product descriptions and customer reviews to help you make an informed purchase.
In summary, whether you're looking to buy a new pop-up camper with an electric lift system, convert your existing camper, or repair and upgrade your current system, there are a variety of options available to meet your needs.
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Zip-out tents
IKamper Skycamp Mini Rooftop Tent:
IKamper offers a sleek and compact option with their Skycamp Mini. This hard-shell rooftop tent fits any car, including small cars like the Mini Cooper. It has a unique hardshell cover that flips open to become one wall of the tent, with the other three walls offering oversized canopy windows for excellent views and airflow. The tent fabric is a breathable blackout polycotton canvas with a waterproof rainfly. The base is made with honeycomb aluminum panels for insulation. The Skycamp Mini also comes with an integrated telescoping ladder for easy access. It retails for around $3,500.
Roofnest Condor Tent:
The Roofnest Condor is a small hard-shell popup camper ideal for small cars. It has a quick setup time and premium features. It sleeps two people and offers a comfortable sleeping experience with its foam mattress. The Condor is very lightweight at 135 pounds and starts at $3,100.
Thule Tepui Foothill:
Thule's Tepui Foothill is a spacious and symmetrical two-person rooftop tent that deploys compactly, leaving plenty of space on your roof rack for other gear. It has a low-profile design and is easy to set up with telescoping internal poles. The Foothill provides excellent airflow with its wide door and panoramic rear window. It comes with a high-density foam mattress and internal storage pockets. The Foothill retails for $2,000.
Roofnest Sparrow EYE 2:
The Roofnest Sparrow EYE 2 is a redesigned, pop-up tent ideal for two people. It has a unique wedge shape, making it more wind-resistant and providing extra headroom. The Sparrow EYE 2 is easy to open with its latch and lift struts. It features a massive door, side windows, and a fiberglass-reinforced ABS shell for insulation and reduced road noise. The tent fabric is a blend of polyurethane-coated polyester and cotton, providing a sturdy and secure feel. It comes with a comfortable 2.8-inch foam mattress and an 8.5-foot telescoping ladder. The Sparrow EYE 2 costs $2,995.
Yakima SkyRise HD:
The Yakima SkyRise HD is a lightweight and competitively priced three-person rooftop tent. It is similar to traditional ground tents, offering excellent airflow with its mesh ventilation panels and windows. The tent body is made with 600D nylon and has a waterproof fly. It is easy to mount on a roof rack and locks securely with the included SKS lock cores. The SkyRise HD provides a comfortable sleeping experience with its plush 2.5-inch mattress. It retails for $2,499.
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