With more and more people turning to holidays in the UK rather than face the risks and hassle of holidaying abroad, there has been a staggering rise in people looking to buy camping equipment, most notably campervans. With rising demand comes rising prices and, although buying a campervan can be a great investment, it is important that you buy one that is right for you.
Last week we looked at the pros and cons of investing in a van with a pop top or getting a pop top installed. This week, we take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of having a high-top campervan.
The high-top roof
High top roofs may not be to everyone’s taste as they tend to look a little less sleek than pop tops. However, they do have certain advantages. Some vehicles are factory produced with a high top; these tend to offer reasonable head space, but may still be a struggle for someone over about 5’9” or 180 cm tall. Another option is to add a high top to your vehicle, which can add a significant amount of height, making your camper more like a mini motorhome in look and head height.
The pros:
Hassle-free set up. There is no need to spend time elevating the roof and bringing it back down again – it is all set up and ready to go! You also don’t need to take everything apart every time you want to drive to the shops, which saves a lot of time and hassle.
Space. Just like the pop top, the high top offers sleeping space for two children or two additional adults up top.
Secure. It’s more secure than a pop top when camping with the roof up.
Reliable. The high top is lower maintenance and less likely to go wrong than a pop top.
All year use. The high top is insulated and weatherproof, making it ideal for all-year use.
Versatile. High tops have extra space , offering you extra storage on the road as well as when you are parked up.
The cons:
Limited parking options. You won’t be able to park in car parks with height barriers.
Reduced fuel economy. High tops are less aerodynamic, therefore will be less economical with fuel.
Easily identified as a camper. This isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, but it could make your camper stand out more to thieves and will make it harder to “stealth camp” if that is something you may consider doing.
As always, there is no right or wrong answer – just the right answer for you! Campervan specialists and your local car dealership will be able to advise you before you make a commitment, and you could always hire a couple of campers to see what suits you best.
For more tips and advice, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter. In the meantime, happy camping!