Foreign holidays may be tentatively back on the agenda but plenty of people have discovered the joys of the staycation and the resultant rise in campervan and caravan prices implies that the trend is here to stay for a while, at least. If you are considering joining the camping revolution, it is worth taking a little time to think about what you want in your camper, both now and in the future.
The first thing to think about is how many people will be using your camper, and how often. If there will be more than two camping most of the time, you will probably want to consider investing in a pop top or high-top roof. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages; over the next couple of weeks, we will take you through the pros and cons for each to help you to get on the road in a manner that meets your needs.
Pop tops
Pop tops are the most common roof added to a camper van, and for good reason. However, it is also the thing that is most likely to cause problems in your van in the future.
The pros:
Height and height! Pop tops add extra height in the van when you need it, without adding too much height when driving. This means that your pop top is likely to fit under most car park barriers (if you have, or are planning on having, a roof rack, check the measurements before you commit).
Extra sleeping space. Pop tops provide an ideal space for two children to sleep or, if there are just two of you, for two adults to sleep while keeping the main area as a living space.
Instant air con. The canvas roof and additional height offer the comfort of sleeping in a van with a more authentic sleeping-under-canvas vibe, meaning it stays cooler in summer.
The cons:
Maintenance. Pop top roofs need to be regularly maintained and cared for, including getting it out to air in the winter.
Fragile. The fabric of the pop top is relatively fragile and can be ripped or damaged, which compromises the function of the pop top and its ability to withstand the elements.
Weather resistant. Pop tops are weather resistant rather than weather proof, which means that they are not generally suitable for excessive wind and rain.
Hard to heat. Just as pop tops offer a cooling breeze in the summer, they can be very difficult to keep warm in colder temperatures.
Expensive to install, maintain and replace. Pop tops are a considerable investment and while they add value to your van in the short term, in the longer term, as the pop top wears, you will need to continue to invest in repairing or even replacing it.
The case for pop tops is as convincing as the case against; the question for you is to decide if the undoubted benefits of a pop top roof make the risk of future problems in years to come worth it. And, of course, if you choose the right campervan specialist, you are less likely to experience complications in the future.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for our next instalment, where we look at the pros and cons of high tops.