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Old 02-16-2015, 05:46 PM   #1
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Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Greetings,

I have been talking to Derek at Colorado Camper Vans and Alan over at Sportsmobile West about installing a penthouse top on my 2003 EB XLT.

I'm leaning towards manual for the SMB and, I guess, power for the CCV. Cost works out about the same.

Any opinions or preferences for either?

Coming from LA, the SMB would be easier to get to and install while I wait. Colorado would take more effort and a place to stay.

I searched here for a comparison, but couldn't find any.

TIA!


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Old 02-16-2015, 07:03 PM   #2
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Most people will say to spend the extra money now to get the power top from SMB. Since your van is white, you don't have to spend the extra money on getting it paint matched which is nice. Unless you want to get the raptor lining done anyways.

Which top are you thinking about getting from CCV?
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Old 02-16-2015, 07:03 PM   #3
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Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

viewtopic.php?t=13179
viewtopic.php?t=15492
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Old 02-16-2015, 07:17 PM   #4
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Hmmmm, we just had a pretty detailed discussion with Bee under another thread. After much research I am driving from SF to CCV to have Derek's top installed. He is designing a mid height top right now, should be ready for our install in four weeks or so.

my wife snd I have hashed this around ourselves for six months, checked off the pluses and minuses, and decided CCV was worth the extra 2000 miles round trip and extra lodging costs. Have not had the CCV installed yet, but have spoken to many who did. Give me a few months to use it and you will get my review.

Ray
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Old 02-16-2015, 09:45 PM   #5
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1der
After much research I am driving from SF to CCV to have Derek's top installed. He is designing a mid height top right now, should be ready for our install in four weeks or so.

Ray

So... You're driving BOTH vans out and having two tops installed?
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Old 02-16-2015, 10:04 PM   #6
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

I wish !! Nope, Beastie 3 (7.3) gets the CCV top. Top is second step in build along with insulation at CCV. Agile TTB /Aerotank was first step. Design of wiring / plumbing is in the works.
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Old 02-17-2015, 08:31 AM   #7
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Any pics yet of the new mid-height design Ray? I've been waiting forever for Derek to update his website but no luck yet. There are lots of newer things he's done that should be there.
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Old 02-17-2015, 08:50 AM   #8
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer
Most people will say to spend the extra money now to get the power top from SMB. Since your van is white, you don't have to spend the extra money on getting it paint matched which is nice. Unless you want to get the raptor lining done anyways.

Which top are you thinking about getting from CCV?
I was thinking the lower profile one. But, now I hear of this mid-height design that's coming out. THAT might be the ticket!

Going manual is my silly notion of "roughing it". But, now I realize I'm super-lazy and will probably regret the manual every time I set up camp after a long day of driving.
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Old 02-17-2015, 08:50 AM   #9
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Quote:
Originally Posted by REF
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=13179
viewtopic.php?t=15492

Thank you, Good Sir. These help a lot!
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Old 02-17-2015, 08:52 AM   #10
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Re: Penthouse Pop-Top Comparo? (CCV vs SMB)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1der
Hmmmm, we just had a pretty detailed discussion with Bee under another thread. After much research I am driving from SF to CCV to have Derek's top installed. He is designing a mid height top right now, should be ready for our install in four weeks or so.

my wife snd I have hashed this around ourselves for six months, checked off the pluses and minuses, and decided CCV was worth the extra 2000 miles round trip and extra lodging costs. Have not had the CCV installed yet, but have spoken to many who did. Give me a few months to use it and you will get my review.

Ray
Thank you Ray.

I think I'm convinced to go with CCV and that mid-height top. I'll send Derek an email now.

This forum rocks!
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