CCV Insulated Pop Top?

[MorieSugg]

Yeah.... that's kind of what I thought all along, though part of me hoped someone would chime in and convince me it wasn't worth it. Better to spend the money for good gear the first time around.

It's adding up to a bit too much of a fiscal stretch right now. Might have to put it off for a year.

Maybe MGMetalWorks will have a top on the market by then. (But I kind of doubt it will be any cheaper )

[JWA]

Originally Posted by MorieSugg

Maybe MGMetalWorks will have a top on the market by then. (But I kind of doubt it will be any cheaper )

'Twould be amazing though..............

[shenrie]

Originally Posted by JWA

Insulation isn't just for keeping out the cold----helps keep heat out too!

^^^ this x2. we havent done a lot of winter camping yet, but we have camped in some pretty hot spots. if the window shades are up and the reflectix is in the lower van windows, our van stays very cool midday even with zero other insulation installed yet. im very happy we opted for the insulation (and the triple canvas).

[c7train]

I think it was worth it. I did the thicker sides and the quiet ride top option too, I have camped in -11 in the van, and it helped a great deal I'd imagine. I have nothing to compare though either, this is my first van.

[LenS]

When it gets below freezing we unfold our Thermarest chair pads and line the sides of the penthouse with the 1.5" of foam. Makes a noticeable difference in comfort when sleeping in the penthouse.

[KTMRIDER]

Originally Posted by JWA

'Twould be amazing though..............

X2

[c7train]

I've often thought of sewing some old down comforters into shape and installing snaps so I could hang "down curtains" around the edges. That would be ideal to keep heat in it seems. Maybe someone would make a "winter kit" for the pop tops?

[REF]

I had originally contacted Derek about making a new insulated canvas to replace the SMB canvas before jumping in with the whole swap. He seemed game and said it was possible, but that was last year. I believe his mother in law still sews all the canvas together, and would just need dimensions, it's worth a call to CCV if anyone's interested, I think it would be a great upgrade if the price is right and you could do the swap and install yourself.

[1der]

So real t re CCV insulated top:

Arrived Grand Canyon yesterday late afternoon, so have last night and tonight for data points:

Both nights about the same except tonight the wind is blowing and it feels colder outside.

EB Cargo w CCV mid top, Insulated canvas and insulated top
Floor: Material backed reflective insulation/1/2" ply, factory carpet over the top the plywood
Walls: Same material backed insulation on inner wall surface only, nothing else. Doors have no insulation yet.
Windows: rear and side doors are factory windows plus two CRL awning. All covered with Reflectix bubble insulation.

Pop Top is up, One Olympia Wave 3 heater going on High Setting (3,000 btu), two humans
Outside temp : 41.6
Inside: 56.9

Definitely comfortable inside. Will be nice to have the full insulation completed with the doors done and some added insulation behind the wood panels that will be put up. So, right now I am thinking Espar D2 will be sufficient for heating purposes, especially with a well insulated rig.

Slept up top last night. No heater going, was 58 inside/41 outside last night when we went to sleep, was 38 inside and 37 outside this morning at 8 am.

[phleeb]

We, too, camped in Grand Canyon National Park the last week of October for 3 days. I also have CCV's top but it is not insulated. I checked my log during the time we were there and here are my observations,made at sunrise when I usually get up:

Friday, 10/30: 38 inside, 45 outside
Saturday, 10/31: 34 inside, 40 outside
Sunday, 11/1: 37 inside, 43 outside

We slept under 3 blankets and comforter and stayed warm. We did use a Little Buddy heater for about an hour before we went to bed.

I can't tell you how many times people come around and inquire about the top. It is quite an attention getter!