High Top or Pop Top?

[boywonder]

One more thing.....

Raised pop tops lose more heat than fixed tops......this is really only an issue when camping in cold weather.

That being said, we camped with sub freezing temps over new years with the SMB PH raised without any heater in the van and it was fine, a little chilly inside but with enough blankets....

CCV's pop tops have insulated canvas as an option.

[Sheriffdoug]

Originally Posted by Sheriffdoug

G'day,
I love the clean air & ventilation of the Penthouse Popup roof built by SMB, the view, ease of electric operation and additional accomodations, popup gives far lower clearances, and increased fuel economy with less wind drag.

By the time you put on a roofrack on a hightop roof it will be at least 2-3 ft higher than a poptop.
Cheers. Doug

On my US trip June/July fuel economy ranged from 14.5 to 16.4mpg, depending on how hilly the terrain and what speed.
I removed the Yakima roof bars, so with SMB popup, the roof is relatively fuel efficient for a vehicle with a 6.0 V8 diesel.

Go with the electric popup roof, propane heating and cooking, 110 v Inverter & Microwave, with Solar Panel & Regularor.

Cheers.

[Bbasso]

If you're in need of stealth camping / parking, the pop top will stick out...
Pun intended lol

I like my fiberglass roof, just right for me.

[SixCardCharlie]

Originally Posted by Bbasso

If you're in need of stealth camping / parking, the pop top will stick out...
Pun intended lol

I like my fiberglass roof, just right for me.

How has your fiberglass top effected your mpg?

[odinson]

Originally Posted by Bbasso

If you're in need of stealth camping / parking, the pop top will stick out...
Pun intended lol

I like my fiberglass roof, just right for me.

To me the tall CCV pop top is the ultimate boondocker. (I've got the short BTW) You could probably sleep in the top with the tent/top retracted and it would look like the van was empty. Super handy if you're single or a couple and traveling on a budget.

I'm sure someone with the tall top could shoot me down if I'm wrong.

[dhally]

Originally Posted by SixCardCharlie

How has your fiberglass top effected your mpg?

Our top plus the weight of the conversion (lightweight) reduced mileage from about 15 to about 14. Maybe a bit worse.

[Bbasso]

Originally Posted by SixCardCharlie

How has your fiberglass top effected your mpg?

I have a 7.3 PSD with 4.10 gears and I still get 21.1 miles per gallon total average. So I would say I don't lose all much if anything.
I've had two other vans very similar except they had 3.55, standard roofs and those vans used to get 22 miles per gallon. (Stock drivetrains for all 3)
Granted with the 3.55 I used to travel a lot faster... more like at posted speed limits but with the current 4.10 i usually stay at or below 60 mph. Not because it cant or won't, i just don't want to rev higher than needed.

FYI when I used to have sports cars I drove like a lunatic, now that I've been driving vans for the past 8 years I've turned into a grandpa style driving... Slow starts, coasting as much as possible and obeying the laws for once in my life. But if I were to drive normal or aggressive I promise you the miles per gallon wiould drop substantially.