I bought a low top Sprinter van. I want to have a permanently installed high roof. I want it to be just over the cooking area. I can almost stand up in the van so it doesn't need to be very big. I don't want it to be raiseable. It wouldn't need to be any bigger than 3' X 4' and stick up only 3 inches. I was thinking of making it out of fiberglass. I have looked thru the internet and can find nothing except tops that cover the entire roof. I have found internet sites that show how to make things using foam to make a "plug" and a mold which is something I could do.
Only the perimeter of the roof is load-bearing, so anything smaller than a full top, you have to add bracing, just like if you were installing an A/C. Because of that, it's easier for top makes just to make full-top. If avoid any structural issues that might cause leaks.
That said, I'm wondering if you can't use a rooftop cargo carrier, and cutting out the bottom, might work?
You could add a Reimo Mushroom Roof. https://www.reimo.com/en/G-camper_va...l_pop_up_roof/ They sell in the UK but I know some of the VW Vanagon guys have imported them into the US. Salim from Country Homes Campers imported several a couple years ago. A friend of mine put one on his Syncro Vanagon.
That's a unique and very personalized solution, which is fine as long as you plan on holding onto the van for a long time. It might limit your resale options down the road. Also if plan on doing the work yourself, it should be affordable, but if you plan on having someone do the work, it would probably be more cost effective to buy a full length raised top.
Why do you reach out to MSD on this forum who works for Colorado Camper Vans. Maybe they have a solution for you.
Herb
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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.