[86scotty]

Celling left in place. Access between B and C roof rib.


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That does look great. CCV's work has come a long way since my CCV E-series top about 5 or 6 years ago. Could you post a pic of the top down? Actually, I'm sure a few of us would like to see a few angles of it if you're willing. The medium roof with a pop top is definitely a draw for folks with kids (more beds). Also, what is the stand up height with the top down?

Thanks

 

[BigSkyVan]

Really nice van modification! I love this! However, since I already own my van, I'm in the market to modify as I go. Right now, I'm focused on finding the best pop top for it and I'll continue with the rest as I can afford. That said, if/when you start doing a la carte builds (ie.only pop tops, etc), please reach out to me as I'd be very interested in talking with you more.

Thanks for replying!!

Thats the way I did mine.


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[BigSkyVan]

That does look great. CCV's work has come a long way since my CCV E-series top about 5 or 6 years ago. Could you post a pic of the top down? Actually, I'm sure a few of us would like to see a few angles of it if you're willing. The medium roof with a pop top is definitely a draw for folks with kids (more beds). Also, what is the stand up height with the top down?

Thanks

I’m 5 11 and i can stand up.



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[Dad Camper]

Thats the way I did mine.

Big Sky - My van is with CCV for a pop top, to be picked up in April. I am trying to get a sense of how much hassle it will be to open up the poptop headliner and add solar later, or if I should pony up the additional $400 they have quoted to install the solar cables now. I am having them put in the fan, am a bit floored they want this much to add a gland and some wire. Have you had any reason to get underneath the poptop liner? Any chance you have pics showing how it is attached?

 

[yelnam]

It looks to me like the headliner for the ceiling inside my CCV top is carpet glued on. Seems like it would be a hassle to remove. I suppose you could add solar wires later and wrap in gray material to make them a bit less obvious visually.

Think also how you would mount solar panels later. One option during the build is to have CCV install yak tracks (spelling?). The are tracks embedded and mounted into the top of the fiberglass top. With these you could later install regular roof type racks with towers and bars etc. or you could mount a basket. Or use small brackets to mount the panels directly to the tracks.


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[BigSkyVan]

I would pay to have it done. Wish I would have.

 

[swellguy]

Hi All. Thanks everyone for posting such great stuff. It's been quite an education to read all of the threads.

I'm wondering how "safe" putting a pop-top on a ford transit 150 RB wagon is. I'm planning to do a "weekender" style conversion with a fold down sofa bed in back and a pop-top (we may add stove/fridge/storage later). My wife and I have a two and three year old so the van needs to be able to sleep four people and accommodate two car seats. Of course safety is our primary concern.

Has anyone else done a "weekender" (just a pop-top and sofa-bed) conversion? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks. --Jim

I had a pop-top Sportsmobile. While the flexibility is nice, the inconvenience and noise of dailing driving outweighed that. Hence, my next purchase was a MR Transit and I'm very happy, don't miss the pop top at all. Also, I saw a couple nasty roll-overs with them and the top got ripped clean off. Sportsmobile doesn't like to talk about those.

 

[BigSkyVan]

No wind noise and the transit roof has no structural piece. Don’t even need to take roof off. Just access made
between the A and B roof ribs.

 

[Brad Curry]

I had a pop-top Sportsmobile. While the flexibility is nice, the inconvenience and noise of dailing driving outweighed that. Hence, my next purchase was a MR Transit and I'm very happy, don't miss the pop top at all. Also, I saw a couple nasty roll-overs with them and the top got ripped clean off. Sportsmobile doesn't like to talk about those.

I was interested to read this and discouraged. Popup was the route I was considering. I wanted electric pop up so I can keep my kayaks on top. Is the roof noise that bad? Worse than mid roof? What I like about pop up is being able to sleep out almost like a tent. In don't want to be staring at a ceiling.

 

[Ruadhrigh]

I was interested to read this and discouraged. Popup was the route I was considering. I wanted electric pop up so I can keep my kayaks on top. Is the roof noise that bad? Worse than mid roof? What I like about pop up is being able to sleep out almost like a tent. In don't want to be staring at a ceiling.

I have a mid-roof with pop top. I notice more noise from my tires than the top. I did not notice an increase in noise after getting the top installed.

 

[Climateer]

I have a mid-roof with pop top. I notice more noise from my tires than the top. I did not notice an increase in noise after getting the top installed.

This is intriguing to read. I was thinking we couldn't get a poptop on a medium roof (though maybe I'm recalling that Colorado camper Van will?). Who did your top?

 

[Slkkrems@bresnan.net]

Transit med. roof 148 WB owner here. I had CCV install their pop top. Pop top is awesome. Great added space and sleeping area with incredible views when windows are opened up. Makes interior area feel bigger and lighter when down below. My roof was opened up more than BigSkyVan’s Transit. I‘ve had No problems at all- just be sure all canvas is folded inside correctly when closing top. Catches a lot of wind when raised up. I Put 200 watts solar on top as well. I noticed a Slight decrease in gas mileage after installation, no appreciable increase in wind noise on the road. Pop top messed up my Sirius xm antenna reception (mounted in windshield). I get signal 2/3 of the time. I need to move antenna to new location. Fan is a rattle trap on washboard roads with the flexible top. Would I do it again??... yes but I’d consider a low roof Transit or Sprinter as well With pop top.

 

[Ruadhrigh]

This is intriguing to read. I was thinking we couldn't get a poptop on a medium roof (though maybe I'm recalling that Colorado camper Van will?). Who did your top?

CCV did my topper but when I was shopping Sportsmobile was also doing mid-roofs (not listed on the website) but not passenger vans.

Transit med. roof 148 WB owner here. I had CCV install their pop top. Pop top is awesome. Great added space and sleeping area with incredible views when windows are opened up. Makes interior area feel bigger and lighter when down below. My roof was opened up more than BigSkyVan’s Transit. I‘ve had No problems at all- just be sure all canvas is folded inside correctly when closing top. Catches a lot of wind when raised up. I Put 200 watts solar on top as well. I noticed a Slight decrease in gas mileage after installation, no appreciable increase in wind noise on the road. Pop top messed up my Sirius xm antenna reception (mounted in windshield). I get signal 2/3 of the time. I need to move antenna to new location. Fan is a rattle trap on washboard roads with the flexible top. Would I do it again??... yes but I’d consider a low roof Transit or Sprinter as well With pop top.

Quick cheat for getting the canvas to fold in: close all of the doors and turn on your fan. It will suck in the canvas and keep it from getting caught under the lip as you lower the top.

First trip with the top:

I also got a larger cut out and CCV worked with me to accommodate two Adventure Wagon Mule bags. They left enough roof to attach the L-track to hang the bags. The owner was pretty stoked to try this and it worked better than I had hoped.

 

[Slkkrems@bresnan.net]

Ruadhrigh,
thanks for the canvas tip. I’ll try that next time. Those mule bags hold a lot of stuff. I wish I had one in my van. Your Van/Poptop look great.

 

[Nomadicrn]

I've had several pop tops, CCV and Sportsmobile, however none in a Transit. They make a medium or high roof Transit so I'm not sure why anyone would want a low roof. If it's a garage thing I'd get a bigger garage because I'd never be going back. If you want more space in a low roof I'd sell it for a higher roof. I'm not even sure why they make a low roof van anymore. Makes absolutely no sense to me. YMMV.

The low roof is gaining popularity with the increased "van life" due to more regulations on "over sized" vehichles (mostly to rid the homless/living in vans). There are also additional road toll charges for vehichles over 8ft and bans in some cities.

Not to mention the already stated fitting in a garage and add to, drive thru. Plus the low roof has become the new "stealth" vehicle as the higher roofs, no matter how "stealth" poses the "is somebody living in there" question with the van dwelling increase.

I'm opting for the low roof awd 148. I am debating the pop top since I am tall and just for an option. However, I'm leaning toward no because I don't think I will use it enough to justify the cost, I want to convert and use my van sooner than I can get the top installed (and agree structurally it would make more sense to pop before I build).

This will be my second van. My first being a professionally built Promaster high roof. While fancy and comfortable for one person, the layout would be tight for 2. But I mostly hated driving circles to find a parking spot on the street bc I didn't fit in a parking garage. The extensive amount of high roof tolls in the New England area. The "over sized" tickets in Seattle and told I can't have over 8ft in Santa Monica. I opted for no AC to keep a lower profile and stealth, but was approached to see the inside all the time.
I drove to every state in it and it was decent for the most part. A few areas I couldn't go with fwd, and a few hills he didn't like. But it was nice to have a "non-rv" in National Parks and be able to camp in parking lots.

Can't wait to see what I can do in the low roof, enjoy the additional parking options as well as the food and coffee drive thru when I'm in a hurry or still in my pajamas.

 

[86scotty]

Well, it's been five years since I posted that, LOL. I guess my opinion hasn't changed much though. I sounded kind of like a hardliner there I guess, sorry about that! I had a bunch of low roof vans in my younger days and they just plain sucked for moving around in, no different than an SUV. The taller vans just make more sense but concerns about garages, drive thru's, etc. are certainly valid. This was a problem for me and many others during covid when no restaurant dining rooms were open.

Keep in mind that you may feel stealthier in a low roof van but you really aren't. Any van is suspect as far as stealth camping these days. In fact, I'd expand that to about any minivan or SUV that is parked overnight anywhere other than a driveway.

Another vote for a taller van in my view is the soaring cost of pop top conversions. Back when I had a couple done they were maybe $6k, nowadays the cheapest I know of is twice that and there is no way it could be argued that they are anywhere near as safe as an uncut, unmodified van body. That doesn't bother me all that much but it is a concern for lots of people.

But it was nice to have a "non-rv" in National Parks and be able to camp in parking lots.

This!

Congrats on narrowing down what you want/need. It's a big decision.

 

[Nomadicrn]

Well, it's been five years since I posted that, LOL. I guess my opinion hasn't changed much though. I sounded kind of like a hardliner there I guess, sorry about that! I had a bunch of low roof vans in my younger days and they just plain sucked for moving around in, no different than an SUV. The taller vans just make more sense but concerns about garages, drive thru's, etc. are certainly valid. This was a problem for me and many others during covid when no restaurant dining rooms were open.

Keep in mind that you may feel stealthier in a low roof van but you really aren't. Any van is suspect as far as stealth camping these days. In fact, I'd expand that to about any minivan or SUV that is parked overnight anywhere other than a driveway.

Another vote for a taller van in my view is the soaring cost of pop top conversions. Back when I had a couple done they were maybe $6k, nowadays the cheapest I know of is twice that and there is no way it could be argued that they are anywhere near as safe as an uncut, unmodified van body. That doesn't bother me all that much but it is a concern for lots of people.


This!

Congrats on narrowing down what you want/need. It's a big decision.

No worries!
I happy with my change. The high roof was an annoyance to live in the few short years I did (before I sold it). I'm excited for my low roof to make it an everyday driver that's actually an everyday driver 😆. But if I decide it's not what I want in the next couple months, apparently I can resell it for more than I paid (d/t Fords supply/demand drive). 🤙.

Have you looked at the low profile AWDs, like the Sportsmobile outfitted ones? I dont care much for the "kit" look or the "low cost" exposed plywood. But the style and concept if the low roof, off road, adventure van is what I see gaining popularity (combined with my formentioned pros).

ps, I'm good at spotting campers vs non 😉

 

[njvagabond]

there is no way it could be argued that they are anywhere near as safe as an uncut, unmodified van body.

That might depend. No doubt that cutting out the roof rib at the C-pillar will reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle but I'd guess that the vast majority of the rollover protection for the cab area is provided by the A and B pillars. I guess the question are they strong enough withstand the forces without the C-pillar taking on some of the load. I'd even less (or no) impact on front/side protection for the cab area. If there are passengers in the rear of the van that might a greater concern. * This statement is not a professional assessment just a random internet dude speculating. proceed at your own risk! *

As far as stealth, is not a pop top, a pretty big tell even when it is down? At least a tall van could actually be mistaken as being used for it's intended purpose?

The extensive amount of high roof tolls in the New England area.

Could you elaborate. I was unaware of such issues. That might be something I'd want to be aware of to plan to avoid with my HR when convenient. Thanks

 

[86scotty]

That might depend. No doubt that cutting out the roof rib at the C-pillar will reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle but I'd guess that the vast majority of the rollover protection for the cab area is provided by the A and B pillars. I guess the question are they strong enough withstand the forces without the C-pillar taking on some of the load. I'd even less (or no) impact on front/side protection for the cab area. If there are passengers in the rear of the van that might a greater concern. * This statement is not a professional assessment just a random internet dude speculating. proceed at your own risk! *

As far as stealth, is not a pop top, a pretty big tell even when it is down? At least a tall van could actually be mistaken as being used for it's intended purpose?


Could you elaborate. I was unaware of such issues. That might be something I'd want to be aware of to plan to avoid with my HR when convenient. Thanks

Safety - I'm no engineer or lawyer but we live in the most litigative society that has ever existed ('Murica) so my advice would be to talk to a lawyer first and an engineer second. This isn't something I worry about much, on either front, but I can guess what either one would say.

Tolls - Yep, it's true. Higher tolls for taller vans. Yes, vans. I got ding'd bunches of times running hotshot in my 2015 mid roof Transit. To say I was ticked would be quite an understatement. I have always driven professionally and axle count has historically been how tolls are calculated but the NE government agencies are a particularly greedy bunch. It's ok, they put the cash back in to the roads! You can prove this by counting how many fillings you jar loose on any particular tollway.

 

[Nomadicrn]

That might depend. No doubt that cutting out the roof rib at the C-pillar will reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle but I'd guess that the vast majority of the rollover protection for the cab area is provided by the A and B pillars. I guess the question are they strong enough withstand the forces without the C-pillar taking on some of the load. I'd even less (or no) impact on front/side protection for the cab area. If there are passengers in the rear of the van that might a greater concern. * This statement is not a professional assessment just a random internet dude speculating. proceed at your own risk! *

As far as stealth, is not a pop top, a pretty big tell even when it is down? At least a tall van could actually be mistaken as being used for it's intended purpose?


Could you elaborate. I was unaware of such issues. That might be something I'd want to be aware of to plan to avoid with my HR when convenient. Thanks

Hey there,

I'm opting for not pop top after a long hard search. I guess later, if I want to go through the Hassel of post built installation, I can cross that bridge.

As far as tolls. It was 2019, I don't recall location specifics and I drove to every state. But I want to say the route...NY, NJ, Delaware is where the extra tolls were the worst and PA.

Maybe google others or different laws different states? It was just one more thing on my list of low vs high cons when I was driving and for what I plan to do.