Choosing Your Campervan
Pop-top, high roof or no roof?
Extra headroom can transform a campervan — but it also changes cost, height, insulation and how you use the van.
Same spirit. Different possibilities.
Pop-top, high roof or no roof: the quick answer
Choose a pop-top if…
you want standing room at camp, possible extra sleeping space and a lower profile when driving.
Consider a high roof if…
you want permanent standing room, easier all-weather use and do not mind the extra vehicle height.
Consider no raised roof if…
you value simplicity, lower cost, easier parking/height access and mostly sit or sleep inside rather than stand.
But…
roof choice affects much more than headroom. Think about sleeping capacity, insulation, wind noise, weight, storage and where you park.
Start with how you'll use the van
Your perfect roof depends on your trips, priorities and everyday life. Ask yourself:
Need to stand inside?
Need extra sleeping berths?
Use height-restricted car parks?
Camp in cold weather?
Keep it as a daily driver?
Three very different compromises
Standard roof
- Lower cost and simpler
- Easier parking and height access
- Lower wind noise
- Limited headroom (sit rather than stand)
Pop-top roof
- Standing room at camp
- Possible extra sleeping space
- Lower profile when driving
- More complex and less insulated than a fixed roof
High roof
- Permanent standing room
- Easier all-weather use
- Great for longer trips
- Higher overall height (parking, ferries, etc.)
What changes when you raise the roof?
| Feature | No raised roof | Pop-top roof | High roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing room | No | Yes (at camp) | Yes (all the time) |
| Extra bed potential | Usually no | Often yes (in the roof) | Sometimes (depending on layout) |
| Overall height | Lowest (around 2.0 m) | Similar when closed (around 2.0 m) | Highest (around 2.4–2.7 m) |
| Insulation | Good | Fair (canvas sides) | Good (solid sides) |
| Wind noise | Lowest | A little more | A little more |
| Cost/complexity | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Everyday parking | Easiest | Usually fine | Can be challenging (height restrictions) |
The question I'd ask myself
Do I need the extra height every day — or only when I'm parked up?
It's easy to be won over by the appeal of standing room, but the best roof is the one that fits your real-life use — not just the spec sheet. Think about where you'll go, how you'll camp and what matters most to you.
Five questions before you decide
- 1Will I really use the extra headroom?
- 2Do I need the occasional extra bed?
- 3Will the extra height limit where I can go?
- 4How important is all-weather comfort?
- 5What's my budget, now and in the future?
The pros and cons
A detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Coming soonMy experience
How our roof choice has worked out in the real world.
Coming soonThe Campervan Considered view
An honest, independent take on what might be right for you.
Coming soonWatch or listen
We discuss pop-tops, high roofs and standard roofs on Campervan Considered. Pick your platform and play it right here.
Next in Choosing Your Campervan
Toilet: do you really need one?
We look at the options, the trade-offs and whether a toilet is essential for your adventures.
