Which Hi-Top is best?

[northantsandy]

Hi Folks.
I am trying really hard to find out the best purchase for me. I have come to the decision that a Hi-Top is going to be best for me (storage and for kids to sleep )
The problem I have is that I haven't seen inside any Hi-Tops and don't really know how much room they have inside.

Which ones are best?
How many children/adults can you sleep inside them?
Which ones are best avoided?
How do they impact on the performance of the van?

I really need to go and have a nosey inside some, possibly at a meet? Its also confusing! What to spend my hard earned cash on?

Any advice would be great

[windysurfer]

Here's a couple of picture of inside of my roof. It was fitted before I got the van but is the same as the one supplied by
Timber Techs who have fitted quite a few for people on here
sleeping area

Front storage


Sleeps one adult in comfort or two children.
Hightops don't have any real effect of fuel consumption but do seem to get blown around in crosswinds, but this is a small price to pay for all year round camping,quite nights and plenty of storage

[northantsandy]

Thanks surfer,
Are all hi-tops as good as this? I have seen some really large hi-tops (Reimo) How much would it cost to have a pop top converted to this standard?
Sorry so many questions

Northants

[northantsandy]

How big is the gap for children to get up into the 'top' and is there a board that you cover the hole with at night?

[windysurfer]

Prices are on Timber Techs website

http://www.timbertechnicians.co.uk/13301.html

Not exactly sure how big the hole is, about 2 foot at a guess.The hole is not covered up

[MacWilliam]

Thanks surfer,
Are all hi-tops as good as this? I have seen some really large hi-tops (Reimo) How much would it cost to have a pop top converted to this standard?
Sorry so many questions

Northants

Unless you do this yourself i would suggest exchanging your vehicle for the one that is suitable to fulfill your requirements. I have experience of both Westfalia high and pop top. I certainly regret the high top from an "inside" perspective.





Plenty room and a feeling of being at home immediatly when parked at the side of the road. The "upstair" is suitable for a couple of children or one adult if comfort is the key. There is more space in a poptop, but that added facility comes with exposure to noise and chill factor.

[northantsandy]

Thanks mate.
I love the inside of your camper. I definately think that a Hi-top is the way forward. I havent bought a camper yet, but still looking. I have about £4-5K to spend. Trouble is the more I read the more confused I get.
I really need a 5 berth but they are only available as 'Viking conversions', but need the added storage which =hi top.

never thought this would be so confusing

northants

[MacWilliam]

.
I really need a 5 berth but they are only available as 'Viking conversions', but need the added storage which =hi top.
.

Nt my van anymore...I have a poptop now which doesnt get rocked off the road by north sea winds...

The fifth berth could be a hamac above the driving and passenger seat. Suitable for a child.....!

[horns]

+1 vote for the Westy hightop - you can fit an astonishing amount of crap up there - and you don't have to remove it all when you hit the road.

[jamesc76]

I have a timber tech's roof brill bit of kit fitted mine out all myself very well insulated so gets blooming warm up there, and loads of room !!!

Roof being fitted



Lining out



Back before foam bed fitted



Cupboards in the front for better storage




So goes to prove it can be done all at home !

[pockets]

Pop-tops and Hi-tops both have their pros and cons, I sometimes think that I should've got a pop-top but I would say if you've got kids then a hi-top would be a wise choice, the amount of stuff you can keep in the upper berth like duvets/pillows/coats etc cannot be underestimated and as already mentioned its that feeling of being able to step inside and be 'ready' instead of faffing around raising a pop-top.

Mine is an AutoSleeper Trident, its a 1.9 with a four-speed gearbox, I can cruise at 80mph (on a private test-track of course ) without it feeling like I'm a p!ssed whale wondering all over the road nor does it feel like I'm screaming the nuts off it-its quite happy at that speed.

Here is a pic of the front section, it contains a massive storage area on the left that is large enough for lots of stuff or a naughty small child and the cupboard on the right has a fitted crockery set from new:

I'm 6'2 and still have loads of head room



I don't have any pics of the rear section and this isn't a very good pic but this one you can just see the small ladder that you remove then pull a padded section forward to make another small bed for two small people-I've managed to get up there and I could sleep up there if I was very desperate/drunk although it was very cramped mainly due to my manly gut. The roof is insulated for extra warmth-a standard feature.


The rear part of the roof outside has a section to hold a case/container should you need more space, it can be strapped down to the fitted rail and there is a ladder on the tailgate to access it.


I will try and get some pics of the rear section for you.

[Madwitch]

Fill in a bit more of the info in your profile - eg location! - and someone may invite you to have a look around.

Also, fill in the forms to join the club properly - https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=12961" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - that way you'll be able to see whether there are any meets near you and have a proper look.

We have an Autosleeper Trident on a T4 and whilst the top might just about be big enough for a couple of tiddlers, I don't think an adult would be very comfortable up their. Still, once they reach the age of - what, 5 or so? - you can stick them in a tent outside and have the whole van to yourself!

[T'Onion]

but then again its an LT

[northantsandy]

Thanks Madwitch/T'onion
Lots of food for thought, have completed the forms (Madwitch)

May my first T25 be with me soon.

Northantsandy

[_robin]

Where abouts in Northants are you? I'm also looking for a van, maybe we could help each other out - not that I know that much about them...yet