Club 80-90 Forums

Hi Guys,

I have a High top but due to the high winds experienced whilst driving the other day have been looking at a pop top. I dot really want to sell my high top as it is a really good example(service history back to 1988, new engine, gearbox,etc) and dont want to buy a pop top lemon.

So what i am looking for is the pro's and con's of ownership for the high top against the pop top. My pro's and cons below, obviously i cant comment on pop top.

Pro's
Constant Head height
Extra storage
Good solid roof

Con's
Changes lanes in high winds!
Doesn't look as cool

Doesn't look cool!

Loads of space for all the quilts, sheets, pillows we own. Constant head room. Less to do when you pitch up. Ace sleeping for two kiddies.

Must admit, the wind is a factor but you get used it it. In our old bay we had a Devon Double top which gave us loads of space but still had to put it up and couldn't get all the bedding in.

High tops are cool

Pop top cons are, lack of storage, poss a bit colder (unless it's a solid sided Autosleeper one) more obvious when stealth camping, storage and...oh yes storage.
As for crosswinds before changing your van have a look at steering rack bushes, springs, shocks and I think someone said the front spoiler makes a difference, also
all vans old and new high and pop top are susceptible to side winds sometimes it's just a question of adjusting your driving style to suit (I often drive with a 16ft 2" trailer)
As for high top cons I don't have one so can't comment.... Can i have a 99 mister?

trucker wrote:As for high top cons I don't have one so can't comment.... Can i have a 99 mister?

Well I have 3 kids, high top was my only option but have never regretted it. All my sleeping stuff stays in the van all the time making wee trips away easy peasy!

Hightop.... Next

I am looking at my high top in a new light!

Will see how she rides on new wheels, shocks, 30mm lower springs.

I have had both and pop top every time for me. dosen't look like someone has dumped a boat on your roof, can get under car park barriers and into multi-storey car parks and dosen't feel like you are driving a windsurfer when the wind picks up.

Another vote for high top permanent storage and winter camping. I like the way they look, more retro

High top for me - just practise in wind and slow down

High top gets my vote too - more storage and less packing/unpacking. As it's always windy down this way I suppose I've got used to the handling over time.

pop top, less storage=less junk.

Have to agree with everyone who has a high top, only one thing that grinds my gears are height bars on beach car parks been to Wales and Cornwall last 2 years with no real problems but back home here in Northern Ireland nearly every beach carpark has a bar. Thinking about a big set of bolt cutters lol.

hi top, far more useable as a camper, which is what your using it for isn't it?

having had both I can honestly say pop tops are colder, noiser and less nicer places to be at night!!

ok they fit in a multi storey, but unless your using it everyday so what?

if I ever go back to a wedge, it would be another hi top california or atlantic.

lefty67 wrote:pop top, less storage=less junk.

The missus would like the space for the junk, but doesn't like the 'upturned boat'!

Only had a pop-top but wouldn't entertain a high-top. (Looks, parking, driving)

Pop-tops are ace!!