pop top insulation, inside or outside?

[lloydy]

Been looking at different types, I'm liking the inside version http://fanchers.com/267/Vanagon%20Inter ... hermal.htm
I think it's a win win due to having to go outside to put it up.
Can anyone think of any negatives for inner insulation?

[Gandalf]

I've got the BW one that goes on the outside - benefits for me is that it doesn't matter if it rains as the screen is waterproof, easy to put on just needs two (or one) bungees. I like the look of the internal one mind but it won't keep the "tent" bit dry. Also the external folds away nicely and travels flat with the pop top down.

[kevtherev]

I would imagine the internal ones are subject to condensation

[lloydy]

Never thought about condensation, don't want that. Take it you don't get that with the external ones.
Does it harm the material putting it away wet?

[Gandalf]

Never thought about condensation, don't want that. Take it you don't get that with the external ones.
Does it harm the material putting it away wet?

Mine folds up and goes flat in the pop top - if its wet I just fold it up and keep it on the floor until next time out. Probably one of the best things I've bought especially as I bought the van to camp all year round.

[ninja.turtle007]

Never thought about condensation, don't want that. Take it you don't get that with the external ones.
Does it harm the material putting it away wet?

You will get still get condensation on the roof, so makesure the roof is nice and clean. You don't want drips of dirty, mouldy water landing on your face.

If you put it away wet you will need to dry it when you can.

The screen I have doesn't wrap around the tail end, it stops at the hinges. Try and get one that goes all the way round. I think Redwesty's one goes all the way round. I will be making an extra peice for mine.

[lloydy]

Is the BW one the one that goes all the way around?

[PetenAli]

Ours is external and works a treat. No condensation probs which I think you might get with an internal one. External version is also good for weatrher proofing.

Pete

[ninja.turtle007]

Is the BW one the one that goes all the way around?

That's where I bought mine from, so no. I'm pretty sure BW buy from Pucer or whatever they are called. Could be wrong though.

[Gandalf]

Is the BW one the one that goes all the way around?

Yep - well all the way apart from the very back but that bit is only about 3-4 inches high so is protected from the rain but not the cold.

[jiffies]

I was looking at the inside or outside option for my Viking but everywhere seemed to suggest more condensation with the internal ones. So I decided on the external. Problem I had is that my Viking roof is huge so the custom made ones cost twice as much as a Westy one. £300 from Pucer screens.
This wasnt affordable so I made a mock up template before buying some thermafoil. I got a 1.5m wide roll which seems to be the widest I could find. This way it only involved stitching along one seam. I reinforced the edges etc. with waterproof duct tape & added a few eyelets for the bungees. Works a treat although admittedly I've not slept in it yet, Only finished it last week. (The photo is deceptive as it was taken from an upstairs window, the template is huge)
Once I've tested it all out might even try selling them
Cheers
Jiffies

[..lee..]

paucers screen`s are open at the back for a reason. it allows just enough air to circulate and vent, out and in. if you have a heater i would recomend you have some form of vent otherwise it`ll be unbearable up there. even without a heater there will be more condensation with no vent.

fitting them isn`t difficult un less your really short and own a lifted syncro.

[lloydy]

fitting them isn`t difficult un less your really short and own a lifted syncro

Have you seen me? 5'7" on a good day

[jiffies]

Lee
Thanks of the advise with the vent. Once I've tested it I can add some vents if necessary
Cheers
Jiffies

[Red Westie]

I bought my external from Gunzl (at Vanfest 2 years ago) £99.00, it goes all the way around. My experience is you get condensation with or without the wrap and poptops certainly don't need any additional vents when the wrap is used (still plenty of drafts around your ankles)
The internal one looks good but I have to agree under extreme conditions I am greatful for the added waterproofing the external wrap offers as well as the protection from the sun and canvas fading. The outside is best in my book.

Martin