Troopy pop top camper

Ive got a l/c camper for sale 2h donk just been fully serviced (all oils filter etc) new injectors 10k of work done in last 2 years k or neares offer

Have you had a look at the Trakka conversions offering?

These people have been providing this on the Troopy for heavens-knows how many years. They are far from cheap but their design and workmanship is top quality.
Am personally interested in this thread as I'm considering one as a replacement for my OKA.
Collyn Rivers

We have a Y2000 78 Series pop-top Troopy, ex-rental with 190,000km and have not had a problem and it does not look like it has ever had a problem with the pop-top. We have used the vehicle extensively off road but admittedly we have not been to the NT yet - the Troopie probably has though.

G'day There
I too have a 2001 78 Series Pop-Top Troopie - like Stevesub mine was also Ex-Rental and had about 100k on the clock when I got it. (4.2 diesel, non-turbo)

In my case - I could not recommend such a vehicle highly enough. Since owning it - I have done the Canning Stock Route, Gibb River Road (including Kalumburu, Mitchell Falls and Port Warrander), Oodnadatta track and a whole lot of local weekend trips..... As you can see - I'm not shy about how I use it.... So far I have had no problems with it (now has 140k on the clock). The conversion was originally performed by Ballina Campers I believe....

I bought mine Ex-Rental direct from Kea Campers in Sydney (ask for Norman) - they were great to deal with and the vehicle was in tip-top shape. I looked at others (privately and through other rental co's) and the ones through Kea stood out head and shoulders.

I have noticed absolutely no water leakage or any such problem with the roof - the only thing I would comment on is the whole vehicle clearly doesn't seal as well as a non-converted vehicle, so a small amout of dust seems to get in and turns up in one of the cupboards. I solved this by taping over the cargo area vents inside the rear, and leaving the fan running when it's REALLY dusty (its not a big deal at all - but worth mentioning).

So to answer your question - I'm no engineer - but I believe there would be some reductions to structural integrity caused by the roof, but I have seen no sigs of any issues caused by this. I had a 2000 model non-converted troopie before this one - and fuel consumption is roughly the same (about 13L/100kms around town; 12L/100kms gentle cruising; 14-15L/100kms towing a boat; worst was 22L/100kms really loaded up driving in heavy sand on the CSR).

I have also made extensive modifications to my truck to improve it's off-road and touring ability - and think it the ideal vehicle for people who really like to get away - and don't want any hassles with tents or trailers (you can camp anywhere on any surface). Mine has three batteries; front and rear bars with twin wheel carrier; spotties; twine shower; OME suspension; aerotech seats; compressor; 3rd fuel tank (tot. 275 litres); water tank (came with conversion); good stereo; UHF; home made roof console; and custom over bonnet tradesman style roof rack. I have also modified the interior lay-out slightly - the fridge is now on a slide at the small rear door, and I changed the roof bed lay-out to allow for a thicker mattress (I'm a softy).

From pulling up - we can be sitting on chairs with the first beer cracked in about 4 lazy minutes - undo four clips - give the roof a nudge and voila!!!

My advice - if you can find a good one at the right dollar - go for it, happy to talk more. (I have nothing to do with Kea - but can recommend them if you were after a newer one and have the dollar - you will be pleasantly surprised with their prices - I was).

It's not all beer and skittles though - the bad points I have noted would be:
1. The roof of my troopy pops at an angle (hinges above the windscreen) - this results in a triangular sleeping area which may feel a little confined at first - the big windows make for great ventilation though - it has never worried me.
2. If you are the sort of person who sets up base camp and does day trips - you have to pack up your sleeping area to go driving - not a big deal, but some might not like this. Depends on your personal style.
3. If the roof is popped, and the bed set-up, you don't really have much room to get changed or shelter inside. We often put up a tarp for extra shade, and/or hide behind a door to get changed - we also have one of those pop-up shower enclosures which can be used in cases where you can't get any privacy by hiding behind the truck.

As with any camping set up - there is always a few compromises - you just need to find a set-up that involves the least compromises for your style.

Good luck!!!

Cheers

The contributors to this forumare extremely generous with their time and assistance. Much appreciated. A poptop is back on my shopping list, although not the one I went to see. I guess it all depends on what model I see that as to what I eventually buy.
Thanks again to everyone for their help.
Mike