Sleeping in a Pop top caravan with the roof down

Slept with the roof down quite a few times--in very windy weather usually and yes it is warmer than with the roof up. In wet weather the drips from the pop top to the solid roof can be annoying on some vans as well. Ours has a full length top and its not a problem. Only thing is dont cook or toast with the roof down.

cheers

The answer is quite simple......how will it cost you for a divorce as compared to the purchase price for a full van ( if you get it wrong)....lol....because she will never let you forget it.

I know which is cheaper.... : )

Good luck!

.

Slept a few times with to pop top down and no problem. Did it with late night early start side of the road stop overs.
The advantage of pop tops is the ability to open up the sides and ends of the poptop section to get breezes and fresh air through. You also get higher ceiling levels than some full height vans and you also have the ability to park it in conventional carports etc. Set up for a pop top is about 30 seconds longer than a full height. Full height vans have better insulation in the cold and especially in the extreme heat of the North. They also have more overhead cupboard space. Towing is about the same. Some claim that the pop top is lower so therefore less drag but they all have the aerodynamics of a brick and so do most towing vehicles for that matter. There would be little or no difference worth mentioning in fuel usage for similar sized vans in either format.

We too have slept with the roof down. Wouldnt want to do it too often. Depends on how tall you are I guess.

Wayne, i don't think a pop top would be all that colder!, just mention to her that there's lots of ways to keep warm!!!....Then Run..lol.




Cheers Axle.

G'day
Yes we have also slept with the pop top down when just having a quick overnight stop
The previous posts have pretty much covered it all except that pop top heights vary
some have lower body section of van and more height in the vinyl
and others have a higher body section and less vinyl and therefore more headroom
The price range of the different brands generally reflect this because vinyl is cheaper than walls and cupboards
of course it depends on how tall you are.

Garry

Thanks all for your tips on pop tops and advice on marriage.

You've given me much food for thought.

I've had both and there is no difference in temperature as far as I can see.

I used to sleep with one end of the pop top up and one down in bad rain and once you rug up in bed, it is heaven :-)

And now I have a FULL van it is just the same in bad weather...rug up and be warm

Just a few weeks ago we got rid of our old camper van after 10 years faithful service, and bought a pop top van. Only been on the one shake down trip so far, but it was great. After being completely surrounded by canvas in the camper trailer, the little bit round the pop top shouldn't cause you to get too cold. Remind SWMBO of this.One thing I do like though, is if after a lot of rain you find a few puddles on the roof, just drop one end for 5 minutes to drain it off. Haven't slept in it with it down though. Then again, I am 6' 2".Cheers.

Roger B.............