pop top up or down while in driveway?

when we first bought a pop top the previous owner stored it with the roof up, he said that the gas struts were under pressure when the roof was down and not when its up??? I have also noticed another pop top owner around the corner from me also stores it with the roof up so maybe some truth in it. we now haw a full van so don't have to worry although i never did when we owned one.
I have had problems with the struts on the patrol lately they are always down so makes me wonder if its true!!
Dick

I bought a custom made pop-top awhile back and the maker said to store it with the top up, that way the rubber seal around the perimeter was not compressed. I also leave the windows slightly open before I tarp it to prevent it getting that vinyl or musty smell.

RR

I have left mine down since new to keep the weather, sun and dust off the plastic sides and for that matter the sun from perishing the rubber seal.

Since there are no gas struts on mine and plenty of side wall vents on the van and also one in the door the van still smells like new.

If your worried about crushing the rubber seal you can always leave the pop top hold down clamps loose when stored.

But I do open it up when the sun is out after a few rainy days just to move the pool of water off the pop top, due to the aerial making a dent in the aluminium sheeting.

So far I can't think of a good reason to leave it up when not in use.

Cheers