When it comes to choosing the right campervan, one feature that consistently proves popular with adventurers, families, and regular weekend campers is a pop top roof. Whether you’re buying a campervan with us here at camper_versions, or you’re upgrading your current setup, a pop top roof can significantly improve your comfort, practicality, and versatility on the road.
A VW pop top campervan combines the compact characteristics of a Volkswagen Transporter with the additional living space that many campers need. From extra sleeping space to improving ventilation and headroom, there are many reasons why VW pop top roofs have become one of the most sought-after features in modern campervan conversions.
In this blog, we’ll explore six key benefits of choosing a VW pop top camper and why this simple addition can transform your camping experience.
6 benefits of a VW pop top camper
A pop top roof offers much more than just extra height. It can completely change how you use your campervan, making it more comfortable for both day-to-day living and overnight stays.
Here are just some of the key benefits to choosing a VW pop top camper.
1. Additional sleeping space
One of the biggest advantages of a VW pop top roof is the extra sleeping space it provides. Most pop top roofs include a built-in roof bed, creating an additional sleeping area without taking up valuable space inside the main living area.
This is particularly beneficial for families or couples who want more flexibility when travelling. Instead of converting the lower seating area into a bed every night, one or two people can sleep comfortably in the elevated roof bed while others use the main sleeping area below.
For many campervan owners, this extra sleeping space can make the difference between a two-berth and a four-berth campervan, opening up more possibilities for family adventures and trips with friends.
2. More headroom
Space is always at a premium in a campervan, which is why the additional headroom provided by a VW pop top roof is such a valuable feature.
With the roof raised, you can comfortably stand up inside the campervan, making everyday tasks such as cooking, changing clothes, and moving around much easier. This added height helps the interior feel more spacious and less confined, especially during longer trips or periods of bad weather when you’re spending more time inside the van.
For taller people, the ability to stand upright can majorly improve overall comfort and make the campervan feel much more practical for regular use.
3. Better ventilation
Good airflow is essential for any campervan, especially during the warmer months. A VW pop top campervan naturally benefits from improved ventilation thanks to the additional canvas side panels and openings within the roof structure.
When opened, these panels allow fresh air to circulate through the campervan, helping to reduce condensation, minimise stuffiness, and create a more comfortable living environment. Better airflow can also improve sleeping conditions on warm summer nights as it helps you to stay cool and comfortable.
For those who enjoy off-grid camping or travelling during peak summer months, better ventilation can be a major benefit.
4. Offers great views
One often-overlooked advantage of a VW pop top camper is the unique perspective it offers. Many pop top roofs feature large canvas windows that provide panoramic views of your surroundings.
Whether you’re parked beside a lake, overlooking the coast, or enjoying a countryside campsite, the elevated position allows you to enjoy your surroundings from a completely different angle. It’s a simple feature, but one that many campervan owners quickly come to appreciate.
The extra natural light that enters through the roof windows can also help make the inside of your campervan feel much brighter.
5. Boosts resale value
A professionally installed VW pop top roof, like the ones we install here at camper_versions, can also help increase the appeal and resale value of your campervan.
Many buyers specifically search for VW pop top campervans because of the extra practicality they offer. As a result, campervans fitted with a quality pop top roof are often more desirable than similar vans without one.
While resale values will always depend on factors such as age, condition, mileage, and specification, a pop top roof is generally viewed as a valuable addition that can help your campervan stand out in a competitive market.
For those considering the long-term value of their investment, a pop top roof can be a worthwhile feature.
6. They’re compact
One of the reasons VW pop top roofs are so popular is that they provide additional living space without significantly increasing the vehicle’s overall size.
When closed, the roof maintains the campervan’s compact profile, making it easy to drive, park, and store. This means you can still enjoy many of the advantages of a standard VW Transporter while benefiting from the extra space when you arrive at your campsite.
This compact design also makes a pop top campervan more practical for everyday use. Many owners use their campervans for daily driving which allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing convenience.
Browse our range of campervans for sale today
A pop top roof is one of the most practical and versatile upgrades available for a campervan. From additional sleeping space to improved ventilation, it’s easy to see why so many buyers choose a VW pop top campervan.
Whether you’re planning family camping trips, weekend escapes, or longer adventures across the UK and beyond, a VW pop top camper can provide the extra comfort and flexibility you need to make the most of your travels.
At camper_versions, we offer a range of professionally converted VW campervans, many of which feature high-quality pop top roofs as part of their specification. If you’re considering the latest generation of Volkswagen Transporter, you can also browse our current VW T7 campervans for sale to compare the specifications and features available.
Be sure to take a look at our latest campervans for sale today or get in touch with our expert team to discuss the right campervan for your next adventure.
Pop top roof FAQs
What is a pop top roof on a campervan?
A pop top roof is a raised roof system that is fitted to a campervan that can be lifted when parked to create additional headroom and, in many cases, extra sleeping space. When lowered, it keeps the vehicle compact and easy to drive, making it one of the most popular features found on modern campervan conversions.
How many people can sleep in a VW pop top campervan?
Most VW pop top campervans can comfortably sleep up to four people, depending on the layout. Typically, two people sleep in the roof bed while two sleep in the lower rock and roll bed, making them ideal for couples, families, and small groups.
Do pop up top roofs affect fuel economy?
When closed, a professionally installed VW pop top roof has very little impact on fuel economy compared to a standard campervan. Modern pop top roofs are designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight, helping to minimise any effect on performance or efficiency.
Can you use a pop top roof all year round?
Yes, a VW pop top camper can be used throughout the year. Many pop top roofs are fitted with insulated canvas and can be paired with diesel heaters to improve comfort during the colder months. However, additional insulation accessories may be beneficial for winter camping.
Can a pop top roof be fitted to an existing VW campervan?
Yes, in many cases a VW pop top roof can be retrofitted to an existing VW Transporter or campervan. The installation should always be carried out by experienced conversion specialists, like camper_versions, to ensure the roof is fitted safely, correctly, and to a high standard.