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rv:high_roof [2017/03/21 22:41]
frater_secessus [OEM high roof]
rv:high_roof [2022/03/19 11:14]
frater_secessus [Aftermarket high roof] added wasatch
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 ===== OEM high roof ===== ===== OEM high roof =====
  
-These vans can be ordered with a factory high roof: +These [[rv:eurovan|Eurovans]] can be ordered with a factory high roof: 
-  * Transit 148wheelbase((http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2015/2015_Transit_PIB.pdf)) - 81.5"((http://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/the-6-best-cargo-vans-for-your-business-226694)) +  * 87- [[rv:sprinter|Sprinter]] Super High roof (discontinued?)((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/60m9y6/van_height_assistance/df8va2q/)) 
-  * Sprinter - 77.8"((http://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/commercial-vans/cargo-van)) +  * 81.5" - [[rv:ford_transit|Transit]] high roof((http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2015/2015_Transit_PIB.pdf)) - 81.5"((http://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/the-6-best-cargo-vans-for-your-business-226694)) 
-  * NV >= 2500 - 76.9"((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv-cargo/specs)) +  * 77.8" - Sprinter high roof ((http://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/commercial-vans/cargo-van)) 
-  * [[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster]] 76"((http://cdn.dealereprocess.com/cdn/brochures/ram/2015-promaster.pdf))+  * 76" - [[rv:ram_promaster|Promaster]]((http://cdn.dealereprocess.com/cdn/brochures/ram/2015-promaster.pdf)) 
 +  * 75" - [[rv:nv|NV >= 2500]].  76.9between the ribs.  ((http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv-cargo/specs)) 
 +  * 72" - Transit mid-roof
  
  
-===== aftermarket high roof =====+===== Aftermarket high roof =====
 {{ :rv:fiberine_chevy_camper.jpg?200|from http://www.fiberine.com/GVMR/Full_Size_Van_Tops.html#14}} {{ :rv:fiberine_chevy_camper.jpg?200|from http://www.fiberine.com/GVMR/Full_Size_Van_Tops.html#14}}
-The most common roof alteration for American vans is the fiberglass raised roof.  The roof can be shipped or installed at the roof forming factory;  buying a new fiberglass roof and installing it will cost $2000-$4000.  +The most common roof alteration for American vans is the fiberglass raised roof.  The roof can be shipped or installed at the roof forming factory;  buying a new fiberglass roof and installing it will cost $2000-$4500((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Cost-of-putting-a-high-top-roof-on-an-extended-body-e250-e350-or-similar-van?pid=125394#pid125394)).  
  
-Full size cargo vans with a 24" high top will yield about 6' 2" of headroom when finished out.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-used-high-top-fitment-guide?pid=252269#pid252269))+Full size cargo vans with a 24" high top will yield about 74" of headroom when finished out.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-used-high-top-fitment-guide?pid=252269#pid252269))
  
 Vendors/Manufacturers: Vendors/Manufacturers:
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   * <del>[[http://www.cyclevan.com/|CycleVan]]</del> - CycleVan is no longer making high roofs as of Nov 2016.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Possible-Sources-for-Hightops-Hi-Tops?pid=242795#pid242795))   * <del>[[http://www.cyclevan.com/|CycleVan]]</del> - CycleVan is no longer making high roofs as of Nov 2016.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Possible-Sources-for-Hightops-Hi-Tops?pid=242795#pid242795))
   * [[http://www.tufport.com/van-conversion-features|Tufport]]   * [[http://www.tufport.com/van-conversion-features|Tufport]]
 +  * [[http://www.optoverland.com/|Opt Overland]]((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=24320&pid=324194#pid324194))
 +  * [[https://www.coloradocampervan.com/|Colorado Camper Van]]((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=24320&pid=324194#pid324194))
 +  * [[http://fiberglassme.com/|FiberglassME]] - Bob says avoid this vendor.((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn7IKyxBfJc&t=1s))  Mxkutch also had a bad experience.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=26902&pid=337437#pid337437))
 +  * [[https://wasatch-overland.com/high-top|Wasatch Overland]] in SLC installs Tufport((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/thg51u/advice_for_installing_high_top_on_chevy_express/i17s9or/))
  
  
  
-Some used ice cream and wheelchair conversion vans will have the roof raised already.  +Ambulances, wheelchair transport vans, and some used ice cream and vans will have these type of high roofs installed already.  
  
 It may also be possible to source a high roof from a junkyard. Steamjam1 notes that "Dodge van roofs never changed from 1971 all the way to 2003, [except] for minor details like third brake light holes."((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-van-top-interchange-list?pid=243441#pid243441)) It may also be possible to source a high roof from a junkyard. Steamjam1 notes that "Dodge van roofs never changed from 1971 all the way to 2003, [except] for minor details like third brake light holes."((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-van-top-interchange-list?pid=243441#pid243441))
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     * increases ventilation     * increases ventilation
   * CON   * CON
-    * canvas sides may be damaged in high winds, as when [[camping:boondocking|desert boondocking]]+    * canvas sides may be damaged in high winds, as when [[camping:dispersed|boondocking]] in the desert
     * canvas sides need to be dry before storing     * canvas sides need to be dry before storing
     * may not be as watertight     * may not be as watertight
     * expandable roof / struts may not be able to support solar panels or other roof-mounted gear     * expandable roof / struts may not be able to support solar panels or other roof-mounted gear
 +
 +[[https://ursaminorvehicles.com/campers.html|Ursa Minor pop-ups]]
  
  
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 {{ :rv:220px-2009_gmc_savana_conversion_van.png?200|from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_van}} {{ :rv:220px-2009_gmc_savana_conversion_van.png?200|from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_van}}
  
-A turtle top is a slim raised roof found on [[rv:conversion_van|conversion vans]].  The raised area was installed to provide space for media and HVAC accessories. If the accessories are stripped out there is will be some additional headroom; standing room will be about 60" at the highest point.((https://youtu.be/K3cs-kQdhJc?t=8m5s))+A turtle top, called a //TV top// in the industry((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-High-Top-vs-Low-Top?pid=205225#pid205225)), is a slim raised roof found on [[rv:conversion_van|conversion vans]].  The raised area was installed to provide space for media and HVAC accessories. If the accessories are stripped out there will be more usable space at the sides and perhaps along the center axis.  Standing room will be about 65" at the highest point.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Lookie-what-is-sitting-in-my-driveway?pid=291177#pid291177)) 
 + 
 +If you are planning to install a rack, pay attention to how the top is mounted relative to the rain gutters.  Some are inset from the gutters far enough to allow the mounting of standard tall racks.   
 + 
 +====== challenges ====== 
 + 
 +Accessing the roof can be difficult without a ladder, and you'll have to be more careful about overhead clearance.  There are places like parking garages that are just too low for high roofs to enter.  
 + 
 +Sidewinds will affect high roofs more than normal roofs. 
 + 
 +Objects loaded high up in the vehicle will affect handling more than if they were loaded low.  Consider putting only lightweight items up high.   
 + 
 +If you offroad, roads that are uneven and shift from side to side can "toss" objects mounted high in the vehicle, as they are moving further and faster (longer lever) as the vehicle rocks.   
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +====== living with a low roof ====== 
 + 
 +Not everyone wants, needs, or is willing to pay for a high roof van.  Many people "live out of the van" rather than in the van, meaning they spend most of their time other than sleeping outside the van.  For those people, a high roof would be a needless expense. 
 + 
 +Tips for living in a standard low roof van: 
 + 
 +  * live "out of the van" as mentioned above:  cook, sit, and work outside as much as possible.  
 +  * install a hard, even floor and use a rolling office chair to get around without stooping 
 +  * install an emergency exit or skylight that allows you to stand in one specific space for dressing, hygiene, to stretch,etc.  
 +  * 
  
rv/high_roof.txt · Last modified: 2022/03/19 11:14 by frater_secessus