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--- rv:high_roof [2017/08/22 22:22]
frater_secessus [OEM high roof]
+++ rv:high_roof [2024/06/21 13:56] (current)
frater_secessus [Aftermarket high roof] added Mory
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
-===== aftermarket high roof =====
+===== Aftermarket high roof =====
 {{ :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-$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)).
@@ Line 32: / Line 32: @@
   * [[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/))
+  * [[https://moryinc.com/toit-sureleve/|Mory]] in Quebec
-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))
@@ Line 55: / Line 58: @@
     * may not be as watertight
     * 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]]
@@ Line 63: / Line 68: @@
 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.
+  *

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