Horizon pop top
- Thread starter dandan88
- Start date
gjt01
Member
We had a Horizon roof fitted in November when we had our full conversion. This was fitted by Jacks Shack based in Kegworth. They are authorised installers and completed this work at Horizons headquarters which was great for me as it meant it was fully overseen by their technicians.
I'm very happy with the workmanship. We've not noticed any issues with it but have only had it open a couple of times and have not slept in it yet. It does take a little work when putting down and making sure the fabric is all tucked in and the catch is securely closed etc. but I'm sure this will become easier with practice. We had our first night away in the van this weekend and as it was just an overnight pubstop didn't bother putting the roof up.
It looks awesome as far as I'm concerned and I'm sure time will tell how good it actually is!!!
I'm very happy with the workmanship. We've not noticed any issues with it but have only had it open a couple of times and have not slept in it yet. It does take a little work when putting down and making sure the fabric is all tucked in and the catch is securely closed etc. but I'm sure this will become easier with practice. We had our first night away in the van this weekend and as it was just an overnight pubstop didn't bother putting the roof up.
It looks awesome as far as I'm concerned and I'm sure time will tell how good it actually is!!!
Markymark59
New Member
Not much chat on this regards the Horizon roofs, I'm also thinking of getting one, saw them at NEC and was impressed. Couple of questions, can the DAB roof aerial mounted just behind top of the front windscreen be relocated onto the pop top, and also wiring for this and the solar, required in future, do these wires get routed up inside the concertina support brackets?
gjt01
Member
Markymark59, sorry just saw your post.
Regarding the DAB aerial, I believe that the receiver is now located somewhere in the dashboard. Stereo reception does not seem to have suffered due to the relocation.
I had the roof up at the weekend for the first time proper. I did notice the wiring from the solar panel appeared to be running inside, right at the rear of the pop top so guess its all rooted through the inside of the van.
Regarding the DAB aerial, I believe that the receiver is now located somewhere in the dashboard. Stereo reception does not seem to have suffered due to the relocation.
I had the roof up at the weekend for the first time proper. I did notice the wiring from the solar panel appeared to be running inside, right at the rear of the pop top so guess its all rooted through the inside of the van.
The DAB aerial is in the drivers door mirror so that won't have been touched at all.. The thing on the roof is the SOS system.
astronautninja
Member
Been considering one myself, it'd be good to hear some more feedback before I pull the trigger
Post in thread 'Horizon Pop Top - Experience'
Horizon Pop Top - Experience
Horizon Pop Top - Experience
Hi @gjt01 - Just come across this thread, and have seen your thread also @oldgoat. @gjt01 , I was wondering if you've used yours in the rain yet, and seen any water pooling problems like oldgoat, or frame bowing down.
I am currently weighing up options between the Horizon and the Skyline Skylo, but still unsure.
I am currently weighing up options between the Horizon and the Skyline Skylo, but still unsure.
gjt01
Member
Hi mate, to be honest mine has not been up overnight in the rain yet. I’ve been lucky so far and anytime with camped out with the roof up we’ve had decent weather. If I know it’s likely to rain and we’d be leaving the next day we tend to sleep with the roof down for the odd night.
Fingers crossed if we do get caught out we don’t suffer the same issues!
Ah, ok, fair enough. Guessing you haven't noticed any issues with rain/water collecting/pooling and coming through even when the roof is down? I think if there were issues with water pooling in the gutters with the roof down, water not running off through the outlets, you'd notice and see damp patches on the canvas when you put it up.
I've noticed the locking tie downs go through holes in the roof, and when the roof is up those holes look like they're exposed to the weather. On the VA parts store they sell 'storm bungs', have you used these? Do you have to put these in every time the roof is up?
gjt01
Member
I’ve not noticed any issues with pooling water.
Yes, I have 2 large storm bungs for the front and one at the rear as I’ve cupboards along the other side. I put these in usually when the roof is up unless I’m pretty confident of no rain in the night.
Water will only get in gutters when roof is up. Refer to the other thread about gutters / frame bowing down and number of outlets (you need at least 6 outlets at base of gutter for them to drain effectively, and you can test if gutters (ie metal frame) bow down with long (1.5m) straight edge…from inside or outside). Whilst gutter outlet pipes run internally, main leaks happen due to water sitting against canvas…especially at rear…when roof up (lack of outlets and ponding in bowing frame)…noting if you’ve got cupboards and finishes below the leaks may not be visible as any drips could occur behind so concealed. You can also see if roof top ponds water from above when roof is down. I will post some photos.
Remains unresolved, and with no confirmation replacement would rectify defects, so after 12 stressful months of trying to progress a solution, now seeking full refund so we can get another installer to remove and replace with another roof system.
Try, test and fully check before you buy (noting we were sold the Horizon (HiLo) roof with most of these problems known by both installer and supplier…and only discovered by ourselves upon receiving and looking over).
Remains unresolved, and with no confirmation replacement would rectify defects, so after 12 stressful months of trying to progress a solution, now seeking full refund so we can get another installer to remove and replace with another roof system.
Try, test and fully check before you buy (noting we were sold the Horizon (HiLo) roof with most of these problems known by both installer and supplier…and only discovered by ourselves upon receiving and looking over).
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They can creak if the canvas hasn't been folded carefully enough.
I do get a bit of creaking as well. I find sometimes it's that the front and/or back tie downs might be a bit loose, so tightening those a little bit (obviously not over tightening them) reduces the creaking. Although it doesn't go away entirely.
Apart from the obvious of ensuring the canvas isn't trapped between frame and roof (front and sides), I was always told that, prior to engaging the front bolts and sliding the hatch cover into position, I should ensure the canvas looked liked a neat, flat envelope.
It's tricky to describe, so I can go out and get a pic later if required, but, essentially, you should aim to achieve a triangle of canvas pointing rearwards, with the canvas on each side tucked neatly above that triangle. If done correctly, you can then just press the triangle against the roof whilst sliding the hatch cover into place,
My canvas is still quite stiff, even after 3 years of use, so this does entail some vigorous canvas manipulation - both to form the triangle and especially to get the excess canvas at each side to fold above the triangle.
Thanks. I know what you're describing here, that's how I fold the canvas away each time on ours. There are also little tabs on the front and sides on the inside of our canvas that you can pull on to bring the canvas in a bit more when the roof is down, so it's as neat as possible before locking in the tie down bolts.
I still get a bit of creaking, after pulling in the canvas as much as possible, but I wouldn't say it's excessive creaking. I'd expect some to be honest, given the roof is now a separate part to van.
Thanks for your description though
Pretty sure that all pop top roofs creak; canvas, roof seal, bed board or bed board hinge. Eventually you’ll find away to resolve it, just a pity the converters can’t be arsed.
Just pretend your on an old sailing ship listening to the rigging.
Just pretend your on an old sailing ship listening to the rigging.
