Structural integrity of pop tops in LWB

BlakeyG

BlakeyG

New Member
Hi all, Hope someone can provide some clarification on the structural integrity of poptops, as this will be a one time installation and want to make sure I'm getting it right!
I have a LWB T6.1 4 motion, doing a little off roading, I'm concerned about the possible twist in the bodywork and have been looking at different designs, ideally with bi-folder bed. eg Skyline, Storm, Reimo, SCA.
At the moment Storm seems to be the favoured choice as tick all the boxes, but they appear to be only screwed in :/ and not riveted or bolted to main frame structure, maybe i'm wrong? Does anyone know if the Storm would be ok, or can anyone recommend any other design that is structurally strong. Or maybe I just being neurotic and over concerned :/
Any help would be much appreciated.
 
You might be getting a little neurotic and over concerned but that's pretty normal for most on here when it comes to their vans!
I have a 4mo LWB and also a bloody great hole in the roof where the Jerba pop top is fitted. Jerba are one of the few VW approved camper van outfits and as such they work to the VW modification manual (which might be in the VIP members section for download IIRC) so I was OK with them cutting my roof off.
For sure though the van isn't as stiff as it was before the pop top went in, but also that's a subjective view and I might be imagining it.
Accepting that it's a camper and not a sports car is an important part of the ownership experience even for someone like me who used to be involved in seam welding Escort and Sunbeam body shells.
You are right to do your diligence on the various types of pop top around as its an important and irrevocable change to your pride and joy.
 
Farnorthsurfer said:
You might be getting a little neurotic and over concerned but that's pretty normal for most on here when it comes to their vans!
I have a 4mo LWB and also a bloody great hole in the roof where the Jerba pop top is fitted. Jerba are one of the few VW approved camper van outfits and as such they work to the VW modification manual (which might be in the VIP members section for download IIRC) so I was OK with them cutting my roof off.
For sure though the van isn't as stiff as it was before the pop top went in, but also that's a subjective view and I might be imagining it.
Accepting that it's a camper and not a sports car is an important part of the ownership experience even for someone like me who used to be involved in seam welding Escort and Sunbeam body shells.
You are right to do your diligence on the various types of pop top around as its an important and irrevocable change to your pride and joy.
Click to expand...
Thanks for getting back to me so quick, just so many out there, difficult to choose. I've not looked at the Jerba, will give them a ganders, and if you have one fitted with your body work experience and no problems that's a good testament, cheers.
 
Also, regarding 'off-roading' in the LWB especially converted to a camper. The van is well heavy on its own especially the T32 4Mo and in my experience with all season M+S tyres the off tarmac capability is limited by the tyres not the drive system. If you are lucky or smart enough to have specified the diff lock its a little better but watch out on the slippy stuff as it will soon get a life and a direction of its own if it gets away from you!! :)
 
The van and bus stealth b2 roof uses a one piece composite tub to frame the roof. I have the earlier model bullet which uses the same tub design and I have not noticed any flex in the bodywork over the last 4 years.
Have a word with them and they will give you the full spec on their roof and how it is bonded to the van roof.
 
DJHJKH said:
The van and bus stealth b2 roof uses a one piece composite tub to frame the roof. I have the earlier model bullet which uses the same tub design and I have not noticed any flex in the bodywork over the last 4 years.
Have a word with them and they will give you the full spec on their roof and how it is bonded to the van roof.
Click to expand...
Yes like the idea of one piece frame, will do cheers.
 
Farnorthsurfer said:
Also, regarding 'off-roading' in the LWB especially converted to a camper. The van is well heavy on its own especially the T32 4Mo and in my experience with all season M+S tyres the off tarmac capability is limited by the tyres not the drive system. If you are lucky or smart enough to have specified the diff lock its a little better but watch out on the slippy stuff as it will soon get a life and a direction of its own if it gets away from you!! :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice, don't have the diff lock :/
 
I have a Westdubs roof on my LWB. I’ve found them to be a very honest and straightforward company to deal with. My suggestion is to give them a call and explain your needs. If they can do it, they will stand by their product if there’s a problem. They fit tops at the HQ (nr Worcester ), and do a meticulous job. Not the slimiest roof but definately solid.
Hope this helps
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top