Swb T6 which Pop Tops And Windows

[Gigi M]

Hi guys, I'm new on the block and my head is already exploding with designs and maths. I'm chuffed to bits with the drive and next is to make it more habitable in all weathers. On the outside, steels + grabbers before winter. But on the inside, to Pop top or not to pop top is the question. Hilo, Bilbo, Reimo.... which one?? Do they all have problems? Which is best quality and good value? And windows, which ones? VW ones look nice as are flush but seem expensive vs after market ones so I wonder if they're worth it. I am planning to put opening windows on the side panels as had a hairy time crossing a dual carriageway the other day and couldn't see a thing.

 

[TitanCamper]

Agree about the window on the side door at least. I recently bought an older T5 lwb van and drove to my first junction to realise I couldn't see to the left! I've changed my angle of approach at junctions now but managed to source a second hand VW opening window from a friend in the trade so will hopefully get this fitted soon. I think VW ones are ok as long as you follow the helpful drain clearing steps that someone kindly detailed on here recently.

 

[Gigi M]

Thank you for tips on that. The VW look good for sure however I am now thinking that spending less on windows will give me more for something else so might go for another brand. Do you know anything about those which camper glass make?

 

[Eclipse Custom Vans]

For roofs go with SCA, REIMO or Skyline as these are best out there in my opinion. Windows, yes OEM are nice and flush but can have problems. For us, we dont want probems with windows so never fit VW unless the customer specifies them. Also the VW windows are not as dark as aftermaket and the cut out is more time consuming to do for OEM. The potental to leak is the biggest off putting issue for us.

Rgds
Ian

 

[Gigi M]

Thank you for the nod to other pop tops. I am still tempted by the Hilo I think for general stealth look.
Now I will go for aftermarket windows but have to decide on whether the look of dummy windows on the rear panel would be good AND if to put windows in the barn doors. Barn door issue brings up the question of heat loss in winter as a down side, and the upside of having a bit more viewing out the back of the van which could, at some times, be handy. Decisions decisions.