If you've ever spent time in a campervan, you'll know that headroom can quickly make or break your vanlife experience. A high roof conversion isn't just a luxury, it's a lifestyle upgrade that transforms cramped quarters into a comfortable home on wheels. At Vanlifer, we've spent years fitting high roofs, and we've gathered a wealth of practical insights to help you choose and install the perfect high roof for your campervan.
Benefits of a High Roof Campervan Conversion
Increased Headroom
Standing upright inside your campervan significantly boosts your comfort and accessibility. Tasks such as cooking, dressing, or simply stretching out become effortless, making your vanlife adventure more enjoyable. An elevating campervan roof can provide this extra headroom when needed.
Expanded Storage Space
A high roof provides ample overhead storage opportunities. Whether it's extra cabinets, shelving, or even hidden compartments, a high roof ensures all your gear has its own dedicated space.
Better Air Circulation
Enhanced air circulation reduces condensation, improves indoor air quality, and makes your van more pleasant, especially during hot summers or damp winters. A pop-up roof can greatly enhance this aspect.
Enhanced Resale Value
A professionally installed high roof or van pop top can considerably boost your campervan's resale value, appealing to future buyers seeking comfort and convenience.
Popular High Roof Options
Fibreglass High Roofs
Fibreglass roofs, like those from Reimo, are lightweight, durable, and streamlined, offering excellent insulation and noise reduction. In New Zealand, Vanlifer and West Built RV are currently the only providers with their own fibreglass roof moulds, available for installation to the public. These fibreglass high roofs are very common in the rental industry. However, due to their complex installation processes and strict engineering certification requirements, they are not widely offered by many companies in New Zealand and Australia. Vanlifer simplifies this process by having our own mould and providing professional installations directly onto your van. Vanlifer specifically holds a mould for the Toyota Hiace but can also import and install Reimo fibreglass roofs for other van models on request.
Pros:
- Lightweight and strong
- Good insulation
- Customisable designs
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost
- Professional installation recommended for best results
Pop-Top Roofs
Poptops, available from companies like Reimo, offer the flexibility of maintaining your vehicle's original height while driving and expanding vertically when parked. Most pop top roofs, including those from S&S Campervans, need to be imported from overseas, as there are currently no manufacturers with poptop moulds in New Zealand. Vanlifer can import and professionally install these systems for you, including the full range of Reimo pop-tops. We can supply and fit pop top roofs for most van models on request.
Pros:
- Maintains vehicle aerodynamics
- Easier parking and driving
- Ideal for city use
Cons:
- Less insulation compared to fixed high roofs
- Requires regular maintenance to ensure functionality
DIY Roof Conversions
DIY options are tempting for those on a budget or with strong handyman skills. However, this is generally not recommended for high roof or pop-top conversions. Reimo and similar suppliers do not sell pop top kits directly to consumers, and cutting into your roof without engineering oversight can compromise the structural integrity of the van, potentially causing it to fail WOF and become legally unroadworthy.
These roof modifications must be installed by qualified professionals and checked by a certified engineer to meet safety and compliance standards.
High Roof Considerations
Considering a high roof install on your campervan? a high roof install by Vanlifer? Here are some important things to think about:
- Higher Standing Room: You'll be able to stand comfortably inside your van—ideal for cooking, dressing, or working.
- Permanent Modification: Once the high roof or pop-top conversion is installed, there's no going back. The vehicle is changed forever.
- Garage & Carport Clearance: If you regularly park in covered spaces, check your new height—it may no longer fit.
- Resale Value: Your resale value as a campervan will increase, but it will no longer be suitable for resale as a standard commercial work van.
- Fuel Economy: The added height may increase wind drag, slightly affecting fuel consumption.
- Roof Racks: Standard roof racks won't work on fibreglass roofs. Fibreglass is not rated for carrying loads unless a specific structural roof rack system is engineered.
- Seating Restrictions: You cannot legally install rear seats under a fibreglass high roof unless an internal roll cage or certified support frame is installed.
Maintenance & Longevity
Regularly inspect seals, fittings, and the fibreglass roof or pop up roof at least every six months. Pay close attention to cracks in the sealant and any signs of fatigue or damage in the fibreglass, as these can lead to leaks. Promptly repair minor issues to prevent water ingress and costly structural problems down the track. Cleaning the roof frequently also helps preserve its appearance and extend its functionality.
Cost Considerations
High roof and pop-top roof conversions must be carried out by professionals. These installations require structural modifications and must be signed off by a certified engineer. Cutting into the roof of a van without the correct methodology or certification can result in a vehicle that fails WOF and becomes unroadworthy.
Vanlifer Pricing (New Zealand)
- Toyota Hiace High Roof (Fibreglass): NZD $8,000–$9,000
- Includes fibreglass roof, internal carpet lining, and all legal engineering certifications
- Reimo Pop-Top Roof: Around NZD $10,000 installed
- Imported and installed by Vanlifer
Australian Suppliers
- Campervan Roof Conversions Australia: AUD $8,500 (approx. NZD $9,000) for pop top roofs, not including shipping or installation
- Reimo Australia: Offers poptop and high roof options for many models—typically require overseas ordering and professional installation
Overseas Suppliers
- Reimo (Germany): Supplies high-quality fibreglass and pop-top roofs worldwide but only to approved installers
- SCA & other EU suppliers: Offer a wide range of options, though import and certification costs can be significant
DIY options are not recommended. No legitimate supplier sells fibreglass roofs or pop-top kits for DIY installation due to the structural and legal risks involved.
Conclusion
Investing in a high roof conversion or van pop top can transform your campervan from simply functional to genuinely liveable. Whether you opt for fibreglass, poptops, or DIY, your adventures will be significantly enhanced by the extra space, comfort, and practicality a high roof provides.
At Vanlifer, we're always here to help guide your conversion journey. Feel free to contact us with questions or if you need professional advice for your high roof campervan project.
Need a Roof Conversion?
Vanlifer can professionally install a fibreglass high roof or pop-top roof on your Toyota Hiace, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Fiat Ducato. Whether you're after more headroom, storage space, or simply want a better vanlife setup, we've got the tools, moulds, and expertise to make it happen. Get in touch today to start your pop-top conversion journey.
FAQ: Campervan Roof Conversions
Can you stand on the roof of a campervan? Not on fibreglass high roofs—they are not designed to take weight and could be damaged.
How much weight can a camper roof hold? It is not recommended to add weight apart from solar panels and roof vents onto fibreglass high roofs.
Are they insulated? Yes, they can be lined with insulating carpet on the inside. Campervan Roof Conversions Australia also boxes out the metal structure and adds wood panels with insulation behind, although this reduces the internal space.
Are they waterproof? Yes—fibreglass is often used to make boats. As long as the roof is installed correctly, it will be completely waterproof.