If you’re considering a versatile camper van for road trips, weekend escapes, or full-time van life, you’ve likely encountered the choice between a VW pop top camper and a high top van. This listicle breaks down the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each to help outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and van life beginners decide which style fits their needs and lifestyle.
1. What Is a VW Pop Top Camper?
A VW pop top camper is typically based on classic Volkswagen Transporter models, like the T2, T3, or the more modern T6.1, featuring a roof that can be manually or electrically raised to create extra headroom and sleeping space. This design preserves the compact footprint of the van while offering a cozy elevated bed, making it ideal for those who want an iconic, nimble camper with a heritage feel.
2. What Defines a High Top Van?
High top vans are vehicles with permanently raised roofs, often factory-installed or professionally converted on models like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster. The high roof provides full standing height throughout the interior, allowing for more spacious living quarters, better cabinetry options, and enhanced comfort during extended stays inside the van.
3. Space and Headroom Comparison
VW pop tops provide limited standing room only when the roof is popped up, usually creating about 4-5 feet of headspace. This means you can stand or move comfortably only when parked and with the top extended. In contrast, high top vans offer full standing height around 6 feet or more, enabling easier movement, cooking, and living without needing to extend or collapse a roof.
4. Sleeping Arrangements
The pop top camper’s elevated bed is typically a fold-out mattress in the lifted roof section, comfortably sleeping two people above the main living space. The lower area often converts into an additional bed or seating. High top vans usually feature fixed beds or convertible setups on the floor level, sometimes with additional loft beds or fold-away options, offering more flexibility but at the cost of losing the iconic pop top sleeping experience.
5. Driving and Parking Practicalities
VW pop top campers are generally lower in height when the roof is down, making them easier to drive under low bridges, park in standard garages, and maintain better aerodynamics. High top vans are taller and may require more cautious route planning due to their permanent height, but they often provide better visibility and more interior space for longer trips.
6. Fuel Economy and Performance
Classic VW pop tops, especially older air-cooled T2 and T3 models, tend to have less efficient engines, lower horsepower, and higher emissions compared to modern high top vans like the Sprinter or Transit with turbo diesel or gasoline engines. Newer VW T6.1 models improve on this but still generally lag behind the fuel economy and power of contemporary high top vans designed for commercial use and long-distance travel.
7. Customization and Conversion Options
Pop top campers often come as factory-built conversions from companies like Westfalia, or can be custom retrofitted by specialists, but their compact size limits extensive build-outs. High top vans offer a broader canvas for custom conversions, from full kitchens and bathrooms to solar power systems and large water tanks, allowing for more self-sufficient travel setups.
8. Cost and Availability
Classic VW pop tops, especially vintage models, tend to be more expensive due to their collectible status and limited availability. Newer pop tops like the VW California are premium-priced. High top vans, while sometimes costly depending on brand and conversion level, are generally more accessible in various price ranges and easier to find new or used, given their popularity in commercial and recreational markets.
9. Maintenance and Reliability
Older VW pop tops require more frequent maintenance and mechanical knowledge due to their age and simpler engineering, but parts and communities are widely available for support. Modern high top vans benefit from current automotive technology, better reliability, and dealer service networks, though repairs can be more expensive for complex diesel engines or advanced electronics.
10. Iconic Style and Community
The VW pop top camper carries an iconic, nostalgic appeal rooted in the 1960s and 70s counterculture, attracting enthusiasts who value style and heritage. High top vans appeal to a broader audience focused on practicality and modern comforts, with a growing community of van lifers embracing these as the future of mobile living.
How to Choose
Choosing between a VW pop top camper and a high top van depends on your priorities: if you want a compact, vintage-style camper with a unique pop-up roof for occasional standing room and a classic vibe, a VW pop top is ideal. If you prioritize full standing height, modern amenities, more living space, and easier maintenance for long-term travel, a high top van is the better choice. Consider your budget, travel frequency, desired comfort level, and how much customization you want when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a VW pop top camper be driven with the roof up?
No, the pop top roof must be lowered before driving as it is not secured for road travel and increases wind resistance significantly.
Q: Are high top vans harder to drive than pop tops?
High top vans are taller and may require more attention to clearance, but modern models have driver aids that make them manageable. Pop tops are generally lower and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Q: Which camper is better for winter travel?
High top vans usually offer better insulation and heating system options, making them more comfortable for cold weather compared to most pop top campers.
Q: Is it difficult to find parts for vintage VW pop tops?
While vintage parts can be more challenging, there is a strong aftermarket and enthusiast network that supports restoration and maintenance.
Q: Can I install a bathroom in a VW pop top camper?
Due to limited space, most VW pop tops do not have built-in bathrooms, whereas high top vans can accommodate compact wet baths or portable toilets more easily.
Q: How much does a new VW California pop top cost compared to a Sprinter high top?
The VW California starts around $70,000 MSRP, while a high top Sprinter van conversion can range widely, from $50,000 for a base model to over $150,000 for fully customized builds.
Final Thoughts
Both VW pop top campers and high top vans offer unique advantages depending on your travel style and needs. The pop top camper is perfect for those seeking a classic, compact, and charming vehicle with a distinctive look and feel. Meanwhile, high top vans provide more spacious, practical, and modern living environments suited for longer trips and full-time van life. Assess your priorities carefully to pick the camper that will best enhance your adventures on the road.
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