Which Pop-Top Roof to Buy for a VW Transporter (T5, T6 & T6.1)

The Problem

You need to choose a pop-top roof brand for your VW Transporter before booking an installation. You have seen options briefly at a show but remain undecided between several competing products, and one brand (Vanmax) became uncontactable, raising the question of how to weigh installer support, fit across T5/T6/T6.1 generations, cost, and long-term reliability.

Solution

1. Confirm generation compatibility first. Roof lip and gutter profiles differ between the T5, T6 and T6.1, so a roof cut and supplied for one generation will not always fit another without modification. Before ordering, tell the installer your exact model and build year and confirm in writing that the roof is designed for your generation. SWB and LWB also use different roof panels, so state your wheelbase too. (Confirm this applies to your specific T6/T6.1 build.)

2. See the roofs in person. Attend a VW camper event such as Camper Jam to view multiple roof types installed on real vans side by side before committing to a brand.

3. Contact Skyline North directly — they allow prospective buyers to visit the workshop, view roofs in production and test a finished example at their own pace. Skyline's large UK fitter network and warranty support are the main reasons multiple owners rate it the safest choice. When you visit or call, ask them to confirm the key specifications so you can compare like for like across brands: standing/headroom height when raised, bed platform dimensions and its load/weight rating, the roof's own weight (which reduces your remaining payload against the van's plated maximum), insulation type in the bellows/canvas, and whether the opening mechanism is gas-strut, scissor or manual. These figures vary by brand and model, so request them from each manufacturer rather than assuming they match. (Verify all dimensions, weights and load ratings with the manufacturer before ordering.)

4. Budget realistically. As a rough guide, a quality pop-top supplied and professionally fitted in the UK typically falls in the region of £2,000–£4,000 depending on brand, glazing, bed and finish, with extras such as a fully insulated bellows or an upgraded bed adding to that. Treat these as indicative only and get current written quotes from each installer, as prices change and the fit cost depends on your van. (Verify current pricing with each supplier before budgeting.)

5. Consider Vanmax with caution. The Vanmax design (reportedly now made by Halifax Camper Conversions) was praised for its low external profile, looks and quality. However, the manufacturer's current trading status could not be confirmed for this guide. Do not place an order or deposit until you have independently verified that the company is actively trading and can honour a warranty — check Companies House and confirm a working phone, address and recent customer fittings. If you cannot confirm this, choose an alternative.

6. Stealth is rated highly for external appearance and internal finish. Note that it uses an oval opening in the closed roof. Beyond the aesthetic point some owners raise, ask the installer how that aperture is sealed and reinforced — confirm the seal type and weatherproofing, drainage, and that the surrounding roof panel is adequately strengthened, so the shape is not just a styling choice but a properly sealed, structurally sound aperture. (Confirm sealing and structural detail with the installer.)

7. Storm from Camper Conversions is worth shortlisting, but weigh the evidence accordingly: it was recommended by a single satisfied owner with little supporting detail, which is weaker than the multi-owner consensus behind Skyline. If you consider Storm, ask for references, recent fittings to view, and the same specification and warranty details you would request from the other brands before deciding.