WHY WE LOVE POP TOP CAMPER VANS
What Is a Pop Top?
If you’re exploring van life or considering a camper conversion, you’ve likely come across the term pop top. But what exactly is it—and why do so many van owners swear by it?
At Peace Vans, pop tops are one of our favorite upgrades for maximizing space, comfort, and versatility in a camper van. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Pop Top on a Camper Van?
A pop top is a collapsible roof that lifts to create a second sleeping area above your van. When closed, it sits flush with the roof for easy driving. When opened, it transforms into a tent-like space with fabric walls and screened windows.
Our pop tops feature:
Large screened windows (one fixed)
A spring-form bed with a comfortable 2-inch mattress
Built-in USB outlets for charging devices on our Mercedes Metris
Think of it as a built-in rooftop tent—without the hassle of setup or storage.
Why Choose a Pop Top Camper Van?
Pop tops are all about versatility. They allow you to keep your van compact and driveable while adding valuable living and sleeping space when parked.
Key benefits:
Sleep up to four people comfortably
Maintain a low driving height
Add standing room inside the van
Create separation between sleeping and living areas
Whether you’re traveling with family or just want more room to spread out, a pop top gives you flexibility without sacrificing drivability.
How much height does a pop top add to the van?
One of the biggest advantages of a pop top is that it keeps your van relatively low-profile.
Standard height: ~77 inches
With crossbars: ~81 inches
With lift kit + tires: up to ~84 inches
Check out our lift kit or all-terrain tires
This height is ideal for navigating everyday driving and importantly for Washington travelers, it typically qualifies for standard vehicle rates on the Washington State Ferries.
Do You Need a Pop Top If Your Van Already Has a Bed?
Short answer: yes—if you want more flexibility.
Even in compact vans like the Mercedes-Benz Metris & ID Buzz, a pop top allows you to comfortably sleep up to four people:
Two in the lower bed
Two in the pop top
But even for solo travelers or couples, a pop top adds value:
Raise the bed platform for extra headroom
Use the lower area for storage or lounging
Keep bedding set up above while using the main cabin
It transforms your van from a tight sleeping space into a more open, livable environment.
How Do Pop Tops Perform in Bad Weather?
Pop tops are built to handle real-world conditions. We frequently encounter rain here in the Pacific Northwest, so we’re often asked how the pop top handles it. We’ve found that its water-resistant fabric holds up very well in the rain, but we recommend airing it out after completing a trip.
Rain: Water-resistant fabric holds up well in wet weather
Wind: It has a wind rating of 35 miles per hour–it should be put down for anything stronger than that.
Snow: Some of our customers are avid skiers who camp in snowy conditions often. We do recommend closing the pop top if snow starts accumulating on top to ensure it doesn’t exceed the weight limit.
While no setup is completely weatherproof, pop tops perform significantly better than traditional ground tents—and with proper care, they hold up for years.
If you’re frequently camping in these conditions, check out our 20 tips for camping in the rain.
Pop Top vs. Ground Tent: Which Is Better?
In most situations, a pop top offers clear advantages over a traditional tent.
Durability
Pop tops use heavy-duty materials and avoid wear from rocks, roots, and rough ground. Ground tents can often get holes from being set up on sharp rocks, which is not a concern for a pop top tent.
Comfort
With a built-in mattress, you don’t need to search for flat surfaces or pack extra sleeping gear. Our pop tops come with a spring-form bed with a 2-inch mattress, which is exceptionally comfortable. It’s also easier to stay warm in a pop top while your Webasto heater works magic in the Metris.
Convenience
Set up takes seconds—no poles, no stakes, no hassle.
Safety
Sleeping elevated adds an extra layer of security, especially in remote areas. Washington is relatively safe regarding wildlife, but a pop top provides an extra safety layer when camping in bear country.
Additional amenities:
Our pop tops can be set up within a matter of seconds, so you won’t have to deal with setting up tent poles or packing everything up in bags.
When you put the bed platform up, there’s more headroom and living space inside your van.
The pop top allows you to convert your van from a daily driver to a roomy camper in a matter of seconds.
Allows you to connect with the outdoors and have a more authentic camping experience than you would in a large RV.
Why Choose a Pop Top from Peace Vans?
At Peace Vans, we’ve built our reputation on quality, craftsmanship, and experience.
With over 1,000 camper vans completed—including extensive work on the Mercedes-Benz Metris platform—our team understands what it takes to build a reliable, high-performing camper. And now we’re putting that same quality on the VW ID Buzz.
We’re more than a small shop—we’re a team of builders, designers, project managers, and outdoor enthusiasts who care deeply about getting you on the road with confidence.
What sets us apart:
Proven experience and trusted craftsmanship
Thoughtful, functional designs
Transparent process from start to finish
A passion for helping people explore
We are incredibly passionate about what we do and want to get you on the road with your pop top camper van as soon as possible. Click the links to learn more about our conversion styles for the VW ID Buzz and Mercedes Benz Metris, and our team will help you make the best decision.
