The Four Best Pop Tops for Your Van Build (Pros and Cons)
For van lifers, adding a pop top to your van is a game-changer, whether you’re looking for extra headroom, sleeping space, ventilation, or like many of us—all of the above. With an array of options available, it's important to understand the features, benefits, and downfalls of each option. Plus the investment. We’re comparing Roofnest, Poprak, SCA, and Colorado Camper Van’s rooftop sleeping options so you can decide which one is best for your build.
Custom van build “Pops” featuring a Colorado Camper Van pop top on a 144” Sprinter 4x4
Roofnest
Roofnest is technically a roof top tent. However, we’re including them because they’re a great option in this realm. The system allows the top to extend vertically and fold down over the side or rear of the van when not in use. They come with a built-in foam mattress and offer excellent insulation and weather protection. A Roofnest can be transferred between vehicles, you don’t have to cut into your roof, and you can seasonally store them when not needed. However, most models of Roofnests don’t have room for bedding storage inside (just the mattress), are only accessible from outside your vehicle, and are not climate-controlled—you’re essentially sleeping in a [highly-durable] tent. But with an all-in price point of $4,000 which includes installation, with many options available, Roofnests are a great entry into pop tops.
Poprak
The Poprak features a clam-shell opening to provide additional headroom and a comfortable sleeping area. They are known for their simplicity and durability; designed to be lightweight, aerodynamic, and easy to set up, Poprak pop tops are ideal for those who frequently move locations. They offer interior access, spacious sleeping areas (fitting a double XL mattress), and are climate controlled. These conversions have efficient insulation and come with built-in windows, allowing for natural light and ventilation. One notable advantage of Poprak is its flexibility, as it can be installed on various van models. However, customization options are limited (no paint matching), this is a semi-permanent commitment requiring a square hole cut into the vehicle’s roof (which can be filled by a fan, air conditioner, or skylight if the pop top is ever removed), and there are headspace limitations with a clam-shell sleeping space. With an all-in price of $10,000, a Poprak pop top is a great option for those who want the ease, privacy, and climate control of interior access and who may move around a lot.
SCA Pop Top
SCA’s pop tops are renowned for their quality and attention to detail. They feature a robust and weather-resistant design, providing excellent insulation and protection against the elements as well as soundproofing. These pop tops offer extra interior headspace, interior access, are climate-controlled, and can be customized to be raised and lowered manually or upgraded to an electro-mechanical installation so your pop top opens with the push of a button. The SCA pop tops include windows with fly screens or plastic inserts for unobstructed views, integrated lighting, and ventilation options. This pop top is available for several chassis models, can be paint matched to seamlessly match your van, and provides a spacious sleeping area. However, headspace is limited because of the clam shell opening and these tend to be heavier than other conversions, which may impact fuel efficiency. SCA pop tops are also a permanent fixture on your vehicle and should be installed at the beginning of your van build since they require a large, rectangular hole cut in your van’s roof. At an all-in investment of $18,000 - $20,000 the SCA pop top is a high-end pop top installation providing ample sleeping space and ease of use.
Colorado Camper Van
Colorado Camper Van pop tops are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and customization options. They offer electrically-operated tops, interior access, climate control, optional paint matching, integrated USB charging system, integrated lighting, and multi-zip windows (black out, clear vinyl, and screen). Colorado Camper Van’s pop tops extend vertically, elevating the roof of your vehicle evenly rather than other clam shells. This provides the most headroom and sleeping space you can find in pop tops with additional storage space. They may also come with optional features such as solar panels or roof racks. However, these conversions are permanent, the largest pop top investment, and require professional installation at the beginning of your custom van build. At an all-in cost of $20,000 - $25,000, this is a luxury pop top providing craftsmanship, maximum space and headroom, and ease of use.
roofnest, POprak, sca, and colorado camper van pop top comparison
Here’s a quick comparison chart between these four pop top installations comparing the commitment you make integrating the pop top into your van build, access, features, custom options, and investment.
| Roofnest (Falcon Pro) | Poprak | SCA | Colorado Camper Van | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Reversible | Semi-permanent/ Reversible |
Permanent | Permanent |
| Installation | Added to roof bars | Square hole cut in roof | Large rectangular hole cut in roof | Entire roof replaced |
| Timing | Anytime | Anytime but best before finished build | Beginning of van build | Beginning of van build |
| DIY vs. Pro | DIY or VLC installation | DIY optional, VLC installation recommended | VLC installation but DIY finishing | Professional install and finish recommended |
| Access | Exterior | Interior | Interior | Interior |
| Added space | Double bed | Double XL bed | Double bed, more headspace at the foot of the bed | Double bed, maximum headspace |
| Climate-controlled | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paint-matched | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| All-in estimated cost | $4k | $10k | $18-20k | $20-25k |
Selecting the right pop top for your van is crucial for optimizing your van life experience. Roofnest offers a low investment and versatility, while Poprak provides a unique folding mechanism and mobility. SCA excels in quality and weather resistance, and Colorado Camper Van offers exceptional craftsmanship with maximal headroom and sleeping space.
Consider factors such as ease of use, insulation, customization possibilities, space desired, and budget when making your decision. It's recommended to identify your biggest needs and pain points, consult with experts like us, and chat with van lifers who have experience with the specific tops you’re considering. By weighing these factors, you can choose the van pop top that best aligns with your needs and the life you live on the road.