I know you released this yesterday on April 19 but I waited to watch...seemed like 4/20 was a better day to learn about high tops. Anyway, informative rundown, and the rack turned out great.

Especially living in it full time I definitely think the high top is the way to go. Seems more comfortable, secure, insulated, convenient, etc.

Id agree with you the high top would be my pick. Heat retention, no water/mold issues, longer lasting, standing room all the time. Nice upgrade for your van.

Better to live on your feet than die on your knees. Be strong, be courageous, long live the VanLife 🌈✨🌎

I can't imagine that the high top is really hurting the gas mileage, and the pop-top would've been miserable in the wind you mentioned at the start of the video. I think you made the right choice.

I'm with you on this one the high top is much more durable and sturdy. Also I wouldn't fee safe with fabric sides.

Dude you're roof rack looks awesome

For what you do, you absolutely made the right choice for yourself and us viewers because that high top is cool. Certainly got my attention !

Some things I hadn’t thought about with a pop top. The knees of the pants problem was an eye opener!

I think the hightop looks awesome. I personally would not want a pop-up, but like you said, that's just me. My main concern would be the heat lost and the fabric.

I only have experience with a pop-top, so maybe I'm prejudiced... When traveling the back country on rough roads with a steep side-angle, this experience can be alarming. On such occasions I am glad to have a low center-of-gravity pop-top.

You did the right thing. Canvas eventually wears out. Plus you can insulate the top a lot better.

Jason, your channel is really ideal. It has it all. You're straight to the point and you cover all the bases. My bride and I watch all your videos. Your photography skills show and we appreciate that. Keep up the great work.

New drinking game... anytime Jason says "on your knees" take a shot of Pendleton ! Haha.

Great video. Let me add, that from experience the weight of an added solar panel array on a pop top requires upgraded gas struts to lift the roof on a pop top. Also, getting the wires to the solar panels to fold properly when lowering a pop-top roof requires a bit of ingenuity.

Jason I think you made the right decision. I have a high top van and love being able to stand up in it all the time.

Dude...The location is so beautiful that it almost looks like CGI! Nice! A pop-up is definitely the best for us weekend warriors! I can definitely see the pros for a high top for van-lifers like you. Beautiful scenery. I would love to make it out to your neck of the woods some day.

You sure have built that thing into one absolute killer exploration vehicle! Awesome stuff Jason!

The layout of the van is also crucial. I own a 4x4 Sportsmobile with a pop-top and a lengthy bench. This setup allows me to accomplish numerous tasks while seated on the bench without having to pop the top, rarely needing to be on my knees. Furthermore, I can sleep on the expanded bench for stealth camping or during harsh weather conditions without popping the top. The low profile, adaptability, and significant additional space provided by the pop-top make it highly enjoyable. I only live in my van for a week or two at a time during trips. I concur with Jason that a high-top van is more convenient for full-time van lifers.

I've managed to live with the roof on my GMC Savana for two years but I certainly see the advantages of the high top. Your van looks awesome and the railings around the rooftop provide a nice esthetics to the roofline.

More cooking and camping instead of equipment discussions, please. Thanks!

My friends and I bought an old, used, Chevy Box van back in the 90's. We rebuilt it to be our MX bike hauler. Room for 5 MX bikes in the back with a full slide out ramp. A tool bench. A space behind the front seats to chill. Bench seats with lift up lids to store your gear bags in.. We did some serious racing. All the west coast AMA Nationals... Not the Pro Class.. All the classes compete. Red White and Blue.. Team A&R Racing. We all rode Hondas. Two Stroke 250's and 500's. I bought a brand new 1990 Honda CR250R back then for less than $3000.

Of course right choice love it

Nice exoskeleton rack but placement of the solar panel in the front could make it vulnerable for low limbs or bird strikes

Your high top looks really great...the only way to go...beautiful camp spot...thx Jason

I installed carpet for 35 years I wore out some jeans😂

I hope to see a detailed video of your roof rack. I'm curious about the design. There are not a any videos on KZfaq showing a style like yours. Look good . Another good video.

The new roof rack looks great. I've always liked high tops over pop-ups. Your vans set up awesome.

We get it Jason..... You don't like to crawl around! Lol. The van is looking good brotha. Cheers!

You spend the bulk of your time living in your rig. A permanent hi top makes the best sense for you. If you just do weekend camping maybe a popup is a better choice. I like that exoskeleton rack.

Hey Jason with the set-up you have I tell you it looks awesome what I like about it is you have the solar panels on top which helps a lot you don't have to take them out and put away unless in stream conditions you can use portable ones, if I had to decide I will go with high top nice job be safe🙏🙏🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️

All perfectly valid points. I would/will make the same decision.

Awesome camping spot!

Fabric shelter sucks, except where portability is priority. The video left out a couple of points. A fabric pop up has a relatively short lifespan for an avid camper. Secondly, fabric provides near zero security. Anyone can slice open your shelter with a pocket knife. So if you frequently leave camp to go hiking, fishing... do you leave it popped up? I agree, the height restriction of a high top van (especially lifted 4x4) is a major deal breaker for some. After 40+ years of tent camping we retired and switched to a solid off-road teardrop:) I really like the point about "personal pros and cons". I also like the awning. We have thar feature with optional zip in walls for rough weather.

I’m with you I agree with the hightop by the way it looks great

100% right call. For me the only reason to go poptop is if I have a height restriction. Other then that high top all the way. I assume the high top is better insulated as well

Your right on. Hard top is the way to go. I have a van and considering it.

Right on. To each their own. I'd hightop mine in a heartbeat but my parents driveway, i got low clearance. arrrggg lol.

Ditto on the high top! no flapping noise from the wind, even a little flapping noise is a little too much. But also, the van interior has to look of a cabin. I can't tell if your interior is cedar or juniper or something else but either way it looks very nice.

A big problem with pop tops is heat retention. Due to the big side openings and fabric, a heater will have difficulties heating the place and AC will have difficulties cooling it down.

I don't think you mentioned that one pro of the pop top is that it significantly reduces frontal area while driving down the highway, which can offer a significant improvement in fuel economy. Also, when you mentioned that pop tops have the bedding arrangement shown at 4:47, you could also configure a permanent high-top configuration that way as well. Also, another con of pop tops is that it's difficult or impossible to mount much of anything to them as you can with a high top. You might get away with a lightweight solar panel and vent system (maybe), but a rack system like you have and the ability to store anything on top is pretty much out with a pop top.

If I were about to build out a van, this video would be helpful! Thanks for sharing your viewpoints.

High top is a no brainer!

When I settled on a high top Sprinter over a sportsmobile (to live in) was in wind I didn’t want anything flapping around like a tent. Love the content…. Thanks ❤

I thought the van looked great before the rack, looks amazing with it as well. Can't wait to see you around town to check it out. 🤩

I've had both pop top and current high top Syncro. For me the high winds in Scotland and easy park up/set up is ideal for me. I can store bedding etc up top. Nice westfalia arrangement. Love your van and set up, really enjoy the videos. 👍🏻

Great advice, independent decision.

As I noted in previous video comments you are correct it is all personal preference and how one uses their particular van in for what use. Glad to see The comparison

Excellent advice and the van’s looking great.

Both are cool, but for full time living I think you made the right choice. Good for you. 🤩

I grew up camping in a 1977 GMC Vandura up here in BC. Went across Canada many times, down to California, Lombard St too Guess we sold it way way too early.

Beautiful video; thank you!

You have great setup with that van. I think youll love the hard top. You dont have ro mess with all the mechanical of the poptop

I see you taking advantage of the seasonal range closure being over 😆 gotta make it back up to that area to explore more soon.

A couple weeks ago I saw a van, Ford, identical finish to yours with a white high top pulling a trailer heading east on I80 through Iowa.

Looks like Lake Billy Chinook above Perry South campground.

Excellent points as always. I live vicariously through your videos, wish I could camp more often. 😊

love the hightop!!!

Totally agree with info, this vid is great for people who don't know anything about the difference between the two, your van is totally built for your lifestyle now, I know you'll enjoy it better now coz its much easier👊

As always great video Jason! Happy everything worked out thus fare with your awsome van build.

Congratulations looks great

Jason, this was a very well articulated comparison of the two options. Nice job! Onward!

Agree entirely , we all hone our own particular needs with regards to camping set ups .

I am a fan of the high top over the pop top for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. The lower height of the pop top does help with fuel efficiency but then if you are in a van you are pretty much driving a brick anyways and fuel economy is a bit further down the list of concerns. Glad you like it Jason, I think it looks good both inside and outside. Curious about the metal rack system you have on there, did you make it or is it an offering from Wasatch?

Great review and comparison! (Even though I watched at first because I was interested in the 279batwing!)

Yeah your rite ,,,I'd rather have what you got im pretty sure the heat is good with that enclosure..

HIGHTOP 110% ALL PLUS !!!!!!!!!!

The van looks great with the awning on and deployed! 👍

Have you covered with your toilet setup? You have a truly beautiful build in your van.

looks like you've got your set up dialed in really well! love it!

High top for sure when living in it as you do. Love it. So functional and convenient. Gives me more to think about. I'll be in Bend this weekend and will be keeping my eye out for your rig!!!

Comfort level unmatched!, but wheeew them high tops arent near as sexy as the original body lines😂...big susan coming down the trail lol

I like you, live in my vehicle full time. Also I spend winter months in the high deserts of Oregon, and Idaho. When I built my shell I keep it low because of the winds we commonly get, would eat a pop up tent in no time.because my vehicle sits up high I also carry 4 pieces of roofing metal to wrap around the base of the vehicle in the winter. Sure helps keeping the floor warmer.

Beautiful

Well Said on the video😊

Hello Jason!

I just bought a Jackery 1500 with two 100 watt panels through Costco for $1599. Normal price is $2399. Killer deal. It was only available online since my local stores did not carry it/stock it regionally. No sweat. Got it in 6 days.

I always wanted a pop-top Sportsmobile, found a hightop version and never looked back. Can literally pull over, climb in back and take a nap. Done! Down side, I have really bad rust at junction of hightop and front of van above windshield. Not sure how to fix it. AND, my hightop seems to be better insulated than the van.

I'm in the process of saving up for a hightop for my VW T5 lwb, I totally agree with all of what you say, Hello from here in Scotland.

I just a Hihg-Top on my Astro AWD

Living since Years fulltime with Poptops, biggest Con is heating in Wintertime and the Mechanics, the other things are ok. I drive so many times deep in the Woods in Europe and Afrika, i can't do this with a Hightop. Tried it before 2 Years, was really frustrating. There is always a Compromise.

i prefer a pop up top. less wind drage and lower clearance while driving

I really enjoyed this video, the camper van looks beautiful!

Nice upgrade. I bought a 1990 G20 Chinook high top, a touch higher than yours... just because I didn't like trying to put on trousers in my Safari. I got it cheap and put in a new motor and transmission and other things and been restoring it... 15 mpg too ... which might edge up as miles are put on. I like the rack set up ... without harming the integrity of the fiberglass.

Excellent analysis. As someone who tried to sleep through 30-40 mph winds in a tent on a beach last month, I can say it was maddening. Plus: if you are in bear country - especially grizzly - a pop-up may not be allowed in certain areas at certain times. (What’s peace of mind worth?)

I have a pop top and wish I had a high top. Got my eye on a airstream B190 big top. On my pop top I just lift the front up and have it up on a angle on short stops.

Great video Jason. Good pros and cons for both.

Well your vans come along real nice I like it. 👍🎉🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🥃🥃

I sleep better in a hard top. Quieter and warmer with the insulated top.

I really like your setup; but, I wonder if you will ever add the (as I call them) wing kick outs on each side so that you can lay across the van? I guess that if you always travel by yourself then it is not needed. I just feel that with the High Top that you added that the wings would balance the look so that it does not blare out that your vehicle is extremely tall.

General area you are camped at? So happy that you can stand now! I have a 7x14 converted cargo trailer because I must stand!

I really like the rack. I would love to get one on my pickup cap. I have 22 inch lifters and I would like to add a rack to it.... I have been thinking about this for a few years. Upon seeing your rack, I was like this is what I need.

Vans looking awesome 👍

great video glade to see a list of both con and pro for both, i thought that pop up it could be used as second bed. now that you have it all done it looks very nice

I've built several vans over my lifetime and, in every case, after a few months of use, I was wishing I had put in a high top. As your body gets more wear and tear on it the constant crouching and bending become beyond annoying. I imagine it would be an order of magnitude worse if I were living in the van full-time. At this point, for me, just climbing in and out all the time is annoying. 😃

Some areas will not allow you to camp with soft sides do to bear.

As you said, there are ads and cons. Having a high top it’s more convenient. Jason I know that you don’t want to share the location your are in, but at least give me an approximate location on that beautiful views you are in in this video, please

👍

Jason, I enjoyed the video. Will you be doing your engine rebuild and transmission install anytime soon? Cheers, Mate.

👍👍