High top camper questions!

[Bema]

Hi All! I just “upgraded” from a minivan to a 2013 transit connect. I live in my van roughly 6 months/year, and am seriously considering putting a 12” high top on the van. I’m very interested to know if others in this community have done this!
 

What I’d most like to know from others who have a high top: 

 

I know the fiberine company in California does them, but does anyone know of another company? 
 

Can you stand up all the way inside now with the high top? I’m a pretty short person and would like to be able to stand
 

Did the high top affect your gas mileage? Or the way the car drives - does it feel less stable?
 

Also - were you able to install the vent fan or other things (roof box, solar) on top? Seems like the fiberglass has a curve that could be tricky. 
 

Overall, do you think the top was worth it?
 

Thanks for any insights!! 

[Fifty150]

Ask Skizo.

 

[sKiZo]

What is the tallest person that would be able to stand up all the way inside? I’m a pretty short person and would like to be able to stand. 

 

The top is domed  towards the center, and measures about 5½ feet height from the stock floor, centered between the side doors.
 

Did the high top affect your gas mileage? Or the way the car drives - does it feel less stable?

 

Never much cared about mileage, so can't help you there. Not much help on before/after stability either as I didn't drive it much before doing the topper. I will say I haven't noticed any stability issues. Was pleasantly surprised to find it still rides quiet - not bad for a van anyway.
 

Also - were you able to install the vent fan or other things (roof box, solar) on top? Seems like the fiberglass has a curve that could be tricky. 

 

Yes, the topper is domed, but no problem. The MaxxAir powered vent I eventually went with installs from inside, so just cut a square hole and push it up. Lock pins hold it in place, and the outer cover seals it up weather tight.

 

The powered vent is as far as I went. If you're into solar, I'd suggest a portable array. I've seen where folk just stash the panels in a rack inside and set them up when they get where they're going. If you decide on AC, Fiberine recommends the optional reinforcing to handle the load.

 

Overall, do you think the top was worth it?? 

 

Your decision depending on what you're doing with the van, Personally, I wouldn't be able to get in the back at all without it. I'm six foot and still have to crouch, but I can crouch comfortably. Moving around in the back is a whole lot easier, and bonus storage up top frees up a lot of floorspace. I consider it money well spent.

 

Worth repeating - the hardest part of the project was finding someone to do the work. Any body shop I checked refused to do the job due to potential liability issues from modifying the basic body structure. Lucky me, I found a friend of a friend with some mad customizing skillz.