- May 10, 2020
- 777
- 2,743
- Funster No
- 70,459
- MH
- Hymer ML-t 580 4x4
- Exp
- Getting there!
Still stuck at home and somewhat bored I decided to embark on a little DIY project...
The disadvantages of a pop-top in the winter are fairly obvious so I started researching demountable, insulated liner options.
I didn’t want to spend a huge amount of money as It’s not strictly necessary to use the pop-top in the winter as the van also has a transverse double bed in the rear.
A quick Google found a ready made solution from Isocamp priced at £396 … or the genuine Hymer kit at £447.
The Hymer solutions looks a bit more ‘finished’ but neither give access to all three windows / vents in the rood fabric.
I didn’t want to spend that kind of money for something which would rarely be used. I thought that it wouldn't be that difficult to make one apart from the fact that, I can’t use and have no access to a sewing machine.
After bit of research I found the insulated fabric used by Isocamp, cost £22 per linear metre for a 1.6m width.
I then made some paper templates of all four internal sides of the pop-top roof and calculated that a four metre length of fabric would be sufficient. I actually ordered five metres so I could make an internal blind for the front screen with the excess.
Instead of fabric edging I used silver duck tape, as it is almost the same shade of silver as the fabric so any imperfections aren’t particularly visible.
I wanted to be able to access the three windows / vents so I needed a way of folding back sections of the insulation. I pondered this for a while and then remembered you can buy self adhesive zips from the Decorating Supply shop. These are used for making openings in plastic sheeting used for masking up doorways when decorating.
It actually took ages to make as I had to keep double and triple checking my measurements before making any cuts. Making the templates for window openings and getting them to line up was particularly time consuming.
To hang the liner I used velcro strips, I may have to change this as I don’t think the bond is going to last between the velcro and the pop-top edging. The Isothem solution uses self adhesive magnetic strips, whilst the Hymer liner has magnetic fittings screwed into the pop top roof.
Project costings
It’s not quite as polished as the Hymer or Isocamp products but I feel it’s better in that you can access all the windows / vents.
Does it work? Yes, it’s noticeably better at holding the heat in the van during day time testing at 5 deg temperatures. However, I will be spending four nights in the van in Yorkshire later this week and it’s forecast to be -2 deg so I’ll soon find out!
Probably 12 hours work went into the job but, a saving of £230 - £280 v buying a ready made item plus a ‘free’ front screen cover and an insulated wine bottle sleeve!
More importantly it kept me gainfully employed for a couple of days!
The disadvantages of a pop-top in the winter are fairly obvious so I started researching demountable, insulated liner options.
I didn’t want to spend a huge amount of money as It’s not strictly necessary to use the pop-top in the winter as the van also has a transverse double bed in the rear.
A quick Google found a ready made solution from Isocamp priced at £396 … or the genuine Hymer kit at £447.
The Hymer solutions looks a bit more ‘finished’ but neither give access to all three windows / vents in the rood fabric.
I didn’t want to spend that kind of money for something which would rarely be used. I thought that it wouldn't be that difficult to make one apart from the fact that, I can’t use and have no access to a sewing machine.
After bit of research I found the insulated fabric used by Isocamp, cost £22 per linear metre for a 1.6m width.
I then made some paper templates of all four internal sides of the pop-top roof and calculated that a four metre length of fabric would be sufficient. I actually ordered five metres so I could make an internal blind for the front screen with the excess.
Instead of fabric edging I used silver duck tape, as it is almost the same shade of silver as the fabric so any imperfections aren’t particularly visible.
I wanted to be able to access the three windows / vents so I needed a way of folding back sections of the insulation. I pondered this for a while and then remembered you can buy self adhesive zips from the Decorating Supply shop. These are used for making openings in plastic sheeting used for masking up doorways when decorating.
It actually took ages to make as I had to keep double and triple checking my measurements before making any cuts. Making the templates for window openings and getting them to line up was particularly time consuming.
To hang the liner I used velcro strips, I may have to change this as I don’t think the bond is going to last between the velcro and the pop-top edging. The Isothem solution uses self adhesive magnetic strips, whilst the Hymer liner has magnetic fittings screwed into the pop top roof.
Project costings
- 5m fabric £122 inc PnP - Harrison Trim Supplies
- 3 Zips £20 inc PnP - Decorating Supplies
- Velcro £10 - Amazon
- Duct Tape £5 - Amazon
- Suction caps for front screen £7 - Amazon
It’s not quite as polished as the Hymer or Isocamp products but I feel it’s better in that you can access all the windows / vents.
Does it work? Yes, it’s noticeably better at holding the heat in the van during day time testing at 5 deg temperatures. However, I will be spending four nights in the van in Yorkshire later this week and it’s forecast to be -2 deg so I’ll soon find out!
Probably 12 hours work went into the job but, a saving of £230 - £280 v buying a ready made item plus a ‘free’ front screen cover and an insulated wine bottle sleeve!
More importantly it kept me gainfully employed for a couple of days!
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