Pop Roof, which one?

[LordGozer]

@Colinlp

This is the locking mechanism, one each side at the front. As simple as twist and push the roof up, all from inside the van. The clip you can see is essentially a fail safe system.

 

[xpfloyd]

@Ed Webb you can get the sliding closure panel with the sca too. I ended up downgrading to the start model so o have the velcro panel but the comfort model that I was supposed to get had the sliding panel.

 

[LordGozer]

I do see where your coming from, the SCA is easier to set up and does have uncountable amounts of good reviews but I like the low profile the Hilo offers and I rather like the idea a sliding board to cover the canvas at the front than a piece of Velcro cloth. I may change my mind when I see one in the flesh or even get one priced. But currently I'm intrigued.

Perhaps someone needs to design one with the best of both worlds. The sliding board is certainly a neater solution than the Velcro held material.

 

[Colinlp]

View attachment 10386 View attachment 10385

Does this help. One with the cover up and the other down showing how the roof comes down over the cab seats.

Yes I think so, is that a sliding panel at the front there to tidy the underside?

 

[Ed Webb]

I think I have a lot to learn here for choosing myself. I'm off to look at a potential conversion company on Thursday who are SCA fitters. I may pop down to Newport on friday to a Hilo fitters and see what they do and compare.

 

[LordGozer]

Yes I think so, is that a sliding panel at the front there to tidy the underside?

It's a length of material with Velcro on one edge that holds it up. It's an OK solution but I have seen neater solutions. From other posts it sounds like new versions have the sliding panel.

 

[T6 Dave's Dad]

@Ed Webb please post an update of your visits and your findings on the pros and cons of each and your opinion and decision on balance .

I realise that's asking a lot of you, and it might take more than one post, but it could prove invaluable research by a sole Forum Roving Reporter

 

[Ed Webb]

@T6 Dave's Dad No problem. We are all here to learn from each other and what I learn from all of you will far out weigh what I can bring to the table but will do my best. There aren't too many Hilo fitters near Hereford so will be choosing between a company in Newport called 'tanner body repairs' and Worcester called 'vandoc'

 

[xpfloyd]

I believe @drew_greenday is getting a Hilo fitted as we speak. He may be able to chime in once he gets his van back (apologies if I have got the wrong roof but I'm sure you said Hilo)

 

[T6 Dave's Dad]

@Ed Webb I believe Vandoc is a member and is well known and recommended . Thank you for taking that on for the members.

 

[Ed Webb]

@T6 Dave's Dad 'vandoc' it is then. Shall visit them next friday after a trip to Shrewsbury on thursday to a company called 'Bodans' who already have a few good reviews on here. I shall present my findings next weekend.

 

[T6 Dave's Dad]

@T6 Dave's Dad 'vandoc' it is then. Shall visit them next friday after a trip to Shrewsbury on thursday to a company called 'Bodans' who already have a few good reviews on here. I shall present my findings next weekend.

Member name is @Dean@VanDoc . If you look at the Events Area you'll find he will be at an event at Eastnor Castle later this month too.

 

[Pauly]

@T6 Dave's Dad No problem. We are all here to learn from each other and what I learn from all of you will far out weigh what I can bring to the table but will do my best. There aren't too many Hilo fitters near Hereford so will be choosing between a company in Newport called 'tanner body repairs' and Worcester called 'vandoc'

Van doc are a well known company with a great reputation, I have had the pleasure of meeting dean and a few of the guys at a show and he's a top bloke, you won't go far wrong there

 

[drew_greenday]

I'm getting an Austops @xpfloyd! Four weeks and counting!

 

[xpfloyd]

Ahh sorry, for the life of me couldn't remember the one you were going for then thought it was hilo

 

[Colinlp]

Question: On the SCA 194, where does the bed hinge from at the rear?

 

[xpfloyd]

They hinge from the rear of the cut out at original roof level

 

[Colinlp]

They hinge from the rear of the cut out at original roof level

Thanks, so the standing headroom advantage of the high lift is restricted by that then? Not that there won't be enough of course

 

[xpfloyd]

Correct, the advantage of a high lift is only in the sleeping area when the bed is down

 

[8balladdict]

Ok, I went and saw the HiLo guys at CamperJam yesterday and that's pretty much made my mind up. For me, the low profile on the outside means that you can't even tell it's got a pop top fitted, apart from the little HiLo logo at the front. Seriously good stuff from the outside. With the sliding board on the inside, it's very neat and tidy also. Pops up very easily and with the pan option, that's another few plus points. The only downside I can see, and it is a shame they can't fix it in a different way is the internal screw bolts but.....I'll live with that for the other benefits