The VW Transporter (T5, T6 and T6.1) is still the most popular van for a pop-top in the UK, with the widest choice of roofs and the strongest resale values, from £2,200 fitted. For a cheaper van that does the same job, the Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro and Peugeot Expert families take a pop-top from £2,400. The Ford Transit Custom sits in between, and large vans like the Fiat Ducato and VW Crafter can take a pop-top too.
Here’s how each van compares, and what to check before you buy one to convert.
Pop-top prices for every van
| Van | Pop-top from |
|---|---|
| VW Transporter VW Transporter T5 (2003–2015), VW Transporter T6 (2015–2019), VW Transporter T6.1 (2019–2024), New VW Transporter T7 (2025 on), VW Shuttle and Caravelle | £2,200 |
| VW Caddy Maxi VW Caddy Maxi | £2,550 |
| Ford Transit Custom Ford Transit Custom, 1st generation (2013–2023), Ford Transit Custom, 2nd generation (2024 on) | £2,550 |
| Ford Transit Mk7 Ford Transit Mk7 (2006–2014) | £2,550 |
| Renault Trafic & Vauxhall Vivaro Renault Trafic SWB (2014 on), Vauxhall Vivaro SWB (2014–2019), Nissan NV300 SWB (2016–2021), Nissan Primastar SWB (2022 on), Fiat Talento SWB (2016–2021) | £2,400 |
| Peugeot Expert, Citroën Dispatch, Toyota Proace & Fiat Scudo Peugeot Expert SWB (2016 on), Citroën Dispatch SWB (2016 on), Toyota Proace SWB (2016–2024), Fiat Scudo SWB (2023 on), Vauxhall Vivaro SWB (2019 on) | £2,400 |
| Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer & Citroën Relay Fiat Ducato (MWB and longer), Peugeot Boxer (MWB and longer), Citroën Relay (MWB and longer) | £2,550 |
| VW Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter & MAN TGE VW Crafter (MWB and longer), Mercedes Sprinter (MWB and longer), MAN TGE (MWB and longer) | £2,550 |
| Nissan NV400 Nissan NV400 | On request |
VW Transporter T5, T6 and T6.1
The classic choice. The roof opening is the same from the 2003 T5 to the last T6.1 in 2024, so there’s a huge choice of roofs, parts and accessories, and a pop-top Transporter holds its value well. Short-wheelbase roofs start at £2,200, and long-wheelbase roofs cost a little more. The downside is the price of the van itself: used Transporters cost more than rivals of the same age. VW Transporter pop-top prices.
VW Transporter T7 (2025 on)
The new Transporter is built on the same platform as the second-generation Ford Transit Custom, so it’s a very different van from the T6.1 underneath. It needs its own roof, which costs a little more than the T6.1 roof. It’s a good long-term choice if you’re buying new. T7 pop-top prices.
Ford Transit Custom
The UK’s best-selling van makes a great camper base: comfortable, roomy and easy to find used. The first-generation Custom (2013–2023) takes a pop-top from £2,550, and the 2024-on model has its own roof. If you have a long-wheelbase Custom, a short-wheelbase roof can be fitted but leaves a gap at the back, so ask to see photos first. Transit Custom pop-top prices.
Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro (2014–2019), Nissan NV300, Primastar and Fiat Talento
These are all the same van under different badges, so they all take the same roof, from £2,400. They’re usually cheaper to buy used than a Transporter, with a practical, boxy load area that suits a simple camper layout. Watch the Vivaro: models built from 2019 are a completely different van (see below). Trafic and Vivaro pop-top prices.
Peugeot Expert, Citroën Dispatch, Toyota Proace, Fiat Scudo and Vauxhall Vivaro (2019 on)
Another family of badge-engineered vans sharing one roof, from £2,400. They’re slightly lower and more car-like to drive than the Trafic family, and newer examples are good value. The 2019-on Vauxhall Vivaro belongs here, not with the Trafic. Expert and Dispatch pop-top prices.
VW Caddy Maxi
For a micro-camper that doubles as an everyday car, the Caddy Maxi takes a pop-top from £2,550. You get standing room to cook and a bed in the roof, in a van that fits anywhere a car does. It’s ideal for one or two people on weekends away. Caddy Maxi pop-top prices.
Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay
The UK’s favourite motorhome base. A high-roof Ducato already has standing room, so a pop-top on a large van is mainly about adding a proper bed above, freeing up the floor below. Roofs fit medium-wheelbase vans and longer, from £2,550 with scenic canvas included. Ducato, Boxer and Relay pop-top prices.
VW Crafter, Mercedes Sprinter and MAN TGE
Large vans can take either a full pop-top, from £2,550, or a fixed roof pod, from £1,900. The pod adds permanent extra height and storage without canvas. The MAN TGE is a Crafter under the skin, so it takes the same roofs. Crafter, Sprinter and TGE prices.
Ford Transit Mk7
An older (2006–2014) but cheap and tough base. A short-wheelbase roof costs £2,550. Check the roof carefully for rust before buying one to convert. Transit Mk7 pop-top prices.
What to check before you buy a van for a pop-top
- Wheelbase and roof height. Pop-tops are made for standard-roof vans. Check the roof is available for your exact wheelbase.
- Roof condition. Look for rust, dents, old holes and filler, especially where the roof will be cut.
- Payload. A pop-top, bed and conversion all add weight. A van with a healthy payload gives you more room to play with.
- What’s on the roof. Factory roof bars, air conditioning units or roof windows can complicate fitting.
- Passenger models. VW Shuttles and Caravelles take extra labour because of their factory interior trim.
- Finance. If you’re buying on finance, check the lender is happy with a permanent roof modification.
Not sure which roof is right for you? Read pop-top vs high-top, how much a pop-top costs and pop-top insurance and DVLA rules. Our guide to choosing a base van also covers van sizes in more detail.
Want a price for your van? Use the pop-top price calculator or send us your van details and you’ll get a confirmed price and fitting date, usually within 1–2 working days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best van for a pop-top roof?
The VW Transporter T5, T6 or T6.1, for its choice of roofs and resale value. The Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert families are cheaper alternatives that do the same job well.
Can you put a pop-top on a Ford Transit Custom?
Yes. Both generations of Transit Custom can take a pop-top, from £2,550 for the 2013–2023 model.
Can you fit a pop-top to a long-wheelbase van?
Yes, on many vans. VW Transporters have their own long-wheelbase roof. On a long-wheelbase Transit Custom or Mk7 Transit, a short-wheelbase roof can be fitted but leaves a gap at the back.
Can you put a pop-top on a Sprinter or Crafter?
Yes, on medium-wheelbase vans and longer. A fixed roof pod is another option on these vans.
Which Vivaro do I have?
Vivaros built from 2014 to 2019 share the Renault Trafic body. Vivaros built from 2019 share the Peugeot Expert body. They take different roofs.