subject: Motorhome Types - High Tops [print this page] Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, delivered to the marketplace by many manufacturers in many countries. These vehicles however are generally categorised as either a panel van (vehicles that use the original body of the van) or a coach built (using a purpose built habitation area, mounted on a suitable chassis).
Panel vans make excellent base vehicles for motor homes, but headroom is the biggest challenge that they face. Many fixed roof panel vans do offer generous headroom and the elevating roof panel van is designed specifically to increase vertical space in a panel van. Another modification of the panel van is the high top, where the original roof of the panel van is replaced using a moulded extension unit. This replacement roof is usually manufactured using glass reinforced plastic GRP, that is light weight and maintains a good vehicle balance, preventing a top heavy feel when driving. In fact the driving characteristics and fuel economy are usually not affected in the least by the conversion of panel van to a high top one.
The spaciousness and feeling of ample headroom is a feature of the high top vehicle compared to its fixed roof or elevating roof sibling vehicles. Many high tops include windows in the roof, which increase the open feel of the high top vehicle. An additional feature of the high top, is that many manufacturers will take a customers base vehicle flat panel van and install the GRP roof moulding on it. The vehicle is then an ideal candidate for a self build enthusiast to fit out the interior for their personal needs.
The High Top Motorhome does come with some disadvantages. Like all motor homes based on the flat panel van, bedding tends to be rearranging the seating cushions and pillows. This is not always the most comfortable. Heat loss through the single glazed windows is a feature. Some models are surprisingly expensive for a vehicle of its size. Despite the spaciousness, the vehicle is often short on room, as its based on a relatively small footprint.
Alternatively on the plus side, the vehicle drives well, handles well, is fuel economic and is usually small enough to be comfortable in city driving. For a motor home based on a panel van, there is considerable height and a spacious feeling inside. Most of these type vehicles have large side sliding doors allowing good access to the interior. These are ideal vehicles to do your own motor home creation and often can be started at a minimal cost.
