Is a Pop Top Camper Van Worth It?

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Hey everyone! I’m Nate. I live the van life full time out of a Nissan NV200 self built camper conversion. In this video I discuss my pop top camper van and give an 18 month review of the NV200. Please like, subscribe, and feel free to ask any questions below!
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[@kawaiisenshi2401]

5:35 is where he begins talking about pop top in camper vans :)

[@gabrielluiscontreras9188]

Thanks :)

[@mism2897]

You're a Queen for this.

[@dianaharvey6066]

I also have this van because of you, Nate. I live near gtrv ( bay area) and had the pop top installed, solar, and the weekender. I travel alone and discovered later, i did not like the weekender version, since the bench that folds out into a huge bed took much room. I took out the bench seat (sold it back to Mark, Gtrv) and my passenger seat. Where the passenger seat was is where my Alpicool freezer/fridge sits. I made my bed out of a 5 shelf plastic shelving unit (being mindful of weight). Using only 2 shelves butted and 8 legs. I store 3 large clear bins underneath. This bed set up gives me lots of clearance on the side to walk. I use the space inside the pop top to store so much! It's like a large rocket box. I installed 4 windows and the fantastic fan with the help of my uncle, who has the tools. Ive been to Death Valley, southwest, Baja, Mx. Currently, im on a month road trip. A few weeks ago, I left Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and now in Grand Teton, Wyoming. I've had so many people stop me asking if they could check it out inside. All are impressed. Nissan nv 200 has it going on! I can get 30mpg on flat straight aways! Climbing 27mpg. For me, i love this van and so comfortable, just for me. I would encourage anyone that has the extra dough to invest in the pop top and solar. I have yet to pay any camping fees. Im self contained. Just go for it, if you can. You won't be disappointed. Mark and his worker bees at GTRV are amazing!

[@dianaharvey6066]

@@SweetTone76im currently at grand teton, Wyoming and don't have the information with me, nor have I memorize it. I won't be home for a couple of weeks. You might just contact Mark Landon Gtrv owner. He's a nice guy! Good luck.

[@jtmerritt1100]

Diana Harvey your mods sound perfect. Could you share a link to your van or throw up a picture?

[@dianaharvey6066]

@@jtmerritt1100 , Stephen, I can't figure out how to post photos. Right now, I'm tweeking a few things to make it more efficient on the floor space. I built a wooden box to put my potty bucket with a toilet seat on top of the bucket inside this box. I made a lid with hinges on the box and will use the lid as my night stand. It's so cool!

[@popatop75]

@@dianaharvey6066 hell'o! could you tell me how much just for the poptop and nothing eles please. please please. thank you

[@dianaharvey6066]

@@popatop75 between $8,500 and $10,000 What are approximate prices of the various conversions that GTRV does? A pop-top only will run between $8,500 and $10,000. A Weekender package typically runs about $15,000. A full Westy conversion typically runs in the low to mid $30,000's plus any options you may choose.

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

That van is great for 1 person stealth camping in the city.

[@alexwyler4570]

Can you pack the pop up after a rain when it is still wet? will it get moldy? does it get hot in the van? or really cold? what about condensation? what is your gas mileage now? thank You!

[@b4804514]

Nate You continue to amaze me with your joy from this camper. I see these vans all over and I don;t think people understand you are living in the space of a queen sized bed. The pop top is the best. My old VW camper had one and it made that so much more livable. I'm 6'4" so it was all a bit of a challenge. The Roadtek is much better now. You do watch Nate Murphy the van conversion genius?

[@fruitycutie6777]

I think I recognize one of the spots in this video. Just off Gooseberry? Keep the dream alive Nate! Love the van. Never stop improving!

[@KorberRichard]

Now i even start thinking about such a pop top👍

[@schassismx3115]

I would definitely start doing cvt trans drain and fills, at least every 30k.

[@subuer]

It's good to see you up here again! That's a nice driving range and the van is looking good and it's good to know it's still serving you well. You guys definitely had some fun golfing and there's never been a bad game of golf, though it is challenging at any time. Don't miss Western MA if you and Shannon can make it out this way. Enjoy your family time and Happy Travels, as well.

[@KiraandtheSurvivalPod]

Hey Nate! I've been building my 2013 NV200 and having a blast! Awesome channel. Nice to see what other people are doing :)

[@BikeTall]

As a tall guy, the pop top on the nv200 is TOTALLY worth it. If i get the NV200 I would DEFINITELY get the pop top.

[@maryannmechem547]

I miss you’re Element !!! ☺️🎉

[@loveme77527]

ME TOO!☹ TRUE ELEMENT LOVERS!💞

[@raulmolina1873]

YES !

[@bonniepwtf]

I do too, I thought I was the only one

[@loveme77527]

@@bonniepwtf Not at all love!😁 Check out Sage Roddy his build is nice & he's down to earth like Nate too...🙏

[@bonniepwtf]

@@loveme77527 Thank you, I will definitely do that👍

[@alohatvj]

It's time to try my hand at golfing. Looks like so much fun.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

VW is bringing the Bus back next year. I'm looking forward to seeing conversions for those. I do wish Honda would bring the Element back. It's been 10 years. I'll probably get a NV200 as my next vehicle even if I don't live in it full-time. My coworker has one. It's so cute.

[@scotttreece6097]

Honda is bringing back the Element in 2021

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

@@scotttreece6097 I hope so. I'll take mine with a manual transmission.

[@scotttreece6097]

@@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials Scotty Kilmer did a video on it a few days ago.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

@@scotttreece6097 I unsubbed from that dude a while ago. I resubbed at one point too and unsubbed again lol he's a bit repetitive and annoying sometimes.

[@TheWorldAccordingToMETV]

Hoping Mitsubishi would make new Delica Space Gears again. 🙏🏽

[@GeorgePencilArt]

Good vlog, Nate! Your van looks great for solo vanlife folks. Thanks for entertaining me while I ate my lunch. 😉

[@ritabroils6190]

Nice recap and plug for the company that put on your pop top.

[@healthieryou7206]

Since we are exchanging information , for those who might be interested. I am (solo full time) in a 2017 Ram Promaster (1500, 136"wheelbase, gasoline) High Top, and couldn't be happier. I'm 6'2 and can stand up straight with a flat hand to spare above my head and the roof. 17-18 mpg at 65-75 mph.

[@rustykatt3870]

Hi Nate, really think about whether you should ever sell your van.....You two may be able to park one, and then travel in the other, then switch out. I don't think they are making these vans anymore, and you have things done just great. Both of you keep your vans. That way, if something happens to the relationship, you both still have your homes. Just my 2 cents worth.😀

[@EileenMRyan]

They’re gonna bring em back after Covid.

[@Minsang1st]

Eileen M. Ryan whenever thats gonna be

[@lillypatience]

i would consider GTRV for a pop top on my Sienna but I don't want to lose the sun roof above the front row. If they can do a pop top only above the second row and back, I'd do it.

[@RicardoRoams]

I looked into that for the Sienna. GTRV will not do a pop top on a Sienna if it has a sun roof. Sorry.

[@djfeitl8846]

Your fabric did exactly what mine did. I used spray adhesive and not even 2 weeks later it starting to pull off and look wrinkled. I was so mad!

[@DavidJohnston58]

I'm loving the Nissan, easy access to car parks etc, reliability, great mileage per gallon. Following an older couple on KZbin touring Ireland long term in their pro built rock n roll layout Nissan NV200 ("Life is too short") and I'm so jealous of you guys. I love both layouts and the pop top to stand up cooking, dressing etc. Maybe some day 🤔 Stay safe

[@CJ-pi8uf]

The real issue with pop top vans is whether it retains garage-ability. Up to a Mercedes Marco Polo or a VW California may still be garage-able. The reason for this is that most HOAs do not allow home owners to park RVs (even pop-top vans) on the street. However, your own garage is your own space. Yet, perhaps due to the archaic Chicken Tax, VW and other manufacturers shun small camper vans being offered for sale in the U.S. This is unfortunate since it is a market that full-size RVs can no longer reach. The NV200 is a winner, but it is a bit smaller than the Metris or VW. The NV200 still has room to grow.

[@steveb1972]

Wow that pop top was expensive! Here in the UK similar ones for the NV200 are generally £2.5-3k.

[@lisemacleod9260]

As of July, 2024, pop top for my Toyota Sienna at GTRV starts at $14,950!!! Sadly, out of my budget. Fiberine fixed high top starts at $3600 for 12" (stock) or $5600 for 16" (custom size).

[@abbeyjane1306]

Thanks for another great video.

[@robertphillips3893]

Morgan was putting like Happy Gilmour! It looked like you guys had fun.

[@matthewpettersen9377]

Did he say 8-9 grand?

[@laurajphillips5981]

Thanks for the info!

[@hansmoleman1601]

small world! you're in my hometown Dartmouth. I recognized the Caddy Shack and Horseneck beach in Westport.

[@rose8662]

Does anyone know how good/bad pop tops are in cold weather or snow? Do they let cold air in or are they sealed well enough? I'm assuming you wouldn't use the pop-top in that weather.

[@wickedpissahbaah]

Good to see Morgan but what happened to his "championship" beard!? Where did Yukon Cornelius go? Might explain that choke on the last hole?

[@EileenMRyan]

It’s not winter yet. Lol

[@CosgroveNotts]

Two and half grand pop top on a grand van in the UK that's been around the world 9 times for twice a year use.

[@BBBYpsi]

How much weight does the pop top bed hold & on the NV200 what is length & width of the pop top bed?

[@thizizliz]

Awesome! Whoever buys it will get a dependable vehicle.

[@EileenMRyan]

I drive that weekly! Welcome home!

[@jameseastwood4984]

8 to 9k for roof seems steep(!), you can get these supplied and fitted in the UK for £2k.

[@joeystephany5245]

Did they also do the vent install when they did the pop up, or did you already have that done? Do they use the existing roof of the van for the pop up cover? Thanks. Enjoy watching. I have a red nv200

[@ElementLife]

Thanks! They remove the original roof and install a fiberglass top. They added the vent fan while installing the pop top assembly.

[@1000750]

Aloha, those shots of the van pop top around the half empty lake with the ski resort, was that Truckee CA Prossor? Dig the videos...🤙

[@ElementLife]

Thanks! That is the Prosser Reservoir in Truckee :)

[@garyi8608]

If haven't changed your gas filter and on video said have 30k is due. Either use the factory or big name brand fuel filter eg. Fram. Replace your air filter with a regular good air filter if hasn't be done in a while? This should increase your fuel economy mainly with changing the gas filter.

[@RicardoRoams]

I like the idea of pop tops. But I worry about leaks.

[@petermccarthy3046]

right in the lumberyard!

[@jeffreybond6491]

Nissan fixed the premature tire wear problems; by using in later NV 200 models, European load rated Continel Vanagon tires... !! The CVT transmission has a factory cooling system unit and starting in 2017 NV 200's have Gen 3 CVT Xtronic transmission, that has not any issues on Google search... !!

[@freedomdove]

Dang. Your pop-top costs more than my entire rig will cost me. Ouch!

[@DriveLongRoad]

Price is horror in my opinion. The same here in Germany. Mist!

[@wrestlerfan99]

Good question. Seeing as how my city van was less than 25k brand new, is a pop top going to be an over investment or throwing away money? No one is currently offering a promaster city pop top so for me it’s moot. If one does come to market I’ll consider it if it’s within my financial lane.

[@SweetTone76]

Have you checked out wayfarer vans kits? They don’t do pop tops but they do awesome budget friendly conversion kits, that are easily installed with in a day. #wayfarervans 🍻

[@inuyasha88]

5

[@owenconnolly3041]

Hey Pat my Dad is buying a Promaster city with the intention of installing a pop top. Did you ever find out if one came to market ! I'd appreciate any info ! Thanks.

[@mandylion8917]

I love your van.

[@jaX-mg3ow]

Hi, your dad is kool.lol

[@planetmikeus]

What was the price for just the pop top installation and how much time did this require?

[@meowzic]

Most important part, how much did it cost?

[@stephanieburns4560]

All your shots of MA make me homesick...and I'm out in your 2nd home-Northern CA. I keep wondering where you are in MA. You probably don't want to give your exact locations for obvious reasons but I am so curious. I was in Cohasset until 9 & was on the Cape in Woods Hole every summer, then west of Boston. Looks like you may be hanging a bit down in Southern MA - Dartmouth, or some such town? I'm likely way off.

[@ElementLife]

You're right on! I grew up on the South Coast.

[@sebastianomulli3059]

This is engaging work :-)

[@ChrisSeliga]

Nate, how do you like the continuously variable transmission (CVT)?

[@ElementLife]

It's been good! It was a little weird getting used to at first but I haven't noticed any issues with it (so far)

[@nhshire6992]

Being in New Hampshire it great to some based in New England, Question I have is what do you do about bugs screen if any? Thanks Joe

[@1ENDUSER]

Can they install in the rear so it pops that way instead of it popping from the front?

[@gypsiewanderer24]

How tall are you Nate? I'm 6'3" not sure if i could fit in that same rig. Any insight?

[@gclemens]

How long is the bed? Another tall person here!

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Im 6'3" 230lbs, gona be a tight fit for you bro.

[@ElementLife]

I'm 5'9". There is a ton of head room when the top is popped though. The lower bed is a standard sized mattress, I think 75" in length. The upper bunk is a similar length, although I've never slept up there for a full night.

[@spinmarion1]

I’m a woman are pop top,s safe ? Thanks stay healthy and safe

[@GODSGIFTGAMING]

Pop tops are absolutely safe the only downside is you cant actually sleep in it when the vehicle is in transit for obvious reasons

[@TheWorldAccordingToMETV]

Can you still have solar panels on the roof when you have a pop top? Or a sunroof and the Crystal Lite Roof?

[@monnaprovost7294]

Why doesn’t Nate answer questions?

[@jkyoft78]

how is the pop up top when it comes to cold weather? How well is it insulated? Do you freeze?

[@yananwang6995]

I want do my car ..you can tell me how to do it in Australia

[@Jay_Echelon]

Video starts @5.40

[@donaldtank]

In your van can I fit a 6' long trike recumbent cycle 3' wide

[@pitboss2617]

Where’s can I have a pop top installed and how much?

[@HansKeesom]

Do you turn the rear towards the sun when parked to get some more power coming in from the solar? Does that differ much?

[@look11223]

Where to get the pop top? Can it be any model and made?

[@owenconnolly3041]

Hi Guys ! Does anyone know if you can just buy a Pop Top for a NV200 and install it yourself. I don't have the cash to have GTRV or anyone install one. I see loads for the VW Westys and such but not seeing any for the Nissans ? I appreciate any information !! Thank you and Great Video Element Van life !!

[@vernonbacud]

How does the pop top hold in a heavy rain? Do you still have to waterproof it?

[@annjoism]

Been on gtrv waiting list almost a year. 2021 Sienna had a design change so pop top installation may not work. Does anyone know if a company that could do 2021 sienna pop top????

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

Morgan kept walking across your putting line which is poor sportsmanship! ⛳️

[@nhshire6992]

Did the Van conversion include the insolation or was that aftermarket? Also, Flooring???

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

YO! PLAY GOLF, GO LOW!!!!! Your buddy sucks at golf, he's quitting on his followthrough and not clearing his left side. Looks like all his shots go to the RIGHT because of it. And how can he not at least judge the distancce of a putt? He's hitting it WAAY TOO HARD for a simple 5 footer. Is he just doing that for the camera?? Jeeze, pains me to even watch it lol. YOUR swing on the other hand is NICE and fluid Nate, with a swing like that you should be shooting mid 80's from the whites.

[@vishawjeetslathia9819]

what is the cost of pop top tent

[@popatop75]

that $8000 = to $9000 at gtrv was that for the pop top only or the van conversion and everything thanks

[@thalia2584]

What do you guys do to make money while on the road?

[@MonkeySpecs301]

is the top material fiberglass for metal like factory? thx

[@db-bj9ei]

How much weight can the upper bed in the pop top hold?

[@joebotz1243]

How much?

[@josephj3911]

Where do you buy a pop top like that?

[@SkepticalRaptor]

OK, you sold me. How much do you want for it? 😁😁

[@saltpepper1894]

hey do you have wool blankets on walls for insulation?! report!

[@CarlSmithAviationBroker]

Who's the music by?

[@lesvoyagesdelouis6574]

Joli !

[@Mickey_McD]

Is that Ponky?

[@fedefeltrin4359]

8:43 mistake! : that's one of you "pop" top reasons😉

[@jordanleong7742]

He's totally talking this van up so he can sell it to a subscriber. And I dont blame him. Why not make use of the audience you have.

[@karencooper6634]

too many ads

[@sadidiker]

🙌🙌🙌

[@1101agaoj]

Morgan transferring some frustration at the end there...thumbs down. Not what we subscribe for.

[@pauljoey7977]

Why not just a high top promaster? No room for stove and bathroom