Our First Night in a Pop Top Camper | Camper Van Life S2:E18

[@Weretherussos]

For more content, check out our official website weretherussos.com

[@michaelcastro6614]

I appreciate how you folks really talk through your moment by moment experiences in the van life. Thank you.

[@fitter70]

Cashing out my 401k and buying a Sportsmobile when they retire. Life goals.

[@livingthelife6284]

I think the fact you cannot stand up when the top is down is a major problem. When the weather is bad for a number of days not being able to stand up is painful. In the colder months again you can't stand up and it's a major problem. Not having A/C, forgetaboutit. Outside shower only. Forget about it. This vehicle is for a very specific need, not for a year round living situation.

[@vidguy007]

I have a Tiger poptop. I always thought if it got windy, cold, stormy, I'd have to lower the top, but I never have. I kinda like mine with the top down sometimes. I do agree about the need for a usable shower, and may I add, a real head. One place to sit would get old very quickly for me.

[@Weretherussos]

Why put the top down when the weather is bad. It was storming while we were out there and the top was up. Even in cold weather we can leave it up and run the heat. And AC is an option...

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I had a Econoline for years. Never really bothered me. Better than tent camping!

[@vidguy007]

Scott Slotterbeck I had several Econolines starting with a ‘64 and replaced that with a ‘67 when the ‘64 was stolen Then an ‘80 Great vehicles, had a lot of fun with them Yes, the room inside is similar to my Tiger with the top down I think these guys also like that same dynamic

[@charlesferris2317]

Nice to see you enjoying the 'East Side', as we like to call it. Just spent several days playing around Mono and points south. Mono, Devil's Postpile, Bristlecone, and the Alabama Hills were our focal points for this trip. For some cultural history, a visit to Manzanar is a powerful experience.

[@carolann542]

Lone Pine (CA Hwy 395) has a sweet and interesting film museum. Don't be fooled by the exterior - it is well thought out and informative, even if films aren't your thing. Staffed with kind folks who are proud of their collection and happy to answer questions. After visiting the museum you'll feel informed and enlightened when travelling the Alabama Hills.

[@sunflower17k]

That rig certainly suits you. You both seem very comfortable and relaxed.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Kelly!

[@antn8387]

100% self contained & ready to go on moments notice without stepping a foot outside is the way to go.

[@GrosTabarnak]

That was an awesome sunset timelapse. Well worth the time!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks!

[@3979mtellis]

Seen a white sports mobile in McMinnville Oregon just last Monday. I like your green color much better.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

But white is super stealth. I'm looking at a near-new Chevy Express. They almost always come in "Tradesman White" which is fine. Need poptop or high roof.

[@3979mtellis]

They look awesome but I think I need a little bigger with a permanent bed.

[@cr0ft-2k]

Some kind of mat or grate to put on the ground behind the van, and a shower curtain stretched from door to door and boom, outdoor shower. But yeah, for me that's kind of a deal breaker, I need whatever van or RV I get to be livable in colder climates. And showering outdoor when sleet is hitting you in the face is not my idea of a good time.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

They have a fitness club membership, can shower there. Thousand trails campgrounds also have showers and bathrooms.

[@NewAgeDIY]

Very interesting 🧐 Love that latest show and tell video. The layout has some good features. The pop top provided the head room and when down provides better fuel economy. 2 sleepping areas will allow extra passengers to join you for a weekend but I don't think there's room for full time camping for more the 2 people and a small child. The off grid features plus the batteries and no black tank to worry about this unit has good potentials. I’m giving this camper a Doug score of 80 out of 100 👍 Just a small update: some comments say that this is not a good cold weather camper, you maybe right but for them there advantage is not being locked into any one location. Following the sun makes living in a Van more exciting 😎

[@Weretherussos]

Hey Dale...this actually is a great cold weather camper. Everything is inside (water lines, tanks, etc) and if it's REALLY cold, put the pop top down and you have a lot less space to try to heat.

[@NewAgeDIY]

We're the Russos / I reviewed a your other videos on this Van. Very impressed with the amount of work gone into making it livable in any weather. Off topic: Did you ever get yourself a GPS for your van?

[@1bike10]

That rainbow was incredible.

[@joec4871]

That's a very nice and capable rig. But, after watching dozens of your videos one thing has become abundantly clear. And that is: DUDE IS SERIOUS ABOUT HIS COFFEE. I would hate to be in the area and your wife says honey we ran out of coffee 🤣. The color of the rig is just right. Thanks for the tour. Enjoy your travels and stay safe. 👍👍👍

[@Weretherussos]

Yep don’t get between me and my coffee 😎

[@SouthernEnduroRdr]

I love the rugged look and it’s real off-road capabilities. But like others, I need indoor shower, a/c (it’s too hot here 3/4 of the year in deep south). I can live with small cassette toilet. But for the cost I guess I expected more.

[@gregweatherly7793]

In the deep south you dont really need this monster. A 4x4 sprinter would fine. And you'd have a wet bath. Even this is overkill for Appalachia, it is still my dream rig

[@camperpat]

Great Green Bay Packers blanket.

[@cheddar2848]

Awesome van, awesome video! Enjoy and safe travels guys.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you Olga!

[@heidijay5902]

Love this as a weekender/ holiday camper, looks like a great fun vehicle. I personally would not want to live full time in it though

[@vidguy007]

You might give the Tiger a look, it might do everything you want and has a bathroom, a shower and real kitchen, on any domestic pickup chassis you want. They've been building them for decades, there's a lot of used ones.

[@Weretherussos]

We've seen and heard of them but we really don't want a bathroom in our next rig.

[@keithherring5462]

@@whoistheroach136 people have been traveling full-time in westys for what 60 years? In this day and age you can get a planet fitness membership for real showers. You carry a shovel and use LNT principles because your actually able to get out away from people. They also make propane Insta-hot showers.. It's not as hard or incovient as you think.👍

[@vidguy007]

@@whoistheroach136 Um, well, ya. . .

[@KruisinKevin]

Cool green camper van. Specially the packer blanket. Go Pack!

[@Weretherussos]

Go Pack!

[@scottd2063]

Go Hawks!

[@jrmason]

I don't know what it was but seeing Joe rolling the watermelon across the van floor really cracked me up! Looks like a great rig for long weekends! The time lapse was beautiful fantastic colors! Have a good one! -Jon

[@francowj]

sportsmobile is my dream travel vehicle, love them

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Nah, do your own. Then make a video of your build, get KZbin channel, make millions!

[@thesanctuary225]

Sportsmobile is the best of the best of the best off road travel vehicles ever have existed in human history on the planet Earth! It is good enough for four members of family to travel. Adults sleep under, kids sleep on top.(and a dog sleeps on the ground) In the daytime, the couch area is for adults and the tiny back space could be a space for kids if you change a little. Attach a tailgate tent and floor extension.(or just attach a big tailgate tent for the family)

[@toptobottom247]

I finally won!...yes. I've been saying all this time for 2 years that driving around in a van with a dedicated bed is stupid and lazy and not a very efficient use of space in the van. Now you finally see it my way. The only van I give a pass to right now is the Winnebago Revel because their bed stores up against the ceiling out of the way so you can move around. Overall, having the Westfalia style floor plan in a van is the best use of van space and I love it.

[@RobertLinthicum]

Your commitment to coffee is impressive.

[@Weretherussos]

ROFL...

[@jjames2162]

This was the most helpful SMB video I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen them all - it was the least exciting and the most informational - thank you!

[@Weretherussos]

You’re welcome

[@Thomas-qk7wf]

We've been SMB fans for a long time but have yet to commit to one. While I don't think it would bother me, my wife is concerned about the noise level in places like Flying J or Walmart with the pop top up because of the soft sides. As such, we're considering a hard top. My issue with the hard top is the possibility of a drop in fuel mileage due to the added height/surface area. It would be great if you could report on noise levels with the pop-top up in urban areas as I don't expect it to be much of an issue in campgrounds or remote areas. Thanks, and keep up the great work. Watching this series very closely.

[@Weretherussos]

Apples to apple if everything in the van is sealed up, windows closed, etc...then yes you do get a bit more noise from the pop top. That said, we always sleep with at least a few windows open so at that point there's no difference with the pop top. That said, the versatility of the pop top would allow you to bring it down in places that might be very noisy, like a Truck Stop since you're only there for a night anyway. In terms of MPG, unless you get one without anything on the roof (AC, solar, roof vents, etc) then the additional height of the pop top isn't going to make much of a difference.

[@PWCDN]

That's a pretty cool set up with the pop top. Saves a lot of space below.

[@francisvillaluz1665]

Been here since 20k. Got this account on hiatus as Im working on another channel. You guys dont know how you helped me get out of deppresion last year. Thanks for the very comforting content! More power 😍

[@Weretherussos]

That’s so good to hear. Thank you for sharing that with us Francis.

[@robertsegura6451]

I use to enjoy your videos, but now all your doing are infomercials on the different vehicles that are loaned to you. I thought you bought the Hymer, but that seems to have been a loaner too. What made your KZbin channel fun was watching you go travelling and camping in the Hymer. There are KZbin channels out there of real life owners of vans and the problems and joys they face everyday. It's watching them solve a issue or just enjoy the view out of their van window that makes it special. I miss Leo :(

[@alliejr]

Kait, your videography has gotten SOOOO much better! Well done!

[@cattledogroams]

Sportsmobile needs to mount a Quick-Pitch shower system on the rear drivers side of the van.

[@woolengrappler]

Overland Barlow or curtains strung between the rear barn doors

[@lynnpalmer8133]

@@woolengrappler Easy enough with a small tarp and a couple of spring clips.

[@Blackbutterfly9799]

Hello Russos! Truly a beautiful scenic camping spot you found...aaaah those heavenly beautiful sunsets! (I'm a sunset afficionada :) /...so gorgeous and well captured in your time-lapse lens. Really like the efficiency of the interior set-up inside this camper. No clutter-feel or wasted-space...well designed. I too, favor the fold away bed-to-bench style; again so efficiently designed for optimizing space. Overall, the Nature scenes give this Sportsmobile Classic Pop-Top Camper, in all its appeal...a run for its money. Really, there's no comparison to...just awesome to have both in the same time of a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing. Safe and Happy Travels! *Van🚐Wings🦋*

[@CoastalGX]

Such a good video. I can almost smell the freshness after that rain.

[@royallen9698]

I think it's the perfect vehicle for you two and possibly a fur baby at some point. A longer hose and a small outdoor popup and you can take showers in the winter as well.

[@Weretherussos]

Oh good suggestion about the shower!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

My tough too. Not taking a shower w/o a curtain!

[@robin6564]

So many great things about this camper. No worries bottoming out for sure and pop up seems great. Needs toilet/shower for me. Great video!

[@JohnKrill]

When I first started watching your channel I would have to stop the video to get myself a cup of coffee now I know better and have the coffee in my hand when I start the video. I like your current van the best. I'm 6'3" so the pop-up hits (pun intended) the spot. Considering your blanket you probably want one in Green and Yellow.

[@Weretherussos]

Ha! I believe I remember you commenting that after watching, you had to go get yourself a cup!

[@roundstone2020]

Your videos just keep getting better and better.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks David!

[@M1P1954]

Great video, beautiful scenery and great couple enjoying the life on the road. The “making coffee” edit was the best, the sound the shots, well done. Always enjoy your work...keep’em coming! Go Pack!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!!

[@MickeyMouse-bo5hj]

Beautiful Sunset!!

[@RVEastCoast]

Hey Kait and Joe, we just discovered your channel and we can't believe we didn't know about you. We are really enjoying your videos! Greetings from PA!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks and welcome!

[@thom_lester]

We camped within a 100 yards of that spot summer of 2019. Nice area. We lived full time in a custom Promaster 159 HR. We got places that jeeps were jaw-on-ground WTH are you doing here with your kitchen sink? A good set of tires and FWD can go a long way safely.

[@insanelook]

I did enjoy watching this video, keep it coming. Huge fan of sportsmobiles.

[@theindianbucketlist7979]

Well ... Russos. The van looks awesome 👍🏼. The way you explained this van in your walkthrough video is simply brilliant. Cheers 🍻

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

OMGoodness what a rig. I want one! Ignore the naysayers...I believe jealousy is rearing its questionable head too often. Thanks for the video.

[@nathankoroush7918]

Best thing about a pop top van, you can set up in the rain and never get wet.

[@andresguty]

I am glad Jeff Bezos can afford his dream overlanding rig

[@k31n79]

Sorry, I would like to know how much it cost I want to buy it from USA to France?

[@DADA-ey2ir]

Wow, one of the most beautiful comfy badass van I’ve ever seen. The green just looks sick! I’m 25 and dreaming to live a van life at some point in my life and this would definitely be my dream van when I start my van life in the future! 😆

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing your video with us. Very nice video with green van.

[@thizizliz]

Wait, what? WITHOUT COFFEE??? Holy smokes, you are a superhero! It appears too be a really nice ride. Perhaps you've found The One! I really like the upper bed because of the air flow. That's what I loved about our pop up camper too - you get a cross breeze almost anywhere you park. I think I'd rig up a curtain system with the back doors. Several people have shown them as part of their van tours and not only are they simple but effective. But it really seems like a good fit - I'll look forward to your review after using it a while.

[@RichardSlater]

Looks like a pain in the ass to live with, having to put the top up every time and bend down when entering and exiting, having the ledge at your head height when stood up. But what do I know I've never owned a camper van. Lol

[@Weretherussos]

No van is perfect and there are always going to be compromises. While you may not have to bend down when getting in a high-roof van, you don't get the views you get in one of these.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

My Econoline was an old Pacific Telephone van. It was fine. If you want to stand up, you go outside. I used it pretty much only for camping and as work truck. Miss it.

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

Great van .. best one I seen yet.. I may buy a low roof van but still doing research .. I didn't deside van or truck ..

[@va3ks]

That van screams Adventure!!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Sportsmobile has a great layout, customizable. They can install a poptop in a variety of vans. I could handle an outside shower, but want marine toilet inside.

[@ChrisXif1]

That's a really nice rig. Wish they were a bit more affordable though. I enjoyed your video - thanks for sharing it.

[@RicardoRoams]

Agreed! The price is ridiculous!

[@bobw9297]

green looks good on both of you

[@Weretherussos]

Yes it does!

[@keyplayer5]

I haven't seen a camper that I've liked better!!! You guys seem so at home....wish you could keep it!!

[@Weretherussos]

So do we!

[@tomthehighlandexplorer8085]

Hello from the uk.really enjoyed the video

[@GregWorzel]

"Instant human. Just add coffee!" Lol. I can relate! Great video...as always! :)

[@BradColemanisHere]

This looks pretty great for a weekender.

[@BradColemanisHere]

Weekender only for me but maybe full time for you. You guys do what makes you happy of course, and I'll love watching you do it!

[@dougf94912]

Loved the timelapse, please include more!

[@Weretherussos]

We try to include one in every video.

[@lawrenceblue8207]

Joe and Kait, the Sportsmobile 4x4 Penthouse pop top camper van doesn't have the garage space like in a Mercedes Benz Vans, under the bed location

[@ngml320]

Love that blanket

[@ritabroils6190]

Love the Packers spread!

[@aponoypi]

Have you hit any windy areas? The stock ford vans were very dangerous in the wind.. love this van. I had a Chevy before. Plus this sportsmobiles lasts. There are still some old ones on sale Good review

[@Weretherussos]

Yes, it was fine in really strong winds...better than the high roof vans.

[@aponoypi]

@@Weretherussos thank you. Almost flipped one on brooklyn queens expressway after we just picked it up from the dealer. One thing with sportsmobiles they hold their value. Also with stiffer suspension plus sway bars. Just need AC and bigger porta potty. Enjoy. Outdoor vans also hold value just dont know if they are an approved mercedes benz refitter

[@aponoypi]

I hope they let you try 4x4 Sprinter Camper RV with the inside shower..thats also a nice build

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I have driven Econolines for many years. Once you know how it handles, it's fine. Loved my Econolines!!!

[@brianmarifrancesschaffrath4378]

Love your videos. I have learned so much watching your tours. Saving me the time and money. Love , Love, the Packer blanket. Didn't know you guys were fans. I want this van, it's my dream.

[@rjr1227]

Nice rig....I've seen a couple of these and was curious as to how they were..

[@Weretherussos]

We're loving it!

[@rjr1227]

How long did ya drive the last one for? Where all are you going in this?

[@keithcope8113]

Being a us army vet i have to say i love the color lol. Is this van a diesel or does it have the v10? I think as large as it is the diesel would get better fuel mileage than the gas y'all stay safe and enjoy

[@davidmurling4252]

But maintenance on a diesel is lots more expensive.

[@keithcope8113]

@@davidmurling4252 not so much now days the maintenance costs are really close to the same as far as oil changes and tuneups are concerned the prices of lubricants are a little more but then when you think that the diesel will go alot linger between changes over a gas engine it comes out about the same

[@Weretherussos]

Hey Keith - this has the V10. Overall, diesels are much more expensive to maintain but they do last longer and have some added benefits. That said, you can't take a modern diesel down through central and south America due to the types of th fuel they have there so a gas engine makes more sense for us.

[@keithcope8113]

@@Weretherussos with the way the world is right now im thinking now isn't the time to be planning a trip down south lol

[@terrielfers2723]

Keith Cope check out Trent and Allie and/or The Nomadic Movement. Already made it to Costa Rica and gettin ready to ship vans to South America. They are loving it and no problems at all!!!

[@shekharmoona544]

That rainbow looks like the sun is poking it's finger on Earth.

[@briansims4365]

Wow, that truck is a beast! I was going to ask if u could sleep up on top. A great utilization of space in the truck! Enjoy guys!

[@reesesman8821]

Loving the videos guys keep them coming

[@Punisher4mHell]

Such a great video. Brilliant place for camp.

[@selectshelley]

Love the Eastern Sierra. Gorgeous sunsets you shared!

[@bendoucette3530]

Hello, I just wanted to say thanks for all the great videos, and for introducing us to Berkey. We bought a Go Berkey to try it out , and love it. We plan to take it with us when we head out in the van this winter. Take care, Ben from Nova Scotia

[@Weretherussos]

You’re very welcome!

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

The time lapse storm clouds + music ------> perfect! Great video! Thanks!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@RicardoRoams]

With its high price tag I've often wondered how many of these rigs Sportsmobile actually sells. I keep hearing how there is a constant backlog of orders. But I camp all over the western USA and almost never see one of these rigs.

[@sooneradmirer4382]

Yeah, I could buy a nice house for the cost of a new one here in OKLAHOMA.

[@Good-luck-Jonathan]

That 4 x 4 is a big-time gas sucker. The problem is you have to haul all the extra weight and rotational mass and you might not be using the 4 x 4 most of the time. In my case I went with the Winnebago EuroVan with Two point 2.5l Front Wheel Drive 5 cylinder. I get 22mpg and if I put the rear wheel syncro it will cost about $5000 but since it’s as needed it doesn’t use as much gas is that big van of a tank.

[@Weretherussos]

True but this van is meant to go places your van, even with the Syncro, could never go. Different vans for different purposes.

[@Good-luck-Jonathan]

@@Weretherussos I can see that this is definitely more heavy duty not sure what’s going on with the underside if it’s fully armored because if it’s not completely armored then whatever is not it’s going to be potentially damaged. I can’t stand damaged off-roading for a nice van like this. In regards to the T4 syncros , I have seen some crazy builds which I never thought were possible. I cannot put my poor van through that but they’re building some fully armored very capable serious off-road rigs in Europe. The nice thing about the Econoline is that it’s a US market so you can buy parts much easier if you damage them but boy does fuel cost a lot these days.

[@SilverTurtle65]

Thank you for sharing your journey great video

[@GregDinAZ]

Man, I really love that van!! ❤️

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Great adventure van but I would be tired of it after a week without a proper washroom and toilet. 😊 Trev 🇬🇧

[@deessmohdzain902]

So agreed with you. My choice is to have bathroom& toilet rather then big counter top or sofa.

[@BlueBox777]

It looks like it was a little cold in the morning 🥶. Good thing for the insulation of the van.

[@stephenstringer3689]

i hope you will address how you found the temperature inside as there is no fan in the roof like a Fantastic Fan to move the air. Lots of windows with the top up but if there is no breeze seems like it would be very hot inside. How is the noise level? Still, a beautiful van for off road camping.

[@Weretherussos]

As we mentioned in the video, there is a lot of cross breeze. Even when the air is still, the hot air rises and exits through the top. Since we always sleep with windows open, the noise level in this is the same as a high roof van.

[@kncfrom29]

We have a SMB too and use a wireless fan we picked up from amazon. Works great. There is a lot of cross breeze without it but when it’s hot outside the fan makes a huge difference.

[@shimadajapan]

It’s such fun to feel happy for you two! You seem to be enjoying the pop-up camper and California beauty. I’m also loving the camping cuisine:-) Looking forward to your next stop. Thanks!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you!

[@maqsoodalirehmani6164]

This van is so dam good when will it come for sale in India??

[@nightowl72269]

You...Guy's ROCK...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya trips..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kevinhuss8291]

You're in our backyard so to speak, we love exploring hwy 395 Thur the eastern Sierra Nevada

[@lawrenceblue8207]

It looks like a heavy-duty solid Overland Truck when driving

[@rvboondocker2559]

We use the outdoor shower whenever possible. It’s refreshing and spacious and the waste water stays off-board.

[@mccarthyhome]

John is there a special soap you use when showering outside? Is this allowed a lot of places or not?

[@rvboondocker2559]

Anne McCarthy Yes. REI or online purchase

[@Tyr-r3u]

They are amazing vehicles but far too beyond any average persons budget. I feel like it's asking a lot more than what would be considered a fair price. Thank you for the video, very enlightening.

[@shestudios]

I think it's love a 1st sight. This camper is me!!!!!

[@lynnepierce3676]

This video answered my question about camp in rainy weather👍😊. Works well. Laughed @ Joe’s “instant human, just add coffee”😄 How true. It’s obvious this RV fits you guys like a glove👍👍. How would you deal with warmer temperatures? Have fun guys. By the way I don’t have to worry about drying my hair either.👍👍😊

[@Weretherussos]

Hey Lynne...we're considering not getting AC on our next rig. That said, if we wanted it, Sportsmobiles are completely custom so we could order it with AC.

[@user-yp7im1su9s]

Resale value would be down if there is no a c

[@kalebstout7673]

Would love to see a budget version of this lol and maybe on a 80-90’s van

[@ebombglass]

These vans hold their value like no other...

[@tammyfleming3643]

Man, I love that van!

[@joeosborne8354]

Why do I get the feeling I’m looking at the next Russo-mobile? I hope I am, it looks great!

[@edbenson98]

That time lapse of the sunset was awesome! #WTR

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

I love this beast olive drab is good! Shukran (Thank you)

[@dlg5485]

What are the tank capacities, battery size/type, and how's the gas mileage?

[@robee984]

Solar , toilet ???

[@rjahn3000]

Every Sportsmobile should come with a watermelon perfect color match:)

[@maplesf3297]

Good vid as always, keep it up! Watermelon bit reminds me of some good memories two years ago: bought one from Walmart for camping but forgot to eat until finding it in a box in the rear of the minivan two days later~~

[@renaissancepoet]

I would ask Sportsmobile if full time living would be better with the manual pop top because wouldn't the motors eventually burn out if they were being used everyday?

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Replace them.

[@renaissancepoet]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 How often? That's part of the question.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@renaissancepoet I would guess the motors would last 10 years or zo. Thst's how long the motor lasted on my Mustang convertible.