With more than a passing nod to @rickyrooo1 and @poptop2 , I decided to make my own wrap around cover for the Poptop on my late Westy. It took me a bit longer than PT's hour but I am very pleased with the result. Here are a few pics and some notes from today. The materials used were 2 rolls of Thermawrap, a roll of aluminium tape, 2 bungee cords and some replacement plastics eyelets. First tip, don't choose a windy day ! If it was not for Master Lofty's extra pair of hands, I would not have be able to do this. This picture shows the finished item. I had to make a join about halfway up but I also found that I had to pleat the leading edges as the canvas 'rakes' backwards. A bit awkward but it helps it to sit close to the canvas. This pic shows how I had to trim the bottom edge of the front of the cover to follow the curve of the roof. The way it sits at the moment helps to keep the cover in place but I am not 100 % certain about it forming a leak path for rain water under the roof rack. Here you can see the way it is fixed at the back. I wanted to leave a bit of a 'breathing panel', and I wanted to have a way of fixing that kept the cover under tension. I decided on Bungy cords but was fortunate enough to find some plastic eyelets in the local hardware store @ 10 for a £1. The knots in the cords are my adjustments mechanisms for getting the right length ! Having seen proper covers being sold for £165, I was of the same mind as Rick, PT and others in that there must be a cheaper way. The homemade version cost me £30 with some insulation and tape left over. It's likely to get its first usage next weekend but just standing up inside it today it was clear that it cuts out light, reduces noise and makes it feel warmer. All of which has already been said by Mr Roo.
Nice work Lofty the front bit with the eyelets looks good Mine took me about 6 months really as i ran out of a bit of bubblewrap and blagged some off Rick , just an hour the other day though
it helps retain the heat if you like to sleep with the poptop up or if the kids sleep up there in the chilly weather which My lad does or I do if mums with us as Will sleeps with mum.
i like the eyelets i will have to get some - what shop? i didn't leave a gap (bar about 6 inch) don't sleep up there no, just keeps the heat in if the roof's up.
So, just to confirm, this is going to be a semi-permanent addition that you'll leave on? Also I'd be interested in whether than front does turn into a rain channel
No you take them off and roll them up and put them on when you're poptop is up and it's chilly out. ricks works a treat and I was so impressed I copied it.
i actually fold mine in half and put it on the upper bed then drop the roof on it so it takes up no space
Me too - I may even have persuaded bb to forget his fear of heights and join us. No Lou and No Penny I don't think they are keen on cold no toilets wild camping.
lol you best get your propex working then i'm lovely and warm anywhere...... plus i can Marmite in my portaloo or we could build a snow bog and dump in it.
