Is the Brandrup Iso-Top roof insulation worth having?

[powysjune]

Just wondered what people think about the Brandrup Iso-Top IV roof insulation? I like the idea that it can stay in the roof permanently but it's pretty expensive at almost £500. Currently have a cosy cover but don't use it much as its a bit of a faff to put on over the roof, especially on your own. Our Cali is a 2005 SE with two side but no front window in the raised roof. Thanks.

 

[calikev]

They are brilliant the only thing is you will struggle to find one to fit the roof of a 2005 as the later T5 had a slightly different size canvas
Brandrup only do them now for the late T5 / T6

 

[Borris]

They're worth every penny. They keep it warmer, darker, draught free and dry. We sleep upstairs all year round in all weathers without ever having needed the heater on during the night. IMO it's the number one after market accessory. However we do like to have our bedroom fairly cool and sleep in a three season sleeping bag with a throw over the top. Very snug!

 

[powysjune]

They are brilliant the only thing is you will struggle to find one to fit the roof of a 2005 as the later T5 had a slightly different size canvas
Brandrup only do them now for the late T5 / T6

Thanks Calikev that’s really helpful. But does that mean we need to look for a second hand earlier version of the topper (anyone got one to sell)? If the new version is bigger rather than smaller maybe we could adapt it - do you know?

 

[calikev]

The roof on earlier T5,s lifted higher so the new one would be too small you could look for a second hand earlier one and got new velcro

 

[Brindisi]

Thanks Calikev that’s really helpful. But does that mean we need to look for a second hand earlier version of the topper (anyone got one to sell)? If the new version is bigger rather than smaller maybe we could adapt it - do you know?

Would Nick @comfortz be able to do one for you ?

 

[RodCouncil]

We had one in our 2007 Cali, as others have said, great bit of kit, slept in plus 28 and minus 5 no issues but with heater, you had to be careful bringing the roof down in stages as it the extra material took up more space.

We're going to buy for our Candy White

 

[Borris]

If you can't source one in the UK why not ask Brandrup. They might either have one in stock that would fit your van or be able to make you one to fit. I'd be suprised if they didn't still have the patterns to suit your van.

 

[alter]

ISO top is the TOP !! but it's damn hard to put on, especially for those who have not so much patience ... I gave up a few hours in the pub to mount it, damn it !!

 

[calikev]

Would Nick @comfortz be able to do one for you ?

He hasn't the time these days for bespoke

 

[powysjune]

If you can't source one in the UK why not ask Brandrup. They might either have one in stock that would fit your van or be able to make you one to fit. I'd be suprised if they didn't still have the patterns to suit your van.

I’ve just emailed Brandrup, good suggestion.

 

[powysjune]

Had a response from Brandrup: 'Our ISO-TOP fits all VW California T6 and T5. It is just important to know, if you have an electric-hydraulic-operated pop-up-top or a manually operated one'.
But I trust the wisdom of people on this forum more...what do you think Calikev? Have you seen anyone try to fit the new version to an older Cali?
Many thanks.

 

[Gazellio]

Out of interest how do you put it on?

 

[Aubisque]

Well worth it.
I wasn't sure how much they helped 'till I tried, but last night camped in Aviemore at about -7, up top with the heater on and it was fine with a sleeping bag as bedding. Also just sitting in the van, with roof popped.
The best part is there's no faffing with cold or wet things when arriving or leaving, it's always in position.

 

[Gary&Heather]

Expensive but well worth it keeps you snug as a bug in a rug especially with a Cali top as well

 

[Victor]

Possibly my best purchase for the Cali and essential for the T6 and its near transparent canvas.

 

[powysjune]

Well I've ordered one (not in stock till March) and will let you know how I get on...

 

[powysjune]

The Isotop arrived, but as it has to be at least 18 degrees before you can attach the fixing strip we didn't get round to installing it till a week ago. As everyone says, pushing the black velcro tabs into the gap in the roof lining at the front is a real pain, though we eventually managed it using a wooden spatula as others advised. But the main thing to report back is that Cali Kev was right and Mrs Brandrup was wrong...the very early SE models (ours is 2005) must have a slightly different roof bellows construction as some fixing tabs were in the wrong place. Rather than send it back I managed to unpick and re-sew some tabs and added additional velcro, and it now fits pretty snugly - but it was a lot of work. Not tried it out yet, but I'm hoping the extra insulation and light proofing will make it all worthwhile!

 

[mike&agnes]

Just wondered what people think about the Brandrup Iso-Top IV roof insulation? I like the idea that it can stay in the roof permanently but it's pretty expensive at almost £500. Currently have a cosy cover but don't use it much as its a bit of a faff to put on over the roof, especially on your own. Our Cali is a 2005 SE with two side but no front window in the raised roof. Thanks.

 

[mike&agnes]

We had an Iso-Top for several years along with. Mutze ( yes- belt & braces !! ) and rated both highly. Since removing the ISO-Top (when the roof rust fix was done) we have realised that life is better without: more room upstairs, easier to close the roof and generally not missed.
However I wouldn’t be without the Mutze, especially in UK weather. Great feeling of security even in the worst storms and it lets the light in without letting the weather in through the upper widows.

 

[steve and lisa]

We had an Iso-Top for several years along with. Mutze ( yes- belt & braces !! ) and rated both highly. Since removing the ISO-Top (when the roof rust fix was done) we have realised that life is better without: more room upstairs, easier to close the roof and generally not missed.
However I wouldn’t be without the Mutze, especially in UK weather. Great feeling of security even in the worst storms and it lets the light in without letting the weather in through the upper widows.

What is the difference between the Mutze, Cali topper and the khyam camper cozi as they are all different prices?

 

[Jolberg]

They're worth every penny. They keep it warmer, darker, draught free and dry. We sleep upstairs all year round in all weathers without ever having needed the heater on during the night. IMO it's the number one after market accessory. However we do like to have our bedroom fairly cool and sleep in a three season sleeping bag with a throw over the top. Very snug!

Hi.
Further question about the ISO-top: most people talk mainly about it keeping you warm. would you say they’re more about keeping warm in the cold or are they just as good at keeping you cool in the warm?

 

[Borris]

Hi.
Further question about the ISO-top: most people talk mainly about it keeping you warm. would you say they’re more about keeping warm in the cold or are they just as good at keeping you cool in the warm?

Yes, they are effective at keeping the upper deck cooler. The Isotop acts as an insulative barrier to both cold and hot external conditions.

 

[alter]

Isotop ... soldi ben spesi

 

[JoeandMaggie]

Currently pondering on the pros and cons between an external topper and an ISO-top. As we need the child safety net in place; is this still possible with an ISO-top fitted?