Topper or liner?

[Taff Tenor]

Hi all

We’ve just bought our first Cali so thanks everyone for all the commentary and invaluable feedback received as in the end, advice from experienced owners tipped the balance in favour of our first purchase!

We’re sorting our first trip out and given it’s likely to be in the Peak District and soon, we’d like some more advice. Should we invest in a topper or a permanent liner; something like the Brandrup Isotop? Whatever we eventually choose, we’d like protection from the rain whilst improving thermal insulation in both cold and warm weather.

Cheers

Taff T

 

[ArunAlec]

Have a read of this very current thread .....https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/roof-toppers-comparison.27910/

 

[Amarillo]

Hi all

We’ve just bought our first Cali so thanks everyone for all the commentary and invaluable feedback received as in the end, advice from experienced owners tipped the balance in favour of our first purchase!

We’re sorting our first trip out and given it’s likely to be in the Peak District and soon, we’d like some more advice. Should we invest in a topper or a permanent liner; something like the Brandrup Isotop? Whatever we eventually choose, we’d like protection from the rain whilst improving thermal insulation in both cold and warm weather.

In or out - it is a contentious matter.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Taff Tenor]

T

Have a read of this very current thread .....https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/roof-toppers-comparison.27910/

Thanks ArunAlec. Looks like we've got some thinking to do still as both have pros and cons. On balance however, is it necessary to protect the external arms from the wet?

 

[Taff Tenor]

In or out - it is a contentious matter.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

Thanks Amarillo and bon voyage! We may be too late however to enjoy such unfettered access!

 

[H Marriage]

Hi Taff. We actually have both. We fitted the Brandrup Isotop prior to our ten month trip around Europe this year, since we were starting in Scotland, and travelling round Iceland and Scandinavia as well as mainland Europe. The internal topper was brilliant for insulation and for keeping out the light (we slept ‘upstairs’ throughout). We used the external topper in addition in cold or slightly windy conditions, to provide extra protection and to keep the rain off the canvas. In the warmer countries, we left off the external topper, and we rarely felt too hot with the Isotop in place, even in Greece in summer, since you can unzip it and open the vents. In summary, both were useful and we were pleased we made the investment in both.

 

[ArunAlec]

T

Thanks ArunAlec. Looks like we've got some thinking to do still as both have pros and cons. On balance however, is it necessary to protect the external arms from the wet?

No they do not need protecting but having said that although they are galvanised mine have a few spots of rust showing. I don't think covering or not would make any difference as with our damp climate, condensation etc there is always going to be an element of moisture on all the metallic surfaces.

 

[Taff Tenor]

Hi Taff. We actually have both. We fitted the Brandrup Isotop prior to our ten month trip around Europe this year, since we were starting in Scotland, and travelling round Iceland and Scandinavia as well as mainland Europe. The internal topper was brilliant for insulation and for keeping out the light (we slept ‘upstairs’ throughout). We used the external topper in addition in cold or slightly windy conditions, to provide extra protection and to keep the rain off the canvas. In the warmer countries, we left off the external topper, and we rarely felt too hot with the Isotop in place, even in Greece in summer, since you can unzip it and open the vents. In summary, both were useful and we were pleased we made the investment in both.

Thanks H Marriage - some great insight provided there and as we aim to use year-round, it looks like we’ll be investing in both. A quick question though - any problems closing the roof with the isotop in place? I’m guessing not but having opened and closed ours today, there certainly ain’t much room up there! Cheers. Taff T.