Drivelodge is a family‑run UK company with decades of experience in camper conversions. Their pop‑top roofs are custom‑made in Britain from high‑grade materials. As Mark1 Conversions notes, each Drivelodge roof uses “the highest quality products and components…100% British‑made,” with a fibreglass roof shell built to exacting standards. The shell is about 5 cm thick, filled with honeycomb foam insulation, and is supported by laser‑cut, welded box‑section frames. There are no exterior bolts on the finished roof (so no leaked screw holes), and stainless‑steel hinges and fittings are used for corrosion resistance and longevity. Drivelodge also holds full M1 safety certification and ISO approval for its elevating roofs, and every roof comes with a 5‑year manufacturer’s warranty, giving camper owners extra peace of mind.
Vehicle Compatibility
Drivelodge makes roofs for all the popular camper bases. For example, they offer front‑elevating roofs for VW Transporter T5/T6 (short and long wheelbase), Renault Trafic (SWB and LWB, pre‑2014 and 2014+ models), and Ford Transit Custom (SWB and LWB, including new models). They also supply rear elevating roofs or pop‑tops for models like the Land Rover Defender 110. Other supported vans include Citroën Berlingo/Dispatch, Nissan (e.g. NV200, NV350, Elgrand), Toyota (Alphard/Vellfire series), and more. (Drivelodge’s full vehicle index lists dozens of options for European and Japanese vans.) In short, if you drive a mainstream panel van or MPV, chances are there’s a Drivelodge roof to fit it.
Lomond Campers is an approved Drivelodge installer, so we can supply and fit any of these models. We can advise on which roof suits your needs – for example, a low‑profile front elevating roof maximises daytime headroom, while a full high‑top (fixed roof) gives permanent standing space.
Build Quality and Performance
Drivelodge roofs are engineered for strength, weatherproofing and ease of use. When closed, the moulded roof sits flush and aerodynamic. Unlike many pop‑tops, Drivelodge uses a fixed front spoiler instead of loose rubber seals. This streamlines air flow, cutting wind noise and drag (helping fuel economy). In practice, owners report that the roof remains quiet even at motorway speeds.
When opened, a single‑piece box‑section frame supports the lifted roof, with multiple mounting points to the van’s chassis. Crucially, Drivelodge installs this without drilling holes through the roof shell. That means no new leak paths: the “drill‑free” method and welded frame ensure the conversion stays weatherproof. The stainless steel scissor‑hinges and struts are built to last, so you can raise and lower the roof smoothly thousands of times without rust or sag.
Inside the pop‑top, the shell is trimmed in high‑quality panels with integrated features. Recessed LED downlights are built into the roof interior, wiring neatly hidden behind fabric sleeves. This gives soft, ambient lighting in the upper berth without clutter. In summary, the emphasis on solid construction and thoughtful design means a Drivelodge roof feels robust and practical in daily use.
Options and Finishes
Drivelodge offers extensive customisation so your new roof matches your van and style:
- Colour matching: The hard shell can be gelcoated white or painted to your van’s colour (even metallic finishes in 2‑pack lacquer). This “colour‑coding” means the pop‑top looks like a factory option.
- Canvas panels: Standard canvas is durable and waterproof. You can choose from multiple fabric colours and textures. For an open, airy feel, a full “scenic” canvas option lets the entire roof side unzip and roll up – ideal for enjoying views or extra airflow.
- Windows: Canvas windows are zip‑open. Drivelodge offers a weather‑sealed front window insert (plastic see‑through panel) to add light, and usually two side windows (one fixed plexiglass, one mesh) that can open for ventilation.
- Bed support: To sleep in the roof, Drivelodge provides removable bed boards that fit on rails inside the shell. For more convenience, a bi‑fold elevating mattress is available – it folds inside the roof and lowers down on gas struts when you’re ready for bed.
- Interior trim: Many installers (including Lomond Campers) will carpet and trim the roof interior to match your van’s décor.
These options let you tailor the roof to your conversion. For example, you might choose a black gelcoat shell to match a black van roof, or any body colour for a stealth look. We can source the exact paint code to blend seamlessly. Scenic canvas (with all‑over mesh) is particularly popular for summer travel.
Warranty and Maintenance
Every Drivelodge roof carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty. This covers defects in workmanship and materials, reflecting confidence in the product’s durability. (On certain high‑volume models, a 2‑year warranty also appears as an option, but a full 5 years is standard on most pop‑tops.) Drivelodge’s UK factory and approved installers ensure each roof is fitted correctly, which is the first step in trouble‑free ownership.
For day‑to‑day care, owners should treat the roof much like a tent or awning. Keep the canvas clean and dry: wash it occasionally with mild soap and water, then rinse well. Apply a UV‑protectant or water‑repellent spray if needed (many owners use products like 303 Fabric Guard). After use, always allow the canvas to dry before closing up or storing the van to prevent mildew. Check seals and fixings: ensure the edges where the roof meets the van are free of debris and the sealant is intact. Over time you may need to lubricate the hinges and struts with a light silicone spray to keep the mechanism moving smoothly. If you ever spot any drips or loose trim, address them promptly – a small seal failure can let water in. (In fact, experts warn that even a well‑built roof can leak if sealant is applied poorly, so proper installation and maintenance are key.)
For any maintenance beyond basic care, Lomond Campers can provide service. Our team is familiar with Drivelodge roofs, so we can re‑seal, replace the canvas, or adjust the frame as needed. Thanks to the warranty, any manufacturer issues can be handled quickly by Drivelodge or a certified fitter.
Trusted by Campers and Converters
Drivelodge’s reputation among owners and installers is generally very positive. Conversion specialists and forum users frequently praise the sturdy build and practical design of the roofs. Owners report that Drivelodge canvases withstand high winds and weather without trouble, and that the high‑roof bed is comfortable for two. The fact that Drivelodge is M1‑certified and ISO‑approved gives customers confidence, and their long warranty underlines the commitment to quality.
Lomond Campers is proud to be an approved Drivelodge installer. We’ve seen firsthand that these roofs integrate well with our conversions and hold up to UK conditions. With the full range of model fits and custom options, Drivelodge pop‑tops allow us to offer highly versatile campervans. By choosing a Drivelodge roof through Lomond Campers, customers get British craftsmanship, a five‑year warranty, and the peace of mind that comes from expert fitting.
In summary: A Drivelodge pop‑top is a trusted choice because it combines top‑grade British manufacturing (fibreglass shell, honeycomb core, robust frame), thoughtful features (integrated lighting, low noise profile), and a long warranty. Lomond Campers can install these roofs on a wide range of vans (VW, Renault, Ford, etc.), matching paint and canvas to your preference. With simple maintenance and proper installation, a Drivelodge roof will keep your camper dry and spacious for years of adventures.
