Using the Pop-Top Roof Safely & Efficiently

Applies to most front-hinged or rear-hinged systems (e.g., Reimo, SCA, Drivelodge). Always follow your roof’s own manual if anything differs.

Quick-start (1 minute)

1. Park safely: engine off, handbrake on, check for branches/garages above.
2. Unlatch both catches (front or rear depending on hinge).
3. Push up centrally with steady pressure; gas struts will assist.
4. Tidy the bellows: pull fabric outward so it’s smooth in the corners.
5. Lower to close: pull the strap with one hand while guiding fabric in with the other; latch both catches fully; quick walk-round before driving.

Safety first (always)

• Vehicle secure: parked on level ground if possible; engine off; handbrake on.
• Overhead clearance: avoid tree branches, soffits, low carports and garage doors.
  Why: damage to the shell, fabric and seals is common from hidden branches.
• Hands & fabric clear of scissor arms and hinges.
  Why: moving mechanisms can pinch.
• Wind guidance: avoid raising in strong winds (roughly > 25–30 mph); use approved storm straps only if your manufacturer allows.
  Why: high winds strain struts, hinges and fabric and can slam the roof.
• Never drive with the roof even partly raised.
  Why: severe risk of damage and loss of control.

Raising the roof (step-by-step)

1. Release both latches evenly (front-hinged roofs usually latch at the front, rear-hinged at the rear).
2. Push centrally and smoothly until fully up.
   Why: even pressure protects the hinges and keeps the shell square.
3. Seat the weather flap and tension the bellows:
   • Gently pull the fabric outwards at each corner.
   • Check there are no deep creases.
     Why: neat bellows shed water properly and reduce wind noise.

Tip: If it feels heavy, check a latch isn’t still half-on. Don’t force it.

Using the roof bed

• Bed board up = headroom. Lift or slide the board (model-dependent) to stand in the galley.
• Bed board down = sleeping mode. Use the supplied mattress.
• Weight limit: typically ~150–200 kg total, but check your roof’s plate/manual.
• Condensation control: crack a side window or roof vent slightly; consider a breathable underlay beneath the mattress.
  Why: improves airflow, reduces damp patches and mildew.

Child safety: supervise climbing; no jumping on the bed; ensure the ladder is stable.

Closing the roof (step-by-step)

1. Clear bedding from hinges and scissor areas; nothing bulky on the board.
2. Pull-down strap: one hand on the strap, the other sweeps fabric inward all around as the roof descends.
   Why: keeps bellows from pinching and preserves the seals.
3. Latch both catches fully and check they’re seated.
4. Walk-round check: bellows not protruding; no straps trapped; roof shell flush with the body.
   Why: avoids water ingress and wind lift.

Cold-weather tip: If canvas is wet or frosty, defrost and dry before long-term storage to prevent mildew and stuck zips.

Weather, warmth & comfort

• Ventilation: always leave a small vent gap at night to reduce condensation.
• Thermal kit: insulated wraps or liners improve warmth and reduce morning condensation.
• Rain: well-tensioned bellows shed water better. Avoid rubbing the fabric against sharp edges.
• Snow/ice: do not raise with snow load; clear and thaw first.
  Why: extra weight strains struts and hinges.

Care & maintenance (simple routine)

• Bellows (fabric):
  • Brush off loose debris regularly.
  • Spot-clean with mild soap (no harsh detergents/bleach).
  • Re-proof annually with the manufacturer-approved spray.
    Why: maintains water repellency and fabric life.
• Seals: inspect for tears, flat spots, trapped grit. Wipe clean; treat lightly with a silicone care stick.
  Why: supple seals keep drafts and water out.
• Hinges/struts: visual check of fixings and mounts every few months; if you notice play, squeaks or uneven lift, book a converter inspection.
• Zips & windows: keep sand/grit out; occasionally lube zips with a dry zipper lube.

Cleaning caution: avoid pressure-washing directly at seals or under the shell. Hand-wash is kinder.

Troubleshooting (quick fixes)

• Roof won’t raise smoothly:
  • Check both latches are fully released.
  • Ensure van is roughly level; heavy front/back lean can bind hinges.
  • Cold weather? Warm the canvas slightly and try again.
• Fabric keeps pinching on close:
  • Use a “C-sweep”: one hand pulls the strap, the other sweeps the canvas inward in a continuous circle.
  • Ask a second person to guide corners for the last 20 cm.
• Won’t latch flush on one side:
  • Check for trapped fabric or bedding.
  • Confirm both latches are adjusted equally (follow your roof manual).
  • Inspect seals for folds or debris.
• Wind noise after closing:
  • Reopen a few centimetres, re-seat the bellows and seals, close again.
  • Check that the weather flap is lying correctly.

Good habits (why they matter)

• Even, central push to open; even, guided pull to close → protects hinges/struts and fabric.
• Bellows tidy every time → less water ingress, less wind noise.
• Latched and walk-round check before driving → prevents costly damage.
• Dry before storage → avoids mildew and odours.

Need Help?

If anything feels unclear at a site, don’t struggle—we’re happy to help.

• Email: info@lomondcampers.co.uk
• Book an appointment: lomondcampers.co.uk