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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
Pop tops other than Alucab…
I’m starting to get unhealthy thoughts about having a pop top conversion. Alucab seems most popular, who else does them? 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #940222 30th Jan 2022 6:04pm
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3321

United Kingdom 
I've been looking into these for my 130 , look a bit more affordable.

http://drivelodge.co.uk/new-products/land-...escription



Click image to enlarge
 
Post #940226 30th Jan 2022 6:13pm
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db950



Member Since: 01 Feb 2012
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 559

United Kingdom 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
Not a definitive list but here’s a few…

https://shop.ex-tec.de/de/

http://www.x-vision-x.de/product_info.php?...e295m4t122

https://www.safari-equip.co.uk/shop/roof-t...amper-110/ 1997 Ex-MOD 110, Pop Top Camper, build thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic72352.html
2014 Discovery 4 SE Tech
Instagram @the110camper
Post #940230 30th Jan 2022 6:30pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
Thanks, keep’em coming. The Alucab by all accounts is excellent (I know 3 people with them now) , but it nearly ruins the iconic profile of a Defender with that flat panel above the windscreen, hence my interest in the alternatives. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #940231 30th Jan 2022 6:39pm
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s55shh



Member Since: 30 Dec 2019
Location: staffs
Posts: 184

United Kingdom 
Polish ones look interesting at about £5k installed
Post #940236 30th Jan 2022 7:01pm
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db950



Member Since: 01 Feb 2012
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 559

United Kingdom 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
Unfortunately by their very nature by needing more roof height most have that front panel I think.

I’m happy with my Alu-Cab but a few others on here have different ones and are happy with them so…!! 1997 Ex-MOD 110, Pop Top Camper, build thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic72352.html
2014 Discovery 4 SE Tech
Instagram @the110camper
Post #940238 30th Jan 2022 7:12pm
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gcc130



Member Since: 05 Jun 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 684


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We’re very pleased with our Dormobile roof, but I’m aware that Terry has recently had a bad experience with them.
Although they use the same fibreglass shell, our roofs are made from different canvas and the sleeping arrangement is different. We’ve been out in some pretty rough weather and had no water ingress.
Post #940250 30th Jan 2022 7:46pm
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wyvern



Member Since: 14 Dec 2009
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2070

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Firenze Red
I went though the same process prior to buying the top we have now and found it best to look at the vehicles with the various tops prior to making up your own mind.
This is not a cheap option and it will change the vehicle for ever, but you will love the extra space and the ability to park up, pop up and have your bed ready and available for use.

We have an X-Vision-x top and have nothing but praise for it. Its been well used over the last 4 years.
The bed is very comfortable and the fabric robust and waterproof. The front hinge joint has never given any issues.
We chose this one on a few key points which were important for us.
1. Style - the xVx top is low profile and keeps the original roof so doesn't look ‘odd’
2. Roofrack - the top enables the use of a roofrack and can carry a reasonable weight.
3. Bed - the bed is a spring slatted frame so is very light and comfortable, allowing warm air from the heater to warm the mattress and has no condensation issues.
4. Weight - the xVx top is one of the lighter ones so has less of an impact vehicle weight.
5. Cost - this was not the chapesest nor the most expensive - however it seems to be good value for money in our books.

hope that helps !

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 Poppy - TDCI (Puma) 110XS 2.2 - Camper conversion - see the build here - https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56530.html
Elgar -TDCI(Puma) 110XS Dormobile - now sold
Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response - DC126
Post #940261 30th Jan 2022 8:58pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
Didn't realise there was so many options. Much thinking to do. Thanks all. Something I'd not really thought about was whether it's preferable to have one that doesn't alter the original roof panel incase I wanted to put it back.

db950 wrote:
Unfortunately by their very nature by needing more roof height most have that front panel I think.

I’m happy with my Alu-Cab but a few others on here have different ones and are happy with them so…!!


Looks to be the case that most have it, the strategic placing of some spot lights can improve things. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #940291 31st Jan 2022 9:10am
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db950



Member Since: 01 Feb 2012
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 559

United Kingdom 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Nato Green
It’s a big investment for sure so lots of research needed, keep us posted on what you decide!

By the time you bolt a few accessories on the additional height and front panel don’t look too bad!!


Click image to enlarge
 1997 Ex-MOD 110, Pop Top Camper, build thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic72352.html
2014 Discovery 4 SE Tech
Instagram @the110camper
Post #940428 31st Jan 2022 9:49pm
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Teario



Member Since: 04 Aug 2015
Location: Merseyside
Posts: 149

1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Rioja Red
I am in a similar position and keep bouncing back and forth between a roof tent and a pop top. The pop top is preferable but significantly more expensive and I am really not a fan of how the roof looks afterward.

The only place I have found who manage to do a pop top while keeping the original looks are these:
http://4x4camp.eu/4x4_Aufstelldach_SC_Defender110_SF.htm


I can't tell you any more unfortunately as I haven't seen one for real, just one I came across while searching for low profile pop tops. It's definitely an option I'm planning to look more into when I need to commit to a decision.
Post #940441 31st Jan 2022 10:28pm
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Bluest



Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
For me it’s a choice of sticking with the Oztent or going pop top, I just can’t see the appeal of roof tents for a family. The price is high, but when you look at it in the context of what you’d spend on hotels, villas etc on normal holidays it looks a bit less scary.

I know I mentioned the looks bothered me, but whilst they aren’t ideal on some models, I’d still prefer to get to get the best made one rather than the best looking.

I’d also need to figure out the interior layout. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS
Post #940447 31st Jan 2022 10:45pm
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PocketFred



Member Since: 02 Feb 2022
Location: Lausanne
Posts: 22

Switzerland 2001 Defender 110 Td5 HT Caledonian Blue
After long consideration and having a close look and contact with most European options (XvisionX, ExTec, TheOverlandies, Faaq, Alucab), I finally went for it and paid the deposit last summer.
I collected my car from PSP Expedition campers (in the Netherlands) at the beginning of January and boy can I see where my money went! Absolutely amazing craftmanship and quality of the materials and design. And Paul is a fantastic guy to deal and talk with.


Click image to enlarge


I had an Alucab tent (well two, if you count the one they had to exchange) and awning before that for about 4 years and that were just plain junk.

I'm working on the interior now! Smile
Post #940612 2nd Feb 2022 9:49am
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camelman



Member Since: 27 Feb 2013
Location: Peak District
Posts: 3321

United Kingdom 
What was the cost of this unit? 
Post #940617 2nd Feb 2022 10:20am
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PocketFred



Member Since: 02 Feb 2022
Location: Lausanne
Posts: 22

Switzerland 2001 Defender 110 Td5 HT Caledonian Blue
8950€ before options

See website for some of the options: https://www.psp-expeditioncampers.com/nl/p...fender-110 (use chrome's translate option if required)
Post #940618 2nd Feb 2022 10:21am
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