Australian Car Guide

If you like getting away from it all but don't like roughing it, a four wheel drive camper conversion may be just the thing. The rear of the vehicle can be fitted out with folding beds, cupboards, stove, fridge, sink - all the luxuries of home. Pictured (right) is Derek Drew's Volkswagen 4x4 camper.

To get enough head-room to stand up, a lifting roof section is usually installed. This is normally done by cutting a large hole in the roof panel and installing the pop-top section. Needless to say this should be done professionally to ensure a water-proof, rattle-proof and strong enough job.

The change is a little easier on a Land-Rover because the hard-top or station-wagon roof unbolts and can be completely replaced, in this case with a fibre-glass roof with a lifting section. The old roof section can either be sold, or kept in case you want to transfer the pop-top to a new vehicle at a later date.

A number of firms specialised in pop-top roofs, Carawagon and Dormobile (not Doormobile!) being two of the best known.

If the four wheel drive is a little larger, particularly a forward-control or cab-over design, reasonable head-room may be achieved with a fixed roof. This gives more internal room for cupboards etc. but may compromise wind resistance and weight.

See the Carawagon, Dormobile, Iveco 75, Landy, & 6x6 Pinz', Trakka (au), VW and alternatives: roof-top tents