Question on raised/extended van roofs

[raisingarizona]

Do those raised roofs do ok for insulation? Or does all of your heat escape through them and do they heat the van up during the summer? 

 

[Ballenxj]

My opinion, You will have that much more space (cubic feet) to heat and cool. <br />All else aside though, you should have no more problem insulating it than anything else. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Simran]

My hi top is insulated to a degree. That said, it is very easy to heat and cool too. I mounted an air conditioner in the side of my van where the hot water heater used to be and I only used it a few times all summer. However, I live up north too. If I watch where I park, I'm fine.
I also live in my van up north in winter and heating is not an issue either. I use a small 12V fan to circulate the air at the ceiling as well as leaving the vent open for fresh air intake.
This is just me but I insist on a hi top. I don't want a van without one, however, there are many on this site do fine with a standard van. It's just a matter of personal preference. Just don't let temp extremes deter you; there isn't enough square footage to make a difference, IMHO.

Gus

 

[Guest]

I insist on a hi top. I don't want a van without one, however, there are many on this site do fine with a standard van.

<br /><br />I'm one of those who like the low roof. &nbsp;It feels like a burrow, comfy cozy. &nbsp;But I would probably like a high top as well.&nbsp;<br /><br />I imagine you are right and the extra space wouldn't make much difference in heating fuel use if the van is well insulated.

 

[MrNoodly]

Fiberglass and other plastics used in high tops transfer temperatures less than steel. But you can always glue something like 1/4" closed-cell foam insulation to the top. Even better, add it to the steel walls, too, if you're using a bare bones cargo van rather than a passenger/conversion van.