“If you're debating whether to go for a HiLo roof on your van or not, we’d say just go for it - you will not be disappointed!
We bought our first base van in March this year (SWB T5.1 4 Motion T30) and the most important decision to us was what to do for a pop roof. After visiting a few shows and speaking with different conversion companies, it was clear a solid product was essential to maintain rigidity with the original roof removed (not all reinforce the framework sufficiently, we hadn't even considered this).
We looked at numerous options including SCA, but settled on Hilo. The main reasons for us were that its low profile and colour matched so you cant really tell that it’s got a roof on at all, in fact people ask us when we are going to get the roof done and are then blown away when we pop it! It's ease of use when opening up, no roof straps flapping around (Hilo solution really neat and tidy in this respect), room in the bed area and standing/ sleeping at the back (particularly when getting in & out, turning around, wanting to sleep with your head facing rearwards while your partner answers the call of nature at 3am etc..), build quality (we've been really impressed with this - as have all friends who have suffered one of our 'full tours' whenever they show any interest! We've been out twice a month all over the UK since Spring, literally 'hammering it' each time). Plus with 2 kids under 4 and another on the way, the peace of mind knowing the system had been crash tested was important to us we didn’t want to feel that we’d compromised on the quality and safety of the van that we had saved up for and stretched ourselves on initially.
A few other things we’ve realised since living with the roof that have further 'sealed the deal' for us are the Scenic zip option - we get comments at every campsite and every show or festival that we take it to - people love it, as do our kids! The 3 layer windows (blackout probably more important than we realised with two toddlers inside), the thick canvas & substantial hinges at the back - both have been great on the colder, windier nights, (we've literally been out in a gale on the seafront and in the Lakes and never had any worries).
Its not the cheapest elevating roof out there, but we didn’t want to scrimp on the roof as we saw it as the main integral, value adding part of the conversion. It’s in the same ballpark as the other options we looked at, but with a lot more functional value, so it was an easy decision in the end. We spent a lot of time looking at our options before taking the plunge, but we couldn’t be happier with the result - it's been a game changer both for our van and our family weekends away. Can't wait to get back out there in it once the downstairs has been converted next month!
James & Colette, Ilkley, West Yorkshire”
“In 2015 a brand new T5 van, had a professional conversion with an elevating roof. When we received the van converted we were not happy with the roof fitted. It would not close properly, this caused excessive wind noise and cracking an creaking when traveling. The installer tried to recertify it but was no better then it went back to the manufacturer for 1week and was exactly the same afterwards we then realised the only solution was to have a different roof. We contacted agents of other roofs. None were interested in removing the roof and to fit their roof eventually we contacted Hilo and explained the problem to Wayne who said his roof would fit and was prepared to do it. Wayne removed the roof sympathetically as we had to return it to the manufacturer without damage. Hilo fitted their roof and the van was transformed,looks great and the quality and fit of roof is outstanding. Thanks to Wayne & staff for an excellent job and resolving a difficult situation .We now have been using the van for over 12months and get many comments on the quality of the roof.”
“Very happy with my roof although i felt a little more attention to detail on a few minor issues would of resulted in a very good score.
I have addressed these matters with the installer and he has offered to look into this and resolve accordingly. So all is well”
“We had a HILO roof fitted to our LWB T5 using their 2 day drive away fitting service that left us with the task of sealing the canvas and 'finishing' the interior. We had looked into lots of options when deciding what roof to fit before deciding on the sleek lines and solid build of the HILO. When we picked the van up, the fitter spent about 90 minutes walking us through every step of tasks needed to finish the roof.
Once I finished the roof, we took the van off for an 8 day vacation touring around Wales. The roof was brilliant! The kids slept in the roof every night, and we had no worries about stability even with the gusty winds we encountered on an open hilltop campsite one stormy night.
On Sunny days, the 'panoramic roof' was great to zip back when parked overlooking the sea; sat up on the roof with a drink and a glorious view.
All in all, we're really happy we chose HILO - the heavy duty frame makes it feel really sturdy and strong - even with 3 of us sitting up on the roof bed looking out to sea. It looks great when it's down - and there is hardly any wind noise at motorway speeds. When it's up, it makes the van feel spacious and open - and the kids love the space in the roof when the bed is down.”
“After researching and looking at the other premium roofs, and dismissing all of the cheap and cheerful, I decided that Hilo was BY FAR THE BEST, not only does it look good, the engineering is far superior to anything else on the market and it is 100% BRITISH.
I had to wait 2 years, living in Cornwall it wasn’t easy getting to Preston, even though I was born there, but it was worth the wait.
My van, a LWB T5 was prepped and ready, deposit paid and booked in for mid May 2015, Wayne and the team completed the job in the 2 days as promised, and I drove it back to Cornwall to begin the “finishing off”.
The briefing Wayne gave me was excellent and the box of spares and equipment to finish the job was most comprehensive and the very best quality kit. The estimated time to finish was, perhaps, a little optimistic, – it has taken me a lot longer to finish the job however I haven’t rushed and have done many other jobs on my van whilst finishing the roof. The strength of the frame is totally re-assuring especially as many cheaper roofs suffer from flexing especially on an LWB.
In summary, I am ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED with my Hilo roof, the design and engineering that has gone into the roof is just fantastic, I look at the other T5’s that come to Cornwall in summer and see vans with “bathtubs” stuck on top of the van. Whilst some may not be bothered about maintaining the sleek look of their T5, I see Reimo and SCA roofs (not to mention the cheaper options) and think how awful they look.
Other things – too many to mention, bed great, windows great, sleep either way round great, very best quality all round great – all in all great!!!!
Last positive point for anyone who has an LWB van – with Hilo it’s the same price as an SWB – great.
Thanks to Wayne, Sharon and the team.
Kindest regards, Steve Ellison, Helston, Cornwall”
“The Hilo roof is the best around!
Brilliant design, British engineering resulting in a truly amazing roof that you don't know is there until you need the extra space.
It was the low profile that attracted me to the Hilo roof in the first place and people still can't believe I have a pop top fitted. Wayne and the team did the full fit for me and the workmanship and service was first class.
The whole experience from meeting Wayne to look at the roof for the first time to picking the Van up after completion was both personal and professional and I would recommend the Hilo roof to anyone looking to create a dream camper.
Thank you again Wayne – you are a legend!
Cheers
Dean”
“I'm SO glad I chose a van with the HiLo roof. The sleek low fit makes it look like a normal van, not spoiling its lines and making it ideal for some stealth camping.
The scenic or panoramic option to unzip the material and sit up top transforms any camping trip and at a recent festival I had many many people saying it was amazing and how they want one in their vans.
If your reading this before committing, don't hesitate.”
“I am very pleased with my Hi Lo Roof conversion in my brand new Trasporter Highline.
I choose a two day fit option leaving me finish the job from a kit of parts.
Everything was explained and nothing was to much trouble.
The parts supplied all fitted first time requiring no adjustment.
This roof is a triumph of design and performs perfectly, and everyone who sees it is blown away!!”
“Excellent service , excellent product.
We went to see Wayne who was happy to spend time with us, showing us the product and explaining the process etc.
The process was simple and easy even down to being ran to the train station and back - nothing was too much trouble.
The roof is excellent and for those who just want the roof - you cant get better in my opinion - whe we had had it done I was asked regularly when I was having the roof fitted - you really cant see it when its down. For anyone who is slightly mechanically minded you will marvel at the quality of the engineering.
Overall I cant rate it enough - the Best of British high top living.”
“Had my roof converted in november in a two day fit, was amazed at the quality of the workmanship and materails used. Wayne talk me through all the finish / trim i need to do. Having spole to him a number of time with question he always there ready to help. The roofs are by far the best profiled tops on the market. An the paint work on the roof is perfect match to my one off colour sceme! So top marks there too.
HiLo roofs are a fantastic friendly family run business an i would highly recommend them to anyone.”
“Very pleased with my new HiLo roof, it looks amazing and the installation was of good quality standard, Wayne and his team were great to deal with. thanks Wayne for transforming my van.
Ryan”
“If Carlsberg made pop tops, they would still wish for a HiLo!
To say that I am a picky customer is an understatement; in addition I am an Automotive Engineer. Between fitting and leaving this feedback I have been over the roof time and time again looking for anything I am not happy with. Not just the finish but the fixings – Everything!
The quality is excellent, the design superb, the HiLo team fantastic. Every query and question answered, all my quirky requests fulfilled. It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with the team.
I am so proud of my roof that if your stood by the van, be warned you will be getting the full demo. From the Tardis like headroom, versatility of window configuration ( from snug warm to wind tunnel ) and the scenic option which takes the van to a whole new level literally.
Yes these roofs do cost a little more than some, but every time some says “I thought you had a pop top fitted”, I know I made the right choice.
The feeling you’ve got the best is priceless, thank you HiLo”
Hi Rebekah thank you so much for your wonderful words of support! It was a real pleasure to work with you to get the HILo pop top that you wanted & the colour of the canvas is constantly a source of real interest with new customers- a real one-off & unique HILO roof conversion!
Hope you have lots of fun with it & don't forget the photos when you have time.
Have a wonderful 2015
Kind regards
Sharon, Wayne & the HILO team
“I first read about the roof before I purchased my van and after seeing it in the flesh I wanted one even more.
Wayne and his team are great people to deal with and very down to earth.
I am very impressed with workmanship and the quality of the roof, if I was starting another conversion hilo would be on top of my list.”
Hi Ian, many thanks for your kind comments & hope you are enjoying the HILO - would love to see pics of the completed vehicle when you have time
Wishing you a wonderful New Year
All the best
Wayne & the HILO team
“If your looking for an alternative to the hideous 'bath tub' option for you van, this is the product for you The best advert for this roof, is when people are amazed you even have a pop top!! Don't believe the small minded few on certain forums, this is the roof to have.”
Hi Tim many thanks for your kind words & support. It was a pleasure to meet you. Your business is much appreciated. All the best with your camping!
From Wayne & the HILO team
“I seem to becoming more and more patriotic, not sure why but innovation of this product and the streamlined but disceet look totally won me over.
I took this leap of faith and paid my deposit and 3 weeks later it was fitted in 1 day.
The roof fitted was a previous version to what is fitted now and soon after fitting we realised there was a problem and re-visited Wayne at his workshop. He took a look and told us that he would need to refit the roof at no extra cost but could we work with him to slot in the re-fit between jobs. Of coarse this was a bit of a blow but at no point did he back away or try to get out of it . I was a case that we had ordered a class 1 job to be done and for some reason this was from a batch of mouldings that distorted.
I always say wh,en things can go wrong no matter how big or small the Company, it's how the Company solves any issues that matter.
If I do dicide to convert another T5 Camper I will be contacting Wayne for another Hilo Roof, It's great that there is a credible alternative to a German roof that is totally UK manufactured, Britain always used to be Innovators and I congratulate Wayne for his efforts .”
“Great product - almost everyone who looks at the roof line can not see its a pop top roof. Works well, lots of space and looks good from inside once trimmed up. The Hilo workshop and presentation does not do the product justice.”
