Comparing Pop Top Camper Van Models: Which One Is Right for You?

A pop top camper van is one of the best ways to get out and see the world. They’re self-contained, can be off-road-ready, and easy to set up. Plus, you don’t have to mess around with towing a trailer!

But which pop top van is right for you?

We want to highlight a couple of the vans we have in stock right now - a 2022 Chevy Express 3500 with a Colorado Camper Van conversion and a 2022 Ford Transit MR, also with a Colorado Camper Van conversion.

Now, it’s important to point out that either of these vans would make a fantastic overlanding and camping machine - you really can’t go wrong given all the features (especially the pop top roof!) that both these vans have. But, there are enough differences between them that could make one or the other a better fit for your specific situation.

So, let’s figure out which one you need!

Base Van Features

Let’s start with the Chevy Express 3500 pop top camper…

This van is powered by a 6.6-liter gas V8 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a Quigley 4x4 system with a 3.42 automatic locking rear axle that allows it to adventure way off road. You get a remote vehicle start, a 220-amp alternator, and rear park assist, too. Other features include the following: 

• Rear Window Defroster
• Cruise Control
• Bluetooth
• HD Trailering equipment

This van has seats for four people and can sleep up to six people, if need be.

The Ford Transit MR, meanwhile, offers a 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This option gives you superior fuel efficiency over the bigger V8 in the Chevy van. And with a 31-gallon extended fuel tank, you can stay on the road longer without as many stops to fill up.

The Ford comes with an AWD system and a 3.73 limited slip axle that helps it navigate difficult terrain and challenging road conditions. Add an HD trailer tow package and a trailer brake controller, and you have a great setup for towing a small trailer wherever your adventures take you. Other features include the following:

• Keyless Entry Pad
• 360-degree camera
• Remote start
• Two 70 amp-hour batteries

So, the question is, do you want a heavier-duty 4x4 van with a larger engine or a more fuel-efficient AWD option that still has plenty of power and towing capabilities? Both vans will get you from point A to point B in style, but if you want to explore the rough stuff, the Chevy is likely the better bet. And if on-road explorations are your thing, it’s hard to argue against the Ford.

Exterior Upgrades on These Pop Top Camper Van Models

As mentioned earlier, the Chevy pop top camper we have in stock comes with a Quigley 4x4 conversion. But that’s not all…

This van also has upgraded front and rear Fox shocks, a Progressive rear leaf spring, and a three-inch lift kit. The van rides on 33-inch BF Goodrich K02 tires wrapped around matte black Method race wheels.

The front and rear bumpers have been upgraded too - the front features a Weldtec Tube Winch Stealth bumper and the rear is a WeldTec Tube bumper with dual swing outs. The rear of the van also features a spare tire and a tray for an Aluminess box. Needless to say, this pop top camper can get you to those secluded camping spots at the end of some very rough trails!

The Ford MR Transit van in our inventory is no slouch in the exterior upgrade department, either. Up front is an Aluminess front bumper and bull bar for added protection while in back is an Aluminess ladder, tire, and box rack combo. There’s even another ladder on the driver’s side of the van for additional roof access.

This pop top camper van comes with a horizontal bike rack, front and rear suspension upgrades, and bead-grip Method 701 race wheels. The van benefits from a two-inch lift kit as well.

Again, if it’s the really rough stuff you’re after, the Chevy van is probably the better option of the two. And for a more all-around van with superb on- and off-road capabilities, the Ford really shines.

Pop Top Camper Van Interior Comparison

Heading inside, you’ll find well-appointed cabins in both the Chevy and Ford examples we’re examining. The Chevy, for example, offers a full heating and cooling system with a Dometic TRX 1000 12-volt rooftop air conditioner and an Espar Hydronic D5 gasoline heater. The heater doubles as a hot water heater, too, which comes in handy for the outside shower and the kitchen sink.

The electrical system in this van is worth noting, too. It comes with a Xantrex Freedom HFD true sine wave 200-watt, 100-amp inverter/charger. The van has a 540 amp-hour HR lithium auxiliary battery with a DC to DC charger/isolator, too. Add a shore power hookup, a 200-watt solar panel with a 20-amp controller, and a REDARC battery management system to the mix as well!

Other interior features include the following:

• A galley with a sink, induction cooktop, and an Isotherm Cruise 85 stainless refrigerator
• Cupboards and drawers for storage
• Blackout window shade
• Maxxair fan with remote control
• Shoe storage at the passenger-side sliding door
• Wood-lined walls
• 5-gallon gray water tank
• Upper and lower beds

As for the Ford, you’ll find some of the same interior features with a few added goodies. For example, the Ford comes with the same Dometic RTX 1000 air conditioner but uses an Aqua-Hot system for hot water and heating the van.

The electrical system is a little different, too. The Ford has a Xantrex Freedom HFS 2000-watt, 80-amp true sine wave inverter/charger paired with three 200 amp-hour (600 amp-hour total) SOK auxiliary batteries with a DC to DC charger/isolator. You’ll also find a 200-watt solar panel with a 20-amp controller and a REDARC battery management system, just like in the Chevy.

The Ford includes the following interior features as well:

• A galley with a Ruvati 15X15 sink, an induction cooktop, and an Isotherm Cruise 130-watt refrigerator
• Outdoor shower
• Porta-potty inside a hidden flip-up storage box
• 5-gallon gray water tank
• Maxxair 7500k deluxe fan
• Front passenger swivel seat
• Upper and lower beds
• Fiamma 3-Meter Freedom awning

Upper bed in the Chevy Express pop top van.

Perhaps the best interior feature of these vans, though, is the pop top from Colorado Camper Van. There’s no doubt that a camper van with a pop top is a huge asset when you’re camping and overlanding, but not all pop top conversions are made alike…

We chose Colorado Camper Van for our pop tops because of their reputation for sturdy construction and the size of the bed up top (the bed is BIG!). With a Colorado Camper Van pop top, you get the advantage of a well-made shell and walls that stand up to the rigors of travel while also benefiting from far more headroom. The added space above the main living area for sleeping and storage is a nice bonus, too.

Of course, you can unzip the windows in the pop top and flood either of these vans with natural light. The views out of the large pop top windows and the fresh air they let in can’t be beat, either!

Upper bed in the Ford transit pop top van.

When it comes down to it, these Chevy and Ford pop top camper van models are very well equipped with only a few minor differences (e.g., the Ford has a porta-potty).

As you can see in the images above, both vans have impeccable interiors with high-quality materials, smart use of space, and functional layouts. Ultimately, the choice between the two might very well come down to your aesthetic sensibilities since the interior systems and features are so similar.

Get a Better Pop Top Camper Van Experience

Now that we’ve highlighted some of the features in these vans, the question is, which one is right for you?

The Chevy is a little more rugged while the Ford offers benefits like AWD and improved fuel economy. Both vans offer galleys and multiple beds, though the Chevy has slightly more interior space while the Ford has an onboard porta-potty. Both vans have robust heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and that fantastic pop top, too.

It’s okay if you can’t quite decide - making a decision like this based on a few words and photos can be really difficult. The BTR Outfitters team - pronounced better - is available to answer questions via phone at 888-323-5902, in person at 6662 Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas, or you can message us anytime. We’re here to make your camper van buying experience second to none. That’s why we put “better” in our name!