Advice and tips for use and care of your Streamline campervan roof

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Streamline Campervan Roof Recommended Maintenance
Opening and Closing your Streamline Campervan Roof
Key issues to avoid when fitting a campervan roof

 

Streamline Campervan Roof Recommended Maintenance

The following are our recommendations on maintaining your Streamline Campervan roof to ensure that the roof has a long life and continues to function for many years to come. A small amount of effort on a regular basis can make a lot of difference. It is good practice to spend 15 minutes checking over the roof and its operation before going on a trip especially if has not been used for several months.

1. Cleaning

You should clean the roof and rubber seal regularly using mild soap and water or a standard car/van cleaning shampoo. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools which may scratch the roof material.

2. Check for Leaks

Regularly check for any signs of leaks or water damage, especially after heavy rain or snow. Early detection of leaks can prevent more serious damage. You should never store your roof with a wet canvas.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

The hinges that allows the roof to elevate will need occasional lubrication with the careful application of a silicone spray or oil. Keep some handy so you can regularly apply to moving parts to ensure smooth operation.

4. Inspect Seals and Edges

Inspect the seals around the roof for any signs of wear and tear, clean using mild soap and water. Use a silicone based rubber seal protectant will help prevent cracking or deteriorating and these can be applied regularly. If you notice cracking then seals should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks.

5. Check for Damage

Inspect the roof regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes. Even small damages can lead to bigger problems if not addressed promptly. A quick check before and after a trip can help identify and prevent small issues turning into larger ones.

6. Take care with roof racks

If you have a roof rack then don’t overload the roof with too much weight. Attempting to open the roof with a roof rack with items attached can strain the lifting mechanism and the roof structure.

7. Take care when opening and closing

Details of how to open and close your roof are available on this page and care should be taken especially when closing the roof. Incorrect or rough usage can lead to damage or malfunction.

8. Storage Tips

If you intend to store your PopTop campervan then we recommend it is stored with the roof down. If you have a roof rack then this should be empty. Ensure the roof tent is dry before leaving the roof closed for any extended period of time. Lubricate hinges and add a silicone based rubber seal protectorant. If you intend to store outdoors then we recommend you check the roof for leaks after the first rainfall/snow and apply silicone sealant as necessary if required. Depending on the environment you may want to run checks on hinges and reapply seal protectorant every 1-2 months.

9. Weather Considerations

Our roofs can cope with normal weather conditions however the harsher the conditions the more attention you will need to give to maintainence.

10. Canvas Care

Our standard cotton canvas is water resistant but not waterproof.  All canvasses including the standard cotton canvas can be maintained with products like Fabsil Gold Spray to enhance or maintain a high level of water resistance. Please refer to manufacturers instructions for how often to use and how to best apply. For ultimate protection of your tent we recommend an insulated tent cover which will give you additional water proofing as well as keeping you warmer on cold nights.

11. Final word

You can’t really maintain your roof or campervan too much! Regular care and attention will keep you happily on the road enjoying your best van life and the extra space and functionality that your Streamline campervan roof provides.

 

Opening and closing your Streamline Campervan Roof

Usually best done with one person inside and one outside the van however can be done by one person. Opening is usually very straight forward. Closing the roof is where most issues can occur and should be done carefully to prevent damage to the roof, hinges or canvas.  It is important to ensure the roof is opened and closed by an adult using the handles and applying even force. Twisting can cause issues with gas struts and hinges and in extreme circumstances may even crack the roof.  There are YouTube videos that demonstrate opening and closing which can be helpful however we have seen videos where roofs are partially pulled down on one side and then the other, this is not recommended.

 

Opening the Roof

Key points when opening

• Do not force the roof if it seems stuck or resists movement.
• Use both handles together in a controlled manner. Handles should never be pulled on seperately as we don't want the roof to twist.
• Be mindful of overhead obstacles like tree branches.
• Avoid opening in strong winds or severe weather conditions.

Step 1 : Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface to avoid uneven stress on the roof and open either the side or rear doors to allow air to be drawn in when the roof is opened.

Remove any objects on the roof rack. Attempting to raise the roof or leaving the roof open with a loaded rack will likely cause issues with the hinges and gas struts.

Inside the campervan, move items away from the roof area that may cause an obstruction.

Step 2 : Unlocking:

Unfasten the two roof retaining straps and ensure that they are both fully released.

Step 3 : Elevating the Roof:

Use the provided handles only to gently and smoothly push the roof upwards evenly from both sides keeping a firm grip on both handles. Do not push one side up and then the other as this will put pressure on hinges and could damage the roof.

The handles should have been located in the optimal positions as per our installation instructions. If two people are opening the roof then a co-ordinated push using a handle each is recommended rather than one person pushing the handles and the other pushing on another area of the roof.

The roof will not need to be forced upwards. If this is the case then stop immediately and check as there may be something blocking the mechanism or the roof retaining straps may need to be unfastened.

Step 4 : Final Check:

Once fully elevated, ensure that the roof is securely locked in the open position

You may want to do a quick check to ensure fixings are tight and take the opportunity to lubricate the hinges

 

Closing the Roof

Key points when closing

• Don’t force the roof down at any point and if you feel resistance reopen the roof and check that nothing has been accidently left in the roof area
• Regularly check that the canvas is sitting within the roof and is not getting trapped in the hinges
• Don’t overtighten the roof retaining straps as this may buckle the roof.
• Always double-check that the roof is securely fastened before driving.

Step 1 : Preparation

Ensure the vehicle is still on a level surface.

Inside the campervan, remove any items that might obstruct the roof as it lowers and open either the rear or side door to allow excess air to leave the vehicle.

Important! Ensure that the roof canvas strap at the inside rear of the tent is connected and that there is some inward tension as this will help pull the tent inside as you lower the roof.

Step 2 : Lower the roof around two thirds

Gently pull the roof down with firm even pressure from both sides using the handles and close the roof around two thirds of the way.  There is a point where the roof can hold its own weight while remaining partially open.  If the roof closes too far then gently push it upwards until it is holding its own weight.

Step 3 : Pull in canvas

Starting at the front pull the excess canvas towards yourself.  A good technique for the front is to grab the front window at both sides and then pull inwards.  You dont need to pull hard but you can be quite firm.  Grab the sides nearer the front of the canvas and pull excess canvass inwards.

Step 4 : Lower fully and check

Close the roof completely using the handles and allow it to rest in the closed position without fully securing the retaining straps. Now do a final check inside and out to ensure the canvas is seated within the roof area.

Step 5 : Secure retaining straps

Once the roof is fully lowered and you are happy that there are no obstructions you can go ahead and secure the retaining straps. Ensure the buckle is the correct way around so that it holds the strap in place.

Do not over-tighten the retaining straps. The roof does not need to have its rubber seal held too tightly against the retaining frame for it to be held securely in place. If the rubber is being crushed at the front of the roof then you have almost certainly overtightened it.

 

Key issues to avoid when fitting a campervan roof

Although you can fit our campervan roof yourself we recommend that you use an experienced fitter. However, if you are experienced at DIY, precise in your measurements and you have the correct equipment, then it is an exciting and rewarding challenge.

You can review a campervan roof fitting guide where one of our trade customers fits a Streamline Roofs to a 61-reg T5 Transporter.

Incorrect fitting of a campervan roof can lead to issues and you could end up invalidating your warranty, no matter which manufacturer you choose.

If you are fitting a roof yourself then it's important that you follow fitting instructions and to ensure you measure everything correctly so the roof is installed precisely and securely. Here are some of the main areas to pay attention to as they are where most problems can occur.

1. Improper Sealing and Weatherproofing: Proper weatherproofing is essential to protect against rain, wind, and moisture. One of the most common issues we see is inadequate sealing which can lead to leaks causing water damage inside the campervan. Using high-grade, durable sealants specifically designed for vehicles is crucial. These sealants should be able to withstand extreme temperatures and regular movement. Ensure any holes and fixings are correctly sealed before putting your van on the road and do a quick visual check of the roof and interior after heavy rain. We recommend and use Clear Speed Bond. If you’re planning a week away and there is the potential for rain then keep some handy just in case.

2. Misalignment: If the campervan roof is not aligned correctly with the base vehicle, it can lead to problems like difficulty in opening and closing the roof, uneven wear on components, and potential gaps that could allow water or pests inside. Check the measurements and instructions carefully before cutting the roof hole. The old rule about measure twice, cut once is definitely worth following.

3. Faulty or Insecure Fixtures: This includes issues like screws, bolts, or brackets that are not properly tightened, are in the wrong place, or are of the wrong type. Incorrect fixtures can lead to a loose roof, which might rattle or cause issues opening or closing. All the correct fixtures and fittings are provided with our roofs however you should regularly check these in case they have worked loose. If you need fixings replacing for any reason and you don’t have a suitable replacement then please feel free to contact us. Keep a small tool set handy when travelling and check fixings regularly especially if you are about to go on holiday.

4. Improper Fitting of Accessories: This includes things like roof racks, solar panels, or other additions that are not correctly installed, potentially leading to damage to the roof structure or leaks. If you intend to fit an accessory to your roof we are happy to provide advice. Key points are however that the accessory should not exceed the weight limit of the roof. Roof racks can be used however be careful not to overload them. We advise no more than 40kg of additional weight on a roof rack and the roof should never be opened with a loaded rack as this will place undue pressure on the hinges and gas struts. More details about using roof racks on your campervan roof can be found on the following page.