In the first of our 'How to...' videos we look at the correct procedure for opening and closing an elevating roof, or 'Pop Top' roof, as they're often known. Getting this right can save large bills for repairs to the fabric sides (or bellows) of the roof, and prevent the roof from leaking or becoming prised open by the wind while in transit.

Don't forget at SJ Campers we supply, paint and fit a range of elevating roofs for Volkswagen and other vans. For guide prices and information take a look at our Roofs, or get in touch with us to find out how we can help make your dream camper van a reality.

Thanks to HDDN Media for the video production.

Lake District based camper van conversion specialist SJ Campers have achieved a number of firsts since their move to new larger premises in Kendal, being the first converters to offer a range of customisable camper van furniture units built on site, as well as being Cumbria’s first official Smart Beds distributor.

Teaming up with local CNC gurus FSW Engineering has enabled SJ Campers to offer customers a range of completely bespoke kitchen and storage units to fit any camper conversion.

Unique to SJ Campers the units are offered in a multitude of colours and both gloss and matt finishes, lending vans a custom look and high-end quality feel. Units are made to exacting measurements on-site and customers’ specifications are uniquely catered for and advised on by the highly professional team.

Martin Lucas of FSW Engineering said, “We’ve tried to get away from the ‘one size fits all, churn it out’ approach and have worked closely alongside SJ Campers to create their vision of a range of modular units that will interchange and complement each other.

“We believe that our process of designing units specifically to the customer’s needs and style choices makes our product hard to match in the camper van world.

“We’re proud to offer a service where we take a customer’s design and implement that into a great-looking, reliable, working finished product”.

Being the Lake District’s main dealer and fitters for revolutionary rock n roll bed designers, Smart Beds, means that SJ Campers can offer pull-tested, easy to operate camper beds to suit any make and model of van in a huge range of colours and styles. In fact, thanks to the team at FSW Engineering, customers can also choose from a variety of integrated storage units that have been custom designed specifically for Smart Beds, making them the obvious choice when buying a new bed.

Smart Beds co-founder, Martin Bishop, said, “We have a great relationship with SJ Campers and really like what they’re doing with the Smart Beds range. They’ve done a lot of great work with us to spread the word about our unique product and the quality of their installations is second to none”.

Caroline dropped this in a few weeks back then got on a train back to Edinburgh.

Stunning Mercedes Vito now with leisure battery set up, LED lights/USB charger points, Webasto STC2000 with HD multi controller and rear pull out kitchen/storage/bed platform with pumped water supply.

Martin atFSW Engineeringhas done a proper job with the custom made furniture on this one! This great design allows for the kitchen hob and sink unit to slide out under the tailgate, creating a stand up kitchen with shelter from the weather. The kitchen unit then slides back into the sideboard for stowage, leaving plenty of space along the side for storing bikes and outdoor kit.

In the front we've installed a rotating 'captain's' chair to allow for more useable space inside the van when eating, cooking and socialising...or just getting changed after a day out in the hills/at the beach!

The rear passenger seats also fold flat for additional storage and to create space to sleep off the floor.

Another tip top van set and ready to go on its adventures!