High top van conversion guide

What defines a high top van

A high top van uses a raised roof to create standing height through most of the cabin. That added headroom transforms a conversion van interior by making cooking, changing, and moving around feel natural instead of cramped. Builders often choose a molded fiberglass conversion van top that bonds to the body with structural reinforcement. An extended roof van from the factory delivers similar benefits with integrated supports, while an aftermarket hi top van relies on a well engineered reinforcement strategy to maintain rigidity. The result is more comfort, more storage potential, and cleaner cabinet lines across the ceiling.

A converted high top van also unlocks simpler layouts. Overhead lockers can run front to back, lighting can spread evenly, and ventilation placements become more flexible. The tall shell supports roof fans, solar arrays, and even lightweight cargo boxes when engineered correctly. That extra vertical volume improves air circulation, reduces the cave effect, and allows tall travelers to stand flat footed without compromise.

Roof options and the conversion van top

There are two common paths. One is an OEM tall roof platform such as Transit High Roof or Sprinter High Roof. The other is an aftermarket conversion van top added to a standard roof body. OEM tall roofs keep factory crash testing and integrated ribs. Aftermarket high tops offer freedom on legacy platforms and can be paired with a van high top conversion kit that includes the shell, headliner trim, and mounting hardware. Selecting windows, roof fans, and lighting early prevents rework and ensures clean wiring chases.

The ford econoline high top is a classic example of the second path. Many builders choose this body for its parts availability, simple powertrains, and broad service network. With proper reinforcement and sealing, an Econoline can carry a modern interior while keeping that timeless silhouette.

Safety and drivability

Changing the roof changes the way air moves around the body. Expect a different feel in crosswinds and a small hit to fuel economy. The key is keeping weight low and centered. Heavy batteries and water belong near the floor, while lightweight cabinetry can go overhead. After any roof cut, reinforcement around the opening restores stiffness, and careful sealing prevents leaks. Owners should also consider garage clearance, tall parking structures, and tree limbs on forest roads.

Planning a conversion van interior for tall space

The interior plan should take advantage of the vertical volume without sacrificing balance. Galley uppers can sit above a counter without crowding. A rear bed platform gains usable storage underneath, since tall travelers can sleep higher and still sit upright at the edge. For comfort, install acoustic and thermal insulation along the new shell and frame members, then add a vapor smart liner before paneling.

Lighting strategy matters in a high top van. Use a mix of dimmable ceiling LED strips and task lights under overhead lockers to prevent shadows. Ventilation should pair a roof fan with a low mounted intake vent or operable window to create a cool stack effect. If you plan to power laptops, induction cooking, or air conditioning, leave ceiling real estate for solar and a roof fan that can keep up with heat load.

Kitchens and wet spaces feel less claustrophobic with headroom. Many travelers add a compact shower pan with a curtain track that rides the high roof perimeter. That way, a small footprint opens up only when needed. For seating, a track floor or swivel seats can create a lounge zone beneath overhead cabinets without bumping heads.

Materials, kits, and modular choices

Van build kits offer pre sized cabinetry and panels designed for tall shells. They can speed timelines and simplify layout, though they may limit unique shapes around your specific roof contour. If you prefer a blended approach, select modular pieces for common zones like galleys and combine them with custom panels that meet the roof perfectly. Either way, keep fasteners accessible for service and choose finishes that resist vibration and temperature swings.

Sound control improves ride quality. A layered approach with constrained layer dampers on panels, closed cell foam, and a durable headliner softens noise while maintaining a crisp look. Use corrosion safe fasteners and protect cut edges with primer and seam sealer.

Platforms and fitment realities

Every body style influences your roof decision. A high top van based on Transit or Sprinter arrives ready for tall interiors. A van conversion van based on an older chassis may require careful measuring around crossmembers and wiring runs before cutting. The best plan is to map cabinet heights, fan placements, and window lines at full scale before committing.

The phrase van for van surfaces in marketplace listings and forums, often as shorthand for owners searching trade options or specific roof setups. Regardless of how you find your platform, confirm roof strength, seal integrity, and headliner attachment points before installing upper cabinets.

Kits, roofs, and real world tradeoffs

A van high top conversion kit can be a practical path when you want standing room on a platform not sold with a tall factory roof. It usually includes the fiberglass shell, inner trim rings, and hardware, and may offer window and skylight options. The hi top van profile increases cross section, so keep exterior accessories minimal up high to limit wind buffeting.

An extended roof van provides headroom with factory engineering baked in, but limits wheelbase and body choices to what is available new or used. The converted high top van opens decades of inventory across brands, including the ford econoline high top and other legacy models. Either way, the goal is the same: a conversion van interior that feels natural to live in and efficient to maintain.

Practical considerations include roof rack load ratings, fan and solar clearances, and serviceability of antennas or camera modules. Test your standing height during design, check shower curtain arcs, and confirm door swing clearance with upper cabinets. The right balance of storage, light, and airflow will make long trips feel effortless.

Where OZK Customs fits

If you want a tall roof layout that works the first time, you can explore options like Explore recreational vans, review what goes into a full specification at Custom build van details, or see finance friendly platforms at Financeable mainstream vans. Our team builds custom vans vehicles with careful engineering around roof structure, interior weight, and service access, without pushing a one size path. We do not rent or promote DIY, and we are not an RV dealer. We build to your use case, then deliver a finished rig ready for the road.

Tell us how you travel, what you carry, and which roof path interests you. We will design and build a high top van interior that feels like home and drives like a trusted daily. Submit the form to start your plan today.