Starlight Poptops

Custom pop-top roofs for VW Transporter and Ford Transit Custom

Starlight Poptops is a Huddersfield-based specialist that designs and manufactures pop-top roofs for campervan conversions, working primarily with VW Transporter and Ford Transit Custom vans. The company presents its offer around three pillars: a standard pop-top roof, a carbon fibre version and its signature Starlight roof with an integrated window, alongside replacement canvas and a range of customisation options.

Standard and carbon fibre roof options

The standard pop-top package is described as including a GRP roof shell, a high-quality canvas and precision-engineered hardware, intended to provide the base elements needed to turn a van into a camper. The company frames this option as combining practicality with a sleek, modern design.

The carbon fibre pop-top roof is presented as an alternative built for strength, durability and low weight. According to the company, carbon fibre is considerably lighter than traditional materials, which reduces the overall weight of the van and can help with fuel efficiency and handling, while its resistance to flexing adds long-term durability. The finish is described as sleek, modern and high-end.

The Starlight window

The signature Starlight roof incorporates an integrated sunroof-style window. The company states that this feature adds natural light and views, making the interior feel brighter and more spacious, and allows occupants to look at the scenery by day and stargaze at night. The design is presented as a departure from conventional pop-tops and has been refined year after year since its introduction.

Replacement canvas

Beyond new roofs, Starlight Poptops replaces worn or damaged pop-top canvas. The company explains that a new canvas restores weather protection, improves insulation and helps prevent leaks, drafts and condensation, while keeping the pop-top mechanism working smoothly and refreshing the look of the interior.

Customisation: finishes, canvas and interiors

The company emphasises that its roofs are not a one-size-fits-all product and can be tailored to the van, the owner's lifestyle and the intended use, whether a weekend camper, a full-time adventure van or something more individual. The customisation range listed on the site includes:

• RAL colour gelcoat finishes
• Scenic and acrylic canvas upgrades
• Premium suede interiors
• Illuminated bed boards
• Starlight windows
• A selection of carpet and canvas colours

The stated aim is to offer more flexibility and personalisation than a typical off-the-shelf pop-top, covering both subtle factory-style finishes and fully bespoke conversions.

Background in composites

The company traces its origins to Dean, described as having more than 20 years of experience in the fibreglass and carbon fibre industry, with a career designing and manufacturing composite products. That background includes carbon fibre racing components and specialist projects for brands such as Ferrari and Sunseeker. After moving into the camper conversion market, he developed the original Starlight Poptops roof with an integrated sunroof.

Positioning on quality and price

Starlight Poptops states that its goal is to deliver one of the highest-quality pop-top roofs on the market without the high price tag, arguing that buyers should not have to compromise on quality, design or reliability to stay within budget. The company says it pursues this through quality materials, precision manufacturing and considered design while keeping prices as competitive as possible. These are the company's own characterisations of its product and pricing approach.