Thank you both for making the effort to create this video. 2 years on and it is still proving valuable to many people. So much easier to follow this over the Brandrup instructions.
Okay, so a year is a bit late to look at one of your videos but "better late than never!" But am I glad I looked at this one. It's a damn fine video if no-one minds me saying. You crawled around like a four-legged spider... absolutely brilliant William. But then we must never forget the cameraman..... So thank you Sarah for keeping up with him and catching as much as you did. I'm very impressed by you two let alone the Iso Top. What a flippin' good invention. I'm just glad I let you do all the work first! Much admired! Much impressed! Very grateful! Thank you! All the best, with love, Pam xx
Thank you for this video. It made the fitting of my Isotop so much easier than trying to follow on the instructions provided. Which were in my opinion practically unfathomable.
Actually that's probably the best piece of advice I found on the internet to get the installation done smoothly. Or at least I hope so, because I still have to do it 😅, but I feel a lot more confident than with only the paper instructions from Brandrup. Thanks a lot!
I owe you a beer, huge thanks for that. Just been watching your video for the umpteenth time, this time whilst fitting all the Velcro and stuff. Did a bit, pause, did a bit, pause.... Your video made it a million times easier. Part 2 of the fitting in a few days... Big thanks, an invaluable video for anyone who's going to fit an isotop 😁 🌟 👊 Cheers Steve 😁
This has been a brilliant video. Thanks so much. The one thing I struggled with was the plastic thingy’s at the rear top. I didn’t realise initially that they need to be inserted vertically downwards. Needed a couple of pints before I worked it out. Hope that helps someone who is having difficulty! Anyway, your videos have been so useful. In 2 days I can fit the thing
Thanks so much for this video! Good job! Especially the "money trick" is way easier. I used a 20 € bill instead (has to be quite new) but works fine. I basically used this video and left the instruction at home. There is no need for it with this pefect video tutorial.
THANKYOU !! Video made it so easy ! ( also only 21 degrees here today ! ) just to point out - we’ve installed the latest Isotop on a May 2022 Coast with manual roof. It has 3 Velcro tabs which have to be screwed in 😮 I had my £20 note all ready ! Thankyou again 😊
One little question. Mine came with a black nylon string with Velcro pads on each side- what are they for please? And thanks again for the video. I am German but the written instructions are mmmmh not quite clear shall we say 🤪🤪🤪
My best guess is it relates to Image 14 / Section 5 in the instructions but I have also not yet worked it out! (Iso-Top V for T5.1 with electrohydraulic roof)
Guys !! thank you so much for this epic video. I have learned so much form you two brilliant people. You make UA-cam a better place. And my ISO-TOP is fitted, mounted and in full use. Thanks once again.
The hint with the 20 Pound note is priceless! As I’m from Germany I only hab old Pounds, but found some Singapore dollars produced in the same style :-)
Hello Will, thank you very much for this great video. You saved me a lot of time and I always knew what to do and how to do it. Very good and detailed explanation and especially the tip with the 20 pound note for inserting the front velcro pads. I used part of a sturdy clear sleeve from my office as our banknotes don't seem sturdy enough to me 🙈. In two days I'll put in the inner ISO top. But most of the work is already done. Thanks to you and your great video. Thank you very much 👍
Thank you for the excellent vid, made my install go a lot smoother. And awesome tip about pulling the cloth a bit out to flatten it when closing the roof, much easier like this. Keep up the good work 👍🏻 Greets from 🇧🇪
Just installed the Brandrup IsoTop mk 6, your vehicle was definitely more useful than the crappy installation paper (with really small photos) provided with. Well done for this full detailed howto video, that's just perfect !
We’ve just bought an ISO Top and used the advice in your video to fit it. Very informative and it went pretty smoothly. We’ve literally just finished the job, having fitted the Velcro a couple of days ago. Thanks for the video.
Merci pour cette vidéo 🙏🙂 J ai pu finir t installer mon isotop ! Merci à vous Vos vidéo sont parfaites 👍 en plus du sous titrage il y a la bonne humeur 😊 🙏 merci encore pour ses partages
Can you still use the safety net for the pop top bed with the isotop, looks like the Velcro is attached using the same hook in the roof that the net attaches to. Our small kids use the pop top so don't really want to stop using the safety net just yet. thanks.
Good question, I *think* so. We haven’t tried it ourselves but the Velcro that goes round those loop holes is very thin, so I can’t see it getting in the way of the safety net. You can always drop brandrup a note and ask them perhaps?
Hi there . Great video . Please could you help with this query .. When the glue and tape is fitted and is left for 48 hours to “cure” can I lower the pop top roof whilst waiting or does the roof have to stay up for 48 hours . Thank you
You can lower it, no problem at all. It may cure quicker with the roof up as it allows everything to breathe a bit better but don't worry, roof down will be ok.
Hello, Thanks for the video!! We're going tot try to install the iso-top one of the days. But we have a question. Did you leave the roof open for the 48 hours or did you close is? Thank you very much!! Robin
With the new, thicker bellows on the 2023 Californias, do you think you’d need an Isotop..? I have a 2022 Cali and am fitting an Isotop right now, following your excellent instructions. Just sat in the van waiting for the first phase of cleaning to dry….hence a theoretical question while I wait…😊
Hi Simon - hopefully you're all done now! Good question on the 2023 bellows, but I'd still say yes as it's the air gap that really gives you the warmth and insulation effect.
Hi Fitting ours this weekend and have to say your video is very informative and with some very useful tips, it has instilled some confidence and now not dreading it. I would say I’m a little concerned about attaching the child safety netting as i would like to carry on using this as our 8year old sleeps in the top, fingers crossed.
thanks you very much. I mounted my iso top quite easily by watching your video. the only drawback is the £ 20: I used € 20 which is paper and broke it in the slot🤪!
Hi guys, hope you’re well? I know you have sold your Cali now but when you installed this, did the roof close as easy especially when you gather up the pop top to slide the above head door plastic across? Thanks in advance
Hi! Yes it's fine. We had the version where the front section unzips out when you close the pop top therefore there was no problem in terms of closing the roof or slide cover either.
Hi guys, recently purchased a 6.1… your videos were the ones that finally made us do it (no pressure 🤣🤣). Interested to know if this is the best option you’ve found to keep the pop top warmish in winter. Seen mixed reviews on externals and I see you’ve had a few. Which would you recommend as the all round best?
Congratulations! Hands-down the ISO-TOP is the best solution we have found for ease and all-year round comfort. We’ve slept in -3c with the ISO-TOP only and the heater on downstairs at about level 5 or 6 (can’t remember which). All toasty fine and no issues with cold at all. The outer toppers have their place in really locking out the rain, wind etc but then that’s actually the problem. If it is raining and windy, who wants to go outside to take them off ?!!
Yes, it should really be warm outside for the glue on the velcro to work properly. I would have thought you could warm up the relevant areas with a hair dryer if you really really needed to fit it now!?
Fitted it today.. thank goodness for your video. The instructions are pants. I messaged Brandrup regarding the temperature and they replied with thank you for your request. It is possible to use your parking heater to warm up the vehicle to atttach the ISO-TOP. After that, either continue to heat the vehicle for an hour or park it inside a parking garage, if possible. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Kind regards / Meilleures salutations / Saludos cordiales / Servus
Is it really necessary to put the front panel down when lowering the roof? Why ? What is your experience on this now? I just received my ISO-TOP and just wondering on this.
Well we tried it once I think and it was just too tight to get all the material in there with the opening style of canvas (the Cali panorama roof). It’s dead easy when you’ve done it a few times. We store the front panel in the under seat drawer 👍
Great job, it fitted perfect! Did you try to put the roof down WITHOUT removing the front piece?? It doesn't seem very practical to remove it every time.
We’ve had various types of external cover in the past before the isotop and we fancied giving one a go. For us, with the red canvas it stops the crazy red interior hue from it also also doesn’t cover up how cool it looks outside either. It gives great insulation and is fuss free, even if the canvas is wet. No wet topper or wrap to try to store either if you’re travelling between sites. Very impressed with the isotop, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who has bought one say they didn’t love it. It’s just the £££ option unfortunately.
Thanks so much for this and all of your videos. I fitted all of the Velcro parts today which would have been pretty impossible with just the Brandrup “instructions”
Great video guys, just about to purchase one for our newly purchased Cali Ocean. I read somewhere that it’s best to apply the Velcro in warm weather. Not too easy to find that in England at the moment. Do you think it will be ok to fit this time of year? Obviously would like to get it fitted as soon as possible for winter trips. Thanks, Phil.
Hi, yes you are right about warmer weather but if you keep all the velcro inside the house (to warm up) and then use a hair dryer on the surfaces that you are going to be sticking to, warming them up a bit first, you'll be ok. You need a bit of warmth to really make sure the glue on the velcro is activated and nice and sticky.
Thanks that saved me the second part of putting it up TBH brandrup should pay you as the instructions are not great 😅 I did it in the cold all stuck good apart from Velcro at the back top to the aluminium and I had to glue that part as the aluminium was so cold !rest was a good fix ! Thanks again ps I also put it over the cable at back top 😊
Hello.We are very happy that we found your fantastic videos. It is really a pleasure watching them. Thanks for that. Habe you ever tried sleeping in your Cali with under 5 degrees outside with your Isotop?What‘s your experience? Greetings from Germany. Gabi
Thank you! We’ve not tried that cold yet as we only installed it in the summer. However, last weekend we were away and it got down to 6 degrees. We used the diesel heater on 4/5 overnight and we were really nice and warm. The isotop stops the breeze coming through the vents at the top of the canvas, and seems to do a really good job of retaining the heat. We’re really impressed!
@@CampervanTime Thank you very much for your quick answer. Really helpful. We are „ Young“ Cali owners. Since July 2021. And so we are learners. We are looking forward to watching all your videos. Wish you always a great time together with your Cali. By the way we purchased a Cali in indiumgrey as well. Wonderful colour. Bye.
@@CampervanTime after using it, will you still recommend it as best on the market or is there other similar and better products that are worth looking into?
We’re getting our new California this week, and we are aware the new bellows are letting a little bit of water in! Did you find this offered waterproof protection as well as extra warmth?
Yes, it most certainly did. It gave extra piece of mind so we weren’t worried about bedding touching the canvas in particular. The only time it let us down was in a massive storm with driving rain pushing the canvas into the isotop so the two were touching. The wind pushed the rain through and it got wet in places, but to be honest we shouldn’t have even had the roof up in a storm that bad!!
I have a bloopers set of outtakes somewhere here LOL !!! In all seriousness, this was genuinely my first attempt at fitting one and then hanging the liner on the velcro - no second takes needed, so it really is quite easy when you've figured out where all the bits go.
Hi Will...so after a few months of use, what's your verdict? I am considering buying but as always your thoughts on its effectiveness and benefits would be hugely appreciated. My partner really feels the cold in the pop top and we hope this is the answer...my concern is closing the roof which has always seemed a tight fit....Cheers Steve.
Hi Steve - Sarah here! We were just talking about it this weekend - absolutely we would buy it again. It’s lovely and cosy in the pop top with it, and stops it being a bit breezy up there. It also makes it lovely and dark too, but most importantly there’s no faffing about with an external cover when you get to a site. The pitch we stayed on a couple of nights ago was tiny (meant for small campervans) and once on the pitch there would not have been a possibility of putting an external topper on. It is a tight fit putting the roof down with the extra material, but it’s fine when you remove the front panel as instructed - you just need to pull the canvas into the van through the hatch as it comes down and then fold it neatly back up to slide the hatch across. We’re definitely not going back to an external cover anytime soon!
@@CampervanTime Thanks Sarah that's really helpful. We spent a few nights away last weekend and found it a touch cold up in the pop top. I had watched your earlier video and it does seem the ideal option...hearing from you that it's still something you value and recommend answers our questions and the advice on how to close it down is really helpful too. Thanks again.
Yes we did - we have previously owned a Cali Topper from the VW California Club Shop, a khyam Kampa Cozi (similar design) and also a Rainbow Screen external wrap-around cover. Out of all of those we think the rainbow screen is the best, although it's bulky to carry with you it does keep ALL the weather out!!
Thanks for the speedy reply I'm currently streaming you on the TV I like the way you both co present your content love thee ocean keep um coming I'll keep watching take care on your adventures.
Thank you for posting this very thorough video guide. Is the front panel easy to re-fit (each night???) and have you decided upon a great place for storing that panel during the days? We are close to purchasing one for ourselves. TIA.
Hi, thanks for watching us crawling around ! The front panel is really easy to fit back in. Just start at the top by velcroing it to the top tabs, then it dangles down. Zip it in on both sides from the bottom upwards and then press the bottom velcro on - job done. In terms of storage of the front panel with the roof down - we keep it in the airline locker on the roof at the back, behind the rear bench. Nice and flat and doesn't get thrown around in there. Good luck when you fit yours !
Still 2 in stock here: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/brandrup-iso-top-mk-vi-pop-up-roof-insulation-for-the-vw-t6-1-t6-california-with-manual-operated-pop-up-roof-with-a-big-front-opening
That's a brilliant piece of kit, does it do a good job? considering the cost of VW's shame they don't just make the bellows already lined and fit for purpose.
Great video :) On their website it says "The front window of the Iso-top must be unzipped when lowering or raising the roof to allow for air flow. Failure to do this may result in damage to the Iso Top or the Bellows of the California." There's also an image on their website showing the front window panel just rolled down. Does this mean you can leave it attached but rolled down when lowing the roof
We have found that it’s very tight to close the hatch with the roof down even when you do remove the front panel, so we always take it out - for this reason and that the instructions tell you to 😃
We actually imported it from a shop in Belgium (and paid a fair bit of import duty and port fees too - thanks Brexit!) as we couldn’t track one down in this country. The last time I looked campervantastic were expecting them in Jan 2022. Take a look at our isotop install video to see how we fitted it if you haven’t already 👍
@@CampervanTime we’ll keep an eye out. We have no idea when our van is going to be ready but want to get things like this and the Sea to Summit mattress early as they look popular. Thanks again 👍🏻
Oh, that's strange. Have you taken the front panel out and are you using the standard fit mattress with nothing else stored up there? This is the first time I've heard of anyone having any problems closing the roof with it installed so just wondering if there is something different.
Sort of! You can close it with most of the iso-top in place, but just not the very front bit and that easily zips out. We stored that under the bench seat just folded up.
Wonderful .. those instructions supplied by Brandrup are ridiculously rubbish .. German or not the photos accompanying the instructions are useless as well .. thankyou thankyou .. Brandrup owes you ..as does the California shop
You're very welcome. Yes we did take a deep breath when we first opened the pack and tried to understand everything!! We really do think it's a great product (despite the instructions) but patience is important when doing the velcro etc. Good luck and thanks for watching.
Thank you both for making the effort to create this video. 2 years on and it is still proving valuable to many people. So much easier to follow this over the Brandrup instructions.
Glad it was helpful!
Okay, so a year is a bit late to look at one of your videos but "better late than never!" But am I glad I looked at this one.
It's a damn fine video if no-one minds me saying. You crawled around like a four-legged spider... absolutely brilliant William. But then we must never forget the cameraman..... So thank you Sarah for keeping up with him and catching as much as you did. I'm very impressed by you two let alone the Iso Top. What a flippin' good invention. I'm just glad I let you do all the work first!
Much admired! Much impressed! Very grateful! Thank you! All the best, with love, Pam xx
Thank you!!
Thank you for this video. It made the fitting of my Isotop so much easier than trying to follow on the instructions provided. Which were in my opinion practically unfathomable.
Thank You for this video (and other "how to" videos). It was a great help during my install.
You’re welcome!
Perfect instructions Will. I've finally got around to fitting mine and your video was invaluable.
Actually that's probably the best piece of advice I found on the internet to get the installation done smoothly. Or at least I hope so, because I still have to do it 😅, but I feel a lot more confident than with only the paper instructions from Brandrup. Thanks a lot!
You're welcome! You'll be fine I am sure. It does look more daunting than it actually is in reality - as long as you know the £20 note trick!
I owe you a beer, huge thanks for that. Just been watching your video for the umpteenth time, this time whilst fitting all the Velcro and stuff. Did a bit, pause, did a bit, pause.... Your video made it a million times easier.
Part 2 of the fitting in a few days... Big thanks, an invaluable video for anyone who's going to fit an isotop 😁 🌟 👊
Cheers
Steve 😁
Oh, and the £20 note trick.... Genius 👍
This has been a brilliant video. Thanks so much. The one thing I struggled with was the plastic thingy’s at the rear top. I didn’t realise initially that they need to be inserted vertically downwards. Needed a couple of pints before I worked it out. Hope that helps someone who is having difficulty!
Anyway, your videos have been so useful. In 2 days I can fit the thing
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much for this video! Good job! Especially the "money trick" is way easier. I used a 20 € bill instead (has to be quite new) but works fine. I basically used this video and left the instruction at home. There is no need for it with this pefect video tutorial.
That's very kind, thank you. Glad you didn't lose your 20 euros!
Thanks for the video! What mattress do you use? saw something blue shining through
THANKYOU !! Video made it so easy ! ( also only 21 degrees here today ! ) just to point out - we’ve installed the latest Isotop on a May 2022 Coast with manual roof. It has 3 Velcro tabs which have to be screwed in 😮 I had my £20 note all ready ! Thankyou again 😊
You're very welcome!
One little question. Mine came with a black nylon string with Velcro pads on each side- what are they for please? And thanks again for the video. I am German but the written instructions are mmmmh not quite clear shall we say 🤪🤪🤪
I'm not sure about that I'm afraid - if it's hanging up in place though, hopefully it's ok!?
My best guess is it relates to Image 14 / Section 5 in the instructions but I have also not yet worked it out! (Iso-Top V for T5.1 with electrohydraulic roof)
Thanks you 2 for helping me workout how those bits of loose velcro fit on the side.
You’re welcome!
Guys !! thank you so much for this epic video. I have learned so much form you two brilliant people. You make UA-cam a better place. And my ISO-TOP is fitted, mounted and in full use. Thanks once again.
Our pleasure!
The hint with the 20 Pound note is priceless!
As I’m from Germany I only hab old Pounds, but found some Singapore dollars produced in the same style :-)
Great to know, thanks for sharing !!
Hello Will, thank you very much for this great video. You saved me a lot of time and I always knew what to do and how to do it. Very good and detailed explanation and especially the tip with the 20 pound note for inserting the front velcro pads. I used part of a sturdy clear sleeve from my office as our banknotes don't seem sturdy enough to me 🙈. In two days I'll put in the inner ISO top. But most of the work is already done. Thanks to you and your great video. Thank you very much 👍
You’re very welcome ☺️
Great video, thank you! Do you have to leave the roof open for 48hrs after appying the velcro or can you close it?
You can close it, just needs curing time 👍
@@CampervanTime Thank you, that would have been my question, too.
Many thanks for this easy to follow guide, far easier than the instructions provided! 😀
Glad it helped!
Thank you for the excellent vid, made my install go a lot smoother. And awesome tip about pulling the cloth a bit out to flatten it when closing the roof, much easier like this. Keep up the good work 👍🏻 Greets from 🇧🇪
Glad it helped!
great tutorial thanks! now I just need to buy the iso top! :)
Just installed the Brandrup IsoTop mk 6, your vehicle was definitely more useful than the crappy installation paper (with really small photos) provided with. Well done for this full detailed howto video, that's just perfect !
Glad it helped!
We’ve just bought an ISO Top and used the advice in your video to fit it. Very informative and it went pretty smoothly. We’ve literally just finished the job, having fitted the Velcro a couple of days ago. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the kind comments, glad it helped :)
Merci pour cette vidéo 🙏🙂
J ai pu finir t installer mon isotop ! Merci à vous
Vos vidéo sont parfaites 👍 en plus du sous titrage il y a la bonne humeur 😊 🙏 merci encore pour ses partages
Notre plaisir, nous sommes ravis que notre vidéo vous ait été utile! Amusez-vous camper!
Can you still use the safety net for the pop top bed with the isotop, looks like the Velcro is attached using the same hook in the roof that the net attaches to. Our small kids use the pop top so don't really want to stop using the safety net just yet. thanks.
Good question, I *think* so. We haven’t tried it ourselves but the Velcro that goes round those loop holes is very thin, so I can’t see it getting in the way of the safety net. You can always drop brandrup a note and ask them perhaps?
Hi there . Great video . Please could you help with this query .. When the glue and tape is fitted and is left for 48 hours to “cure” can I lower the pop top roof whilst waiting or does the roof have to stay up for 48 hours . Thank you
You can lower it, no problem at all. It may cure quicker with the roof up as it allows everything to breathe a bit better but don't worry, roof down will be ok.
Hello,
Thanks for the video!! We're going tot try to install the iso-top one of the days. But we have a question. Did you leave the roof open for the 48 hours or did you close is?
Thank you very much!!
Robin
We left ours open just to be sure, but I suspect it would be ok if you close it. We just figured the extra airing for it would help it a bit.
With the new, thicker bellows on the 2023 Californias, do you think you’d need an Isotop..? I have a 2022 Cali and am fitting an Isotop right now, following your excellent instructions. Just sat in the van waiting for the first phase of cleaning to dry….hence a theoretical question while I wait…😊
Hi Simon - hopefully you're all done now! Good question on the 2023 bellows, but I'd still say yes as it's the air gap that really gives you the warmth and insulation effect.
Hi
Fitting ours this weekend and have to say your video is very informative and with some very useful tips, it has instilled some confidence and now not dreading it. I would say I’m a little concerned about attaching the child safety netting as i would like to carry on using this as our 8year old sleeps in the top, fingers crossed.
You’ll be fine, it’s straightforward as long as you just take your time.
thanks you very much. I mounted my iso top quite easily by watching your video. the only drawback is the £ 20: I used € 20 which is paper and broke it in the slot🤪!
Oh no!! Glad you had a good experience fitting it otherwise - hope you get on well with it, we really like it still!
Thank you very much for your video 1st step is ok now , in 48 hours the final touch .... ;)
😇
Excellent, you’ll be fine!
Thank You very much, for this perfect video. Best regards.
Hi guys, hope you’re well? I know you have sold your Cali now but when you installed this, did the roof close as easy especially when you gather up the pop top to slide the above head door plastic across? Thanks in advance
Hi! Yes it's fine. We had the version where the front section unzips out when you close the pop top therefore there was no problem in terms of closing the roof or slide cover either.
@@CampervanTime brilliant thanks guys 😊….. we hope you get your new van very soon 🤞
Good to see you again Will, coincidently we are fellow California owners! (Touchpaper!)
Fantastic stuff and such a blast from the past. Hope you are keeping well :)
Hi guys, recently purchased a 6.1… your videos were the ones that finally made us do it (no pressure 🤣🤣). Interested to know if this is the best option you’ve found to keep the pop top warmish in winter. Seen mixed reviews on externals and I see you’ve had a few. Which would you recommend as the all round best?
Congratulations! Hands-down the ISO-TOP is the best solution we have found for ease and all-year round comfort. We’ve slept in -3c with the ISO-TOP only and the heater on downstairs at about level 5 or 6 (can’t remember which). All toasty fine and no issues with cold at all. The outer toppers have their place in really locking out the rain, wind etc but then that’s actually the problem. If it is raining and windy, who wants to go outside to take them off ?!!
@@CampervanTime thanks for the insight. I like the idea of the ease of this but wasn’t sure if it actually kept you warm so that’s good to hear.
Got this for my Christmas. Not sure when to fit it as I believe it has to be warm outside? Is that your understanding?
Yes, it should really be warm outside for the glue on the velcro to work properly. I would have thought you could warm up the relevant areas with a hair dryer if you really really needed to fit it now!?
Fitted it today.. thank goodness for your video. The instructions are pants. I messaged Brandrup regarding the temperature and they replied with
thank you for your request. It is possible to use your parking heater to warm up the vehicle to atttach the ISO-TOP. After that, either continue to heat the vehicle for an hour or park it inside a parking garage, if possible.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Kind regards / Meilleures salutations / Saludos cordiales / Servus
Diana Brandrup
Prokuristin/Registered Manager
Good to know, glad you got it fitted on
Is it really necessary to put the front panel down when lowering the roof? Why ? What is your experience on this now? I just received my ISO-TOP and just wondering on this.
Well we tried it once I think and it was just too tight to get all the material in there with the opening style of canvas (the Cali panorama roof). It’s dead easy when you’ve done it a few times. We store the front panel in the under seat drawer 👍
Lovely video, you have a nice relaxed style. Looking forward to seeing more…👍
Thank you, hopefully have a bit more of us with Lucy the dog in the next ones too
Great job, it fitted perfect! Did you try to put the roof down WITHOUT removing the front piece?? It doesn't seem very practical to remove it every time.
I know this is an old video but what was the reason for choosing this instead of an external cover? I'm currently trying to decide between the 2
We’ve had various types of external cover in the past before the isotop and we fancied giving one a go. For us, with the red canvas it stops the crazy red interior hue from it also also doesn’t cover up how cool it looks outside either. It gives great insulation and is fuss free, even if the canvas is wet. No wet topper or wrap to try to store either if you’re travelling between sites. Very impressed with the isotop, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who has bought one say they didn’t love it. It’s just the £££ option unfortunately.
Thanks so much for this and all of your videos. I fitted all of the Velcro parts today which would have been pretty impossible with just the Brandrup “instructions”
Ha! Yes they could be better couldn’t they!!
Great video guys, just about to purchase one for our newly purchased Cali Ocean. I read somewhere that it’s best to apply the Velcro in warm weather. Not too easy to find that in England at the moment. Do you think it will be ok to fit this time of year? Obviously would like to get it fitted as soon as possible for winter trips. Thanks, Phil.
Hi, yes you are right about warmer weather but if you keep all the velcro inside the house (to warm up) and then use a hair dryer on the surfaces that you are going to be sticking to, warming them up a bit first, you'll be ok. You need a bit of warmth to really make sure the glue on the velcro is activated and nice and sticky.
@@CampervanTime Fabulous, thanks for the quick reply and good info!
Thanks that saved me the second part of putting it up TBH brandrup should pay you as the instructions are not great 😅 I did it in the cold all stuck good apart from Velcro at the back top to the aluminium and I had to glue that part as the aluminium was so cold !rest was a good fix ! Thanks again ps I also put it over the cable at back top 😊
You're welcome!
Hello.We are very happy that we found your fantastic videos. It is really a pleasure watching them.
Thanks for that.
Habe you ever tried sleeping in your Cali with under 5 degrees outside with your Isotop?What‘s your experience?
Greetings from Germany. Gabi
Thank you! We’ve not tried that cold yet as we only installed it in the summer. However, last weekend we were away and it got down to 6 degrees. We used the diesel heater on 4/5 overnight and we were really nice and warm. The isotop stops the breeze coming through the vents at the top of the canvas, and seems to do a really good job of retaining the heat. We’re really impressed!
@@CampervanTime Thank you very much for your quick answer. Really helpful. We are „ Young“ Cali owners. Since July 2021. And so we are learners. We are looking forward to watching all your videos. Wish you always a great time together with your Cali. By the way we purchased a Cali in indiumgrey as well. Wonderful colour. Bye.
Great video :) How many "degress" or warmth do you estimate that it gives you?
That's a tricky question because we always just adjust the heater to suit. I'd say it must be a good 5 degrees warmer or so, but very tricky to tell.
@@CampervanTime after using it, will you still recommend it as best on the market or is there other similar and better products that are worth looking into?
Great Video thanks 👍
We’re getting our new California this week, and we are aware the new bellows are letting a little bit of water in! Did you find this offered waterproof protection as well as extra warmth?
Yes, it most certainly did. It gave extra piece of mind so we weren’t worried about bedding touching the canvas in particular. The only time it let us down was in a massive storm with driving rain pushing the canvas into the isotop so the two were touching. The wind pushed the rain through and it got wet in places, but to be honest we shouldn’t have even had the roof up in a storm that bad!!
@@CampervanTime thanks guys that’s a big help as we were going to buy a rainbow wrap around but think we’ll opt for the iso top now 👍🏻
awesome ...
You did very well without swearing lol.xxxx
I have a bloopers set of outtakes somewhere here LOL !!! In all seriousness, this was genuinely my first attempt at fitting one and then hanging the liner on the velcro - no second takes needed, so it really is quite easy when you've figured out where all the bits go.
@@CampervanTime cleva lad.
😂
Hi Will...so after a few months of use, what's your verdict? I am considering buying but as always your thoughts on its effectiveness and benefits would be hugely appreciated. My partner really feels the cold in the pop top and we hope this is the answer...my concern is closing the roof which has always seemed a tight fit....Cheers Steve.
Hi Steve - Sarah here! We were just talking about it this weekend - absolutely we would buy it again. It’s lovely and cosy in the pop top with it, and stops it being a bit breezy up there. It also makes it lovely and dark too, but most importantly there’s no faffing about with an external cover when you get to a site. The pitch we stayed on a couple of nights ago was tiny (meant for small campervans) and once on the pitch there would not have been a possibility of putting an external topper on.
It is a tight fit putting the roof down with the extra material, but it’s fine when you remove the front panel as instructed - you just need to pull the canvas into the van through the hatch as it comes down and then fold it neatly back up to slide the hatch across. We’re definitely not going back to an external cover anytime soon!
@@CampervanTime Thanks Sarah that's really helpful. We spent a few nights away last weekend and found it a touch cold up in the pop top. I had watched your earlier video and it does seem the ideal option...hearing from you that it's still something you value and recommend answers our questions and the advice on how to close it down is really helpful too. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for the vídeo!!! I am At the Moment struggling ti get the black pads in 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
Haha got them in
Just a quick tip for anyone living in Spain - the little green residencia card will do the 20£ trick as well 😂😂😂
Great tip!
Did you consider an external cali topper by any chance ?
Yes we did - we have previously owned a Cali Topper from the VW California Club Shop, a khyam Kampa Cozi (similar design) and also a Rainbow Screen external wrap-around cover. Out of all of those we think the rainbow screen is the best, although it's bulky to carry with you it does keep ALL the weather out!!
Thanks for the speedy reply I'm currently streaming you on the TV I like the way you both co present your content love thee ocean keep um coming I'll keep watching take care on your adventures.
Thank you for posting this very thorough video guide.
Is the front panel easy to re-fit (each night???) and have you decided upon a great place for storing that panel during the days?
We are close to purchasing one for ourselves. TIA.
Hi, thanks for watching us crawling around !
The front panel is really easy to fit back in. Just start at the top by velcroing it to the top tabs, then it dangles down. Zip it in on both sides from the bottom upwards and then press the bottom velcro on - job done.
In terms of storage of the front panel with the roof down - we keep it in the airline locker on the roof at the back, behind the rear bench. Nice and flat and doesn't get thrown around in there.
Good luck when you fit yours !
@@CampervanTime Thank you for the reply. Our new problem is to find one to buy!
Still 2 in stock here: vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/brandrup-iso-top-mk-vi-pop-up-roof-insulation-for-the-vw-t6-1-t6-california-with-manual-operated-pop-up-roof-with-a-big-front-opening
Great video Will and Sarah! How much for you to install mine?? 😂
😝
That's a brilliant piece of kit, does it do a good job? considering the cost of VW's shame they don't just make the bellows already lined and fit for purpose.
It does a great job yes. The T6.1 grey and blue bellows are much more blackout than the T6 ones but thermal they are not.
Great video :)
On their website it says "The front window of the Iso-top must be unzipped when lowering or raising the roof to allow for air flow. Failure to do this may result in damage to the Iso Top or the Bellows of the California."
There's also an image on their website showing the front window panel just rolled down. Does this mean you can leave it attached but rolled down when lowing the roof
We have found that it’s very tight to close the hatch with the roof down even when you do remove the front panel, so we always take it out - for this reason and that the instructions tell you to 😃
@@CampervanTime Cheers for the quick response. I think I'll stick to the instructions also, when I get one of course lol
You’re welcome! Enjoy fitting it 😁
Very very useful video… where did you buy your ISO Top from? Cheers
We actually imported it from a shop in Belgium (and paid a fair bit of import duty and port fees too - thanks Brexit!) as we couldn’t track one down in this country. The last time I looked campervantastic were expecting them in Jan 2022. Take a look at our isotop install video to see how we fitted it if you haven’t already 👍
@@CampervanTime we’ll keep an eye out. We have no idea when our van is going to be ready but want to get things like this and the Sea to Summit mattress early as they look popular. Thanks again 👍🏻
I can't get the roof to close completely with it installed. Going to try again but so far I'm disappointed.
Oh, that's strange. Have you taken the front panel out and are you using the standard fit mattress with nothing else stored up there? This is the first time I've heard of anyone having any problems closing the roof with it installed so just wondering if there is something different.
@@CampervanTime Yes everything is taken out (other than the standard mattress), I'll try again over the weekend though.
Quick question lovely people ! Can you close the roof top (ie. Do not need to carry anything in boot ? 😊
Sort of! You can close it with most of the iso-top in place, but just not the very front bit and that easily zips out. We stored that under the bench seat just folded up.
Anyone who has already fitted one - can I pay you to come and fit it for me in Surrey... that is a serious question!
I am attempting this tomorrow and not looking forward to it !
Wonderful .. those instructions supplied by Brandrup are ridiculously rubbish .. German or not the photos accompanying the instructions are useless as well .. thankyou thankyou .. Brandrup owes you ..as does the California shop
You're very welcome. Yes we did take a deep breath when we first opened the pack and tried to understand everything!! We really do think it's a great product (despite the instructions) but patience is important when doing the velcro etc. Good luck and thanks for watching.
My wife is going to stop me watching your videos. They are costing her too much money
Ooops ! Best not watch what we've got coming up over the next few weeks then!! 😄