PopRak Van of the Month: Cardiff Campervan x 3!

The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Pop-Top Campervan Conversions for Family Adventures

When I first met Korey—the mastermind behind Cardiff Campervan—I could tell right away that he ate, slept, and breathed creative, high-quality van builds. Give him a theme (or a wild idea), and he’d not only rise to the challenge but make sure every single design choice stays true to the overall vision. As both owner and hands-on builder, Korey pours his heart into every project, turning out camper vans that are a true reflection of craftsmanship and originality.

Making Space Where It Counts

One of Korey’s specialties is maximizing every inch of a van’s interior. He’s especially fond of pop-top bedrooms for expanding living quarters without sacrificing vital floor space. For clients with a bigger budget—or those who simply want the best—he often recommends the Colorado Campervan pop-up loft, which uses electric struts to lift heavier accessories like rooftop air conditioners.

But high-end setups don’t fit everyone’s budget. So, Korey set out to create more affordable builds without losing the signature style and utility that Cardiff Campervan is known for. If you’re a family of four (or more), a pop-top that opens additional seating and storage below can be a total game-changer. The challenge was finding an option that was well-designed, family-friendly, and easier on the wallet—all while living up to Korey’s exacting standards.

Enter the PopRak

Korey found exactly what he was looking for in the PopRak. This ingenious system:

• Installs easily through a sunroof-sized opening—no major structural changes needed.
• Sets up in under five seconds with just one smooth motion.
• Adds nearly 100 cubic feet of extra interior space.
• Fits a queen-length mattress (80” long x 54” wide) made of dual-density foam for a comfy night’s sleep.
• Leaves 2 inches of clearance above the mattress, so you can close it with bedding still in place.

It’s basically an elevated “penthouse” in your van, and trust us—everyone will be fighting to sleep in the loft with a view.

Korey’s 3-Van Build-Off

To show just how versatile a pop-top can be, Korey recently tackled a three-van build-off, comparing Sprinter AWD builds ranging from $130k to $225k. Why such a range? Cardiff Campervan focuses on modular vans made for families needing their van to be:

1. A cargo hauler for weekend projects or moving gear.
2. A passenger vehicle for everyday family transport.
3. A camper van for epic road trips and off-grid adventures.

Their flagship campervan runs over $230k, but Korey wanted to offer families with tighter budgets a solution that still packs in the essentials: seats for up to eight, sleeping for four adults, auxiliary power, heating, solar, a shower, a fridge, lighting, insulation, sound-deadening, and a dinette—all while staying around $130k–$145k. One of his secrets? Using the PopRak Pop Top to save on build costs, without skimping on functionality or comfort.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Want the full scoop on Korey’s innovative designs and why he chose the PopRak for his own builds? Check out his blog at Cardiff Campervan. If you’re looking to maximize space, maintain style, and keep costs in check, you’ll find plenty of inspiration—from clever layouts to budget-friendly pop-top solutions—ready to fuel your next big camper van adventure. When you're ready to learn more about PopRak click here.