Since the Hymer Vision Venture concept van in 2019, inflatable roofs have slowly made their way into the RV industry. Erwin Hymer integrated them into production shortly after that concept, fitting different variations to the Bürstner Lyseo Gallery motorhome and his Hymer Vision S his camper van. German inflatable specialist X-Gloo is now working with one of Europe’s leading pop-up roof-his builders to bring an inflatable pop-top to a wider van his life-his market. The prototype roof sits on top of a very stylish Volkswagen concept van, nearly doubling the interior space for quicker air pressure setup and better insulation.
The X-Gloo was launched in 2007 and has since developed an international reputation for inflatable tents and structures. The company’s products are designed for temporary use at trade shows, disaster relief, and other purposes. With his line of inflatable RV extensions, he is committed to applying that expertise to his RVs by integrating inflatables into the structural design of expandable components such as pop-up roofs and wall extensions.
X-Gloo worked with German brand SCA to explore the possibility of an inflatable pop-up van roof that offers all the increased volume benefits of a traditional pop-top with the added benefit of an inflatable wall. Instead of being lifted manually or electrically via struts, the X-Gloo based roof inflates and opens via an air compressor operated by a button or remote control inside the vehicle. X-Gloo says such a pop-up roof can be inflated and deflated in less than two minutes.
X-glue
X-Gloo’s 3DTex textiles are designed to create sturdy and stable structures. In this case, it’s a tall four-wall room ready to withstand the wind and weather. A pneumatic inflation system monitors and maintains pressure to keep the roof up. And the multi-cell fabric design allows it to maintain pressure even when certain areas are damaged. The material is designed for quick repair in case of minor damage.
The prototype’s pop-up roof is fully raised rather than the wedge style common to other SCA pop-tops, offering more interior volume. It also lifts very high, giving you plenty of headroom inside the bunk. Thanks to the high and level roof position, camper van builders can place the bed in the rear or front of the pop-up module, giving them the freedom to lay out low furniture that requires height, such as the kitchen.
X-glue
X-Gloo’s unique inflatable wall provides better insulation than traditional pop-up canvas. This includes soundproofing, creating a quieter and more private indoor environment, and insulating, making pop-ups comfortable to use in cold or hot weather.
X-Gloo and SCA hoisted a prototype pop-top atop a particularly vibrant SCA-themed Volkswagen T6 at the CMT show earlier this year. SCA has revealed that the roof is still in research and development and not yet ready for launch, but X-Gloo says it is ready for production. We hope to see more vans, motorhomes and trailers with this inflatable expansion style.
This short Facebook video clip shows the prototype roof puffing into shape.
Source: X-Glue
