Will the Pop-Top Lift Assist Kit work with my 1985 Vanagon Westfalia?

Yes! This kit is designed to fit all 1980-1991 Vanagon models, including the Multivan, Westfalia Camper, Westfalia Weekender MV, and Wolfsburg Weekender, so it’s a perfect match for your 1985 Westfalia.

How do I know which installation option is right based on the weight on my pop-top?

It's pretty simple: if your load is light to medium (50-100 lbs), install the single kit in the rear position; for heavier loads (100-200 lbs), place the single kit in the forward position; and if you’re carrying very heavy gear (200+ lbs), using dual kits front and rear is best for safe, easy lifting.

Is installing this kit going to mess up how my van looks?

No worries there! The installation is clean and visually appealing, with sturdy mounting brackets and hardware that blend nicely with your Vanagon’s interior, so you'll get improved lifting ease without compromising style.

Can I watch a step-by-step guide before buying to see how hard it is to install?

Absolutely! GoWesty offers detailed video instructions on YouTube that walk you through the installation process, making it easier to feel confident about setting it up yourself or knowing what to expect if you hire a pro.

Will using this lift kit actually make popping up the top safer and easier?

Yes, many customers report that the heavy-duty pneumatic struts in this kit significantly reduce the effort needed to lift the pop-top, even with gear onboard, making the process smoother, safer, and more reliable every time.

Kit d’assistance au levage renforcé pour toit relevable de Vanagon

Name: Kit d'assistance au levage Pop-Top - Robuste [Vanagon]
SKU: GW-V-TOP-LOAD
Price: 160.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Kit d'assistance au levage Pop-Top - Robuste [Vanagon]

Product:	GW-V-CHARGEMENT-PAR-LE-HAUT
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Low Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$160.95

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Vous ne transportez pas de poids sur le toit, mais vous avez tout de même besoin d'aide pour le relever ? Essayez notre kit d'assistance au levage de faible capacité !

Ce fantastique kit d'assistance au levage du toit relevable vous permet d'installer des vérins pneumatiques pour faciliter l'ouverture de votre toit relevable chargé de votre Vanagon Westfalia. Ce kit est spécialement conçu pour supporter des charges supplémentaires sur le toit : planches de surf, galerie de toit, etc. Si vous possédez déjà ce kit et qu'il ne suffit pas, vous pouvez en doubler l'installation !

Caractéristiques du kit d'assistance au levage du toit relevable :
• Points de fixation à haute résistance et supports de montage sur mesure
• Vérins durables et de haute qualité — mesurant impressionnantes 45 pouces ! — fabriqués spécialement pour cette application
• Procédure d'installation propre et esthétique
• Le kit comprend également toute la quincaillerie nécessaire et des instructions d'installation détaillées.

Ce kit peut être installé de trois façons :
• Kit simple - Position arrière — Pour des charges légères à moyennes (50-100 lbs) sur votre Westy, cet emplacement est parfait.
• Kit simple - Position avant — Pour des charges lourdes (100-200 lbs) sur le toit, cette position de montage permet de relever le toit sans effort.
• Kit double - Les deux positions à la fois* — Pour des charges très lourdes (200 lbs et plus), achetez deux kits complets (quatre vérins au total).

*Commandez notre Kit de supports supplémentaires si vous souhaitez la flexibilité d'installer les supports de montage aux emplacements avant et arrière. De cette façon, vous pouvez déplacer les vérins vers l'un ou l'autre emplacement selon l'évolution de la charge sur votre toit !

5 stars: 11 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

the shocks work great. they are perfect for the two steel cross bars, unloaded, installed in the back position. I do think they should come with the lock off because it wasn’t immediately apparent how to turn the tube around 180°. (remove the set screws, and add loctite when putting them make in).

Pop up Struts

If you are loading your Westy top with a rack and extra goodies you’ll love these struts. Made a huge difference.

Pop Top Lift Assist

These help a great deal when carrying kayaks on roof.

Big Yakima

I take these on and off depending if we have the big storage box on the roof. very strong, only put in the forward location if you have over 100# extra on your roof.

Cancel your gym membership!

Why did I wait so long to install these? Taking off the sleeve and safety latch was a breeze. Installing the mounting brackets was always a breeze. I learned long ago to take my time, measure 9 times, drill once. Now my top just lifts itself. So great. So great.

Go ahead, add another board!

Phew, the days of the three person open and close are over. 200 lbs of gear and a couple surfboards, no problem.

Can’t wait to set up

Can’t wait to get set up with these

👍

Back saver!

This thing is fantastic! Given the stock mechanical (dis-)advantage of the pop top linkage, if you tried to put any kind of baggage on the roof you *know* how hard it is to open/close the poptop safely...

No more!!! This kit completly solves this and, to boot, you now have to slightly pull on the roof to close it. This is perfect to take your time to furl-in the canvas and make sure it won't get stuck in the sides or front latch.

Perfect!

My roof load is a burger with kitesurfing equipment (3 kites, 2 wetsuits, PFD's, 2 harness, 2 twin tips) + a custom rack to attach the burger... Maybe 150lbs total...