Good question. I have seen many different European Vanagon based
Campers, but don't recall seeing the Carthago top before. We have what,
4 brands here in North America? All have their fans but none have the
hybrid top of the Carthago and some others in Europe. I really want one
or two of those tops.

Mark

Loren Busch wrote:

> On 10/22/06, *Mark Drillock* <mdrillock@cox.net
> <mailto:mdrillock@cox.net>> wrote:
>
>     That is exactly the top design I have been day dreaming about. A combo
>     hightop/poptop that gives added headroom all the time even when down.
>
>
> Mark, this raises a question that has been in the back of my mind for
> some time.  Why don't we see (maybe should be past tense) more of these
> European van conversions here in the US and Canada?  We know of only
> three Dehlers here in NA (Karl says only six ever imported).  I've never
> heard of the Cathargo before or seen that type of high top.  A couple of
> possible reasons come to mind.  First, VW/Westfalia had the market tied
> up and they didn't want to compete.  That doesn't make sense because
> they were competing (and apparently with success) in VWs home market.
> US regulations/laws regarding RVs? Shouldn't have been that hard to
> comply with, Westfalia did it.  Yes, I know the common wisdom is the
> camper equipment was designed in the US by Delta Six and some say
> actually made here, shipped there for assembly.  But the virtual
> non-existence of Carthargo, Dehler, and Reimo conversions on this side
> of the the ocean seems a mystery I'd like to understand.
> Does anyone have any input on this subject?