Renault Trafic III L2H1 Ceiling – 5 mm Poplar Plywood

Why 5mm Poplar Plywood?

Poplar is the go-to material for van ceilings: it's lightweight (~3 kg/m²), so it doesn't overload the roof. Its natural flexibility allows it to adapt to slight curves in the roof without forcing, and its cross-ply structure gives it excellent screw retention. It's easy to work with basic tools — a jigsaw and a drill/driver are all you need.

CNC Manufacturing from Exact Template

Each ceiling is CNC cut in our Brittany workshop based on the template taken from the Renault Trafic III L2H1. Pre-cuts are engraved on the back — visible during installation, invisible on the surface. They precisely indicate where to install the LED ceiling light, how to run the cable duct, and how to adapt to the presence of a bulkhead.

Insulation and Installation Sequence

Insulate the roof first (rock wool, sprayed polyurethane, or foam panels), then fix the ceiling on top. Position the two panels dry before screwing to adjust the lateral gaps. Screw into the transverse roof ribs with 3.5×25 mm self-drilling screws, spaced approximately 25 cm apart. For a removable result, M4/M5 threaded inserts crimped into the reinforcements allow the ceiling to be unscrewed cleanly if needed.

Integration with Side Linings

The ceiling is ideally installed before the side panels. The linings then frame the edges of the ceiling, concealing screw heads and joints. If you are installing recessed spotlights, run the cables between the ceiling and the insulation before final fixing.

Raw or Oiled Finish: Which to Choose?

Raw: the wood is untreated — ideal if you want to paint, varnish, or cover the ceiling with fabric. Oiled: impregnated with a natural oil compliant with toy standard EN 71-3, odorless, can be installed directly as is or behind a light covering.

Compatibility

This ceiling is cut for the Renault Trafic III L2H1. The same cut is compatible with the Fiat Talento, Opel Vivaro B and C, and Nissan NV300, which share the same platform.

Technical Questions

L2H1 vs L1H1: what's the difference for the ceiling? The length of the van changes, not the width or the curvature of the roof — the cutting profile is slightly longer but the installation technique is identical.

Can additional openings be drilled? Yes, poplar is easily cut with a hole saw or jigsaw to integrate additional fans, sockets, or spotlights.

Should I glue or screw? Screwing into the reinforcements is the strongest and most reversible method — glue alone is not recommended in a vehicle subject to vibrations.