Ute Canopy

what sort of ute is it. does it have a tray back or ute buck? are you after plastic/fibreglass , canvas , alluminium???
they're some of the q's people will want to know. i've never owned a canopy so i can't help you sorry, but i'm in the process of designing a canvas one for my tray if you're looking at going that way

Hi Samarai. We had a canvas one made for the tray of a Landcruiser. It went over a weldmesh frame, which was great for tying down luggage with occy straps, hanging washing to dry, hanging clothes overnight. It also had a roof rack which fitted on pins that came through the canvas. A dual purpose small ladder for getting from tray to roof rack, and for getting from tray to ground with ease during the night. Wonderful for camping out in the bush under the stars - just leave the back open, lie on the swag and enjoy the view. We could just drive into the bush and stop - best camping ever.

I recall going on 'holiday' (to another family property) with luggage and supplies strapped around the edges, and two pet calves and a pet lamb in the middle! Oh well, they say a change is as good as a holiday.

Drawbacks:

1. We made it to go behind the frame at the front of the tray, instead of over it (which would have increase the size of our canvas), but if it rained, water could run down onto the tray. If we had it over the frame, and a bit below it, water wouldn't have been able to get in. If we stopped at night and it rained, we had to tie a small plastic tarp over the gap between the cap and the canopy.

2. We needed to put most of our gear on the ground to roll out the swag - a bit tedious, and in the morning the gear on the ground was wet with condensation, so we needed to wait until the sun dried it before packing up - not major unless it was raining.

3. We had clear plastic windows behind the cab rear window and in the back, but without any along the sides, so it was hard to see other cars in those awful shopping centre car parks where small cars back out without the driver looking up to check for bigger vehicle backing out, so i preferred to drive in, crossing the curb if necessary, so i could drive straight out without having to back.

Hi, Samarai , WE have what i consider to be the ultimate setup that I designed & built myself my wife & I lived out of it For 4.5 months on a trip across central Australia & back across the top . It is set up on a 92 Rodaeo tray back ute canvas canopy on steel frame . Does not let any dust in the bed is superb as I have massive back problems & have got to have a really good bed . If you can let me know if you are interested i can probably email you some photos .

Cheers bungarra.

I've got the traytop canopy - had it custom made out of 3mm aluminium - very nice way to camp with great access - the lift-up doors keep the weather out and shade you when camping, and because theres no back door, dust doesn't get in. We swag it, but if we were to sleep on top, we'd get a lightweight rooftop tent made or bought.

Photos of my setup are in the traytop camping group on Yahoo

Cheers
Phil