custom tray

Check out Gone Bush WA new canopy on his new V8 Cruiser. You will not end up with the same tray space that he has but it is a well thought out design.

Cheers Kev

G'day Bob,you could have a look at www.minecorp.com.au i think is the right address they are in Brisbane suburb.There is also one up in Gympie. You also could do a Google for tray back conopies & get whole array of good ideas as we don't know which state or territory you are in,good luck in you endeavor.
Cheers Bob.

I didn't go with the canvas because of security and dust issues.

My suggestions if going the metal canopy:
- no need for a tray if you're not going to make it removable - tray just adds a bit of weight.
- Closed back is good - no way for dust to get in, and good place for spare wheels and HF aerial.
- If mounting spares on rear, just bolt them through to the inside - more secure, less weight, and with the full tyre pressing against the canopy, more stable.
- The space under the tray is ideally suited for a water tank and either a second tank or skinny spare tyre.
- Keep all the weighty stuff forward - especially with a dual cab.
- Full length lift up side doors give you shade and shelter.
- Side doors are best hinged as high as possible - so you have good head clearance.
- The continuous fully sealed plastic hinge is great for keeping water out of the canopy. Its nice to have it come out an inch or so past the door so water runs off well.
- Theres different T-handle locks out there. The newer black ones feature a roller plus they pull in after you turn them - they always open easily.
- The pinchweld and rubber seal around the doors work well.
- shape: totally square means you hit more trees when offroading, tapered suits the shape of the vehicle. Mine tapers from 400mm up, to suit the engel fridges, and so I don't lose space.
- lights - easily mounted on the inside of the outer part of the foors for a wide spread of light. I don't put lights inside the canopy because you'll get insects inside the canopy.
- draws under the canopy are very hard to seal, and don't hold much, so I'd prefer that space be used for a spare tyre or fuel tank.
- windows - I'm not sure why people put them in - I feel security is better without them, and use a camera for rear vision.
Interior - have fridge as low as possible, so you can get in it.
Fridge doesn't need to slide unless you are pushed for space, and need the space above it. But a fridge on a slide is about 2 inches higher than one thats not.
Roofrack: Mine is simply 100mm mesh welded onto a 25mm frame and bolted to the roof - holds anything, anywhere and still goes into the garage and carparks.

Have fun, and think it all out before you commit the $$$$

Cheers
Phil

Hi Bob

We have the carryme camper (view at candy canvas website) and they make one for dual cabs now. Also check out John R (vic) & Moses rig pic too, he has a good setup. We had our own design and looked at John's design but both were a heavier option in realation to the carryme. The carryme is suppose to be on a traytop but we tow it on a trailer. Carryme can be as simole as a box, you add what you want/afford and a tent on top.

Cya
Muddy's Other Half
:)

G'Day Bob,
If you google a bloke in Melbourne, from memory, Mr Toolbox, or something similar, they have a huge photo album with heaps of different ute backs. Don't know what their work is like but lots of different designs.
Mike