What type of Canopy
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 at 21:09
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52697
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richor
I have had a canvas canopy on my '86 Hilux for about 10 years and it has worked pretty
well for me but I would like a lockable one now.
I have just sold it canopy and all and am now having to fit a canopy to my "new" 2004 Hilux TD single cab, tray top. I have searched this
forum regarding types of canopies but it hasn't really helped my choice.
Aluminium or steel canopies are lockable and generally dust and
water proof but they are expensive. A basic one seems to start at $5000 and go up to $9000 - $10000 for a basic shell with a couple of windows in it.
Fibreglass ones such as Chieftain are around $3000 (the new ones will handle about 200kg on the roof) but I wonder if they will fall apart after
miles of corrugations.
I want a canopy that is lockable and fits on my tray with the drop sides removed. I carry my solar panels on the roof which weigh about 30 Kg and I would like to carry one spare on the roof as
well.
I would like to have full side doors as
well as a rear door.
I often sleep in my canopy so I guess condensation will be a factor.
I intend to keep my Hilux for at least 10 years and would like the canopy to last at least that long.
Any knowledge and experiences you have had will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
Reply By: Happy Gutz - Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 at 21:54
Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 at 21:54
I want one of those ex/Telstra canopies you see on the back of GU Patrols. Bloody expensive and bloody hard to come by. I am considering building one myself.
AnswerID:
277522
Reply By: Member - Dick (Int) - Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 01:31
Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 01:31
Hi Bob
I made up a wire mesh cage which is lockable then covered it with Ripstop Canvas. It is waterproof and reasonably dust proof as I have vents in the front of the canopy which keep a positive pressure inside.
I did not build a roof rack on it but it would be a relatively easy job to do so.
I posted a few pic's of it on my Rig Page for you to see. If you want some more detailed ones let me know.
Dick
AnswerID:
277572
Follow Up By: richor - Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:20
Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:20
Hello Dick,
Thanks for the reply. I tried to look at your rig pictures but I am not a member so it wouldn't let me. I am still considering canvas but I had a few problems with the zips getting dirt in them and sticking. Eventually the two sides parted and i had a lot of trouble trying to get the zips done up again.
Regards,
Bob
FollowupID:
541656
Follow Up By: Member - Dick (Int) - Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:39
Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:39
Hi Bob
Email me at dick[at]petraguna[dot]com and I will send you some pics. If you use good zips you should not have any problems. Some say to use a silicone spray on them.
Dick
FollowupID:
541658
Reply By: Member - Davoe (Yalgoo) - Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:37
Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 at 19:37
2004 TD Hilux with flexiglass canopy
AnswerID:
277703
Reply By: richor - Friday, Dec 28, 2007 at 21:04
Friday, Dec 28, 2007 at 21:04
Thanks for your replies. I am tossing up with a canvas canopy with a mesh cage or a steel/aluminium one. I have found a local bloke who makes them and I have had a couple of reports that he is pretty good.
Regards,
Bob
AnswerID:
278811