Canopy

Al,

some considerations. If you're putting a set of drawers in the back of the ute and need to sit a fridge on top, get a high-top canopy. If you're getting windows in the sides, get side lift windows and not sliders. This will allow you access tot eh contents from the side rather than having to crawl in from the back.

By opening the front sliding window 5cm or so when travelling, the tub area will remained pressurised and keep out a lot of dust. I used 25mm x 10mm single sided neoprene tape from Clarke rubber and ran it around the inside of the tub so that the tailgate pressed up against it. Great help with dust sealing.Water, a different matter.

If you're towing, make sure you cover the back window with a sheet of perspex as stones will ricochet back from your trailer/van and cost you a rear screen. You can also request that locks on the windows are keyed alike to any other lockers/storage areas you may have on a van/trailer. Saves keys!

Cheers

Mick

(P.S. Do a search of the forum. You'll find plenty of posts on this topic. M.)

Largely agree with previous post, however if you wish to carry kayaks etc on the roof you need a flat canopy, but definitely go lift up windows both sides. I have ARB canopy and with extra sealing around the tail gate and front window open dust entry is minimal.

There was a post last week asking the same. My belief is that you will always get dust in a vehicle with a tailgate. Pressurising the canopy with opening flaps helps a little.

If you buy a traytop, and add a sealed canopy with full opening side doors and no rear openings, you will never have a dust problem. Only hassle is that the tray + a box on the back will cost more money.

Hi,

I fitted a Challenge canopy to my Hilux dual cab and it is good. Dust entry is minimal and we went for the hi roof style. Have had ours through some good North Queensland rain and haven't had any water in so far so that appears to be all good. Challenge did a good install and their paint match to my car colour was also spot on.

Just do your home work on the different Brands about. I have one of the 4 x4 top major Brand canopies on my Hilux & it's a lemon.
Window strutts don't stay up,back rubber seal keeps coming off,back brake light keeps coming unstuck from window. and to top it off when the Company installed it they cut the top lip off the tub liner. was told 'thats how they fit them'. since them I've seen plenty not cut off. after all this its left a very bitter taste, to the point I will not buy any other 4 x4 gear from this Manu again