What is the most suitable trayback setup to compliment a camper trailer

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 at 07:35

ThreadID: 67807 Views:3184 Replies:2 FollowUps:3

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scottforster

I have a A139 cub campomatic that I have inherited. It is in great nick and has already done a couple of trips to Tassie, Mudgee and coastal weekends.

I have a twin-cab (PE courier) with an alloy tray. The tray is a good size and has suited me well. The courier is not a work vehicle so is used only for runs to the dump and weekend stuff.

When camping we would put clothes in the camper and everything else in boxes (esky, cooking gear, bikes, chairs, tables etc) on the tray.

Now there is three of us I am planning to put a canopy over the tray- initially to keep extra stuff like the pram dry, and now there is sooo much extra stuff I need to keep lots dry.

My plan was to go with a hard roof and canvas sides. But with a alloy tray I think that a canvas/PVC allover canopy would be best.

So

Q1 Canvas or PVC?

Q2 Windows- useful or useless? (I don't need a window to remember what I put in there and where it is)

Q3 Velcro anywhere?

Q4 Weakpoints and wearpoints- where do I need extras?

Q5 How high? Cabin roof height- I was planning to be just below the roof rack height so the boards can fit on.

Q6 How many flaps - standard (3) or do I split a side to have 2 flaps on the passenger side (I was thinking of a smaller access flap to get to the esky and fridge.

Other points I should consider?

Thanks

Scott

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Reply By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 at 21:28

Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 at 21:28

hi Scott
I have had doth PVC and canvas canopies and found that the canvas breathed better. Windows I found that they went brittle with age and tore so I would not bother. Use zips instead of velcro as velcro gets caught up. I would put flaps on three sides as this gives you access to all three sides of the tray, with the passerger side split for fridge access if wanted. The reason for passenger side fridge access is safety if pulled up on side of the road. Mine were all roof height for less drag.

hope this is usefull
Murrray

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AnswerID: 359581

Follow Up By: scottforster - Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 at 11:16

Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 at 11:16

Thanks Murray

I was thinking along the same lines, especially with the passenger side split- a good idea.

Thanks again

Scott

FollowupID: 627617

Reply By: kcandco - Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 at 21:37

Tuesday, Apr 14, 2009 at 21:37

Hi Scott

I have a mazda B2600 dualcab with fibreglass canopy. I would consider these objectives when setting it up. 1. waterproof 2 dustproof. 3. access from all 3 sides so you can get to your gear without having to move things around. (Mine has one access at the back and it is a pain having to move stuff to get to the things at the back especially if you have a fridge at the back. 4. same height as cab (as you said so surfboards and long items can still go on roof racks) 5. power outlets in the tray to run fridge and lighting wired in for finding your gear in the dark. 6. Tiedown points for fridge etc as needed 7. I like window at the side also to allow vision through the side especially when driving in multi lane roads. If your courier is the same as mine it has small side mirrors that are next to useless. I personally prefer a full fibreglass canopy for dust water and being lockable. It sound like you are already pretty well sorted out but hope these suggestions help.

regards Kc

AnswerID: 359584

Follow Up By: scottforster - Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 at 11:29

Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 at 11:29

Cheers Kc

I hadn't put much thought into back lighting and now the brain is ticking over. Ill probably utilize the power pack as a power source and adapt some LED lighting into the canopy frame. I like the KISS principle...

The side window is an excellent safety feature and one worth adding. The courier has reasonable mirrors but any additional safety feature is often a worthy asset.

I struggle with fibreglass. Lived in central Arnhem Land for six years and I saw a few canopies shaken to death.

Come to think of it, Arnhem Land will destroy a lot of good gear if you don't treat the track conditions with appropriate respect. Even the best vehicles bearings will collapse, roof racks and wheel carriers separate and tyres suffer repeat punctures if you punish your vehicle.

I'll start the search and see what I come up with.

Thanks again for your input.

Cheers

Scott

FollowupID: 627618