Canopy construction
Submitted: Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 10:46
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Member- Tony C
I am about to construct a camping canopy for my recently purchased second hand ST Patrol tray. I will fit a rooftop camper to it and will be a similar set up when finished to the duel cab carry me camper.
I want to make the camper out of aluminium and am unsure wether to make it self supporting out of 3mm sheet or have a frame and use lighter sheeting. I will have two side opening doors and carry two spare wheels off the back.
If anyone has made one or can offer any advise or ideas on the best construction it would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Tony
Reply By: Member - Royce- Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:12
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:12
I'd be thinking an internal frame designed to support the wheels and the tent, then clad.
The flexion in even 3mm aluminium would probably lead to metal fatigue pretty quickly.
AnswerID:
479400
Reply By: Member Andys Adventures - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:43
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:43
Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundHi Tony, Make it self supporting use gussets in the middle see photos. If you use a frame it will bend and twist and will not seal from dust and water.
Mine is welded only at the ends and you can walk over the roof. If you would like more photos send me a email andrewasmus@bigpond.com
Andy
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Member- Tony C - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:45
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:45
Thanks Andy, Thats a great help. I will send an email later with a few questions.
Cheers
Tony
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754889
Reply By: Member - Tezza Qld - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:52
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:52
Being an ST Patrol it will have rear coil springs. With this and the patrol wheelbase I would suggest carrying the spares at the front of the canopy.
Cheers Teza
AnswerID:
479409
Follow Up By: Member- Tony C - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:40
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:40
Thanks Teza, The canopy is going to be 1650 long and will sit 550 back from the head board. The space in front will be used for spare fuel, 80l
water tank in headboard, a dog and firewood. Spares were going in drivers side of canopy but could relocate forward.
I have air bags and heavier springs so hopefully will handle the weight.
Cheers,
Tony
FollowupID:
754888
Follow Up By: Member - Tezza Qld - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 16:45
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 16:45
Sounds great Tony
Don't forget to reinforce the coil tower tops. You can do this yourself or buy an aftermarket kit.
Cheers Teza
FollowupID:
754913
Reply By: Cyberess - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:53
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 11:53
Yeah I really like the idea of a alloy canopy on a tray.. Been considering one for a project of
mine.. for a dual cab ute.. (I haven't even got a dual cab ute yet.)
You can read about what I have been considering at http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=17679.msg271233
Are you actually planning of making it up your self?
O.K.something that I had quote on --
From M2O Toolboxes -- They quoted $3200
M2O Toolboxes -- They quoted $3200 -- Seems very reasonable
1. Material: 2.0mm Marine Grade 5052 Checker Plate, 40 x 40 x 3 mm 6060 Alloy tubes, 6mm marine grade flat alloy for spare tyre mount
2. Product: Custom-made Canopy with 1 spare tyre mount, plus ladder & roof bars
3. Gas Strut: Yes Heavy Duty x 4
4. Rubber Seal: Yes
5. Lock: T – swivel lock x 2 (3-pt locking mechanism)
6. Hinge: Piano
7. Shelf/partition: No
The also quoted an upgrade to 3.0 mm Marine Grade Checker Plate, the price will be $450 extra.
BTW: I have never really dealt with M20 before -- this is just information of a quote from them.
You can find more info about M20 Toolbox at
http://www.m2otoolbox.com.au
AnswerID:
479411
Follow Up By: Member- Tony C - Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:28
Sunday, Mar 04, 2012 at 13:28
I was interested to see the plan of your canopy, your dimensions are almost the same that I would be constructing.
Yes I am going to build it myself however I will have to have any folding done at an engineering or sheetmetal works.
I will have the roof cantilevering forward 400mm with an amplimesh floor.
Is the main advantage of using chequerplate to give the sheets more rigidity?
Thanks very much for your reply
Cheers,
Tony
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754884