Canopy
Submitted: Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 10:04
ThreadID:
96446
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8095
Replies:
6
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Scotty
Going to trade in my Prado Grande for a BT50 dual cab ute need the area to carry generator, outboard, folding trailer etc. without being decapitated or smelling like a petrol sniffer. Need a canopy and it needs to be single lock or keyed to central locking (bonus) also needs to be 100kg as I have a WA boatloader any ideas? Ive been told Razorback and ARB meet the load requirements but ARB have a dual key system! any ideas. Also does the
suspension kit (ABR) $2K improve on road comfort as I am 99% from Bris to Daly and
Roper Bar once a year.
Reply By: Member - Netnut (VIC) - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 20:46
Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 20:46
Hello Scotty,
Check out Carryboy canopies; they are made from fibreglass, and they are single key slam-shut jobs. They can carry weight on the installed roof bars.
For
mine, I like the ARB canopy with the interior HD steel supports; the cost of the canopy and supports - including roof bars - is almost the same as the Carryboy canopy. I would back it against the fibreglass job on really rough roads when carrying a hefty load above.
I've had both of these canopies; I had the ARB smooth-grained plastic job on my previous vehicle - a Hilux DC ute - and had no dramas at all. It went over many a rough road with a rack and weight above ! I have carried long loads using the ARB canopy bars and a temporary Rhino Rack cabin-mounted bar purchased from Roof Carrier Systems in Camberwell, Vic.
I have the smooth ARB canopy on my new BT-50 - see my profile picture. The lift up side windows allow me to stow and remove goods easily; I'm 6'5" tall. Living with the dual locks is not a chore for me.
I have decided not to have the steel support bars installed this time as I have sold my tinnie. Instead, I'm planning on installing a Rhino Roof rack over the cabin - with ARBs help - to shift weight forward of the rear wheels when touring with a load in
the tub.
My suggestion: Don't rush in to buy. Ambush some owners and talk to them about their canopies and what they carry above it.
Cheers,
Netnut
AnswerID:
489243
Follow Up By: Scotty - Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:47
Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:47
Thanks Netnut,
Well I'm 13" shorter than you so I'm thinking of twin drawer system with sliding top so that anything I pack in at least I can slide forward and retreive from back tailgate. Side windows will be liftup as an emergency only.
I travel by my self so I really dont access the back much at all and now that I have a caravan as apposed to my camper trailer I only use the evakool for cooling beer when I set up
camp.
regards
Scotty
FollowupID:
764427
Reply By: Bushranger1 - Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 07:59
Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 07:59
G'day Scotty
Having owned 2 dual cabs with canopies, when I get my next one it will be a tray back with purpose built alloy canopy with side opening doors.
Both have had ARB canopies which were great quality wise but a pain to use over a period of time.
First one was sliding side windows good for ventilation but it got annoying climbing right in to get stuff from near the cab. Also tailgate leaked dust.
Second one had lift up windows but you can only get small items through them so you still have to crawl in the back. Poor ventilation because you cant drive with them open. Tailgate leaks dust again too.
So plan C is as I said, purpose bult with side opening doors.
Cheers
Stu
AnswerID:
489264
Reply By: Scotty - Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:39
Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:39
Thanks Stu and chaps,
Know about the multiple locks and thats why I'm looking for single lock. TJM state that EGR do a single slam lock and you can get an internal kit to beef them up to $150kg load, as I stated I have a WA boatloader for my tinnie. has enyone had anything to do with them or know the product?
ARB seem to be the most popular although twin locks at the back (yuk)
When you remarked that the tailgate leaked dust do you mean
the tub or the canopy as I'm aware
the tub tailgates are not sealed (crazy for the price you pay for the vehicle)?
Most canopies offer a pressure/vent hatch for about $120 any comments?
regards
Scotty
AnswerID:
489270
Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:50
Sunday, Jun 24, 2012 at 08:50
Yep.
Tailgate leaks dust.
FollowupID:
764428