Canopy for trays

[troyco]

Hi guys,
Does anyone have any info about canopies for trays? There iare many sorts out there for various prices- any pitfalls I should be aware of? I was thinkinga alloy frame with roof rack and PVC sides.
I would appreciate your thoughts
Troyco

[NMK]

I have and ARB canopy, I’m very happy with it except for the back tinted window. Makes it very difficult reversing at night, due to not being able to see what is behind. I spoke to ARB and the tint can’t be removed and they don’t sell replacement windows without the tint. But I’m sure this can be fixed by installing a light on the back.

[troyco]

NKM, I am looking at a frame and PVC sides as I have a tray. I wish it to be removable if possible
The ARB canopy are certainly to best for style side
Cheers troyco

[NMK]

troyco, i missed that bit. sorry about that.

[Dr Jan Itor]

It's an interesting one. I've been looking around for a while and it's hard to find something I want that isn't overpriced.

I'm starting to think about building the frame myself and then finding an upholsterer to do the rest.

[troyco]

Dr Jan, I would like to build it myself but I thought of a alloy frame and roof rack - which counts me out as I cannot weld alloy good enough to trust. The sides are not that much of a worry - you can buy the sail track, kedar etc. Let me know if you come up with anything
troyco

[oldrev]

you may have to wait till you see one you like andthen ask the owner where they got it from.
i'm sorta in the same boat cos i want a canopy but i dont want it there all the time.
same as you troyco ihave'nt the skills or equipment to weld alloy so i'm thinkin seriously about building a frame and skin outta stainless steel.
it may cost more for materials but it wont cost me a cent for labour except maybe some sheet folding
ken

[troyco]

yeh lol I will be pulling over people left right and centre hope they understand good idea I'll try it

[Dr Jan Itor]

The one from Camel Group you mentioned in your fridge slide thread looks like a really good canopy. I had a look at those last week.



I'm not really interested in a hard top unless it's a real bargain. Need something I can roll up and easily store.

[mimmo_gsr]

Something to consider (well I am considering it) is to make the rear hoop and side sections seperate which can then be bolted together and have the cnvas placed over the top.

That way when you don't want the canopy on the back it can all be stored away without taking up too much space, compared to a fully welded up cage.

[troyco]

sure is worth a thought, I never considered that. I am keen to have a hardtop for trips of more than a week to stick things up there that are not needed regularly such as another spare. I also do not wish to tow a trailer too often.
more food for thought!!

[jake355]

I have a single cab and have a canvas canopy made by southern cross canopy fairly expensive but they made the frame and all costing $2500 and that included big 12ft awning which can be put on either side of it has been great and is made of complete australian made canvas and its stop rip also i will post up some pics soon

[troyco]

Hey Jake that is a good price anything in QLD starts at 2800 and to add windows goes up- where in Vic are southern cross as I am going through melbourne in september? do tehy have a web site?
Thanks
troyco

[jake355]

Yes mate they are at www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au

They are renowned down this way for there quality products i had prices all over the place from 900 up wards. I dont hve the perspex windows in mine as i got told by several people after a while the windows tend to go cloudy i spose u could say and if you dont continually wash them they just perish so it is entirely up to your requirements but i was steered away from it.
I have the mesh windows in both sides so i can roll them up and sleep in there if i want to aswell

[troyco]

Cheers I will check them out - I agree with the mesh sides only. Have you put in a light? How does it go for dust ? and what did you seal the drop down sides with- I was thinking ableflex?
Cheers troyco

[jake355]

mate dust isn't to bad they run there elastic under the sides and the sealing is quiet good and on the front they give you a pull through which you tighten up so not much gets in there your never going to completely seal the whole lot but its pretty good. I haave 2 12v plugs in my tray so i just plug a light in and use that havent got anything permanently mounted as i use the tray for other purposes and would just end up ripping it off so i found the plug in best for me.

[troyco]

Thanks -the dust is always a bit of a problem, good thought about plugs.
Cheers
troyco

[Dr Jan Itor]

I have a friend who glued mattress foam around the inside bottom of his canopy and that seemed to work well.

You have to remember that you will always get some dust with any (even fibreglass) canopy. You can just try your best to minimise it.

[troyco]

I have investigated getting a triple m alloy tray for the roof rack- turn the side extrusions and the tie rails upside down, put the sail track inside the extrusions. I think this should work using some alloy box section to mount the roof via pop riverts on the exsiting ladder racks- then I need an upholsterer to finish it with the PVC to the tray.
Any thoughts??

[Dr Jan Itor]

That's a novel approach. It certainly sounds feasible, but I wonder how much support it would need if you're going to use it as a roof rack?

It would be interesting to see how the cost and weight compares.