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Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:16 pm
by markBurn
Hi Guys,
Me and my mates have been disusing the different canopies out there and we have not quite come to a conclusion as to what type to use where and when.

I was hoping that some of the more "seasoned" gentlemen out there who have had experience with the different types of canopies, like Canvas, Aluminum or fiberglass, could give us some insight.
I'm sure that they all have there place and purpose in this strange world of ours.

I hear a lot about weight being an issue but as the car is over 1.7 tones, i don't see the issue with 17 kg 1% of the cars mass or is it just for when you take it off and on?
I haven't taken my fiberglass canopy off in the last 6 months, having said that i only have had the car for 6 month posting.php?mode=smilies&f=22&start=50#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hilux Vs Lion
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Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:24 pm
by ChrisF
Mark WELCOME to the forum.


The "right" canopy all depends on YOUR use.


My canopy WONT work for most people, but as we use our Hilux as a camper the modified glass fibre canopy WORKS for us.

Others LOVE their Alucab type canopies - mostly due to the ease of access.

do you want to use a Roof Top Tent ?? Then I love the slightly lower canopy so that the RTT does not stand high above the cab.


en so het elke canopy n mark en n gebruik :)

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:59 pm
by Traveler
I went for African Outback because they profess their canopy is strong enough to serve as a rollbar.

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:30 am
by Danman
I got my Alu canopy from Ciske at gomad about a month ago.
:celebrate: :yahoo: :celebrate: :yahoo:
Shopped around and could not find a new canopy(fibreglass) at a better price.
As Chris said the main reason for choosing alu is durability(doesn't crack like fibreglass) and accessibility.
I am not sure about alu but as far as I know the law prevents you from having passengers in a fibreglass canopy(only steel)
Also can take more load than fibreglass.

I had a canvas canopy on my last landrover and I had a few issues:
- sun damage
- leaks
- could not load anything on top
- could not fix a awning to it.

But this is what works for me....it might not suit your needs depending the application.

:bye:

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:28 pm
by Thunder02
Welcome Mark,as the others have said before it's what you want to do with it.The weight become a issue when everything is loaded for a trip.the weight adds up quickly .

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:27 pm
by 4x4Maniac
Welcom, I got my Alu canopy also from Gomad, and wanted the stronger type for the rooftop tent and gas cylinder fixture, however a steel canopy could also have done the trick is much cheaper, but probably has to be painted over again. The same applies if you paint over the alu, in the end it depends on your needs and budget.

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:58 pm
by markBurn
I got a roof top tent which i put onto my fiberglass canopy, but my plan is to get a roof rack and move the roof top tent onto that for the following reasons.
1- i can still move the car sightly with out having to "close" my tent.
2-If i need extra loading space i would prefer to have the random parts behind my roof tent, to "reduce the drag"

Does any one know roughly what the loading capability is on the fiberglass canopy?

I see that there are a lot of companies doing canvas canopies. I have never used one but i don't understand why one would.
For me a canopy must protect whats inside for the element and be secure with the benefit of adding extra roof loading area.
Don't most canvas canopies leak water and dust and are relatively easy to invade?

I'm also drawn to a alu canopy but as i don't send more that 2 weeks ruffing it out in the bush, it doesn't quite justify the costs.

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:13 pm
by Haboob
An Alu canopy will make your life easier in all instances, not just your two weeks in the bush. You will get tired of clambering around the back, so save yourself the expense & get the alu canopy before wasting money on something less practical.

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:54 pm
by FJCruiser-ZN
As most have said, the choice of a canopy depends on one's needs.

My fiberglass canopy caved in with the weight of the RTT whilst driving in Botswana, so I've opted for an aluminium canopy.

I've chosen not to fit any windows, so I can pack the canopy to the roof, without the worry of "sticky fingers" pushing out the glass to get what's inside.

I used 3CR12 tubing with aluminium cladding, a bit heavier than all aluminium, however I couldn't weld aluminium when I fabricated mine.

Three large access doors is an absolute pleasure when you need something packed in the back of he canopy.

If I were to build another canopy I would have one door that can double as a table.

T

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 5:57 pm
by hooya
Hi all 4x4 buds,

i just fitted a alu canopy and drawer system to my Hilux and i must say, worth every penny. :yahoo: can now fit a tent later. If you want durability and want to load, alu canopy is much better option.

Hooya 4x4

Re: Canopies, what where when?

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 6:41 am
by Thunder02
hooya wrote:Hi all 4x4 buds,

i just fitted a alu canopy and drawer system to my Hilux and i must say, worth every penny. :yahoo: can now fit a tent later. If you want durability and want to load, alu canopy is much better option.

Hooya 4x4
Welcome Marius,pics are better than words :thumbup: