Thread: HCPU 130 dropside??

Hellooo. Started to make some changes to my (new to me) 2000 TD5 130. I bought it because the family has well and truly outgrown my old 76 rangie. I would like to build an aluminium canopy with three wing openings and then decide whether Ill need a Hannibal rack for my Oz tent and canoe and other or just go with roof bars. I guess I'll learn about the new capacity with my next camping trip.

My 130 has a 2" lift and is on 12X33's which I'll replace with 10.5's soon as possible but the height will probably remain the same. I was thinking for practicality's sake Id like better access to the sides of the tub. Ive seen people cut in the side doors on their canopy but I was wondering if anyones made drop sides? It would then make a fridge drop slide practical on the side and the load area would be more accessible and Id still be able to use the tub without the canopy.

Anyone got any suggestions about this idea? Id also like to see how your aluminium canopies are framed inside; please mention if it has roof bars fitted as well. Im wondering what guage frame aluminium I need to carry things on the top of the canopy. Does anyone have a Hannibal as fitted on top of their canopy ie without the corner posts or should I just go with the rack with the rear most posts? Lots of questions sorry.

cheers
Dale

nice truck, very similar stance to mine. That's an interesting and different approach to the back end. Im looking at cutting in the canopy side doors into the HPCU tub, not a tray dropside unit though. Anyone got any pic of such a setup?

thanks

Dale