Building a canopy for a 130 tub

[VladTepes]

Here's my idea.

I love the canvas look of the standard canopy but it has its limitations.

I'd like the following and welcome feedback / tips as to how to go about it.

I want canvas (or similar) sides and rear, covering a secure cage.
I want sides and rear to be able to lift up to access the inside.
'Canvas' cover over the outside.
Similar profile to original hoops/canopy.

AND here's the tough bit.

I'd like the top to be strong enough to stand on / mount a roof top tent, and be able to hang some awnings off the side of the truck.

So.... help.

[Benz]

It shouldn't be to hard to get a frame built for the canopy that is strong enough.
I had a frame like this made up for my tub which has nicely rolled sections along the sides
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/35700d1304743427-touring-defender-making-dsc_5938.jpg
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/35701d1304743467-touring-defender-making-dsc_5936.jpg
looks like this once it's covered
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/members-rides/41314d1323131072-touring-defender-making-dsc_7256.jpg
but I went with the roof rack option to mount stuff on top so no load is put into the canopy frame its self.

For supporting a roof top tent you could have the canopy frame incorporate some bits which stick through the top of the canvas to which you could bolt some kind of mounts to fix a roof top tent to.
have seen this done to fit roof racks to 4wds with canvas canopies (just look at the army soft tops for instance)

have seen lots of canopies with a solid roof and then canvas sides.
may work better as then you can walk on top without worrying about damaging the canvas

[juddy]

I will sell you a Trojan Vald:):)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/233.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Screenshot2013-11-24at65832AM_zps56098c26.png.html)

[Orkney 90]

Juddy, may I ask why the cab rear corner window is panelled over? I personally think that is one of the best design features of the cab, and it's pity it was never adopted for the station wagon models.

[LowRanger]

I will sell you a Trojan Vald:):)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/233.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Screenshot2013-11-24at65832AM_zps56098c26.png.html)

One of these would be ok if they were about 6" lower,then you could mount a rooftop tent on top and still only be as high as the truck cab roof:cool:

[towe0609]

This is a carry me camper unit. Not quite down to the height of the roof... but only a few inches in it.

In sure with a regular tray it would be pretty close the roof height. This one ex RFS with 320ltr tank inbuilt so a bit higher.

Of course the roof-top AC higher on mine anyway.... but there are not too many of those around...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachments/90-110-130-defender-county/36653d1307766436-air-con-red-dot-6100-1999-td5-130-dual-cab-passenger-front.jpg

[newhue]

Vlad, have square tube frame made that will hang a canvas canopy. Get some mesh gates, preferable alloy made up that will become lockable hinging gates. Old house hold security doors are good for this, strong enough and light.
You can have the canvas canopy made so it rolls up but allows air in with gates down, or just flaps over the gates as you lift them.
On the frame work bars that form the roof, get 4 decent pins welded on vertically. Two at the front, and two at the back towards the outside. These will become mounting points for roof racks. These 4 pins will also be the locking point for what ever you put up there, roof rack wise.
Get the canvas canopy made to accommodate these 4 mounting pins.
Now get some tube that will slide over the mounting pins, weld a cross bar to those tubes and there is your tradition cross bar platform for a basket, flat floor or what ever you wish to put over your canvas canopy.

[juddy]

One of these would be ok if they were about 6" lower,then you could mount a rooftop tent on top and still only be as high as the truck cab roof:cool:

Can be done there custom made .

[POD]

When I bought my 130 there was one on the market that had a canvas-sided canopy with a metal roof, the roof was essentially an upside-down shallow tray and the canvas sides were attached under the sides of the roof.

[VladTepes]

Yeah while a full canvas roof looks better I think the hard roof (chequerplate for example) and canvas sides would be good. Not sure how the canvas sides actually attach though ?

I don't want a square back though - the corners sticking out behind the cab ALWAYS collect a tree etc !) I want it to follow the cab profile. Probably makes it a bit harder to waterproof (ahem, water resist) though?


Jason not sure exactly what you mean re the vertical pins etc?

[newhue]

vertical pin, just piece is steel tube welded at right angles to the cross bar. Consider them the male reaching for the sky, and a female tube fits over. Nice.

To be honest I have had very little hassle with square side. I have had angled side before and the water pours in when the flaps are open. If you go a solid top, get some 10mm gutters added. This channels the water to the end corners of the roof. It then trickles down the corner uprights ad can be collected and ditched if it matters.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1156/cyl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/15/cyl5.jpg/)
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8214/h5sr.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/h5sr.jpg/)

[Leroy_Riding]

mate of mine had one made exactly as you describe, canvas sides and rear but with checker plate roof with roof bars, cost him about $1200. since sold the car and 'upgraded' to a prado (from a bt50 i guess that is an upgrade. . . ) i can find some photos I may have of it if you like?

[dinkles]

Here are a few pics of my canopy . The only issue is security ,so will eventually fit hinged screens to the sides and rear inside the vinyl. There is a small roof rack on top which carries my second spare when heading bush. Pull out awning is handy on this side as I have my fridge mounted on this side also , making for a quick shady smoko area whilst travelling. There are 2 draws mounted in the tub to the height of the wheel arches which gives me plenty of storage for tools ,spares etc. I did most of the work myself to try and save some $$$$ , so total cost was around $1200 . If anyone would like more pics feel free to ask.

[VladTepes]

Yes to Leeroy and dinkles - the more pics the merrier please.



(and dinkles - you aren't fooling anyone with that plate :lol2: )

[dinkles]

hahaha........


I thought that plate would get a response.


The old girl is quick........


However my Landy ain't no bitumen queen, she goes EVERYWHERE !

[86mud]

i have a checkerplate roof and canvas sides using sail track... all custom made over a period of time... happy with the result. great viewing platform!

[VladTepes]

Cool - love that ladder too !

[MLD]

VladTepes - in answer to your OP, i stumbled across this set up which seems to fit your requirement.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/88.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/89.jpg

Made by Tyre Engineering in Colac VIC. Tyrer Engineering (http://tyrerengineering.com.au) Can't speak for them, merely on passing ideas.

MLD

[VladTepes]

Thanks. Yep that's the sort of thing - only fitted to the tub not a tray.

[rangietragic]

Heres mine with drawers removed

[VladTepes]

86mud - I'll have to catch up with you some time and have a look....

[lokka]

Mike Have a look here at the link to micks build up thread as fairly soon I will be making canopys like micks again as well as the type that you are after with a solid frame hard top and mesh sides and back with canvas covers

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/135463-cal415s-puma-130-a-7.html

Go about half way down the page for the canopy

[VladTepes]

I'll have to check later - pics are blocked at work.....

[VladTepes]

Thread resurrection.

Still looking at canopy options but thinking of a hard canopy now.....

[numpty]

Check out my trailer build Vlad. Something along those lines should suit.

[VladTepes]

Thanks link perchance?

[cal415]

Vlad, as mentioned earlier, check out my canopy, its a great setup and could easily carry a rooftop tent, it wouldnt be hard to do the same thing just using the frame we made, then have a canopy made up out of canvas to go over the frame.

The frame in mine was 50x50x3mm square tube and we use 50x50x6mm angle around the tub lip as a base, mine was then skinned in 3mm checker plate, but could have easily just put canvas over it.

[numpty]

Here you go.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/trailers-vans-campers/168752-my-trailer-build-rebuild.html

[Pacemaker]

I just fitted a hard canopy to mine. Its a 3XM canopy. I was originally going to buy a canvas one but got this one at a good price and its more secure than my original plan.

Cheers
Michael

[Richo1]

Hi Fellas, Can anyone tell me if you can fit a 110 2 door rear to a 130 tub?

richo1

[VladTepes]

No, the tub on a 130 is (a bit) wider than the body.

[VladTepes]

I just fitted a hard canopy to mine. Its a 3XM canopy. I was originally going to buy a canvas one but got this one at a good price and its more secure than my original plan.

Cheers
Michael

Looks good, but I did want to keep the tub as I much prefer that look.