Defender 130 tub canopy thread (August 2017 version)

[VladTepes]

Once again I am looking at options for a canopy for my 130 tub.

(This is related specifically to the 130 tub so please no suggestions re changing to a tray)

This time my missus is keen to get something sorted so we can go away camping etc. So it MIGHT even come true.....

Requirements
- Reasonably priced (aka affordable)
- Security - so it can be locked up. (I would be transporting firearms at times)
- Access at sides and rear
- must be able to fit roof-top-tent and pull out awning, if needed.
- must be removable for those occasions when I may have to carry some over-sized cargo...


I'm not wedded to any particular design - i.e. I'd be happy with a 'solid'; or a mix of solid and "canvas" or similar.
Basically I am open to suggestions....


I do like this idea, in the sense that it would make access much easier.

128380




I also like the 'Land Rover' design look of Brute's 130: Brutes 130 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/95962-brutes-130-a.html)


As well as Brute's thread there have been several other threads on this topic (including at least one started by me a number of years ago...

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/186478-building-canopy-130-tub.html?186478 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/186478-building-canopy-130-tub.html?186478=#post2033783)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/226984-custom-canopy-defender-130-a-3.html#post2710452

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-wa-aulroians-group/172138-130-hpcu-hard-canopy.html?172138=#post1886488



So... any constructive tips, advice, suggestions etc are welcomed.

[VladTepes]

anyone???

[roverrescue]

Vlad,
The first two linkies seem broken
But in any case I always appreciated Lous' (dullbirds) take on a tub canopy. Ally frame for structure and security with canvas cover for good 'ol Landy class.

For me I would think the things to work through are security and re-movability...
My old 130 has a tray with built in full rack (bolted in) and one side on struts with solar. Technically it was all removable but was such an arse I never did it and if I had to move something tall Id borrow a trailer!!!
My new 130 I went with a lockable dog/fridge/gear cage at the back 450mm of the tray with solar on roof. Dogs love it for the beach, if camping without dogs I have a dropslide and fridge in one side and other side good for loose stuff. The main load area is still 1400 odd by 1800 and that is open so I can for example load a fridge standing up etc etc.

It is much more functional than the old setup.

With a tub you have less options - but I would be guessing you will likely not be removing things once they are bolted down and you run some lights/ solar / canopy etc etc
In light of that I reckon you have a tough plan ahead. Something good looking like Lous' would be the bomb for secure storage (but Id probably keep rifles in the cab)
And I cant imagine it is too difficult to remove if need be.

What is it that is preventing you at the moment? Space cases for gear stacked into tub with engel at the tailgate although lacking security works well for camping???? How will a canopy help - youll likley still need to put stuff in cases otherwise it will get too "built in" to be removable.

One suggestion whatever you build/ use. If you want it to be removable wiring for reverse lights/ camp lights/ solar etc etc wire using something like Deutch connectors with the junction at the chassis rails.
I can take my whole tray off in about 15 minutes by un-plugging a couple of connectors, unplugging the tail lights then removing four bolts. Without good waterproof connectors that would be annoying.

Steve

[Tote]

I reckon it would be hard to go past Dullbirds design as a starting point. A couple of learnings from my slide on pod on my 130 tray back are to make sure that any side opening panels are low enough to not interfere with rooftop activities such as putting on an awning or tent whilst still being high enough to not be a hazard for people who are not vertically challenged (like me and SWMBO). Drop slides for fridges are magical things but are bloody expensive for what they are.
If you want to remove it think about where it will live and the process for getting it off and on. I built a stand for my pod in the back yard and it rolls on and off the tray on 40mm pipes. You could also hoist a canopy up into the roof space of a garage if you have one.
I have had a good experience with composite alloy panels in building my pod, this might be an alternative to alloy and canvas.

Regards,
Tote

[VladTepes]

Hmm all links worked for me yesterday.

Thanks for the tips Steve. Yeah fortunately (for now at least, most of the electrics will be on the cab roof itself, so won't make any real issues with the canopy. But yes would definitely put connectors in as you describe if I did fit any electrical accessories.

I agree the dullbird's design is a good one, just needs some finessing for my needs probably.


Tote - good point re the side opening doo hickies - that would be something easy to muck up eh !
I agree the drop slides are ridiculously expensive for what they are. I'm actually considering reconfiguring the back seat to two singles and having the fridge permanently mounted between the seats, maybe.

What do you mean by "composite alloy panels"?

[Tote]

These are what I used, Aluminium Composite Panels for Signage from Ullrich Aluminium (http://www.ullrich.com.au/rolled/signboard_composite_panels.php)
I would point you to my build thread but photobucket ate all the pics

128343

Regards,
Tote

[Ranga]

Change to a tray.














:wasntme: :tease:

[Leroy_Riding]

Ill be follow this one along myself as a ra removable canopy for a 130 tub is on the list for my 130, albeit at the bottom of the list.
In the UK can you can get those ones that have the barn doors on the rear that replace the tailgate and such, but appears they are prohibitively expensive to get to Aus,
128362
potentially get a quote on a fabrication shop on having one of those built locally? would look like its meant to be, and essentially removing it and putting the tailgate back on may not be too hard? or instead of the barn doors a lift up and keeping the drop tailgate in place?

and there is the trojan that landybits i believe offerd to sell you in your old thread. . .
128361

[VladTepes]

I do like that red one - looks really good. Would certainly need to get it fabbed - importing anything that size/weight would be very expensive. As would the thing itself!

I don't suppose you have any more links relevant to that one that I can look at for more details?

The Trojan looks a little 'too modern' for me and no doubt more than I'm willing to pay !

[Leroy_Riding]

I don't suppose you have any more links relevant to that one that I can look at for more details?


I believe its the tembo TB6052 . . but not 100% sure sorry. . .
TB6052 Tembo 4x4 hardtop Def 130


-
FD 4x4 Centre | 4x4 Specialist (https://www.fd4x4centre.com/TB6052-Tembo-4x4-hardtop-Def-130-with-2-doors/windows-fr-rear-/-doors-in-sides)

retail. . . . 5000 pounds. . ouch.

if you find more yourself let me know, I've been struggling to find info myself!

Leroy

[VladTepes]

Oh this one's MUCH cheaper - a bargain at a mere £3,094.03 [bigsad] (evidently it pays to be specific)

AFN Defender 130 Double Cab Aluminium Hard-top - Devon 4x4 - 6009-AFN (https://www.devon4x4.com/afn-defender-110-double-cab-aluminium-hard-top-60364.html)

The AFN website shows various 130 'hard tops' available Hard-tops for Land Rover Defender 130 double cab TDI/TD5 (http://www.afn.pt/prod_model.php?id=18&catId=1005#1005)

They do both types - 'normal' and barn door. I

I've gone off the barn door idea... tailgate is a convenient place to sit / cook / butcher / whatever.
(would be more expensive to fabricate as well)

[VladTepes]

Vlad,
The first two linkies seem broken

These links in the OP ought to be fixed now, I hope. :)

[VladTepes]

These are what I used, Aluminium Composite Panels for Signage from Ullrich Aluminium (http://www.ullrich.com.au/rolled/signboard_composite_panels.php)
I would point you to my build thread but photobucket ate all the pics

128343

Regards,
Tote


Please do point me to the thread, assuming you haven't closed your photobucket account.
I have the Chrome plugin so that I can now see all PB linked stuff again [biggrin]


I'd be really keen to read your thread because a mate on another forum has suggested the same material.

There seems to be a supplier at Northgate too, which is close to me. :)

[Nick S]

Hi Vlad
I'll be selling my alloy Lowline canopy with sliding side windows, locking rear window and roof rack as well as the 130 tub and the draws with fridge slide. The previous owner used to have a tent on it. PM me if you are interested, I'm happy to sell the canopy separately but I'm in Melbourne. I was not going to advertise it until Christmas so happy to keep it on the car for a while longer if that helps
Cheers
Nick

[VladTepes]

PM on the way