with the many years and wealth of experience available here on The Grey Nomads site, if I could be so rude, I would like your opinion's on a future product please .
We are developing a system that can lift the fiberglass canopy off the tub of a ute vertically using 12v actuators. The advantages of the system make's access to the tub much easier when packing or unpacking or alternately, with the canopy raised, allows larger items to be carried that would not normally fit due to the restricted height of the canopy. Retail fitted price should be approximately $1900
I have attached a picture of a vehicle with a raised canopy and would love your opinions or ideas.
If something didn't fit through tailgate and opened rear flap it couldn't be carried anyway - Could not travel with canopy in raised mode.
It would be better to have the canopy pivot from side on hinge or similar, so goods could be loaded with overhead hoist.
But maybe someone has a special need that I can't envisage.
From a Possum's perspective.
__________________
Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Hi Jason. Have you checked out the RV Airlifter System ? Not sure of their maximum height, but they are [ or were last time I checked,] at least half that price.
Hi guys, thanks for the replies. We have looked at several systems, including a hinged system, but unfortunately due to, what we believe to be the pure weight of the canopy hinged on one side of the tub would stress the tub and canopy enough and twisting could occur plus limitations in the height the canopy can be open so not to interfere with anything next to the vehicle such as another vehicle.
A very valid point Possum3 about the vehicle being driven with the canopy in a raised position, certainly in its up most position, it would not be recommended, but in a lower position snug against your load it can be done and has been done successfully.
Yes, thanks Sheba, I have seen the RV Airlift system, it is perfect for what it is designed for, but for our application it is bulky, complicated and as the name suggests it is operated by air and any air operated system can be prone to leakage or blowouts so the risk of having a canopy come down on someone was foremost in our minds, that's why our product utilizes electric actuators, if, in the event of a failure the canopy is locked by the actuators in position and the canopy wont come down.
Thanks again everyone, much appreciated to see the thinking caps on.
Jason.
I'm just wandering why you want to do this beside getting problems with leaking Are you not better of with something like this or made to your requirements
Hi John,
Thanks for your comments.
The system is designed primarily for people who already have styleside ute with a canopy fitted or who may be purchasing a 'standard' canopy and are looking for increased access and further carrying options, also in our experience, there are limited customized canopies that fit a standard styleside tub as opposed to the vast array available for alloy tray's. in fact, our system can be fitted to an alloy tray/canopy combo as well if required.
In regards to leakage, so far we haven't had any issues as the actuators pull the canopy down tight onto the sealing surface of the tub, although we are currently developing a rubber seal to fit applications where the existing canopy has been siliconed sealed or any existing seals are in poor condition.
Thanks again John, much appreciated,
Jason
Hi there Troopy, our system is Australian built, our tubs are smaller and require a different lift system on the front of the canopy.
It is similar to the Topper system in the US, in fact I am currently in negotiations with Tod at Topper to bring some US kits here to try.
.
