I have a Colarado duel cab with a standard Tarp over tray and was wondering whether to invest in a canopy or just stick to the tarp. We are expecting to live on the road for the time being, if a canopy is needed what brand would be recommended.
We are only newbies to caravaning and looking for information.
Hope to meet some of you when we start traveling in a month or so.
Hi.
A canvas cover is fine.
as long as you accept ANYTHING in there.
CAN be stolen at any time.
Canopy I have the 3M. Fine.
There are several makes\styles, and costs.
Find the style and costing to suit you and go for it.
There are probably some on Ebay too.
If you not fussed about buying second hand.
Only recommendation that I would give anybody. and it's just for personal convenience.
Fit a hightop not level with cab one.
and Definitely pay the extra and buy "Opening " windows along the sides.
NOT sliding.
Or one slide, one opening. and have the opening one on passenger side.
Traffic.
They are that much so more convenient for loading removing gear.
Also If new. get them to add extra wire and sw for some LED lights along the interior sides.
I fitted 2 mtrs ( 1 x cut in half = 2 x 1mtr.)
Lights the interior up like daylight and uses NO juice.
Easy enuff to do if used.
In my opinion a tarp is NOT fine, NO SECURITY. NONE! I think Macka might have been joking but can never tell sometimes.
Now, I have a 2014 Twin Cab Colorado with a genuine Holden Canopy. It has hinged windows both sides and the back window as well. They are good HOWEVER, I am on the road full time and need some 'stuff' that I carry in the back for various things and everything in there has been used many times in the last nearly 3 years so need all that 'stuff'. I find it very difficult climbing up on the tailgate to get things from down the back/front, you know the end up against the cab of the ute. I am not getting any younger, bugga. I also have ongoing problems with locks not unlocking at a time I really want them to.
That all said and out the way, I am now thinking I did it wrong. What I should have got was one of those silver Checker Plate Aluminium ones instead. I would then have access at just above wheel level through full length, fully lockable, lift up sides and back, just think, three ways of accessing all your 'stuff' without climbing on anything. I wouldn't bother with windows side or back as I don't look through the rear window now. I have Clearview mirrors and see everything I need too and what I might miss the rear reverse camera on the back of the Collie picks up for me.
I have been seriously thinking of changing over to the Aluminium one but have no way of selling what I already have, besides, I have been told by many they just don't sell. I have made a few changes inside what I have and is helping but still need to climb up and in to get down the other end. I just had to do that today, not easy and will get near impossible down the track.
Yes, Aluminium ones are dearer but well worth every cent.
There are many different types around as well as Fibreglass. Some you can even get colour matched to the vehicle.
Just give serous thought before you do anything and think down the track as well. Also and as well even, keep an eye on the weight of whatever you decide. PM me if you want.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Tuesday 4th of April 2017 04:15:05 PM
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Worst thing about a tarp is that when you undo it on a cold wet or dewy morning the moisture pools into a puddle & pours into the tub. We had one on our Ranger & it was quite annoying. We have a canopy on our Nissan Navara, it's much better!
__________________
Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
I you buy a canopy, DO NOT BUY an EGR. the seal between the tub and the canopy is of poor quality. I had the seal replaced, now the second seal is falling apart only after a couple of years.
EGR will not replace it.
Other ute owners have had the same problem.
I have two air vents on the front on each side. [closed when raining] They create a positive air pressure which helps stop the dust entering around the tail gate.
In my opinion a tarp is NOT fine, NO SECURITY. NONE! I think Macka might have been joking but can never tell sometimes.
Now, I have a 2014 Twin Cab Colorado with a genuine Holden Canopy. It has hinged windows both sides and the back window as well. They are good HOWEVER, I am on the road full time and need some 'stuff' that I carry in the back for various things and everything in there has been used many times in the last nearly 3 years so need all that 'stuff'. I find it very difficult climbing up on the tailgate to get things from down the back/front, you know the end up against the cab of the ute. I am not getting any younger, bugga. I also have ongoing problems with locks not unlocking at a time I really want them to.
That all said and out the way, I am now thinking I did it wrong. What I should have got was one of those silver Checker Plate Aluminium ones instead. I would then have access at just above wheel level through full length, fully lockable, lift up sides and back, just think, three ways of accessing all your 'stuff' without climbing on anything. I wouldn't bother with windows side or back as I don't look through the rear window now. I have Clearview mirrors and see everything I need too and what I might miss the rear reverse camera on the back of the Collie picks up for me.
I have been seriously thinking of changing over to the Aluminium one but have no way of selling what I already have, besides, I have been told by many they just don't sell. I have made a few changes inside what I have and is helping but still need to climb up and in to get down the other end. I just had to do that today, not easy and will get near impossible down the track.
Yes, Aluminium ones are dearer but well worth every cent.
There are many different types around as well as Fibreglass. Some you can even get colour matched to the vehicle.
Just give serous thought before you do anything and think down the track as well. Also and as well even, keep an eye on the weight of whatever you decide. PM me if you want.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Tuesday 4th of April 2017 04:15:05 PM
Just want a secure canopy with easy access. Little difference in weight to a fibre glass canopy on a tub. Not much to carry traveling solo. Spent a lot of time with the wife and five daughters so we learnt early what was and what wasn't needed in the van. Eski for the beer and wine and secure stowage for the rum and whisky. Will be pulling a van under 2500kgs but I know where you are coming from just have to see them coming through town.
I am looking at canopies too at the moment and I like the fibreglass ones from 3XM in Brisbane. You can have a look at them on the internet. They seem to have a good range as well.
We are awaiting delivery of the new canopy for our Triton duel cab from ARB, $3000.00 but will be worth it.
Got sick and tired of the water pooling and pouring into the tub every time it rains.
Now we can keep everything dry and SECURE ....can't wait !!
