I presently have a vinyl tonneau cover on my D Max that is starting to come to the end of its days. I have thought about getting a canopy but with the extra weight added to the other junk that I cart around in the tub together with some of the reports I have read here about the inaccessibility of things that are up the front, have decided against it. I recall Doug mentioning this as a problem.
What I am now looking at however is either another vinyl cover or perhaps a hard cover. One of the biggest pains is having to undo all the tonneau to reach something packed up behind the driving cabin. I have seen these things called "load slides" which sit on the floor of the tub and one then slides this false floor out backwards and then all the stuff stored up the front is accessible.
The people that manufacture this product are called HSP and they advertise that they have fitting centres around the country.
I would really like your thoughts on the hard cover option and also, has anyone purchased or heard about this product called "load slide".
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:21:29 AM
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:22:58 AM
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:24:12 AM
Dougwe said
09:57 AM Apr 14, 2022
Morning BigD,
I did the silly thing of having an original Holden Canopy on my Collie but find it difficult now I'm an older fart getting 'stuff' from up front.
I looked into changing to a Aluminium Canopy and tray fitted instead. You know, like a builders 'shed' on the back. That way you can lift up both sides and even back to access things all round while still standing on terraformer. Things are about waist height or a tad higher. Much easier.
I decided in the negative as was going to cost $6-7,000. They take tub off and fit a tray then canopy. There are ones around that just fit to Chassis, not needing the tray.
Keep Safe mate.
DMaxer said
10:10 AM Apr 14, 2022
We are singing from the same hymn sheet Brother Doug. The canopy looks good but even with the windows in the side they look a pain. I think I will probably stick with another vinyl or perhaps a hard tonneau cover. These load slides look pretty good though. Whether they work and are worth the cost is another thing.
Dougwe said
10:32 AM Apr 14, 2022
Mate, everyone I know that has one and everyone I come across and speak to about them reckon they would never leave home without one. They say they are the best thing they did to their rig. Looking at them close up, I agree. Soooo much betterer.
Are We Lost said
11:06 AM Apr 14, 2022
The Load Slide looks like a good idea that may suit some.
There is no mention of weight. It would also take valuable space, meaning not much height available between the new raised floor level and the tonneau cover. I can't see it being workable with a tonneau cover due to that reduced height. You said you are concerned about the weight of a canopy (say 100kg). Maybe, if you deduct the weight saved by removing the soft cover it would not be so bad. Does yours have a sports bar that you would remove as well?
I fitted a canopy to my Ranger and it was a great decision. Thngs are a bit harder to reach at the front of the tub but the side windows mean little problem. When travelling I design my packing arrangement so I can remove a couple of boxes from one side and then reach anything. I use a length of 25x10 timber with a hook on the end so can easily reach in and slide things out.
The extra height available with a canopy is so much better.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Thursday 14th of April 2022 11:10:38 AM
Radar said
11:50 AM Apr 14, 2022
DMaxer wrote:
I presently have a vinyl tonneau cover on my D Max that is starting to come to the end of its days. I have thought about getting a canopy but with the extra weight added to the other junk that I cart around in the tub together with some of the reports I have read here about the inaccessibility of things that are up the front, have decided against it. I recall Doug mentioning this as a problem.
What I am now looking at however is either another vinyl cover or perhaps a hard cover. One of the biggest pains is having to undo all the tonneau to reach something packed up behind the driving cabin. I have seen these things called "load slides" which sit on the floor of the tub and one then slides this false floor out backwards and then all the stuff stored up the front is accessible.
The people that manufacture this product are called HSP and they advertise that they have fitting centres around the country.
I would really like your thoughts on the hard cover option and also, has anyone purchased or heard about this product called "load slide".
Hi, I would be the worst bloke you could meet regarding experiences with either canopy or the cargo slide.
A canopy weighs approximately 80 kilograms for a stated.
The cargo slider that is learning against the wall is 64 kilograms.
Years ago we had a wonderful era of camping out of the back of our crew cab ute, weight was not an issue but that all changed when we went when we purchased our caravan, 270 kilograms on the tow bar, over on our drive axle, the taken out now leaning against the wall which brought back to the right weight in the rear.
The 80 kilograms canopy is the next thing that will go, if we had room in our yard to store, it would be gone. As for loading over the hieght of the tub and towing a reasonable size caravan, they are dreaming.
The cargo slider was really great for me as my body has a dislike for climbing into the tub area now. There is lighter cargo sliders made now, ours is a 2014 model.
Those extras are just to heavy for the rear of car and tow a caravan.
Hope I have not annoyed you but to me the crew cab would be rated as the worst tow vehicle after a certain large station wagon.
DMaxer said
12:09 PM Apr 14, 2022
Yes I was looking at that AWL. I have a couple of things that reach to almost the height of the tub and if a slide was installed I would have a problem if I had a tonneau cover. I think the slide would be great but with a canopy fitted. As Radar has said there is then the weight issue of both a canopy and a slide to consider.
I don't carry any really heavy things in the tub, mainly groundsheet, chair, table, some tools and empty jerry cans and buckets for water. It is more the area and height they take up than the weight. In relation to best tow vehicle, I don't know if anything is perfect. I look at my vehicle as a bit of a compromise as I spend more time driving it than using it for towing.
I think this might need a bit more thought but I am starting to get the feeling that this is heading in the same direction as servicing the fridge.
Thanks for the replies and if anyone else has a view I would certainly welcome it.
Craig1 said
05:11 PM Apr 14, 2022
Holden Commodore utes from around 2005/6 had a toneau cover that attached via a plastic strip to tub top. Dont know if this was just for Holden or can it be after market?. Better than the occy ties, but a bit stiff in mid winter.
Whenarewethere said
06:00 PM Apr 14, 2022
A metal cover.
watsea said
09:46 PM Apr 14, 2022
I am supposing that you have seen the Roller Shutter systems for utes.
There are many suppliers. Here is one: hsputelids.com/product-category/roll-top/%20electric%20roller%20shutter&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxaHXpbyT9wIVmQsrCh1xtwlNEAAYASAAEgK2SfD_BwE
Still have to lift things over the side or somehow drag to the rear.
The issue I have is with the height of the stuff that I carry around in the tub. None of it alone is too heavy, just bulky. I think a canopy would be good but I would still have the same problem of retrieving things from up the front. The load slide would be good but then the height issue to the tonneau becomes a problem. although those aluminium canopies with the big doors look good it would only encourage me to put more stuff in that I would not use.
There does not seem to be a real compromise other than to replace the soft vinyl tonneau with another and then carry a stick with a hook on the end and continue whinging.
littledick said
08:54 AM Apr 15, 2022
Whenarewethere wrote:
A metal cover.
I have a Wildtrak slide, never seen that before!!
Dick.
oldbloke said
08:58 AM Apr 15, 2022
Craig1 wrote:
Holden Commodore utes from around 2005/6 had a toneau cover that attached via a plastic strip to tub top. Dont know if this was just for Holden or can it be after market?. Better than the occy ties, but a bit stiff in mid winter.
I have that on my 2014 Triton. (best towing Ute on the road. Ha, Ha) So they are about.
I avoided the hard cover as you can't carry large items and usually not easy to remove. e.g washing machine.
The sliding tray looks good, but no good to me as some items, like gas bottles would not fit under the toneau cover then.
I have a small folding step from Aldi to help me reach stuff and couple of cheap plastic tubs with wheels. So I can slide them out. Far from great, but an option.
DMaxer said
09:53 AM Apr 15, 2022
I think you are probably right Oldbloke. The tonneau cover I have is not tied down but fits under a ridge around the top of the tub and then secures with two metal pieces at the rear. I bit of fiddling around but who cares.
I have the plastic tubs with wheels and also would have the same problem come to think of it with the gas bottles if I had a hard cover. Like everything else, just takes a little bit of time which I have.
Thanks for all the replies and the good advice.
Warren-Pat_01 said
07:53 PM Apr 23, 2022
Hey DMaxer,
I have the canopy that Isuzu supplied (believe it's made here in Australia) - yes it possibly weighs around 80kg but I find it good to hold everything that I need to carry. If I had a vinyl or hard top cover (they aren't water proof), I couldn't put all of the stuff I occasionally carry in it.
Access for me is relatively easy as I'm taller than the average Joe & I have lift up side windows - they are wonderful - just like my older GQ Patrol! A friend put me on to them - he ordered sliding windows but the order was miss read & he thanked them for the lift up sets.
Since adding the new springs, (40mm lift), it has become a little harder but then I've rearranged parts of the back.
Hope this helps.
Gundog said
03:09 AM Apr 24, 2022
I have always hated canopies because of the access issues, along with if you want to carry something large, it looses the flexibility of having g a ute, anyway a few years back I relented and purchased one boy that was an expensive mistake in less than 12months it was gone. I reverted to 2 big lockable tool boxes which until 12 months ago served the purpose, yep just like the canopy I was storing too much crap.
After a weight reduction program first out was the tool boxes, amongst a heap of feel good junk, on evil Bay I found a torrneau cover manufacture who used a reasonable quality vinyl, now I'm a happy chippie.
I Did consider buying a set of slide out draws, but after finding out how much they weighed that was a bad idea, also they encourage you to keep more crap.
We are all in the business of weight in this caravanners lark, hence for me its no feel good crap like bull bars, side steps etc etc as they all reduce your load availability.
86GTS said
07:21 PM Apr 24, 2022
We currently own our second ute with a canopy.
We won't be buying a ute when we buy another vehicle in the future.
We're pretty much over that kind of tug.
We need a bit of luxury in our later years.
oldbloke said
08:08 AM Apr 25, 2022
Gundog wrote:
I have always hated canopies because of the access issues, along with if you want to carry something large, it looses the flexibility of having g a ute, anyway a few years back I relented and purchased one boy that was an expensive mistake in less than 12months it was gone. I reverted to 2 big lockable tool boxes which until 12 months ago served the purpose, yep just like the canopy I was storing too much crap.
After a weight reduction program first out was the tool boxes, amongst a heap of feel good junk, on evil Bay I found a torrneau cover manufacture who used a reasonable quality vinyl, now I'm a happy chippie.
I Did consider buying a set of slide out draws, but after finding out how much they weighed that was a bad idea, also they encourage you to keep more crap.
We are all in the business of weight in this caravanners lark, hence for me its no feel good crap like bull bars, side steps etc etc as they all reduce your load availability.
Yep, "less is more". But I still can't convince the Mrs.
Out Ute is "bare" no add ons and no weigh issues.
drtooheys said
08:05 AM Apr 26, 2022
DMaxer wrote:
We are singing from the same hymn sheet Brother Doug. The canopy looks good but even with the windows in the side they look a pain. I think I will probably stick with another vinyl or perhaps a hard tonneau cover. These load slides look pretty good though. Whether they work and are worth the cost is another thing.
I just purchased a Torneau cover for my ute from Vinyl Covers Direct. More than happy with it. Cost $289 great quality. To reach the stuff up front I just use a stick with a hook attached.
oldbloke said
05:58 PM Apr 26, 2022
drtooheys wrote:
DMaxer wrote:
We are singing from the same hymn sheet Brother Doug. The canopy looks good but even with the windows in the side they look a pain. I think I will probably stick with another vinyl or perhaps a hard tonneau cover. These load slides look pretty good though. Whether they work and are worth the cost is another thing.
I just purchased a Torneau cover for my ute from Vinyl Covers Direct. More than happy with it. Cost $289 great quality. To reach the stuff up front I just use a stick with a hook attached.
You know those long rods (about 1.2mtr) you get with the awning. They have a 90deg bend each end. Some time ago I bent one end a bit further to make a 45 deg hook to drag stuff out of the tunnel boot. Weeelll, I just moved it into the ute. Lol.
8 gauge fencing wire would do the trick I reckon.
-- Edited by oldbloke on Tuesday 26th of April 2022 06:01:21 PM
DMaxer said
07:38 AM Apr 28, 2022
Yes, I think that although the vinyl has its issues it will be the best option for me. thanks for the replies.
Craig1 said
09:18 AM Apr 28, 2022
what about the old fashioned mesh frame with canvas over
I presently have a vinyl tonneau cover on my D Max that is starting to come to the end of its days. I have thought about getting a canopy but with the extra weight added to the other junk that I cart around in the tub together with some of the reports I have read here about the inaccessibility of things that are up the front, have decided against it. I recall Doug mentioning this as a problem.
What I am now looking at however is either another vinyl cover or perhaps a hard cover. One of the biggest pains is having to undo all the tonneau to reach something packed up behind the driving cabin. I have seen these things called "load slides" which sit on the floor of the tub and one then slides this false floor out backwards and then all the stuff stored up the front is accessible.
The people that manufacture this product are called HSP and they advertise that they have fitting centres around the country.
I would really like your thoughts on the hard cover option and also, has anyone purchased or heard about this product called "load slide".
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:21:29 AM
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:22:58 AM
-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 14th of April 2022 09:24:12 AM
I did the silly thing of having an original Holden Canopy on my Collie but find it difficult now I'm an older fart getting 'stuff' from up front.
I looked into changing to a Aluminium Canopy and tray fitted instead. You know, like a builders 'shed' on the back. That way you can lift up both sides and even back to access things all round while still standing on terraformer. Things are about waist height or a tad higher. Much easier.
I decided in the negative as was going to cost $6-7,000. They take tub off and fit a tray then canopy. There are ones around that just fit to Chassis, not needing the tray.
Keep Safe mate.
We are singing from the same hymn sheet Brother Doug. The canopy looks good but even with the windows in the side they look a pain. I think I will probably stick with another vinyl or perhaps a hard tonneau cover. These load slides look pretty good though. Whether they work and are worth the cost is another thing.
The Load Slide looks like a good idea that may suit some.
Youtube on Load Slide
There is no mention of weight. It would also take valuable space, meaning not much height available between the new raised floor level and the tonneau cover. I can't see it being workable with a tonneau cover due to that reduced height. You said you are concerned about the weight of a canopy (say 100kg). Maybe, if you deduct the weight saved by removing the soft cover it would not be so bad. Does yours have a sports bar that you would remove as well?
I fitted a canopy to my Ranger and it was a great decision. Thngs are a bit harder to reach at the front of the tub but the side windows mean little problem. When travelling I design my packing arrangement so I can remove a couple of boxes from one side and then reach anything. I use a length of 25x10 timber with a hook on the end so can easily reach in and slide things out.
The extra height available with a canopy is so much better.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Thursday 14th of April 2022 11:10:38 AM
Hi, I would be the worst bloke you could meet regarding experiences with either canopy or the cargo slide.
A canopy weighs approximately 80 kilograms for a stated.
The cargo slider that is learning against the wall is 64 kilograms.
Years ago we had a wonderful era of camping out of the back of our crew cab ute, weight was not an issue but that all changed when we went when we purchased our caravan, 270 kilograms on the tow bar, over on our drive axle, the taken out now leaning against the wall which brought back to the right weight in the rear.
The 80 kilograms canopy is the next thing that will go, if we had room in our yard to store, it would be gone. As for loading over the hieght of the tub and towing a reasonable size caravan, they are dreaming.
The cargo slider was really great for me as my body has a dislike for climbing into the tub area now. There is lighter cargo sliders made now, ours is a 2014 model.
Those extras are just to heavy for the rear of car and tow a caravan.
Hope I have not annoyed you but to me the crew cab would be rated as the worst tow vehicle after a certain large station wagon.
Yes I was looking at that AWL. I have a couple of things that reach to almost the height of the tub and if a slide was installed I would have a problem if I had a tonneau cover. I think the slide would be great but with a canopy fitted. As Radar has said there is then the weight issue of both a canopy and a slide to consider.
I don't carry any really heavy things in the tub, mainly groundsheet, chair, table, some tools and empty jerry cans and buckets for water. It is more the area and height they take up than the weight. In relation to best tow vehicle, I don't know if anything is perfect. I look at my vehicle as a bit of a compromise as I spend more time driving it than using it for towing.
I think this might need a bit more thought but I am starting to get the feeling that this is heading in the same direction as servicing the fridge.
Thanks for the replies and if anyone else has a view I would certainly welcome it.
A metal cover.
There are many suppliers. Here is one: hsputelids.com/product-category/roll-top/%20electric%20roller%20shutter&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxaHXpbyT9wIVmQsrCh1xtwlNEAAYASAAEgK2SfD_BwE
Still have to lift things over the side or somehow drag to the rear.
The issue I have is with the height of the stuff that I carry around in the tub. None of it alone is too heavy, just bulky. I think a canopy would be good but I would still have the same problem of retrieving things from up the front. The load slide would be good but then the height issue to the tonneau becomes a problem. although those aluminium canopies with the big doors look good it would only encourage me to put more stuff in that I would not use.
There does not seem to be a real compromise other than to replace the soft vinyl tonneau with another and then carry a stick with a hook on the end and continue whinging.
I have a Wildtrak slide, never seen that before!!
Dick.
I have that on my 2014 Triton. (best towing Ute on the road. Ha, Ha) So they are about.
I avoided the hard cover as you can't carry large items and usually not easy to remove. e.g washing machine.
The sliding tray looks good, but no good to me as some items, like gas bottles would not fit under the toneau cover then.
I have a small folding step from Aldi to help me reach stuff and couple of cheap plastic tubs with wheels. So I can slide them out. Far from great, but an option.
I think you are probably right Oldbloke. The tonneau cover I have is not tied down but fits under a ridge around the top of the tub and then secures with two metal pieces at the rear. I bit of fiddling around but who cares.
I have the plastic tubs with wheels and also would have the same problem come to think of it with the gas bottles if I had a hard cover. Like everything else, just takes a little bit of time which I have.
Thanks for all the replies and the good advice.
I have the canopy that Isuzu supplied (believe it's made here in Australia) - yes it possibly weighs around 80kg but I find it good to hold everything that I need to carry. If I had a vinyl or hard top cover (they aren't water proof), I couldn't put all of the stuff I occasionally carry in it.
Access for me is relatively easy as I'm taller than the average Joe & I have lift up side windows - they are wonderful - just like my older GQ Patrol! A friend put me on to them - he ordered sliding windows but the order was miss read & he thanked them for the lift up sets.
Since adding the new springs, (40mm lift), it has become a little harder but then I've rearranged parts of the back.
Hope this helps.
I have always hated canopies because of the access issues, along with if you want to carry something large, it looses the flexibility of having g a ute, anyway a few years back I relented and purchased one boy that was an expensive mistake in less than 12months it was gone. I reverted to 2 big lockable tool boxes which until 12 months ago served the purpose, yep just like the canopy I was storing too much crap.
After a weight reduction program first out was the tool boxes, amongst a heap of feel good junk, on evil Bay I found a torrneau cover manufacture who used a reasonable quality vinyl, now I'm a happy chippie.
I Did consider buying a set of slide out draws, but after finding out how much they weighed that was a bad idea, also they encourage you to keep more crap.
We are all in the business of weight in this caravanners lark, hence for me its no feel good crap like bull bars, side steps etc etc as they all reduce your load availability.
We won't be buying a ute when we buy another vehicle in the future.
We're pretty much over that kind of tug.
We need a bit of luxury in our later years.
Yep, "less is more". But I still can't convince the Mrs.
Out Ute is "bare" no add ons and no weigh issues.
I just purchased a Torneau cover for my ute from Vinyl Covers Direct. More than happy with it. Cost $289 great quality. To reach the stuff up front I just use a stick with a hook attached.
You know those long rods (about 1.2mtr) you get with the awning. They have a 90deg bend each end. Some time ago I bent one end a bit further to make a 45 deg hook to drag stuff out of the tunnel boot. Weeelll, I just moved it into the ute. Lol.
8 gauge fencing wire would do the trick I reckon.
-- Edited by oldbloke on Tuesday 26th of April 2022 06:01:21 PM
Yes, I think that although the vinyl has its issues it will be the best option for me. thanks for the replies.