Canopy cover camper shell?

Just saw this truck for a concept vehicle for a Colorado and wondered if anyone has seem something similar for a tacoma. What I don't like about the typical soft top camper shells is that that material looks baggy and the structure doesn't seem very sound or beefy. Im almost thinking getting an all pro bed rack and finding some material to cover it up canopy style but I'm not sure that will be very cost effective. Any ideas?

Concept vehicle canopy:

Allpro Bed Rack:

What I don't like about a soft campershell, material looks loose and structurally seems flimsy:

 

Those are folding/roll up soft tops, not a rigid frame with a fabric over it.

Also that seems like a rendered image and not a photograph.. you can't pull fabric over a tube like that and have it be totally even and smooth in between the tubes themselves.

 

The truck was built and was unveiled in Las Vegas at the SEMA auto show so whatever they are doing appears to be completely possible.


With that said do you know of any rigid frame soft tops that would give me more of a similar look to the picture?

 

I don't think there are any, and I'd guess that material is padded somehow as well.

Bear in mind tight fabric and tree limbs are not friends, too. I like the clean look, but don't find it that practical.

 

IMO that looks terrible. It looks like a condom that isn't on all the way and pregnancies (thefts) can happen left and right.

Only good thing about it is I guess it keeps things dry when driving.

 

I see what your saying, the level of security isnt really there, but IMO it isnt really there with a fully covered soft top either. Not really looking for security out of it, if so I would go with a camper shell, more so it would be practical for my use being in an environment similar to what this truck was designed for (Surf, outdoor drying use).

 

Just saw the pic from SEMA.. doesn't look nearly as cool as the first pic.

 

No really a fan of the color or the material per say but I am a fan of the rigid look and the tension on the fabric making it not appear loose, Regardless any ideas of anything close, or a mod I can preform on my own to get something close to it?

 

Nice try GM, but no "surfer bro" is going to spend +40k on this truck.

Boards aren't secure.
Gear in the bed isn't secure or completely out of the elements.
Truck does come with a waterproof bracelet to electronically unlock your vehicle. But my regular key does that and can get wet.

I do like the look of the canopy, but why leave a gap between the bed and canopy? And no rear cover?

I am curious on the construction/materials used to make the canopy look so smooth.

 

I'd call a local company specializing in awnings and/or sails and run it by them.

 

if you want this, go to your local marina and find a canopy repair shop -- the kind that make custom enclosures for boats, and repair jeep soft tops, etc.

They would be able to whip something up for you but be prepared to spend $$$+$

I've had a couple custom jobs done on sailboats over the years . A good shope can sew up anything you need.

 

When reading the description of the truck specs it appears that the canopy is made of neoprene, similar to what you would find on a wetsuit. Which makes sense why they would have chose the material cause it has a level of stretch and play but is think and under tension wouldn't appear baggy.

The seats believe it or not are actually made of the same material aswell, doesn't seem all that cozy when it gets hot outside and becomes a sweat box.

 

Can Back

 

Any place that builds boat tops should be able to do a custom setup on a bed cage.

 

Funny this came up.
I have an aluminum frame from an old cap that I been thinking of getting a soft top made. Not going to drive with it on but set up once I get to my destination for sleeping.
Called a local marine shop for a canvas cover they quoted me $1000 -$1500. Yikes!!
Sent dimensions to a guy on line quote was $300 plus shipping.
This included a zipper up back and window on cab side.
Think it was tarpsupply.com