Canopy Removal

Really thinking on a canopy. I love the open bed for occasional hauling ( loads of barkdust, dirt, etc) but would love a canopy for most other uses. So the question is an easy way to remove?

I will purchase the canopy with a top rail system for thule racks, etc. Does any one know if these rails would support the weight of a canopy for removal. IE: attach hooks and use these as lifting points for the canopy with a winch setup in the garage.

 

A hoist from northern tools and some simple rigging should do the trick. I use this for my topper.



Made a few revisions since those pics. All said and done it was under $100.

It's not exactly the same thing but you could just hook up to the four corners, don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

I'm betting there is way more than 200lbs of force on those rails traveling at 80 with 2 yacks strapped to the top.

I see lifting by the rails as a non issue.

 

they have winch set ups you can buy, I made my own for our big truck. Its kind of hard to maneuver with 2 people because of the height of the truck and the weight. Tacoma probably be ok but still might be an issue.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f51/camper-shell-lift-system-45315.html

 

Dirt, barkdust, etc, fits in a canopy great. It's things like couches, beds, and dressers that cause problems. Tailgate to top of the door is 34" on mine so anything taller than that is a headache;




Our fiberglass cap weighs close to 100lbs, it's not heavy just awkward. When we've taken it off it sits on sawhorses in the garage. If I was going to build a canopy lift I would do something like this and build crossbars or a platform to lift it from;

 

This is cool, may look at that.

 

Our local place loads in bulk with a front loader, much cheaper that way, so the shell needs to come off. I agree with the whole couch, larger items though.

 

My set up. Requires attic space, a gaggle of pulleys and a electric winch.

 

Softtopper is another option? It is not a hard top canopy but I love the versatility of being able to fold it down in a minute when I need to, and right back up when I don't. Just another option to consider.

 

I picked up a yard of soil just yesterday. I grow plants for a living and use tons of potting soil, so I’ve got the routine down. Usually if the driver isn’t busy they’ll park the front loader level with the tailgate so you can shovel it in yourself. If it’s busy bring a tarp and they’ll dump it at your tailgate. Either way you’re gonna get a workout. it may not be an ideal solution, but It’s definitely doable.