Canopy clamps for ARE DCU

Might have a deal lined up for a used ARE DCU. The seller said they don't have clamps. Are there generic canopy clamps I can use to get this thing home, or do I need to swing by an actual ARE dealer and get something specific?

Bonus... anyone have pics they can post of an ARE DCU (or similar aluminum commercial canopy) and the clamps from the inside?

Never messed with a canopy before and I'm driving a couple hours to get this thing so I want to make sure I can bring it home with it it flying off on the freeway.

 

You could probably use a few C-clamps and scrap wood to get it home.

Ebay usually has Tacoma-specific clamps that mount to the bed rail system. With aluminum shells you typically want to spread out the clamping force with some bar stock or wood over the rail of the camper shell. I don't know that there would be ARE specific clamps but there could be - maybe call a dealer?

 

I did a bit of poking around on the internet, and I have not seen any advice like this before. Do you mind explaining the need to spread the force out on the aluminum camper? And why this may not apply to a fiberglass one? Thanks!

 

As the bed flexes the shell can twist and pivot around the clamping areas. I have seen aluminum shells tear at the clamp because of this. Fiberglass tends to be thicker thus the clamping force is more spread out.

If you never leave the pavement then it may not be an issue you need to worry about.

 

Understood, thanks for the great explanation. I will look into some solutions.

 

I used long bolts to make it removable. Drilled the top.plastic liner of the bed sides and througg the accesory rail aligned with some of the openings that it has (just made holes bigger to let bolts come through).
It takes 5 min and its so easy to take.it off, 2 people involved. Just an adjustable wrench.

Bolts are cheap and secure.