LEAKY CANOPY
This letter is in response to Anton Coetzee’s letter in the May 2022 publication. I replaced my 2017 Fiat Fullback 4x4 DC 2,4 manual in December 2020 with an automatic-transmission model with 5 000 km (demo) on the clock. The dealer, Rola Somerset West (Jeep, Fiat and Alfa Romeo) had an Alu-cab canopy fitted to the Fullback.
On four occasions, when I phoned Rola Somerset West, they said the Fullback is in for “adjustments to the canopy”. I later learnt the canopy was leaking and was “in for repairs”.
When I collected the Fullback from Rola again on 11 December,
I discovered the canopy was still leaking badly. I phoned Alucab to give them the opportunity to repair the canopy while I was still in Cape Town. They referred me to 4x4 Mega World and told me they (Alu-cab) “do not deal directly with the public”. By the way, Rola Somerset West was professional, providing excellent service, and there were no hidden costs.
While driving back to Pretoria, water accumulated in the left back corner of the load bin. I took the Fullback to 4x4 Mega World Menlyn and they spent about two hours working on the canopy. After the first trip in the rain the next day, the water accumulated in the same spot inside the load bin. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the “repair”, a small square bit of foam rubber, was stuck in the top corner of the canopy door. Again, I returned to 4x4 Mega World Menlyn and after the first rain, the leak reappeared. I have now accepted I must live with a leaky Alu-cab canopy. I plan accordingly and pack the load bin around the leak.
Secondly, the poor welding quality of the Alu-cab canopy is obvious. Big gaps are visible. However, I think the design and functionality of the canopy is very good. The canopy is fitted with three lights and although it is a low-profile canopy, access is decent. And thanks to the rear camera on the Fullback, reverse parking poses no challenges.
Most canopy manufacturers are focused on supplying only
Toyota and Ford Ranger with canopies owing to the high demand. As a result, it is challenging to find a canopy manufacturer for less popular models; despite the Fullback being based on the Mitsubishi Triton, the design has not been given the same engineering care. For this, I sadly cannot recommend Alu-cab to owners with left-field vehicles.
Finally, between the two Fullbacks, I have undertaken 100 000 km of pleasurable trips. The Fullback is powerful and reliable.
I still think it is the bestlooking bakkie and based on the comments, compliments and requests to photograph the vehicle I receive, I know others like the design, too.
Anton, you have an excellent vehicle that will give you a lot of good returns but finding a suitable canopy may prove to be a challenge.
JOE H PALMER
Via email
[A leaking canopy on an attractive and enjoyable bakkie such as the Fullback is never a pleasant thing; what a pity the leaking Alu-cab canopy cannot be remedied. You certainly should not need to pack according to where you know it will leak, but it is clear this has not stopped you from exploring and enjoying everything the Fullback has to offer. Thank you for sharing this knowledge and experience, albeit a negative one, with our readers – editor.]