4x4 PROFESSOR

A canopy is a great accessory: it protects your camping gear and provisions against the elements and theft. But which type of canopy works best for overlanding and 4x4 activities?

FIBREGLASS

We don’t have official statistics, but fibreglass canopies seem to be by far the most popular kind in South Africa. The benefits of these canopies are that they are streamlined to compliment your bakkie’s appearance.

We asked Wessel Engela of Beekman Canopies for his opinion about the different types of canopies. Beekman has been trading for 41 years and, according to Wessel, the company has a 54% market share, which makes Beekman the largest canopy manufacturer in South Africa. In addition, Beekman is a distributor of Rhinoman aluminium canopies.

Why fibreglass?

“Fibreglass canopies, are stylish and luxurious,” says Wessel. “Why would you want to fit a rectangle to your posh Mercedes-Benz X-class or streamlined Mitsubishi Triton?

“The relatively low weight is another advantage. Our most popular and luxurious canopy, the Beekman Executive, weighs between 65 kg and 75 kg, depending on whether it is made for a double or single cab. On the other hand, Rinoman’s Rhino SuperLite range – the lightest Rinoman – weighs between 85 kg and 90 kg.

Fibreglass thus provides a significant weight saving.

“Fibreglass canopies are also durable and virtually maintenance free. The steel canopies of old were likely to crack on the welding joins. This doesn’t happen with fibreglass.”

But is it strong enough?

“Certainly. We can also reinforce the Beekman Executive so that it can handle 250 kg reliably,” says Wessel. “This equals the RhinoLite’s carrying capacity and is significantly better than the Rhino SuperLite’s maximum load of 120 kg.

“We do advise owners not to load more than 150 kg on the Executive if you’re off-roading though, but carrying 150 kg on the roof of a moving vehicle is risky anyway, as it increases the chance that your bakkie could overturn when tackling a steep incline at an angle.” >

Over the years we’ve seen many types of canopies made of all sorts of materials: canvas, plastic, fibreglass, acrylic,

sheet steel, stainless steel, aluminium, carbon fibre and, yes, even wood.

In South Africa, we mostly rely on fibreglass, metal and canvas to make canopies. Which one’s best for your bush bakkie?

METAL

Metal canopies, especially aluminium ones, are becoming increasingly popular in the offroad community. One argument in favour of aluminium is that it weighs very little, but the truth is that they are often heavier than fibreglass – and certainly heavier than canvas.

What are the benefits? We posed a few questions to Neel Britz, manager of 4x4 Mega World in Cape Town. This retailer sells, among others, ARB plastic, AluCab aluminium and RSI stainless steel canopies.

Why metal?

“Streamlined fibreglass canopies are undoubtedly attractive, and there will always be a market for them,” says Neel. “But that streamlined look counts against them when it comes to a roof rack or roof tent. Then you need a square structure with a long, flat roof surface so that the mounting points place the minimum amount of stress on the canopy’s materials.

“RSI canopies are made of 3CR12 steel, and reinforced gusset plates, epoxy and bolts

are used where two metal panels meet. This eliminates the risk of cracks forming here. Because RSI canopies are made of steel, any bush mechanic with a welding machine can perform emergency repairs on it. And you can easily attach accessories such as awnings on the outside and shelves on the inside.”

But what about the extra weight?

“In return for the extra few kilograms you have to carry, you get unparalleled durability,” says Neel. “I should also mention that the quality of a canopy should not be measured on the weight it can hold up (static weight), but rather on its ability to handle sideways-moving weight (dynamic weight) when an offroad vehicle sways, for example.

“The overall load-bearing capacity of a canopy is a side issue. Besides, you should never load more weight on the roof than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, no matter how tough your canopy.”

CANVAS

Canvas canopies became popular in the early eighteenth century thanks to European pioneers who trekked across the North American continent with ox-drawn wagons. Are canvas canopies merely traditional, then, or do they offer advantages metal and fibreglass canopies don’t? We spoke to Kallie Koekemoer, owner of Canvas Canopies in Centurion.

Why canvas?

“Our canvas canopies weigh between 10 kg and 25 kg carefully each and every time, otherwise it will collect dust.

Speaking of dust…

You can use the sturdiest hinges and locks, but all the good they do is lost when the rubber seals around hatches leak. Hennie Visagie, owner of Pro Auto Rubber, says: “We’ve developed a special seal kit for the Ford Ranger T6 Series, but we also provide seals for canopies, depending on what type of vehicle you own and what kind of canopy you prefer,” says Kallie. “This is significantly lighter than fibreglass or metal. The frame under the canvas is made of aluminium and it can carry between 400 kg and 600 kg – it is therefore much stronger than it needs to be. Farmers and hunters prefer our product because you can pull the canvas over existing cattle rails or a hunting frame and convert it into a canopy.

“Bear in mind that some metal trailers and caravans, lorries, cars, buses, ships and buildings.

Your canopy probably already contains a set of our seals and, while our synthetic rubber will last for decades, they can accidentally be torn and pinched. Don’t worry, we have agents nationwide who can replace it.” canopies weigh almost as much as your bakkie’s allowable load capacity, which does not leave much weight for all your camping gear and supplies. Our canvas last 7 to 10 years if you take care of it. When it comes to replacing it, you simply buy the canvas and not the whole frame. This saves money.”

But what about dust and theft?

“If you correctly install, stretch and zip up a canvas, it’s not only weathertight, but also dust proof,” says Kallie. “The dust that collects inside your canopy usually comes through the slits between the lid and the load bed. That’s why we also provide rubber seal kits to keep the dust out.

“As far as theft is concerned, we can line the canvas with steel mesh so it can’t easily be cut with a knife. The gaps between the bars on our aluminium frame are also narrow – a thief might get his hand through, but he won’t be able to steal anything that’s bigger than his fist.”