Canback top question

[tradman]

I've got a Canback top on my 95 Toyota PU but without the roof rack. I just picked up an awning that I'd like to install.

So I'm wondering if anyone has a pic or two of the Canback roof rack setup on their top. I'm interested to know how the mounts work through the material. Did they just put holes in with grommets or something. If someone could post some close up pics or explain it to me that would help me get started on rigging something up.

I have some ideas but thought I'd try finding out how they did it. Trying to get a hold of them is impossible and I couldn't find any other info.

Thanks

 

[TangoBlue]

I'm not certain of the set-up for your PU and any difference with my gen Tacoma, or how old your topper is built - there were some design changes in when there was a management/ownership change a while back if IIRC.

I have spreader bars between the hoops that have tabs welded to them that are inside the canvas with 2 mounting holes. Externally there is a plate and screws that are bolted through the canvas after simply burning a hole for them to pass through. Then the uprights and bar are attached.

I think your best bet is to give them a call in AZ or email:

866-670-0055
customerservice@truckcandy.com

 

[Cobra_R]

I'm wondering the same thing actually. I'm in the process now of purchasing a rack then I just need to get the crossbars from Can-Back. From my experience Can-Back hasn't been that hard to get in touch with. In fact everytime I send them an email; even if it's on the weekends, they get back to me the same day.

 

[TangoBlue]

True, I've never had a problem getting in touch with them for questions about the rack and later with tech-related questions when installing it.

The instructions for mounting them are in the box with the uprights although when I called asking about the mounting system before purchasing he provided a detailed description over the phone. Always had good customer support from them.

 

[tradman]

i'll try again, thanks.

 

[TangoBlue]

If it gets too hard, PM me back and I'll see about scanning the instructions and I can email them to you. Although I don't know if they would apply to your application...

 

[CYi5]

I had custom mounts made as I didn't want to pay the price they charge. To make the holes in the fabric just punch through them with a soldering iron. This will make the holes as well as prevent any future fraying by melting the edges. There are a few pics in this gallery.

 

[tradman]

Thanks guys, I started making up some custom mounts today that will allow me to use my AO load bars.

 

[tradman]

Well here is what I came up with. Thanks for the help.

Well I managed to pick up this 9ft x 7ft "Carefree of Colorado" awning for the whopping price of $0.00. It used to reside on my Van which I sold to a friend. He hasn't used it in 4 years so he gave it back to me.

It took a bit of fab work to make some mounts for the African Outback loadbars so that I could mount them on the Can-Back soft top. Then had to track down some special extruded aluminum channel to mount the awning itself.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out though. Making it myself, I was able to keep it super low profile. I have less than $200 in the roof rack and the awning and it's bigger than anything offered by Camping labs or ARB etc.

It is completely interchangeable between this rig and the Land Cruiser as well. It also still fits in the garage. I'm looking forward to spending a few evenings under this thing.

Just gotta wait for my Bajarack to get delivered now.

 

[TangoBlue]

Very, very nice job! Will the Bajarack require some middle support with the current spacing of the spreader bars, or do you only intend for a light load on the roof rack?

 

[tradman]

Thanks. I phoned Slee to see about getting 1 or 2 more AO loadbars. He just posted up today that he is blowing them out. I have yet to hear back.

If I want to put anything heavy like a RTT up there I will definitely need at least one more crossbar. If I can't get another AO I'll just relegate the rack to light stuff which is probably all I would ever do anyway. The truck is high enough that I don't want the CG any higher than it is.