Soft side joinery

[ntsqd]

I'm wondering exactly how this is done. I've poked around a little with searches and I've yet to turn up any discussion of pictures. I'm currently running a 'glass shell that I use to sleep in the bed. I hate driving with it though I like camping with it.

I've been considering building a hard tonneau cover for a pick-up bed that would extend up to roughly cab roof height when in camp. I am thinking to build a frame that runs along the top of the bed rails for the various hardware to attach to, which also offers a place for the 'tent' sides to attach to as well. I'm just lacking any knowledge of how this is commonly done.

 

[HenryJ]

What about something like a Softopper?
Easy up and down. I sure like mine, although I do not camp in the back.

 

[Sportsman Matt]

If I remember correctly there was a company a few years back that sold a hard tonneau cover that had hydraulic lift cylinders and had an optional kit to allow you to put it up like a pop up camper, had 2 bunks that sat out over the bedrails. Looked like a Pop Up Camper when put together, but when stowed, all you saw was the hard tonneau cover. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the manufacturer, I do remember seeing it in the back of Petersen's 4Wheel and Off Road Magazine about 8 to 10 years ago.

 

[ntsqd]

My idea is that the hard tonneau would be lockable when I'm not around the truck. A friend had a Softopper (or a clone) for his CTD SB and he liked it too, just doesn't quite do what I want it to do.

The lift mechanism is a subject for a whole different thread. I've pondered that one for over a year now and have a variety of concepts. The crucial constraint is whether the truck will be operated with the top up or not, and that I haven't decided yet.

 

[jcbrandon]

For parts that need to detach it's snaps, zippers, and cord. For parts that don't it's rivets, screws, and adhesives.

For clarity: You are asking about how to attach fabric to the hard tonneau, yes? If so, I think a combination of screws or rivets and adhesives.

Perhaps a trip to your local RV dealer or show would help fill in the gaps. Early spring is generally boat and RV show season in most of North America. Sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday.

 

[Lynn]

Have you considered using awning rail and the associated insert?

One possible source, just for illustration.

 

[JeepN95YJ]

On the pop-top slide in camper I used to have the canvas for the softsides had a simple folded seam on top and bottom (approx. 1/2"). The seam on the top folded back on itself and slid into a plastic "J"-type rail and was held in place by the tension of the plastic.

The lower seam slid into an aluminum channel and was held in by allen head bolts (approx 1/8") every 6 inches.

I think something like the channel posted above combined with the allen head bolts for the lower channel would work great. I never liked the plastic.

If this description doesn't make sense, I can try to find pics or possible make a quick paint drawing.

 

[ntsqd]

Yes, attaching the "canvas" sides to the tonneau and to the base frame. Picture just the upper portion of an FWC and you have it.

I've seen the channel/slide assemblies before, I just wasn't sure how windproof and waterproof they might be. Or how to maintain that 'proofness' around a sharp 90* corner.

 

[grahamfitter]

I'm wondering exactly how this is done. I've poked around a little with searches and I've yet to turn up any discussion of pictures. I'm currently running a 'glass shell that I use to sleep in the bed. I hate driving with it though I like camping with it.

I've been considering building a hard tonneau cover for a pick-up bed that would extend up to roughly cab roof height when in camp. I am thinking to build a frame that runs along the top of the bed rails for the various hardware to attach to, which also offers a place for the 'tent' sides to attach to as well. I'm just lacking any knowledge of how this is commonly done.

I'm sure I saw exactly this on MTV's "Pimp My Ride" which my kids were watching. (Honest!) I think they used a fibreglass tonneau cover with hydraulic lifters and some type of fabric walls with windows in. Of course the interior was pimped out with a 72" TV, gaming console and an eight person hot tub or something equally over the top but the lid was cool.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Prybry]

This what you are looking for?

Do a search on "TopUp"

http://truck.hownd.com/product-1227-topup-corporation-pickup-topup-camper.html

This is the camper and tonneau cover combo unit...

Enjoy.... Prybry