How to get started with a Killer Canopy Setup?

Where do you get started with a decent canopy setup?

Let alone one designed for :

• camping,
• touring,
• overlanding,
• or even just day trips with the pooch.

We’re here to consolidate the ideas, setups and cool layouts floating around your mind.

Then create your killer setup.

Common dramas

I hear a few common concerns when starting a canopy fit-out.

I don’t wanna re-do my setup in 12 months,

or, it’ll take months or even years to finish,

or, it’ll cost me a house deposit.

Fuck that.

This is a plan so that you can:

• get your setup going in weekends not years,
• have a setup that lasts years,
• spend money on touring, NOT an expensive setup.

3 steps for a Killer Canopy Setup

Step 1. Water storage

Water is liquid gold on the road.

But it can quickly become a nuisance trying to store jerry cans.

Canopy real estate is precious.

Tanks take top spot.

This way you can store it in harder to reach areas of the tub (like between the wheel arches).

Saving the easily accessed areas of the tub for frequently used items.

Step 2. Fridge size

The big fridge debacle.

Be realistic about your fridge size.

Keep this in mind when deciding on the perfect sized fridge.

Big fridge = big battery = big fridge slide = more $$$ + more space needed in canopy.

Step 3. Battery capacity

With fridge sizing chosen, battery capacity is easier to calculate.

You can calculate what your fridge uses over 24 hours.

Then decide how long you can go between charging.

You might want to last 3 days at a camp spot with a 40L fridge.

24 hours of consumption might be 36 Ah, which means 108 Ah for 3 days.

Requiring a capacity of 140 Ah for a lithium battery.

For more in depth 12V calculations check out the Canopy Setup Guide.

Ideal Canopy Quiz

Finding your layout should be easy

If you’re after more in-depth ways to calculate your ideal layout, checkout the setup guide.

The layout

Now you have your ‘big 3’ items decided, it’s time to arrange the puzzle.

Get the pen and paper out and start drawing.

Draw your idea on paper first, it’s easier to see if your concept is practical.

You want to place heavy items in front of the rear axle.

Items like water tanks and batteries are perfect candidates for this location.

This will minimise the strain placed on the back of the ute and potential chassis bending.

Planning now will prevent heartache later.

Watch your weight

Many people doing there fit-out don’t realise how easy it is to go over GVM.

It adds up quicker then you think.

When you start building, keep your payload in mind.

Use this calculator to take the mystery out of GVM.

With a payload figure in mind, you know exactly how much can go in.

And how much you need remaining, in case you’re pulling a tinny behind.

Start Building

Now your plan is under way, it’s time to build.

Check out our other resources to build a mint setup.