Ram with canopy
- Thread starter 60Dan
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ttengineer
Adventurer
It looks like Patriot Campers PCOR tray bed and canopy. I believe their US distributor, Expedition Outfitters, will have them for sale here soon.
The only AEV thing on the truck that I see is the snorkel though. It has Method NV HD wheels too.
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The only AEV thing on the truck that I see is the snorkel though. It has Method NV HD wheels too.
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Kingsize24
Well-known member
Damn that looks good!
Looks cool, but I really can't see many US owners spending big $ on that thing. It seems like a very expensive styling statement more than anything else. The COG is raised up on a vehicle that is already sitting quite high. Not to mention you can probably get a lot more storage capacity out of a stock Ram 2500/3500 with a bed-drawer system. Or if you prefer a flatbed, there are plenty of domestic options available which will not cost as much.
IMHO, flatbed's only make sense if you're:
A) carrying a camper
or
B) using the truck for industrial or agricultural work.
The whole Aussie system of flatbed + aluminum canpoy is great in concept, but the $ required to buy and install those components makes it unrealistic for most.
IMHO, flatbed's only make sense if you're:
A) carrying a camper
or
B) using the truck for industrial or agricultural work.
The whole Aussie system of flatbed + aluminum canpoy is great in concept, but the $ required to buy and install those components makes it unrealistic for most.
ttengineer
Adventurer
I actually disagree.
I think it's a great multi use product. Now converting a pick-up to one is not exactly cost effective, but people could certainly purchase a chassis cab in what ever trim level they want then add the tray bed and canopy.
I really dig tray beds. They are extremely useful and versatile.
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I think it's a great multi use product. Now converting a pick-up to one is not exactly cost effective, but people could certainly purchase a chassis cab in what ever trim level they want then add the tray bed and canopy.
I really dig tray beds. They are extremely useful and versatile.
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Oilbrnr
Active member
Thats a Barroud RTT up top. Had one on my LX450. Mixed emotions about it. Any RTT sucks when nature comes calling at 2am.
I tend to agree with Dalko on this one. Those tray ideas are interesting, and provide for good access to food prep, but other downsides IMHO. Cost being one of them. Exposure.
The new pop up AT Habitat (not the flip top) looks much more interesting to me. Not to mention it is made here in AZ.
I tend to agree with Dalko on this one. Those tray ideas are interesting, and provide for good access to food prep, but other downsides IMHO. Cost being one of them. Exposure.
The new pop up AT Habitat (not the flip top) looks much more interesting to me. Not to mention it is made here in AZ.
moderndaynorseman
Active member
Do you have a link to any coverage/pictures of that pop up habitat?
Oilbrnr
Active member
ttengineer
Adventurer
There are pros and cons to every setup. I've yet to see one that only has marks in the pros column.
With both the canopy and AT pop top I'd still want a rather larger awning, most likely a 270.
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I suppose in overseas markets where flatbed trays are sold by the OEM’s and chassis trucks are fairly common, that setup could make sense.
Here in North America, those canopies are rare and expensive. Flatbeds are common enough, though I don’t think the domestic ones would be compatible with an Aussie canopy. And most chassis trucks I’ve seen are DRW, catering to towing and industrial operators.
I get the cool factor, but from a logistical perspective, you’re raising the trucks COG and decreasing usable space compared to a regular bed with say a drawer system...I just don’t see a huge advantage, especially considering the cost entailed.
But if someone had nothing but time and lots of money to spend, it’d sure make for an interesting build thread.
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Here in North America, those canopies are rare and expensive. Flatbeds are common enough, though I don’t think the domestic ones would be compatible with an Aussie canopy. And most chassis trucks I’ve seen are DRW, catering to towing and industrial operators.
I get the cool factor, but from a logistical perspective, you’re raising the trucks COG and decreasing usable space compared to a regular bed with say a drawer system...I just don’t see a huge advantage, especially considering the cost entailed.
But if someone had nothing but time and lots of money to spend, it’d sure make for an interesting build thread.
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ttengineer
Adventurer
A 200ish pound canopy, with the majority of the weight in the bottom, is not going to effect, particularly a Cummins equipped ram, the COG or even the handling nearly as much as you think. You have to remember these trucks are designed to haul 3000+ lbs in the bed while towing 20k ... safely.
A little canopy like that will hardly, if even, be noticeable.
I'd actually bet you shed weight by dropping the pick-up bed and adding the tray.
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It’s not the canopy weight I’m referring to, it’s how high the overall flatbed platform looks. I’m sure that’s due in part to the lift and not solely the flatbed.
I’m not saying this Aussie canopy flatbed combo is utter crap. I know those setups have proven their worth in Australia and other areas. I’m just noting that you’re probably getting more space and equal access with a simple ARE cap and a drawer system, all at a lower price point too.
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I’m not saying this Aussie canopy flatbed combo is utter crap. I know those setups have proven their worth in Australia and other areas. I’m just noting that you’re probably getting more space and equal access with a simple ARE cap and a drawer system, all at a lower price point too.
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Oilbrnr
Active member
LOL! Forgot about that water tower out there at the Coconino County Fairgrounds. Haven't been there in many years, and many more beers! Pretty sure most of that facility was built by the CCC during FDR's New Deal. Seriously.