BLACK OPS BUSH TRUCK BUILD

Bakkies are really versatile vehicles. As time goes by, they just seem to get better. In the case of a double cab, this is especially true. The passenger cabins of these trucks are almost car-like in design, and many of them feature an abundance of luxuries that were unheard of even in luxury sedans not so long ago. Add to this the advantage of a lofty perch from which to observe the lesser mortals in their sedans and little runabouts, and one can begin to see why the likes of the Hilux and Ranger regularly top the vehicle sales charts.

If you are an outdoors type of family, there are very few arguments against owning a double-cab pickup. With the versatility of a load bin out back, which in many cases can carry up to a ton of stuff, it’s hard to see why you would not opt for one of these as a family vehicle. There is of course one glaring issue which is a problem in many cases. The load bin is exposed to the elements, both natural and criminal. Tonneau covers are fine for keeping your load dry but won’t keep the contents safe from criminal elements. Should you opt for a tonneau cover, packing space will also be limited to the height of the load bin. Enter the canopy: an additional hard shell to cover the rear bin, often with windows and a lockable door to keep your gear safe and dry.

Traditionally, canopies were made of fibreglass. Many top-of-the-range fibreglass canopies are beautifully styled examples which, when colour-coded, can make a double-cab bakkie look like an SUV wagon. For everyday use and mild off-roading, these canopies are fine, provided you choose a quality option. However, for serious overlanding, the traditional fibreglass canopy does have a couple of shortcomings. Most local canopies feature side windows that slide. This does not allow easy access to the very front of the load bin, or for the loading and unloading of larger items through the side windows. Although some fibreglass canopies are reinforced, the majority have rather limited weight-carrying capabilities on the roof. They also tend to be vulnerable to criminal elements, as the glass makes your possessions visible, and can be smashed – a problem when on safari in more challenging