If you love off-roading and camping, you need to carry a lot of gear. Shovels, traction boards, and rooftop tents take up a lot of space. The best place to put this gear is on your truck canopy.
But how do you mount heavy gear without damaging your truck? Let's look at the safest and easiest ways to build the ultimate overland rig.
The Problem with Normal Canopies
Most truck canopies are made of fiberglass. They are good for keeping rain out, but they are bad for holding heavy gear.
If you drill holes into a fiberglass shell to mount a roof rack, it becomes weak. Over time, the heavy weight and bouncy dirt roads will cause the fiberglass to crack. You could ruin your canopy and drop your expensive gear on the highway!
The Best Way to Mount Gear
To safely carry heavy gear, you need a strong metal canopy with a smart mounting system. Here is what you should look for to build a complete overland truck setup:
1. Metal Roof Tracks (T-Slots)
Instead of drilling new holes, look for a canopy that comes with roof tracks already installed on top. You can easily bolt a modular roof rack directly into these tracks.
This is the perfect and safest spot for heavy gear. Before adding heavy items, make sure you understand the difference between dynamic and static weight limits so you do not overload your roof while driving.
2. Built for Rooftop Tents
If you plan to sleep on your truck, the canopy must be extremely strong. A high-quality metal canopy can hold incredible weight. For example, some heavy-duty steel options are tested for a massive 500kg roof load, making them perfect for large rooftop tents and multiple adults.
3. Side Door Gear Mounts
The roof is not the only place to store gear. Some modern canopies let you mount gear directly on the side doors.
The smartest way to do this is by using MOLLE panels. These special metal grids allow you to easily strap axes, shovels, and recovery boards right to the side of your truck for instant access on the trail.
Build Your Rig with Armacap
If you want to build a tough overland rig, check out Armacap.
Our heavy-duty metal canopies are built for true off-roading. They are designed to hold massive weight without cracking. You can easily attach roof racks, awnings, and heavy tents using safe, built-in mounting points. Plus, you can get your rig ready for the trail quickly using our simple no-drill installation system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a roof rack on any truck canopy?
No. You should not put a heavy roof rack on a basic fiberglass canopy unless it has an internal support frame. A metal canopy is much safer for heavy roof racks and gear.
What are T-slots?
T-slots are metal tracks built into the roof of a canopy. They allow you to slide bolts into the track so you can attach gear tightly without drilling any holes into the roof.
How much weight can a metal canopy hold?
A high-quality metal canopy can hold a lot of weight. Many can support well over 1,000 lbs (over 450kg) when parked statically, which is plenty of strength for a large rooftop tent and two adults.