Removable canopy ideas?

[Anonymity]

I’m looking for the best idea for a removal canopy for a 1 ton landscaping truck. It has an aluminum box on it now, see picture. Someone even suggested using HDPE (High density polyethylene). Be so greatful for a cost effective simple idea, that looks good.

 

[treesap]

just want a canopy that covers the bed? cab? ive never heard of a "Canopy" in this context, so a little info would help

im down to design some stuff for ya if you need

 

[Jehinten]

I’m looking for the best idea for a removal canopy for a 1 ton landscaping truck. It has an aluminum box on it now, see picture. Someone even suggested using HDPE (High density polyethylene). Be so greatful for a cost effective simple idea, that looks good.

Looking to make it into a chip box? Here's one idea Post in thread 'Chip box' https://www.treebuzz.com/forum/threads/chip-box.44432/post-673930

Also pictured is a plywood box that I built for my truck. It's 8'X8'X4' and sits on a 8'X12' flatbed. It can be installed or removed by one person. Takes about 15 min to install, 10 min to remove. Probably faster with two people.

 

[Anonymity]

Looking to make it into a chip box? Here's one idea Post in thread 'Chip box' https://www.treebuzz.com/forum/threads/chip-box.44432/post-673930

Also pictured is a plywood box that I built for my truck. It's 8'X8'X4' and sits on a 8'X12' flatbed. It can be installed or removed by one person. Takes about 15 min to install, 10 min to remove. Probably faster with two people.

thanks for the links, yes that is the idea! thank you!

 

[Anonymity]

just want a canopy that covers the bed? cab? ive never heard of a "Canopy" in this context, so a little info would help

im down to design some stuff for ya if you need

chip box, canopy, bin, container, cap etc basically a removable box on the back of a truck to put wood chips in, that looks half decent, not plywood for example. got a quote for $6000 for aluminum box build on this small truck, a bit much I think

 

[treesap]

6K is pretty expensive all things considered, any preffered materials?

 

[Anonymity]

6K is pretty expensive all things considered, any preffered materials?

not wood...

 

[Reach]

chip box, canopy, bin, container, cap etc basically a removable box on the back of a truck to put wood chips in, that looks half decent, not plywood for example. got a quote for $6000 for aluminum box build on this small truck, a bit much I think

I think $6k is in the right ballpark for an aluminum top half for that bed, but that is still a lot to spend. However, if built properly, it will outlast the truck. And it will be light, rust/rot proof, and look good sitting on top of the bed that’s already there.

 

[Anonymity]

I think $6k is in the right ballpark for an aluminum top half for that bed, but that is still a lot to spend. However, if built properly, it will outlast the truck. And it will be light, rust/rot proof, and look good sitting on top of the bed that’s already there.

I hear ya, only thing is that's for a box only 4 feet high off the bed, not really that much aluminum, and overall pretty small so it seems high. I can weld a bit, but never have I welded aluminum (maybe I should learn for 6k lol)

 

[Jehinten]

I hear ya, only thing is that's for a box only 4 feet high off the bed, not really that much aluminum, and overall pretty small so it seems high. I can weld a bit, but never have I welded aluminum (maybe I should learn for 6k lol)

Bolts or rivets can be a nice substitute for welds. Not quite as strong, but easy to replace a few fasteners if they fail.

 

[Anonymity]

I wonder if I could make an angle iron frame, and fasten HDPE plastic sheet material on the outside with self tapping screws (4x8' sheet is $150). so the bolts rivets might work? I could cut the sheets with a table saw or circular saw.

thank you to everyone, contributing here!!

 

[Reach]

I hear ya, only thing is that's for a box only 4 feet high off the bed, not really that much aluminum, and overall pretty small so it seems high. I can weld a bit, but never have I welded aluminum (maybe I should learn for 6k lol)

Aluminum is a whole different animal to work with. It looks and acts like it’s cold right up to the point where it melts and runs away. I weld very well, structural as well as cosmetic, and I avoid aluminum at all costs because it’s such a pain unless you’re set up perfectly for it.

 

[Jonny]

I wonder if I could make an angle iron frame, and fasten HDPE plastic sheet material on the outside with self tapping screws (4x8' sheet is $150). so the bolts rivets might work? I could cut the sheets with a table saw or circular saw.

I like the idea if you use UV stabilized HDPE sheet. Same kinda stuff used in good quality playground equipment. Plain HDPE, the opaque, milky colored stuff will not do well after a couple years of sunlight exposure.

 

[Anonymity]

I like the idea if you use UV stabilized HDPE sheet. Same kinda stuff used in good quality playground equipment. Plain HDPE, the opaque, milky colored stuff will not do well after a couple years of sunlight exposure.

that sounds like very important information! thank you!