I've been looking into some soft toppers for pickups, much like this but that topper is around $800 plus tax, and there aren't many companies that make tops like that, so i've been playing around with the idea of making one.
I love running my truck without a tailgate...but every now and then like having a topper (sometimes when i go camping or on trips i throw a single mattress in the back and sleep in there).
I want to try and make it just out of tube and have it so I can break it down and throw it in the cab or something when I don't need it. but I'm semi-stumped on how i'd start. I've got a pretty good idea how I'd do the frame of it, but attaching the canvas is where I'm starting to get puzzled. I don't know if i should have a bar that its permanently attached to, or make it like a tent that the canvas would slip on over the frame when its getting assembled.

I'm just looking for some input on this, I'd love to have one for the summer, but even used, i've found one for $350 and I'm still pretty sure it could be made for less, but plus with me only working 2part time and then school full time, funds are VERY limited. plus it'll give me something fun to do on the off chance I have some free time.

 

Talk to 08rangerdan! He has the one in the link you posted and may be able to help you out with some pics of how it's made.

 

Those are sweet! I would love one but the price is way too hefty. I would rather have a hard camper shell.

 

i'll shoot him a message, see if he is willing to send me some pics, thanks adam.

i'm sure they're a hell of a lot cheaper in the states, they're still about $400-600 cheaper than a color matched hard topper tho. i just don't have the storage space for a hard topper, not to mention money

 

that looks sweet

 

it'll definitely be nice to have, solely for the purpose of sleeping in hah. I've slept in my truck far too many times to count...who needs a tent. pssh.

 

What about just getting one of those bed tents then?

 

price, mostly...and the odd chance that i may need to move something covered up i can still use the topper to do so