Choosing the right hardtop..
Choosing the right hardtop for your pickup can be a minefield. However, here at Crusader 4×4 we have a wealth of knowledge of the UK hardtop market for pickups. Our Managing Director, Mark Muschamp, was MD of Truckman Ltd. for 12 years. At one time, Truckman held a 90% market share in the UK and the choice was easy. However, times have moved on and so has hardtop design. Where the old-style traditional tops are still available, there are many more Tops available with a higher specification. In the first of our articles helping customers make the right choice Mark offers some advice to guide you through the hardtop maze..
1. Why do I need a hardtop?
There are many forms of covering for the loadbed of a pick-up truck and for most people a hardtop is the most practical. A hardtop will offer a secure, lockable solution for keeping your equipment and pets safe, secure, dry and clean.
2. Which style should I go for?
The majority of hardtops sold on double cab trucks are low-roof models. This means that the roof of the top is in line with the roof of the cab. This offers a sleek, aerodynamic shape and gives good interior loading area without looking van-like. Side windows are standard on most Tops and these are available in either one or two piece pop-out windows or aluminium framed . See below for more information on window choice. However, for working vehicles, high-roof solid sided tops are available such as the Fleet Runner. These Tops offer increased storage space and the absence of side windows means that the interior can take the more punishing environment of a true working vehicle. Solid sided Tops also offer a perfect area for signwriting, helping you to promote your business.
3. How about the different Side Windows?
Side windows are normally available as either one or two piece pop-out windows or aluminium framed sliding windows. The pop-out windows are generally more stylish and offer secure ventilation for dogs etc. They hinge outwards at the back and allow pets to get plenty of air without the worry of them sticking their heads out. The aluminium sliders tend to be slightly cheaper as they are a more basic window. They do have advantages however in that they can be opened to fully half their width. This offers superb ventilation during the summer months.
4. Do they all lock?
All hardtops have rear door locks and all hardtops should secure the vehicle’s tailgate when locked. The handles and locks are the most vulnerable part of any hardtop to failure as they are one of the few moving parts. It is important to choose a hardtop for your 4×4 pickup that utilises a strong rear lock and handle. The STX hardtop has the ultimate in terms of handle. It’s design and function is very similar to that used in the door handles of the Ranger, Navara, Hilux and L200. It is a very strong paddle handle which is recessed into the rear door. Many other tops feature a handle which can, if pulled hard enough, break and offer easy access for thieves.
5. Do I need an interior lining?
Most hardtops for today’s pickups feature an interior lining. This is a welcome addition and a step forward from the old Truckman-style naked glassfibre finish on the interior. Steer clear of carpet lined hardtops unless you are buying a commercial style Top. The damp atmosphere inside a hardtop can cause some carpets to go mouldy over time. In a commercial hardtop, however, carpet is superior to suspended vinyl as it is attached firmly to the sides of the Top and will therefore not rip. In all other cases, a vinyl lined interior is the covering of choice. It gives the hardtop a car-like feel and is easy to clean. Interior linings also offer a degree of insulation and cuts down the amount of condensation as they are suspended away from the cold outer surface of the shell.
6. What other features should I look for?
Whichever hardtop you go for, you should at least expect an interior light, brake light (where permitted), and drill-free installation. Some inferior commercial hardtops require you to drill the vehicle in 6-8 places in order to get them to fit. More up to date hardtops simply utilise, hidden discreet, non-drill clamping systems.
7. Are they removable?
All hardtops should be easily removable, especially non-drill models. However, the reality is that most people don’t take their hardtops off because it requires 3-4 people to lift and takes up quite a bit of storage. This shouldn’t be a major consideration when choosing a hardtop.
8. How much should I pay?
It is true to say that you get what you pay for, but only up to a point. Don’t expect a budget hardtop to match the build quality of a more expensive model, but also bear in mind that there is a limit to how much you should pay. A sliding window model should cost no more than £1000 including the VAT and delivery with the pop-out windows costing up to £200 more.
At Crusader 4×4 we pride ourselves on being able to offer a complete range of hardtops to suit every need and budget. For an overview of the range, please click here. Please take the time to call us on 01384 423683 and we will gladly discuss your requirements. Alternatively you can email us and we will contact you at a time convenient to you.
Feb 2010
