ALLOY UTE CANOPY BUILD & FIT OUT - 002

We had lots of quotes to have an alloy canopy built and/or get a custom fit out. Some of the prices we received were through the roof and at times we thought a canopy was unachievable! Every company has a different version of what is the correct route to take and what you 'need' to have...
With so much research, we were more confused than when we began and started to feel that we couldn't afford to get a canopy. We drew up a budget of exactly what we wanted... It WAS achievable if we put in some time and effort. At that point, we decided to take on the challenge and fit out a canopy ourselves. Watch how we started with a bare alloy canopy and turned it into our dream fitout for less than 1/2 the budget of paying someone to do it for us!
Renegade Industrial 1600mm Canopy: www.tradetools.com
Dual Cab Flat Deck 1650mm Tray: www.ozutetrays.com.au
Clearview Easy Slide ES150: www.clearviewaccessories.com.au
Enerdrive 200ah Battery & DC2DC Charger: www.mygenerator.com.au
Marine Carpet: www.lifestylecarpets.com.au
Electrical Install: Battery World (ask for Grant!) www.batteryworld.com.au/stores/battery-world-slacks-creek
Custom made Kitchen Drawer System (arriving next week!): www.dunnandwatson.com.au
INSTAGRAM: bigoz.me/insta...
FACEBOOK: bigoz.me/facebook
MERCH: bigoz.me/merch
JOIN our KZbin channel to gain access to behind the scenes footage, bloopers, live locations, discounts on merch and more!
CLICK HERE: bigoz.me/ytmem...
SPONSORS:
Anaconda: bigoz.me/anaconda
North Storm: www.northstorm... Take advantage of $10.00 off your own North Storm waterproof bag when you use code BigOzExplorers10 on checkout!
MUSIC: bigoz.me/epidemic

[@clotildeturner8900]

What a job, well done both of you.

[@lukepegram4823]

Well done guys absolutely amazing to see a couple working together. Such an inspiration

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Luke! We compliment each other pretty well 🥰

[@kwikflikzyakadventures3795]

Bunnings Bethania is My Favourite store, great build guys.

[@maxiluna4776]

I love the fact that both of ya are working side by side!!!!! Great to see that now days...... congratulations and have a good one

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Maxi! We do make a good team 😍

[@suesclater8099]

Glad to hear you rave about Bribie. That's why i have called it home for over 15 years and I love the beach lifestyle. Beats suburbia living hands down. Will be following your travels around Oz.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We compare everything to Bribie as that was our local! We must have spent so much fuel over the years getting to Bribie just to be there for the day and hang out 😍😍 your very lucky to call it home and we may even come back and settle in the area 🙌🏻 thanks for following our journey 🥰

[@Cogzie3]

Great job, your teamwork is something special. Family camping with the kids brings back happy memories for this old codger.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Nawwww thanks so much! Glad we can take you back to your family memories 🥰

[@benmcatee2751]

I’ve watched this video probably atleast a dozen times, finally get to pick up my tray and canopy next week so can’t wait 🤙

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh really, that’s so exciting!!! Congrats!! Hope your build goes awesome 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@krump7429]

What a wickid video. Not to many start to finish nitty gritty canopy set up videos on you tube. I hope you continue to show the canopy progress as you carry on tinkering with it.

[@BigOzExplorers]

One of the reasons we did it is exactly that! We couldn’t find many when we tried to research building ours! Thanks for the feedback, it’s awesome! Stay tuned for future tinkering as we travel Aus 😍

[@wazheamadman6086]

Hey guys just discovered you guys so watching you from the start. Great filming from the get go. Look forward to binge watching you. Our house will be on the market soon. We will be homeless before purchasing our vehicle and van 😬

[@maddikrishnan8674]

Hey, You both are nailing it. Absolutely made for each other in building your canopy. Great Work!!!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks so much Maddy! 🥰

[@nogvdub88]

So glad I found your video. Just fitted my canopy on last weekend. My wife and I decided to do this exact project after watching this. Your canopy looks absolutely amazing!

[@johnkennedy486]

I enjoyed your project journey and loved the end result, so thanks for sharing. It's nice to see a couple share a project like this, so I hope you enjoy many years of more comfortable camping courtesy of all the work you put into the canopy.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks John, so nice of you to say! We are super proud of the canopy and our team efforts... Hope to see you back on our channel as we tour Australia with the new setup! 🇦🇺☺️

[@christhomas4260]

She is amazing a real worker

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Chris 🥰🤙🏼

[@jase6827]

Ha ,just found your channel through you tub search pushing this to me... Seen your Rig around mate in the Deep South of BNE...Nice one ..

[@BigOzExplorers]

Good to know it comes up in searches. Say hello if you see us again! 😁 near Brisvegas for 1 more week until we head north 🤘🏻

[@EMAGA]

Awesome job guys. Good to see a happy couple working together. Subbed...

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Adam! 🥰🙌🏻

[@qubadmalik1]

Great team work guys. loved the music. loved the work you guys did on your setup. May God Bless you.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@maxmckenzie2560]

Great job both of you. Enjoy!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Max! 🙌🏻

[@TradeToolsTV]

Awesome to see Sian on camera too :D Thanks guys!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Once we get the caravan, things will change and you’ll see me more! It will be strange to be recorded by Chris for a change 😝🎥

[@mickryan295]

Nice team work guys. Looks great

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Mick! ❤️

[@jasepat3944]

Brilliant video guys, and count yourselves another sub from a fellow Brissie Ranger owner slowly working through a similar build....brilliant work, and cant wait to see what next

[@BigOzExplorers]

Whoa, thanks for the awesome feedback! So cool to gain some fellow Brisvegas followers 😁 keep your eyes peeled for a new episode dropping this weekend 🤘🏻

[@victorkent768]

Amazing to see how your vlogs have changed... Bit noisy Atm

[@rossdrayton5476]

Another great video guys.👍🏻

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Ross 🥰🙌🏻

[@holidaymail]

Just found your channel - loving the videos! Good luck touring around 👍🏻😀

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh awesome, glad your enjoying them! Plenty more to come too, we’ve gotta keep up with demand now! 😁

[@4BoltClevo]

Great vid guys! Looking forward to more of your adventures. Good job doing all that work on the canopy it would really make it more enjoyable

[@BigOzExplorers]

It always means more when you do it yourself plus we saved bulk coin! Thanks for the comment and following us 😁🤘🏻

[@mikaerepeck1767]

Awesome team work!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Mikaere 🥰🤙🏻

[@benmorton729]

Canopy comes up mint. Given me motivation to actually do it myself and save a bit of money 😂 good work both of ya

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh that’s awesome I’m so glad we’ve gone that for you! It’s so rewarding to do it yourself 😍

[@adamrawlinson3450]

New subscriber here looking forward to watching more 🤙🤙

[@BigOzExplorers]

Awesome Adam, glad your loving the content! 😍

[@michaelpiliae-smith7757]

Great build and that blue carpet looks fantastic. Awesome as well that you guys did it together. Subscribed and looking forward to your content!

[@BigOzExplorers]

We love the blue too, little bit different from the norm 😁 thanks for subscribing! Glad to hear your enjoying everything so far, hope you enjoy our trip and what we have to share! 🤘🏻

[@damiancraig6544]

I build canopies for a living and kit with what ever the owner wants. It is expensive very expensive and time consuming. That’s where a lot of cost is. Also there’s a lot of weight considerations. The more you put in a canopy you need to do the suspension a gvm upgrade atleast.

[@BigOzExplorers]

I can imagine, especially when you are charging your time out. We would have saved massively on labour doing it ourselves.

[@anthonyjerak8324]

Awsome job guys keep up the great content

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Anthony!

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for share detail put all together as wish best further trip all family

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thank you! 😁

[@roberttilmouth568]

Nice set up 👍 and good job.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Robert! 🤟🏻

[@DENMONKEY]

A bit of music is good but it would be great if you could drop the volume. I was having to turn it up to hear you take them turn it down to not get blasted by the music. You should just be able to normalise all of you audio in this editing software. just makes for an easier watch. Nice build BTW

[@BigOzExplorers]

This video is a verrryyyy long time ago in my editing resume as such 😂 have a look at our recent gear and you will see this has improved ten fold! 💪🏼😎

[@rowie232]

Legends well done a great vid love the blue

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks man! Tried to do something a bit different with the blue carpet and we love it 😍🤘🏻

[@ryanwebb711]

Awesome job and nice vid!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Ryan!

[@dtester1974]

Very good build guys, just watch recording footage while behind the wheel of a car and then posting on a channel like this

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yeah I hear you! We are pretty particular most the time but (in the Bunnings carpark) Sian let her hair down a bit 😅

[@vkillzone_4874]

2:07 Quality content

[@BigOzExplorers]

😂😂🤦🏼‍♀️

[@imaMFinG]

haha cultural differences.

[@SailingMalie]

Looks really nice, you have done a great job guys. I have a similar setup with a Ranger and have a question for you about the cab. With your windows up, the aircon fan on, and fresh air coming in, do the cabin vents behind the rear seats create a flutter noise? The only way to stop it is to close off the fresh air and switch to recirc air. It was not noticeable without the canopy but now with a canopy its very noticeable.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Roy, I have heard of this happening. I can honestly say it only happened to me a handful of times but I only noticed it when I had my steel tray on. Since having the full canopy setup on the back I haven’t had it happen once. Must be a different air flow around the rear end of the car.

[@lichaowang8471]

This is epic mate!!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks man! 😝🤘🏻

[@huangamon7584]

Great Job! Wonderful Video! Lovely Family! should get a OZ wife help me out damn...

[@BigOzExplorers]

Haha, us Aussie ladies are alright 😉 thanks for watching! ☺️

[@jamielawrie1747]

Awesome video for inspiration, just have to get the Mrs to help 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@BigOzExplorers]

Good luck! If not I’m sure you’ll still get it done 🙌🏻

[@offroadaddiction1042]

Great vid! Heaps of inspiration for my build!

[@BigOzExplorers]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@m109rjohno]

Good job

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks John!

[@deadsetmoto2699]

Very detailed video, Im doing the same stuff to mine :) You guys are a good team!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Andy! We are a good team, lucky otherwise we may not have made it into the caravan by now! 🤣🙌🏻 good luck with your canopy fit out 👌🏻

[@chuckberry7692]

Just found ya channel 🤘 great build and can't wait to see more👍🍻🇦🇺🔥

[@BigOzExplorers]

Awesome! Welcome to the Big Oz family! We hope you enjoy all we have to share in the coming months 😁🤘🏻🇦🇺

[@johnnumbat9782]

Hey guys - I’ve just joined the alu canopy brigade and just beat the Covid shut off for SA/VIC with 1600 canopy all night on the back which has the internal and base structure plus four legs because I need to keep my tray - just bought GME, Engel, Redarc, Renogy and Amptron etc so should be a good build for the Hilux - you’ve done an awesome fit-out together and compliment each other really well - I will never go back to useless fibreglass ute canopies- What glue did you use for the carpet and what thickness timber for lining/cupboards? - thanks again and very excited about my Darling River trip next two months 🌈John in SA

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s awesome John. I’m sure you are going to love your new setup for your trip too! We used 5mm ply for walls and 10mm for the cabinet. The glue we used was from Bunnings and meant for astroturf, it’s one of the better options for outdoor use/salt etc so this would survive spills/sea water/rain etc

[@johnnumbat9782]

@@BigOzExplorers thank you guys and safe safe with your next family project - John in SA

[@actionfishing583]

Just out of curiosity what's the point in bolting the canopy down if it's jack-off ? Could you just clamp it down? Still an awesome build mate !!

[@BigOzExplorers]

We were going to use it as a Jack off system but changed our minds due to our van setup and bolting was better than leaving it. :)

[@joshuawebb3259]

Great video - really good to see the process from before starting to after the final fit out 👌🏻 Out of curiosity - in hindsight, now that it’s going to be a more permanent setup, would you have ditched the tray all together and mounted the canopy straight to the chassis? Or still happy with the tray-canopy setup? I know it’s more of a cost vs flexibility question - but just keen to see what you recon. Cheers.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks for the feedback, glad your loving it! I’m not sure but I think I’d still go a tray, just for tie down points, somewhere for your rear lights to go etc... chassis specific canopies can get pretty expensive too! Check out our other episodes if you haven’t already and you’ll see a bit more about how we use it now too ☺️

[@joshuawebb3259]

Big Oz Explorers - I found your account last night, already a few videos deep and still enjoying it all 👌🏻 I’ve been dreaming of a custom tray for ages now, had a Falcon ute before I got my current Ranger. But since my old man got a STR canopy from Bundy, I’ve been leaning further and further towards canopy over tray - I think you’ve successfully tipped me over the edge 😅 keep it up 👌🏻

[@BigOzExplorers]

That’s awesome, we could never go without a canopy now, you won’t regret it! It’s handy, dry, easy to use and can be a lifestyle depending what’s in it... good luck mate! Hop on our socials and send us a message when you decide what you want, always love seeing another Ranger with canopy setup 🤤👌🏻

[@deadsetmoto2699]

Oh shit totally didn't realise you guys are from Brissy area, same :D

[@BigOzExplorers]

Brisvegas baby! 😝🤘🏻

[@toddmillar4041]

Interesting build much better than all the others I've seen with 100 compartments for this that and the other. A couple of questions did you carpet over the bolts that hold the canopy to the tray? Is the canopy basically going to be permanent now. And is that stock suspension and if so how did it handle the weight? I'm planning a build myself and will probably get a Ranger/BT50.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey mate, great to hear you like it! We are planning as having this as a permanent canopy now, the way we need to use it doesn’t involve needing to take it off any more… We’ve carpeted over the bolts but we haven’t glued the bolts so it’s easy enough to cut it away if we had to get it off for some reason... as for the suspension, we’ve upgraded to 300-500kg constants and we’ve also now had airbags put on the back since towing the van (as it was sagging a little bit with the extra weight when towing)... The ride is also a lot smoother now with the airbags!! Hope this helps you with your build plans, you won’t regret it if you get into a build 🙌🏻

[@MrCoel1]

Hi guys, I’m looking to do a similar build with a very similar canopy. I was wondering if you have had any issues with the canopy 2 years on? Any cracks or hardware failure? Thanks.

[@mancavecooking7950]

Hi guys did you carpet the doors as one side of my canopy is my bed.

[@Punchypax]

Legends!

[@BigOzExplorers]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@d3adwrong618]

hows the artificial grass adhesive holding up ? hand any carpet let go or stuck strong ?

[@lynks123]

Would it not be easier to just have two canopies? One set up for your electrical work and the other set up for camping?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Not really because two smaller canopies would weigh more, we are very focused around our weight and ability to tow!

[@dooshakhaboosha2573]

Loved it. Your description is a carbon copy of my journey so far except im up to the more quotes more confusion part. How much did the raw canopy shell cost as it was when you first strapped it to your ute?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Keep on pushing on and research, research, research! You will get the dream canopy I promise! We are happy to help if we can! 🤘🏻 The bare canopy itself is $2399 which we got with the jack off legs included at the time too ☺️ www.tradetools.com/renegade-industrial-flat-alum-2-door-1600mm-x-1800mm-x

[@sunshinecatcher8779]

So cool am the same just give me a fridge and a fridge slide and woukd be happy just about to get a 2nd hand ranger ute and this has helped so much chers guys

[@BigOzExplorers]

Awesome that’s great, I’m so glad we were able to help out 😁 you’ll love your Ranger, they’re great cars 🤟🏻

[@argaspersicus7329]

Hi guys, liking your videos. Want to also build my own canopy inserts. What grade ply did you use please?

[@callanhughes9233]

Hey guys, love the canopy and the vids, could you let me know where to get the canopy lights from? Thank you!!!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Callan, thanks for your feedback! Here is a link to the lights if you mean the ones inside the canopy? If you’re thinking outside ones, they’re from Kings! thunderauto.com.au/product/led-white-amber-12v-strip-light-kit-with-dimmer-switch/

[@SuperPhantom1979]

Love the build and team work for both to enjoy love it we'll done. Question thou your square box for your fridge slide how did you bolt it?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks mate. We just got four large coach style bolts and went through the base of the canopy with silicone etc.

[@SuperPhantom1979]

@@BigOzExplorers so you went through the tray as well?

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@SuperPhantom1979 the whole lot! Once we decided we weren’t going to use it as a Jack off setup, she got put on permanently lol

[@SuperPhantom1979]

@@BigOzExplorers yeah seen you bolted it down in the vid I have the same. So the box piece for the fridge slide goes right though to the tray 👍

[@stevenstjohn6681]

Thanks great video,what brand is the fridge slide and cost.keep up the good work ✌🏻

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey mate, it’s the Clearview ES150 😁 thanks for watching! 🥰

[@MathewSmith-VEV]

what size ply did you use and screws to fix it on?

[@gethookedadventures2836]

Love the channel and canopy guys 🤙🏼 Question - what did you use for insulation? Cheers 🍻

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Jackson! This is the stuff we used, works great 👍🏻 www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-1200-x-600-x-30mm-xps-multi-use-insulation-foam-board_p0139535

[@adamslattery5445]

Hi guys great video, enjoyed the build. Just wanted to know where you got the storage pockets that attach to the fridge handle, great idea!

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Adam! They are from Navigator, the pocket we used on the fridge is called the Build It Pocket Buddy. They really are handy and can be used for so many locations, we also have one on the front of our daughters scooter! 🛴 Here’s the URL 😁 navigatorgear.net.au/collections/shop/products/build-it-pocket-buddy

[@adamslattery5445]

Legends many thanks!

[@deanclapham123]

Awesome video,professional, well explained & detailed. I have plans for my xls sports ranger with alloy tray, have you had to make any suspension mods after the canooy installation. Cheers

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Dean, we have 300-500kg constant springs in the rear which have been enough for the canopy, we also recently installed airbags but that’s for towing (the canopy alone was sitting sweet before them though) enjoy your build, the Rangers are a great 4x4 👍🏻

[@deanclapham123]

@@BigOzExplorers good to know, we also tow a van(17.52 joyco expanda) I'll check out more of your vids shortly. Cheers

[@lukekarwath4367]

Hey guys, love this set up it’s wicked! How’s the weight distribution with the alloy tray and canopy loaded up, notice anything different when driving? I’m looking at doing a similar setup

[@BigOzExplorers]

Honestly not an issue at all, we didn’t notice a change! The steel tray we had previously weight a lot so the change wasn’t too bad. It was a mint setup and if we had another canopy now we’d definitely do it similar to this again 🙌🏻

[@bendavis9879]

Hi Guys, I'm new to this channel and loved this video! I am now thinking about a tray and canopy setup and the DIY way is the way i was thinking. What was a approx. total spent on this whole project if you don't mind me asking. p.s. im your newest subscriber

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Ben! That’s awesome, I’m glad we were able to help inspire you! We spent a little over 7k for absolutely everything! Research is the key and the best thing I can recommend if doing DIY 😁 Thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy our series! We have a new build coming up very soon 🙊🤫

[@alexpoultney7783]

Awesome build guys!! Do you think you save much by fitting out the inside your self?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hell yes! We saved about $7000 by doing it ourselves. It took a lot of time but it’s so rewarding doing it yourself! 🥰 Thanks for watching ☺️☺️

[@darrindouglas1]

Your wife is awesome.....go, you good things.....

[@BigOzExplorers]

We’re a good team 🥰

[@Au5Finn]

Is that manly Bunnings. Looks familiar

[@BigOzExplorers]

Bethania Bunnings, it was our closet one... We may as well of had shares in it, we visited so frequently 😂

[@reesy22]

Looks awesome mate! What tyre size lift and offset are you running?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks Alex, tyres were 285/70/17 with 2 inch lift (technically 3 in the front as they’re adjustable coil over shocks) but I honestly couldn’t tell you offset now, we haven’t had this car for over a year!

[@AlsAllAussieAdventures]

Nice team work there mate! Canopy come up nice... what brand are those internal lights you used? I want to get some nice led lighting for my canopy. cheers mate.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey mate, they are by Thunder Auto, here’s the exact product! thunderauto.com.au/product/led-white-amber-12v-strip-light-kit-with-dimmer-switch/

[@JC-hv5mu]

just wondering if yours has the parking sensors? i would like to build one too and worrying parking sensors. Thanks

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yes it did have parking sensors, they are zip tied away underneath incase they are ever needed again. We didn't really use them, just the reverse camera which we attached under the tray.

[@4BoltClevo]

Where did you get it powdercoated? I think you said at Beenleigh somewhere?

[@glennw2001]

How much was the powdercoating if you don't mind me asking? Oh and also, what was the string hanging from the roof at the start off the build for? Cheers for the video. Really enjoyed it and picked up a few pointers along the way.

[@BigOzExplorers]

We paid $1100 for both the tray and the canopy to be powder coated together! The strings are because we went and saw the boys at Battery World before we started the build to find out where to put guide ropes for wiring. Once the roof panels went on, we couldn’t access inside the framework with ease to wire it up. Thanks for the feedback too, we really appreciate it... It makes us want to make more videos for you all 🤟🏻

[@brendansmith8420]

Awesome build. What’s the little bag strapped to the handle of your waeco?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Thanks mate! This is what the bag is, really quality products 👌🏻 navigatorgear.net.au/collections/shop/products/build-it-pocket-buddy

[@clintonmorris1945]

Hey guys love your videos . Just wondering what the dimensions are for the canopy and have you got a link as i can't find it on trade tools. I saw the link for the tray In the comment

[@BigOzExplorers]

This should be it. If it isn't working I'd give one of the stores a call and they can help you. They may be out of stock or waiting on the next batch of stock, they sell canopies quite quickly as they are very competitive with pricing. www.tradetools.com/renegade-industrial-1600mm-3pls-flat-aluminium-canopy-2-rifac1600-3wt

[@BigOzExplorers]

Sorry meant to say, its 1800 wide x 1600 long and 860mm high

[@clintonmorris1945]

@@BigOzExplorers thanks for the info

[@turbostyler]

Great work on the canopy. Goes to show you don't need to sell a kidney and lung for a canopy, unlike some of the overpriced canopies which get advertised by people who didn't have to pay for them.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Haha I like the way you worded your comment... Those overpriced canopies are the exact reason we decided to take it on ourselves and see what we could do 💪🏼😎

[@turbostyler]

@@BigOzExplorers Mate it's BS when shows are singing the virtues of $10-15k canopies especially when you know they didn't have to pay for them. I really enjoyed this episode and watching you guys work together as a team. It reminded me of a canopy I built for my D40 Navara with my missus that we thrashed every year at Fraser Island without fault. Keep up the great work!

[@shaunmatthews9680]

Gday guys, Just saw this vid. Mint job on the canopy. Just a question about the adhesive, Did you ever have any issues with it when the daily temps were hot in summer?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Shaun, absolutely no issues with the adhesive! It’s actually Astroturf glue and meant for outdoor use in full sun 😁 just don’t put your head in the canopy for too long when it’s drying, that stuff will get you high! 😂

[@shaunmatthews9680]

Big Oz Explorers 😂😂 absolute crack up. Thanks for the help. Keep up the good work. Loving the videos. How’s the Patrol treating you?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Shaun Matthews Patrol is going really well, loving it so far! 😍 Thanks again for following 😁

[@dazgam4101]

Good vid! But the music is so loud compared to your voices. Have to keep turning up and down.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yeah I hear you! We’ve been improving our audio every episode, learning everyday! Thanks for the feedback :)

[@stevenbarber3184]

Sweet build mate, how did you fix your canopy lights to the roof? Just found my Korr lights don’t have any fixing holes n they look similar to your thunder ones, cheers mate

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Steven! They have two small metal clips which screw to the roof and the light bars click into them! Not sure how else you could do it 🤔

[@stevenbarber3184]

Big Oz Explorers ahh Righto thanks, looks like I’ll have to get better suited lights haha, cheers

[@nathanhuggins8271]

Hey guys awesome vids. found you guys last night and was up until 3am watching vids. just wondering where you got your canopy powder coated?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh no! We’re the reason today was a long day for you maybe! 😂😂 glad you’ve enjoyed our content, it’s really moulding into something awesome now, I enjoy making the series for people like yourselves so thanks for tuning in! 😍 The canopy was powder coated at PCS Beenleigh, they have a fantastic finish, quick turnaround and good pricing with super helpful staff, we’ve used them for multiple jobs now 👌🏻

[@nathanhuggins8271]

Thanks. We are looking at doing a trip round NT sometime next year but need to setup the Ute so it’s really good to watch your builds. We are on the Goldy aswell so I’ll check out PCS thanks. 👍

[@BigOzExplorers]

Nathan Huggins no problem! Hope to catch you out there on the road in the near future then 😍

[@stevenstjohn6681]

Hi guys how did you mount your fridge mounts under the tray? Thanks my wife and I are doing it😁

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey guys, we got some big bolts (70mm off memory) and went through the fridge slide, through the square galvanised piping and through the base of the canopy. One bolt in each corner to hold it all! Don’t forget washers and nylon nuts so they don’t loosen ☺️🙌🏻 thanks for watching and let us know how yours go! So glad we can help others 👏🏻

[@brendancox1238]

Great vid. Been searching for a budget yet quality canopy option and this is perfect. Who did you use for powder coating? Did you have any issues mounting the tray yourself and what was your total build price roughly? Cheers

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey mate, worked out to be near $10k for everything you see in the vid (including the custom stainless draw we added at a later date, you can see it in later videos/insta!) the tray Mount was simple and hasn’t let us down, the bigger issues was getting the steel try off to be honest! We used PCS (powder coating services) Beenleigh. They are super affordable and do a great job 👌🏻👌🏻

[@brendancox1238]

Awesome. Did you do anything to the canopy floor? I was just wondering how you went about securing your fridge slide.

[@BigOzExplorers]

Brendan, we put some square 60mm galvanised steel pole in between the canopy floor and the fridge slide to bring it above the lip of the canopy. We have a build video of the canopy on our channel if you want to see specifically, hard to explain without pics etc 👌🏻

[@stonehornet2719]

hey guys anybody know this song ?

[@mackenziericketts6686]

Hey I live around you guys where did you get it powder coated and also have you got a rough price as to how much it cost thanks

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Mackenzie, we had it done at PCS Beenleigh, really good job and fair pricing. It cost $750 for overnight service 😁

[@explorethebush]

Subbed

[@FishAndWhipz]

Did you just get the canopy powder coated ?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Yep! Satin black, just had to take the whale tails, gas struts and rubber seals off to do it 😁

[@richardshears9725]

What was the total cost in the end? Thanks.

[@BigOzExplorers]

About 8k in total from beginning to end 🤙🏻

[@maxmoore481]

What insulation did you use?

[@BigOzExplorers]

It’s foam sheeting we bought from Bunnings :) links are in the description 🤙🏻

[@joshuaculross1387]

Was that the carsledine bunnings?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Nope, Bethania! They can look so similar hey 🙈

[@jordansmith6151]

Hey guys, what sort of carpet have you used? About to do something similar to my canopy

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Jordan, we used marine carpet and you can attach it with marine grade glue (or Astro turf glue which is a bit cheaper at Bunnings but also alright in full weather 😉) good luck!!

[@jordansmith6151]

@@BigOzExplorers thanks 👍

[@adrianthomas6066]

Awesome job, what did you use to insulate the roof with?

[@BigOzExplorers]

They’re just foam insullation boards you can get from any Bunnings store! Thanks for watching 🤘🏻

[@adrianthomas6066]

@@BigOzExplorers finally got my canopy a week ago, now the time to fit it out with 12v and get it ready to go away.

[@BigOzExplorers]

adrian thomas that’s awesome!!! Bet your super pumped to fit it out! 🙌🏻🤟🏻

[@joshuaklaic5731]

what tray do you have? im looking at getting that exact canopy, but i need a tray

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey mate! That sounds awesome, you’ll love the canopy! We’ve got it on this tray, Fits in perfect 👌🏻 www.ozutetrays.com.au/1800l-x-1855w-dual-cab-flat-deck-tray

[@seanrichard-preston6088]

What did your battery set up cost you?

[@BigOzExplorers]

We bought the battery and DC2DC charger from www.mygenerator.com.au when it was on special for $2500 (not an easy price to find, we were very lucky!)

[@joshuabeasley6558]

What did they sting you to get the powder coating done ?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Hey Josh, $1100 for both the canopy and tray in satin black 😁

[@joshuabeasley6558]

That’s a great price. I got quoted 3500 for the same kinda job.

[@BigOzExplorers]

OMG! That’s way too much! 😮

[@krillbo948]

How much was the flat tray?

[@BigOzExplorers]

Oh gosh, at the time I think it was around $1000? That was over two years ago now though ☺️

[@krillbo948]

@@BigOzExplorers cheers mate! Looks good for that price, do you know what brand it is so I can try to have a geeze for something like it?

[@BigOzExplorers]

@@krillbo948 There’s actually a link in the description of the video, click that and I’ll take you to it :)

[@krillbo948]

@@BigOzExplorers muchas Gracias

[@arkhamkillzone]

I wouldn't drive a car through salt water tho as fun as it looks.

[@BigOzExplorers]

You just have to clean it well 😉

[@arkhamkillzone]

@@BigOzExplorers ok haha good to know

[@housedog1231]

Is that the Maroochydore Bunnings 😂

[@BigOzExplorers]

Possibly? I can’t remember at the time where we were now it’s been so long!

[@stratometer]

Only 2 wankers thumbing down, so far so good

[@BigOzExplorers]

There’s always one ☺️