Alu Cab Explorer Canopy Review & Break-Down

A short walk around of the Alu Cab Explorer Canopy. I discuss the in depth details and useful features that this canopy offers.
OK4WD: ok4wd.com/
Alu Cab Explorer Canopy for Chevy Colorado: ok4wd.com/alu-cab-canopy-for-...
Instagram: / hudsonzroamer

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Static Load= 800lbs (362 kg) Dynamic Load=330 lbs (150 kg) Canopy Weight=125 lbs (57 kg)

[@Spinalcell]

Great video love seeing PNW setups. Looking for topper options for my 2500 RAM crew cab, more patience and waiting 👍🏼

[@timhatton149]

Thanks for providing this detailed look at the Alu-cab. I just ordered one for my Gladiator.

[@pnw_adventures8413]

Thanks for this, Hudson. It's very timely for some decisions I'm making on getting a ZR2 and needing a canopy to attach my Alucab RTT.

[@fabienpics]

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFO, REALLY APPRECIATE 👍👍👍👍

[@drewmatthews140]

Awesome video man! I drive that black Nissan Frontier at Trader Joes, I've parked next to you before haha.

[@hdavies0]

Great video, thank for making, very useful for those of us considering an alu-cab canopy; not many vids on the subject. You mentioned a roof rack video, I couldn't find one. Did you end up posting? Thanks again.

[@restoreexplore1156]

Thank you! It's hard to even find photos of this canopy on a Colorado, let alone a video. Look forward to seeing more about your cab roof rack, and tent setup.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Thanks for checking out the video. Yeah that’s definitely why I decided to make the video. 👍

[@Jack_Rabbit_Ranch]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@jpking0512]

Thanks for this video...I'm looking to replace my leer for something to put a rtt on. This seems like the best choice so far.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

I just realized that I completely mispronounced "cupboard".....not sure what the heck I was thinking. 🤔

[@georges4562]

Looks a lot like if not the same as the RSI Smart cap which also manufactured in South Africa. Nice setup 👍👍👍👍

[@lovablepersona5000]

1000th sub!

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Thank you! This is motivating me a bit more to make some new videos.

[@duckbow]

Thank you so much for posting this -- only other video I could find was in German, so very happy you posted this. Interested to see your setup with the roof tent also. Looking at the roof rack (love the M8), plus cross bars, plus tent, does your setup exceed 8 feet? I wonder how feasible it is to attach an iKamper or equivalent directly to the Explorer Canopy and thus minimize height to ensure clearance under an 8 foot garage door and make it easier for shorter passengers climbing up. Have you looked at shadow awns also? Can't wait for more videos, Hudson -- subscribed.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Exactly why I posted it..I figured it would help others out to have a good video in English. 👍

[@Wubler84]

Awesome set up, what front runner part did you use to mount the rack to the canopy?

[@mrcoconut18]

Great video. Please tell me how you mounted your fire extinguisher on the inside?

[@jewelsandbinoculars1]

Thanks for this Hudson! I just got a new Tacoma TRD off road after driving my 95 gen 1 Tacoma which I bought new way back… I am strongly considering the alucab canopy but also have looked at the RLD only because it has a higher load capacity and I work as a carpenter and frequently have to carry lumber…. Prob not often over 300lbs but…. Anyway….just wonder what your thoughts are on the comparison if you have any…please Let me know if you have time Peace ✌️ Tom

[@cromulentparty]

they've been doing quality work for years, looks great.

[@tbyleveld]

Thanks for a great review Hudson, I am considering one of these up in BC, Canada. Do you have any issues with your canopy after a few years of use?

[@jakemetz1742]

I have one and have had no issues living in the Colorado Rockies. Would recommend the lock covers though so they don’t freeze over in the winter.

[@thetankslapper]

Owning one as you do, do you see any simple way to get some air flow in the bed if you wanted to sleep back there - without having to leave the rear door open? I was thinking about a sliding back glass behind the cab... But no such option that I can see

[@keithsiebert1783]

Great walkthrough! Is the front runner rack the same size as the one designed for the bed alone? I currently have a front runner rack over my bed but I’m looking to add a little more storage with a canopy.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

No it’s slightly longer, I extended it a bit.

[@chrisb7999]

good stuff man.. purchasing mine tomorrow from Mule.. only setback(wait time) is the install for wiring of the third brake and interior light. tough to find any kind of video of these on the web..

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Nice. I have the Leer 7 way harness installed back when I used to have a fiberglass canopy. Just Google it it’s the easiest way if you have a 7 pin tow setup already on your truck.

[@chrisb7999]

@@HudsonZRoamer good tip. I’d prefer to do that myself if I can to get it on this weekend truthfully. I’ll look that up now. Thank you.

[@PCHwoods]

I’m debating between the Canopy and Canopy Camper and I see you switched over to the canopy camper. What was it that pushed you to switch?

[@cornevantonder]

Like the Isuzu sticker.

[@BenjaminArai]

Great video. I live in the NW and need something to keep stuff dry in the winter. Did the alu-cab impact drivability or gas mileage of your ZR2?

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Not really..Its so light compared to fiberglass canopies.. I have a diesel so the mpg difference was simply something I was not concerned with.

[@lnchappo]

How does this compare with the RSI smartcap and the GFC topper?

[@Appalachia02]

What ax & shovel mount did you go with?

[@michaelseefeldt8486]

I like your setup! What feet did you use to mount the Front Runner Slimline? Did you use FR or Alucab? Also what height did you go with. I was thinking about flush but not sure I can mount the rack that way. I have the new Alu-Cab Contour on the way and want to put my FR Slimline on the top rack. Thank you for any insight.

[@jakemetz1742]

Curious about this too

[@gregoriospantos2084]

How would you compare this to the smartcap evoA ?

[@bryanr.3241]

What is the install time ? I thought it said 45 minutes on the Alu-Cab website. Not sure this is correct. OK4WD Quoted a install price of canopy and the security screen in back window of a total $4500. Does this sound fairly correct ? I live within an hour and think I’m going to have them install it rather than install it myself in their parking lot. Thanks for the video 👍

[@dragnslayer1000]

Why did you choose the Explorer over the Contour?

[@TakeNoSpace]

What mounts did you use for your maxtrax? The ones I saw on their website said M10, not M8 if I’m not mistaken.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

They are M8 bolts in the channels of the Explorer Canopy not M10. I used a GP Factor pin setup and also used a custom mounting plate made by a company called Sawtooth Fab. The mounting plate allows appropriate spacing for mounting of the M8 bolts and the GP Factor Pins.

[@sebhofmann1994]

can you open it from the inside? like when you sleep in there... locking yourself in wouldnt bee too cool

[@Rebel.Matt555]

Just pulled the trigger on one of these today for my new gladiator. Got a few questions; did you install any rubber membrane between the truck bed and the cap? Any Silicone use? I also ordered it from OK4wd, what was your wait time? Thanks!

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Congrats on the purchase I think you are going to really like it. All Explorer Canopies come with a really well made gasket to prevent any leaking. I haven't had to use any other sealant or silicone as I have had absolutely no leaking...This says a lot considering I live in NW Washington where we get tons of rain. I had zero wait time as they were in stock at Ok4wd when I ordered. I also didn't want to wait to have Ok4wd ship it over to Mule Exped Outfitters over here on the West Coast....so I ended up driving out to Ok4wd in NJ last winter, it was an awesome trip but very cold. haha

[@Rebel.Matt555]

@@HudsonZRoamer Awesome, that is excellent to know. I'm really looking forward to having this capability. I come from the wrangler world so I am used to having pretty much no space and utilizing every nook and cranny. The Gladiator with a solid bed cap will be a whole new world. Thanks!

[@thetankslapper]

@@Rebel.Matt555 So how did it take to receive your Alu Cab? I noticed on OK 4's website that the Gladiator version has a lip on the bottom of the rear door to direct water away from the top of the tailgate. Is that what you have on yours? The Colorado in this video does not. Thanks.

[@Rebel.Matt555]

@@thetankslapper it does have a little lip, and yes the water drains really well off it. Cab took maybe 2 weeks to ship, it actually showed up before my gladiator did. Overall super happy with it, no issues

[@thetankslapper]

@@Rebel.Matt555 Thank you!

[@dorimortimer4136]

Can the canopy be opened from the inside? Any water leaking issues? Thanks. Nice set up.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Hmm not to my knowledge... No water leaking issues at all. 👍

[@jnmaher1967]

What do you think of RSI? Also out of South Africa.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

They are great but no inner mounting channels inside....stainless steel is pretty heavy too compared to aluminum.

[@jorges2000]

Looks good. Why did you choose diesel vs gas ZR2?

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Better MPG and Torque.

[@BenjaminArai]

I cannot find a solution for securing traction boards to the inside of the alucab. What did you use to secure the traction boards?

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Custom mounting plate and GP Factor maxtrax pins.

[@garretthackett4313]

Why the switch?

[@matthewburke8689]

What was the main reason you went from this set up to your current full canopy camper set up?

[@HudsonZRoamer]

A few things… the new setup is quite a bit less weight and living in the rainy pnw having a proper place to hunker down and hang out in is crucial for how much I get out into the outdoors. After going on a few camping trips with a few friends that had the canopy camper it finally clicked in my head what a great setup it is for those that go outdoors a lot. Plus I decided to transition the truck to more of a full time adventure rig. As I get older having a little more comfort in the backcountry keeps getting me out there and really enjoying being out in nature.

[@iGotGameDoU]

Why they only offer long bed version on the Tacoma is beyond me.

[@johnburnett1974]

I like this but I like the rsi smart cap better and it’s in that 3000 dollar range too. I have dogs and the rsi has small vent doors made into the side doors.