Some canopy questions for a newbie...

[Bandicoot]

I just bought a used fiberglass canopy for my 08 Ranger and have some basic questions as I've never owned/installed one before. Any insight greatly appreciated!

-It came with 4 clamps - is that enough or do most people use 6?
-It's currently mounted on top of the factory bed liner rails - is that okay or should I remove them before mounting the canopy?
-Should I install weatherstripping on it?
-It doesn't have a 3rd brake light so what options are out there for adding one?

 

[retep88]

Four clamps should be good. I know I had some really bad clamp and they would keep coming loose. I was down to one for awhile until I noticed a clamp had come off. As for the other questions, I am not sure. guess it kind of depends on what you are using it for and how professional you want it to look.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

4 clamps are more than enough.

The plastic box rail caps are fine to leave in place.

Take the bottom sides and front of the canopy with 2" wide foam canopy tape.

No need to really worry about the 3rd brake light, it's not a legal requirement.

 

[racsan]

i use those stake pocket eye bolt tie downs to secure my cap, more than enough to clamp it down with and it gives me the benefit of having internal tie-downs. i do use foam tape between the cap and bed, if aftermaket plastic bedrail covers werent so much, id use them too. i did have a 3rd brake light, but removed it after several hits to the back of my head from it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If you go to the trouble of installing a third brake light, you could also tap into the parking light circuit for a cap interior light. I did this for a small [4wx4hx6l] enclosed trailer I use for work.

Richard

 

[Bandicoot]

Some great advice and knowledge - thanks everyone! First post on here but won't be my last!

 

[adsm08]

No need to really worry about the 3rd brake light, it's not a legal requirement.

That depends on where you are.

I know there are some states that require you to have the 3rd light on the cap if the truck was originally equipped with one.

I would suggest calling a local inspection station or state police barracks and asking them what your state's laws are concerning the 3rd brake light and your cap.