The Hilux is a popular Toyota pickup truck . The Hilux Canopy is a cover that covers the cargo bed of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. Its functionality and stylish design make it a favorite among many Hilux owners. However, some people worry that a canopy will make their vehicle look uncool . In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the true appeal and drawbacks of the Hilux Canopy, as well as its price.
What are the attractions and benefits of the Hilux Canopy?
The greatest appeal of the Hilux Canopy is its excellent durability and functionality. A canopy is an important item for outdoor enthusiasts and those who frequently carry luggage for work. It is highly waterproof and protects the luggage inside even in bad weather, so you can use it with confidence in any situation. In addition, the canopy not only helps to keep luggage organized, but also provides excellent privacy. By keeping the cargo area out of sight at all times, the risk of valuables being stolen is reduced. What’s more, the canopy is customizable, with a variety of options available to suit your needs and preferences.
The popularity of the Hilux Canopy lies in its versatility and stylish design. Its practicality makes it suitable for a variety of situations, including outdoors and work, while its design does not detract from the stylish appearance of the Hilux.
Reasons to choose the Hilux Canopy
- Protecting your cargo: The biggest benefit of a canopy is that it protects your cargo from rain, wind, and direct sunlight, allowing you to transport outdoor gear, work tools, and more with peace of mind.
- Improved security: The lockable canopy is effective in preventing luggage theft and car break-ins.
- Sleeping in your car: With a canopy, you can use the cargo area as a living space, expanding the range of outdoor leisure activities such as sleeping in your car and camping.
- Unique styling: Depending on the canopy design, you can further emphasize the wild atmosphere of the Hilux. Enjoy creating your own original custom.
Basic features of the Hilux Canopy
- Load protection: Protects cargo from rain, wind and direct sunlight
- Improved security: Helps prevent luggage theft
- Sleeping in the car: The cargo area can be used as living space
- Practicality: It has many practical benefits, such as protecting luggage and improving security.
- Design: Stylish appearance that matches the design of the Hilux
- Customizability: Various optional parts allow you to customize it to your liking
- Status: Increase your status as a Hilux owner
Disadvantages of the Hilux Canopy
On the other hand, the Hilux Canopy does have some disadvantages. First, installing a canopy changes the vehicle’s appearance, and many people find the design “tacky.” For those who prefer a simple, stylish look, the canopy can detract from the vehicle’s aesthetics. The increased weight of the canopy can also affect fuel economy. Furthermore, installing and removing the canopy takes time and effort, making it inconvenient for users who frequently change their canopy.
- Price: The price of a canopy varies depending on the material and features, but can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Weight Increase: Installing a canopy increases the vehicle’s weight, which may affect fuel economy and driving performance.
- Height restrictions: If you install a canopy, you may not be able to enter multi-storey car parks or other areas with height restrictions.
- Design preference: Canopy design is a matter of personal preference, and some people may find it “tacky” to have one installed.
Is the Hilux Canopy uncool?
Canopy designs are a matter of personal preference, and some may find them “tacky.” However, in recent years, there has been an increase in stylishly designed canopies, some of which further enhance the appearance of the Hilux.
Usability and problems of the Hilux Canopy
- Weight increase: Installing a canopy increases the vehicle’s weight, which may affect fuel economy and driving performance.
- Height restrictions: You may not be able to enter places with height restrictions, such as multi-story parking lots.
- Price: The canopy is a relatively expensive option.
How to overcome the disadvantages
- Choose a canopy made of lightweight materials: FRP and aluminum canopies are lightweight and reduce the burden on the vehicle.
- Choose a low-height canopy: You can also choose a low-height canopy so that it can be used in places with height restrictions.
- Consider a used canopy: A used canopy is also an option as it is cheaper than a new one.
Market price of Hilux Canopy
The price of a Hilux canopy varies greatly depending on the material, features, and manufacturer.
The canopy itself is sold as a genuine option for the Hilux as a TRD part, costing 388,000 yen (tax included). If you have it installed by a dealer, for example, installation takes 1.5 hours, so labor costs are 14,580 yen, for a total of 402,580 yen (tax included).
Reference: TRD
However, the current model does not have this option as an original part, so you will have to purchase it from a third party.
- FRP: Relatively inexpensive and lightweight, but may be less durable. The average price is around 100,000 to 200,000 yen.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, but expensive. The average price is around 200,000 to 400,000 yen.
- Steel: Strong and sturdy, but heavy. Average price is around 300,000 to 500,000 yen.
Is the Hilux Canopy uncool?
Whether or not a canopy is “uncool” is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, canopies are highly practical and are useful for outdoor leisure activities and work. By choosing a canopy that combines functionality and design, you can further enhance the appeal of your Hilux.
summary
The Hilux Canopy offers many benefits, including cargo protection, improved security, and the ability to sleep in the car. However, it also has disadvantages, such as increased price, weight, and height restrictions. Carefully consider your lifestyle and preferences when deciding whether or not to install a canopy.
I hope this article will be helpful to anyone considering purchasing a Hilux Canopy.
