SnugTop Outback - Anyone Have One?

I can't comment on the Outback model, but I did just purchase a SnugTop canopy recently. I've had Leer and ARE in the past, I chose the SnugTop this time around due to the way it seals over my bedrails and tailgate step better than the other brands, with a double row of bulb seal. I also like the power lock option that works off your trucks keyfob, and the frameless back glass with rain trough that keeps my tools dry.

Overall fit and finish was good, color match was good, only issue I had was the additional LED lights I ordered stopped working after two days due to a bad connection. Took 5 minutes to repair.

I also liked the reinforced roof option that allowed for a Kargomaster III rack rated for 500lbs. Overall a good canapy that was cheaper and better optioned than the Leer.

Here's a few pics.

I am also looking at the Snug Top Outback.
Any further news / info ?

4X4Dodger wrote:
Does anyone currently have a SnugTop Outback?

If so, I would love to hear your objective take on this canopy. The Fit the Finish, Can you open the back door when attached to your trailer? etc, etc.

I am looking to buy one but they are all special order and no dealer has one as a floor model...to say nothing of the fact there isnt a dealer within a thousand miles of me...

Thanks

(And to all of those that will post that I should look online...been done. I've seen every post and photo it seems on the web.)

Wondering you got a new shell? I too am looking at the Outback and had the same questions. For the money,it better be one nice topper.

ScottG wrote:
Overall rather disappointing quality wise.

Also don't have the Outback version but wanted to comment that my SnugTop canopy quality has been disappointing as well.

Purchased mine new '11 and had it painted to match. Color match was OK. I had a rack system "installed". Too bad they did such a crappy job at installing it as I took the canopy back twice (1 1/2 hour drive each way) where they never could find the source of the leak. Turned out the source of the leak was because the idiots never properly sealed the tracks for the rack...which ultimately I fixed.

I have not had issue with the lock, works fine. The back side windows? They are rattling now. The front hinged window? Very hard to swing down for cleaning. Like it was forced in during installation even though this is supposed to be a feature to help with cleaning. Seems SnugTop quality control falls in line with the general RV industry.

Overall experience with SnugTop is very disappointed. I would not buy another SnugTop product and would recommend looking at a different company.

This canopy was aluminum framed with a 500 lb roof rating, had smooth wall .040 aluminum (no longer offered that thick) and was light enough for me carry it off the rear of the truck on my back. I had security mesh over the inside of the windows to discourage someone from breaking out a window to steal something, but you could still see through the mesh. All the doors used 3-point locks with friction fitting handles. If you tried to force the handle, it would spin instead of overpowering the lock.

The passenger side had two portal windows eliminating most of the blind spot.


The driver side typically does not need windows, so I had a solid panel.


Both rear doors swing open or the the rear wall could be swung up and slid out either side of the captive hinge rail.


I installed the canopy within a month of buying my 2005 truck. I sold it for close to what I paid after seven years and put a truck camper on the same truck until I just recently sold the truck. The tailgate was brand new and only had one month of use when new and one month of use when it was sold. I was surprised how well the paint held up on my Ford - The tailgate still matched the rest of the truck even though it been wrapped up and stored in the garage for ten years.

Bedlam wrote:
Mine had fixed windows in the rear and side doors and a forward sliding window. A RV vent can be added to the roof - I'll dig up pictures of mine if you are interested. What I like about the contractor canopies is the access you have to the entire bed with the side doors. You do not need to climb in just to reach something up front.

Please do I'd love to see the pics if it's not too much trouble.

Mine had fixed windows in the rear and side doors and a forward sliding window. A RV vent can be added to the roof - I'll dig up pictures of mine if you are interested. What I like about the contractor canopies is the access you have to the entire bed with the side doors. You do not need to climb in just to reach something up front.

Bedlam wrote:
I had a contractor canopy with barn doors on the rear. They were 50/50 doors and cleared just fine. The over sized 60/40 door on the outback looks like it will not open fully if you are towing something with a fixed tongue jack.

http://www.centurycaps.com/?d=23&dt=58

Thanks for the link but I need windows and ventilation for my dogs and just to see out of. I did measure the distances on the rear doors and it does appear that the big door will swing clear of the trlr jack.

I had a contractor canopy with barn doors on the rear. They were 50/50 doors and cleared just fine. The over sized 60/40 door on the outback looks like it will not open fully if you are towing something with a fixed tongue jack.

http://www.centurycaps.com/?d=23&dt=58

I bought a SnugPro last year. It has molded side doors and although I did not get the back doors you show, they were an option. I don't think the doors would have cleared my power jack or even maybe my PP tanks.
As far as the quality, it is sadly mediocre. The color was wayyyy off and there is an area that has cracks. It also had a rear hatch/door that was so poorly installed that it wouldn't latch shut.
I sent it back and now the paint matches and the rear hatch latches but they ignored to cracks I had circled with a red felt pen and just painted over them.
Now that I have it back the locks are getting very stiff when you use a key on them and the rear lock simply doesn't work 75% of the time.
Overall rather disappointing quality wise.
Both the ARE and Lear canopies I had on other trucks were better.