Forum Discussion

ScottG's avatar
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 22, 2014

Canopy/Topper insulation

I've had several truck canopies over the years and they all had carpet or some kind of insulation on the underside of the roof.
Now I'm looking at some commercial models and they sometimes charge a lot for insulation. So I'm considering just leaving it bare fiberglass.

I don't plan on ever sleeping back but I'm curious as to whether the canopy is going to sweat on the underside without insulation if it's damp back there? (they always leak so I figure it will be damp..)
Anybody have experience in a damp area with this?

Thanks in advance.
  • 1oldtruck wrote:
    Has anyone noticed a difference in the temperature between carpeted models vs. non-carpeted models? I use mine to carry animals in the back of the truck. Is there any noticeable difference?


    since there is no heat or AC source back there any tiny bit of insulation effect would be minimal.
    haven't gone back thru the thread but if you are thinking of buying an aluminum cap do NOT get those curved out plastic windows on it. maybe they stopped putting them on them since last I bought a topper.
    bumpy
  • Has anyone noticed a difference in the temperature between carpeted models vs. non-carpeted models? I use mine to carry animals in the back of the truck. Is there any noticeable difference?
  • I also prefer the roof lined (sides don't matter). I never had problems with mold or cleanup on my contractor canopy with liner.





    I'm not sure if metal canopies will sweat more than fiberglass. When I had glass topper, I camped in the back of it and moisture was an issue without a liner even with a roof vent.
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    when I bought my topper I paid extra for the lining. don't think that stuff made any difference other than looks and a lot nicer if you climbed in and scraped your back, etc.
    bumpy


    Ouch, I can only imagine that must feel like 40 grit sandpaper.
  • when I bought my topper I paid extra for the lining. don't think that stuff made any difference other than looks and a lot nicer if you climbed in and scraped your back, etc.
    bumpy
  • This is very helpful, and I hadn't even considered the times I've had to scrub it.
    Thanks for the input all.

    Scott
  • Every truck shell I've had.....even the top on old Broncos....was non-insulated.

    No moisture/condensation from shell/top 'sweating'
  • So I'm considering just leaving it bare fiberglass.
    Bingo!!! and easier to clean.
  • My last one was not insulated, and never had any moisture on the inside. Might vary by region though.