I received this email this morning and thought I'd post it up here and maybe get some ideas from other readers.
I have a 92' Dodge Ramcharger W150 that's all stock besides 33 x 12.50 mud terrains. I want to use this rig to go camping in and do some mild welling with. My problem is that the only bed top's I can find for this truck are those all metal camper shell's that are all beat up. I have a friend who has a old ladder rack for the same style truck that I can get very cheap. My plan is to take that and use it as a frame for a troop carrier style soft top. I just can't find a place that sells the fabric that I need or just can make me a top from my measurements. I was told to just get a large fabric tarp and use that but the only one's I can find are not made to withstand road use. I'm stuck with what to do because I don't want to have to get one of those bed mounted campers and don't want to all the hassles of towing a camper.
Michael C.
Michael I would first call some heavy trucking yards. Many over the road trucks are required to have tarps covering their loads. Then check some military surplus yards. Places like Boyce Equipment or Memphis equipment. They might have some sort of surplus tarp you can order.
Next I would try Beachwood Canvas. They have been making canvas military tops for ages and could likely come up with something for you with proper measurements if they don't already offer something.
Finally I'd look around at a quality farm supply store. I bought two great heavy duty canvas tarps at a farm supply store in Utah and was able to use them both at covers for gear and a bikini top for a Jeep.