Opinion on translucent tops vs. solid tops

[dhalltoyo]

What is your experience with cargo boxes that have translucent roofs? I have a friend that had problems with the translucent top coming loose in the front and a strong gust peeled it back when the wind got up under those loose rivets.

I am thinking that a solid roof would provide for a stronger and more ridgid cargo box.

I will thank you in advance for all of your help!

 

[LDB]

I believe a well made and properly installed roof won't have a problem whether fiberglass or stainless. One advantage (depending on viewpoint) to the translucent roof is you can put the QC dome inside the cargo box and not have any problems of damage from trees etc. It's also nice at times to have the light in the box that you don't get with a solid roof. The solid roof is a little less expensive and could be patched easier. Flip a coin, or if you want scientific flip for best of 7. :+

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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[rode2rouen]

My rig has a metal roof on the cargo box. I wish it had a translucent roof as it's like being in the BatCave sometimes.

Not to bust his chops or anything, but it sounds like yer friend should be a bit more thourough when checking out his rig. I think any roof covering would be more likely to be damaged by heavy duty windage if there are loose fasteners involved.


Rex

 

[dhalltoyo]

I asked him more about the loose fasteners. He did a pre trip that morning (Although 90% of the drivers I see in the morning don't). Our friendly fork lift operator at FMC bumped the roof with the fallback guard. He left Louisville in a very heavy storm with gusty winds. Yep, you guessed it; it was dark by the time he got on the road and he couldn't readily see the missing rivets.

He was late getting out of FMC. Imagine that? Those card games always come before loading trucks.

 

[Mudflap]

I had the translucent roof on a Babb box on my old FL- only problem was it did develop a few minor stress cracks toward the front that caused a little weepage of water, nothing too bad after 700k miles. Have metal roof on Morgan box now, 550k miles on truck with no problems at all- I installed 2 lights inside so it's not a cave Both roof types are OK in my opinion. Denny

 

[ATeam]

We've driven trucks with both types of roofs. Both have their advantages. Translucent roofs are great for light, except at night. A tree limb can poke a hole in a translucent roof that a solid roof might survive.

Either way, put lots of lighting inside your box. The truck we're in now has four bright fluorescent lights in it. It's a joy to work in. Some of those docks can get pretty dark. Good lighting is also great for those night-time lift-gate loads.

 

[grog111]

i guess covering the lights with chicken wire or something to that effect would be a plus seeing how some fork truck guys are'nt bright bulbs themselves :+