HMMWV 4-man Soft Slant Back Feedback and Discussion

[Bulldogger]

Some people have asked what a frame that more closely resembles the military slant back with the humped rear would look like. In response, I'm working on a new frame that will be a totally new design for the frame and cover. I welcome feedback on this idea. It is a bit taller on the rear end than the military and Plan B hard covers. This is because of the limitations of my tubing bender. If I can find a way to economically bend tighter and give a shorter "tail", I'll try it. Ideas welcomed. The frame is much wider in the center, to allow full bed access. This makes me think cross bars are needed for support. These cross bars will be in the way of getting into the bed, so I am looking for solutions. One I will try soon is to permanently connect one half of the tee clamp and use a wing nut to make the other half removable.

BDGR

 

[Bulldogger]

I'd appreciate feedback on this new look. This is a rough cover for the "humpy" frame. One is in 1000D Cordura nylon (that soft slant back kits used to be made from) and one is a prototype in mil spec PVC vinyl. I'm still figuring out how to sew this to completion. I thought it would be interesting to run the zippers all the way to the C pillar. This makes the entire tailgate and bed accessible. Time will tell if this design is practical. I'm worried about flapping and vibration. Given that the Mk1 and Mk2 frame and covers seem to NEVER flap, I hope I am worrying about nothing. Notably, this design uses only three pieces of material. My current pattern uses 7. Less cutting and less sewing means faster results.

BDGR

 

[Bulldogger]

I'd appreciate feedback on this new look. This is a rough cover for the "humpy" frame. One is in 1000D Cordura nylon (that soft slant back kits used to be made from) and one is a prototype in mil spec PVC vinyl. I'm still figuring out how to sew this to completion. I thought it would be interesting to run the zippers all the way to the C pillar. This makes the entire tailgate and bed accessible. Time will tell if this design is practical. I'm worried about flapping and vibration. Given that the Mk1 and Mk2 frame and covers seem to NEVER flap, I hope I am worrying about nothing. Notably, this design uses only three pieces of material. My current pattern uses 7. Less cutting and less sewing means faster results.

BDGR

Until I have this mounted and outside I won't have a good feeling for whether windows are still practical. Certainly one in the center panel will have a bar running through it. I do like being able to see into the bed from the back though. In my own ride I mounted a rear view mirror too. I'll lose that function if I make the center panel solid PVC. With the HMMWV tailgate as tall as it is, the practicality of seeing behind me is limited anyway. Can't see a compact car at all. (Sorry pal, it's your fault I backed over you, because you should've bought a bigger truck. 'Merica! )

Another thought about windows and bed access is to sew zipper panels into the sides. I think I'll do this with the Cordura prototype, as I consider this material expendable anyway. I'm trying to make the PVC desert tan cover sellable because I have someone asking for it for a while.

A zipper side panel will have to be water tight and will need some kind of flaps to keep out wind, I assume. Breton would have made this a heat sealed hidden sipper, like the soft doors, but that process is not feasible for a small home shop like mine, so an still cogitating on what that should look like.

Has anyone some pictures or experience with zipper access in the side of a tarp or bed cover?

BDGR

 

[TXTripod]

I am loving this new design as an alternative to the stock 4-man soft cargo look. Your new humpy shape in the rear adds a little more fender storage functionality and fits the slant back Humvee look that’s more familiar to most.

FWIW, I wouldn’t miss a window in the rear with my bumper-mounted spare tire. (I also added a center review mirror for DOT inspection, but it’s already pretty useless!) Keep us posted on progress, and great work so far!