Utes are outselling every other vehicle category. They’re practical solutions meeting the needs of various customers, from tradesmen and off-roaders to families needing extra hauling and towing capabilities. Most are fitted with factory tubs, but trays offer more usable space, especially if you regularly transport large building gear, machinery, sporting goods, motorcycles, furniture or items with some heft. With that said, trays are also sound foundations when fitting a custom-built canopy. This serves many purposes, shielding stored items, and extending your ute’s usability.
Why Have an Aftermarket Canopy?
Tub-to-tray conversions are on the rise, but many ute owners with factory-fitted trays also opt for an aftermarket tray canopy. For tradies or adventurers, canopies offer the space and customisation options needed for work, or lengthy bouts in the bush. Consider a tray back canopy for sale if you also need:
- More storage space – space is a primary concern for many ute owners, and more is never a bad idea. A full-sized canopy spanning the whole length and width of the tray lets you carry more gear. Canopies can also be chosen in varying heights, so you can store larger items, such as machinery, recreational gear or tools. If the enclosed space is not enough, then the tough build with reinforced roofs also lets you carry bigger and longer items on top, with the canopy optioned with a matching rack.
- Protecting gear from the elements – work essentials or outdoor camping gear can cost thousands, and you’ll want a secure place to store all goods away from rain, dust and debris. Features like vents ensure proper ventilation to reduce heat, while rubber seals prevent damage from dust and water ingress. Keep power tools, metering instruments, solar essentials, machines or metal detectors clear from electrical, chemical or mechanical damage.
- Fend off thieves – theft from open tubs or trays isn’t uncommon. A metal canopy is drill and tamper-proof, so everything inside stays where it should. Doors and locks can also be fitted with alarms for additional peace of mind.
- Improved organisation – with dozens of internal parts (drawers, compartments, shelving, parts bins and pantries) tradies, campers and off-roaders can store essentials where and how they like. This also improves access and increases productivity. No more rummaging over different gear or tools to find what you need.
- Storage solutions that are a purposeful and stylish extension of the ute – style matters, and canopies deliver on all fronts. Choose from dozens of designs, different materials and coatings, and colours that best go with your utility truck.
Design Specifics, Sizes and Features
Trays can be fitted to all ute cab styles but will differ in overall length. Depending on how much of the available tray space you want to use, you’ll find part-tray and full canopies. Part-tray types leave some necessary space on the tray back for items that you can’t do without. As such they’re shorter, but still occupy the tray width, and usually max out to the cab roofline (or roughly 850mm).
Full canopies use all the tray space. For single cabs, this means options of roughly 2400 by 1800/1900mm (depending on the ute). Extra cabs take off 300mm of that space, and dual cabs square off the size to 1800 by 1800mm. While tray canopy roofs are usually level with those of the cab (to prevent drag and reduce fuel use), you can additionally find 1000mm tall canopies for extra tall gear.
Gullwing types, with two doors tapering on each side, are the most popular design and offer easy access to all gear. Square canopies with single rear doors are another full-sized option ideal for larger gear. Both are equipped with essentials like gas struts for easy opening and closing and recessed anti-theft locks for heightened protection.
Besides fixed types permanently bolted onto the tray, lift-off canopies provide more versatility. They have comparable load and weight capacities but are fitted with recesses to accommodate canopy legs to lift the canopy off the tray. This allows you to carry larger items and those that won’t fit in any canopy, such as smaller work and gardening machinery, motorcycles or ATVs, and palletised building materials, granting access to the whole tray. Lifting off the canopy or fitting it back takes and few minutes.
Steel or Aluminium?
Both materials offer solid strength, but an aluminium ute canopy provides several advantages. It’s up to 30 per cent lighter, has comparable strength for the same thickness, is easier to machine and shape, and comes in several finishes. The lower weight means less rear axle stress and higher overall loading capacity, meaning you can cram more items inside.
Most builders also use corrosion and heat-resistant marine-grade aluminium alloys, so there’s no staining, rust or discolouring as you’d commonly find with weathered steel. Moreover, surface finishes like non-slip checker plating or unique shapes are easier to design, reducing overall cost. Both materials though can be colour-coated to increase weather. UV and heat resistance and add some style.
Buying Considerations
Decide the purpose of the canopy and the design and size that best suits your needs. Builders are more than happy to build canopies to custom specs, and with the features, designs and accessories that are most suitable for your use. Before committing to universal or pre-made types, measure your ute tray to ensure a safe fit, think about how your gear will be organised, and consider door options and accessibility to the contents inside. Buyers can also opt for a range of exterior additions, including canopy racks, ladders, dog boxes, and spare tyre or jerry can holders.
Do your research, read reviews, and choose your next ute canopy from reputed builders.
