How to Choose a Canopy for Your Ute

Utes offer unrivalled versatility, utility and a safe and secure way to traverse diverse terrains while carrying all your gear. When accessorised with the right canopy positioned on a decently capable and sturdy tray, utes are also irreplaceable in exploring the vast Australian expanses or packing necessary tools for remote worksites. These ute accessories come in different shapes and sizes to suit different cab designs and can be optioned in the materials and extras that best suit individual needs. 

Why Ute Canopies are a Must?

There are obvious reasons why it’s hard to spot a ute without a canopy. When fitted onto a factory or aftermarket tray, canopies offer much more space, tons of convenience, and protect thousands of dollars worth of gear from theft and bad weather. But that’s just scraping the tip. 

• Increased space – a fully-featured tray canopy increases the amount of usable space. This also increases your ute’s loading capacity and creates enough room for all your gear, saving you money and time. You can get everything to your designated site in a single go. Moreover, reinforced roofs double as loading bays for larger items that don’t fit inside. 
• Protection – the thick metal walls are drill-proof, and the addition of locks means any stored items or gear are well protected from theft or intentional damage. There’s additional peace of mind with seals running the length of doors and joints, meaning dust, water or other contaminants don’t do any damage. 
• Versatility – internal storage options can be had in different configurations to suit just about anything. Drawers, trays, shelving and compartments can be customised to individual requirements to fit items of almost any size and weight. The same goes for the outside, with additions like spare tyres or jerry can holders upping usability. 
• Style – the wide selection of metals, coatings, designs, and additions all add a professional look, be this for the worksite or when going off-road. A well-designed tray canopy improves functionality and raises the stakes with purposeful styling. 
• Safety and stability – with all items organised and neatly stored, canopies for utes also provide more safety and vehicle stability, particularly on rougher roads. 

Designs and Types

While fibreglass and canvas canopies are usually temporary solutions used mostly with factory tubs, going with a full metal canopy on a factory tray or tray conversion says you mean business. This is what most tradies and off-roading enthusiasts choose. In this respect, there are two basic canopy designs – those that are bolted onto the tray and meant as a permanent fixture, and lift-off canopies that can be removed from the tray when needed. They serve different purposes and differ somewhat in design and pricing. 

The cheaper solution is a canopy that straddles the length and width of the tray. Lengths normally depend on the cab design, with single cab types stretching to 2500mm, while dual-cabs have a healthy 1800mm to work with. This roughly equates to widths in most tray canopies. Heights are limited to that of cab roofs, or between 850 and 900m for most vehicles. 

Gullwing canopies, with doors opening at either side allow for easy access and are a popular choice. These use the full width of the tray but also offer space at the back for other necessities. If you need more of your gear protected, a full canopy, with a single rear door may be the better option. Other on-tray variants include canopies with dog cages when travelling or working with your best mate. These are just a few designs, but you can also customise shapes and sizes to personal preferences. 

Lift-off types have thicker floors to carry the weight of the canopy and the contents inside, and four pairs of inserts at each corner to fit canopy legs. It’s these that hold the canopy stable when off the tray. The design is aimed at anyone who also needs the tray for other purposes, for instance, transporting construction machinery or recreational vehicles. 

Factors to Consider When Buying

Once you’ve decided on sizes and designs, consider the materials, protective coatings, and any needed extras. Most canopy builders go with aluminium, as the metal is lightweight, decently strong when optioned in higher grades and thicknesses, and does well against rust and debris. Moreover, it is easy to work with, and any dents are easily repaired. Builders offer a range of powder coatings for increased weathering and looks to suit the rest of the ute.

Steel is the traditionalist’s choice, is tougher than aluminium, but also heavier. A full steel tray canopy adds another 100 kilos to the back axle, risking rear-axle squat with heavier loads, and compromised braking and handling. If you absolutely need steel, also have in mind anti-corrosive coatings to prevent staining and rust, and have the rear suspension fitted with a lift kit to cope with the extra weight. 

Lastly, choose from the range of canopy accessories that you can’t do without. Popular additions include sliding trays to fit fridges for camping, canopy ladders to access the roof, internal pantries and mesh baskets for odd bits and pieces, roof racks for longer items, and jerry cans to carry extra fuel or water.