Utes and canopies are the bread makers for thousands of tradies in Australia. Just like buying the right tools takes careful consideration, so does putting together a ute setup that’s versatile, practical and organised, so you can make as many stops per day as possible. Even if you’re an adventurer with a 4×4, a canopy can offer safe housing for all of your sports equipment and camping gear. There are many types of canopies, and which one you go for will depend on your personal needs, intended application and of course, your budget. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the best setup.
Choosing the Best Setup for Your Needs
There’s literally nothing more practical than a ute with a good setup on the back, whether it’s a tray, canopy or rooftop tent. But what is a great setup? The answer will depend mostly on your personal needs, as well as these three key factors:
- Intended Use – Is your ute a workhorse? Or do you just use it for weekend trips? How do you intend on using your ute now, and in the foreseeable future?
- Vehicle and Set Up – Where will you be travelling? Will you stick to the pavement, or venture off the beaten trail? Will you be using it for storage? How do you plan on “living” when on the road?
- Quality – Of course, you want your canopy to be made using high-grade materials to ensure reliability and longevity, especially considering we live in Australia’s harsh conditions.
Features of a Good Ute Setup
Ute canopies come in many shape and sizes, from chassis-mounted permanent editions to removable jack off canopy options. If you’re a weekend warrior, a jack off canopy will be better suited than a chassis-mounted one. If you’re a tradie who uses their ute to work on the daily, then the opposite would be true. Regardless, here are what features a good canopy should possess.
Functionality
You’ve probably thought about this quite a lot. However, new, innovative designs for camping and tool-carrying canopies mean that a stock ute can become a lifestyle solution with all the necessary functions. Campers can get a pullout kitchen with a cooktop, a place to mount a rooftop tent, a slide-out fridge, etc. Tradies, on the other hand, get an extended drawer system where they can safely and tidily organise their tools and equipment, improving their productivity considerably.
That being said, make a list of what you want and need, and figure out what will work for you.
Design
Not all utes are made equal. In fact, their design plays a huge part in the overall setup. Based on your needs and intended use, your setup can be customised to your particular working, camping or travelling requirements. The right setup will ensure you get the most space out of your ute, reduce weight, and provide sufficient storage and functionality.
Materials
The materials used in the product or setup are the deciding factor in its quality. For instance, aluminium is a great material, but there are varying grades. Ask about the grades and whether the product is made in Australia. Ideally, you want to buy Australian, and not from a cheap overseas store. Moreover, ask about the type of powder coating used. For instance, 5052-grade aluminium is of high quality, whereas 3xxx-grade aluminium is not as good.
Ask questions! The more you know – the better. Ask about the welding, and whether the roof is double-seamed to prevent wels from tearing when exposed to corrugated roads. Ask whether the powder coat is scratch-resistant. The answer to these questions will guarantee you’re spending your money on a quality product.
Weight
Canopy weights can vary greatly. Aluminium is the preferred material simply because it’s lightweight when compared to steel. When comparing canopies, it’s important to understand what the weight includes. For instance, a bare canopy is lighter than custom canopies that are fitted out. On average, dual-cab canopies can weigh anywhere between 100 and 200kg. Keep in mind that extra weight means extra wear on your 4×4, as well as higher fuel consumption.
Storage
Clever storage designs allow you to make the most out of your ute canopy. You can combine a tray and canopy for optimum storage space, but that will come at a higher price.
Security
Almost any canopy will keep your belongings safe from theft, the elements and damage caused when travelling. Even trays can come with lockable storage, but it’s important for the locks to be of high quality.
Extras
If you’re investing in a ute setup, you’re probably thinking long-term. There are quite a few accessories you can integrate into your setup, which could add further security or functionality to it. Such accessories include: spare wheel holders, fridge and fridge slides, top rail kits, solar panels, lift-off legs, rooftop tents, jerry can holders, ladders, awnings, 12V solutions, etc. All of these accessories can provide extra functionality and value to your ute setup.
