18
Dec
Utes are outselling every vehicle category bar SUVs, with the usual names, the Ranger, Hilux, and D-Max, taking three out of the top five cars. Much of that popularity boils down to how versatile these vehicles are. They’re spacious, tough, capable on the tarmac and off-road, and tow caravans and trailers all while sipping just a few pints of diesel over 100km. Throw in nicer interiors, modern tech, and thousands of aftermarket accessories, and you have a car that’s equally capable in the grocery run as it is hauling your tools to the worksite.
And with versatility comes a long list of extras. Canopies are often the first major addition for any ute owner. They come in all shapes and sizes, but a full aluminium canopy maximises space, is tough enough to keep all your gear protected, and looks the part. If you’re a trade or serious off-roader, a kitted and custom-built ute canopy tailored to your needs, doubles as a mobile workshop and carries all your gear, including the kitchen sink.
If you’re wondering why you’re hard-pressed to spot a ute without a canopy, just think about what this vehicle accessory brings. When bolted onto a factory or aftermarket tray, a canopy ups your ute’s already good looks and adds tons of functionality. Here are just a few reasons why canopies are the go-to addition:
Metal canopies come in two basic designs. Those that permanently attach to the tray or chassis, and lift-off canopies that use jack legs at each corner to lift the canopy off the tray. Besides the differences in installation, the two types offer distinct advantages.
Fixed canopies offer higher stability and safety with heavier items and regular use, whereas lif-off canopies go for versatility, allowing ute owners to use the full length of the tray for carrying heavier and bulkier machinery and equipment that just won’t fit. Think pallet jacks, mowers or dirt bikes. The canopy, with all contents, can also be stored in an enclosed location, for instance, a garage or workshop, until it needs to be moved.
Regardless of which type better suits your needs and budget, both come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit single, extra and dual cab utes. Part-tray types for instance can be the best of both worlds if you only carry smaller gear like power tools, but still leave tray space for other necessities. And they’re the cheapest to buy.
Full gullwing types, with doors on both sides, allow faster access while reducing drag at higher speeds. Options abound, so choose a canopy in the design, size and type that goes with the intended purpose.
Accessorising your ute will be based on your needs, as well as where the vehicle sees the most action. For regular off-roading use, recovery gear is a necessity that won’t lead you stranded, but a fully equipped canopy will also bring in niceties like swing-out ovens and fridges to keep drinks cool. With that said, consider materials, build, and the canopy additions you can’t go without.
Aluminium is by far the most popular material. It sheds considerable weight over a full steel canopy, so is easier on the tyres and suspension, and won’t encroach on legal weight restrictions. It’s also rust-proof, easier to shape and repair and takes coatings in varied colours for improved style. Steel still is king if strength is your main priority, but will need to be in higher grades and treated to prevent rusting or staining.
Lastly, consider canopy additions. As mentioned, you can tailor designs and sizes, but also up functionality with a few internal and external accessories. Sliding trays are good for storing tools for quick access or camping goods, ladders ease access to the roof, and canopy racks are good for building materials, ladders and sporting goods. Smaller details like jerry can holders let you bring extra water or full for longer journeys, while internal parts bins let you find fasteners and tools in a jiffy. To get what you want, the last consideration is to find a respected ute builder.
