Are you planning to get a canopy for your ute? Have you considered getting a removable canopy? A ute canopy is one of the most popular ways to instantly enhance the functionality of your ute. In today’s blog post, we will explore different types of ute canopies such as a lift-on canopy, whether you can remove ute canopies, and how you should go about choosing the right one.

What is A Ute Canopy?

In simple terms, a ute canopy may be defined as a structure covering the ute tray. There are different types of ute canopies. Some are attached permanently to the tray whereas others just sit on the floor. There are also ute canopies that are installed after removing the chassis.Ute canopies are available in a wide range of designs. There are some standard designs but manufacturers also offer customisation as per the needs of a customer. The role of a ute canopy is to provide organised storage space to keep your items safe from the elements and away from prying eyes.

Types Of Ute Canopies

Ute canopies can be categorised into fixed or lift-on canopies. As the name implies, fixed canopies are permanently attached to the tray or chassis. On the other hand, lift-on canopies are designed to be removed at any time. In simple terms, there are ute canopies that can be easily removed.

Benefits Of Removable/Lift-On Canopies

There are a few benefits that come with choosing a fixed ute canopy. Fixed ute canopies are attached to the tray or chassis of the vehicle which means you cannot remove them. If you are going to use the vehicle for work or another single purpose, it is better to have a fixed canopy. Meanwhile, lift-on canopies are designed to be lifted off. Buyers typically choose a jack-off canopy when they want to use their ute for multiple purposes as per their needs. The benefit of a lift-on canopy is that it gives you the flexibility to use your ute in multiple ways.

During the daytime, you could use the ute canopy to carry your tools. Once you come back, you can quickly remove it and load an ATV, bike, or anything else on the tray and get going. This means that another advantage of a lift-on canopy is that you can use it as standalone storage.A lift-on canopy also allows you to increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicle as you can remove it and drive your ute without that extra weight if you do not need your ute canopy.It will take you some time to get used to removing a canopy but it will not take you more than a few minutes after a few tries. You can again put it back on and carry the tools or other stuff. Once the ute canopy is removed, it rests on a jack or legs. Usually, you will need to buy them separately. 

Different Materials Used For Canopies

Ute canopies are made from various materials including fibreglass, canvas, steel and aluminium. Let’s talk more about them below.

• Fibreglass

  Fibreglass is one of the most popular materials for ute canopies as it is lightweight and sturdy. It is not capable of supporting a lot of weight on its own which means you will need to get some extra support for carrying cargo on the roof.

• Canvas

  Canvas canopies are the cheapest option as these are made of canvas on a steel frame. It is not as secure as the other options but if you just need a canopy at a low price, it is an excellent option.

• Aluminium

  Aluminium is an excellent option for people who want something sturdy yet lightweight. It is strong and durable but does not add too much weight. It also does not corrode.

• Steel

  Steel is an excellent choice for a canopy and tends to be cheaper than aluminium. However, it adds a lot of weight which adversely affects fuel efficiency. Steel is also prone to corrosion.

Final Thoughts

In summary, ute canopies are available in fixed design as well as lift-on design. Lift-on ute canopies make more sense if you want to use your ute for multiple purposes. They can be manufactured in various designs based on your requirements. In terms of materials, aluminium is one of the most popular choices as it is a sturdy, reliable, and durable material.

MFI Automotive Group is a premium ute canopy design and manufacturing company. We have extensive experience in designing and manufacturing a wide range of ute canopies. 

For more information regarding high-quality service bodies, please call us today at MFI Automotive Group on 1300 634 669 or get in touch with our friendly sales team here.