Ute canopies are structures mounted on a ute with roofing, doors, and windows that allow access to the ute. A ute canopy helps you use the ute's storage space without worrying about items falling from your ute or being stolen. When deciding upon what type of canopy is best for your needs, it is always advisable to check the size of the canopy to ensure that what you want inside can comfortably fit in. While canopies may not allow you to have king-sized items in your ute, they provide a convenience that a simple ute tray or tub cannot match.

Different Types Of Ute Canopies 

While a ute canopy's primary purpose is storage, they come in different types to fit the various preferences of different customers. These include:

 1). Steel And Aluminum Canopies

These canopies are ideal for individuals who carry heavy items, especially for work purposes. When installing an aluminium or steel canopy, you can choose to have the tray removed and have a kitted canopy installed. It is easy to have a custom-built steel or aluminium canopy manufactured to suit your needs. 

2). Canvas Canopies 

A canvas canopy is a steel frame with a canvas on it. Since the canopies cannot have real windows, they have zips mainly on the rear and sides to allow access. The canvas covers the tray all around. Having canvas canopies is cheaper but does not offer quality security since a canvas can be easily damaged or cut. They offer you a high level of flexibility but can quickly get worn out. 

3). Fibreglass Canopies 

Fibreglass canopies are the most popular canopies compared to steel and aluminium ute canopies. They can be easily attached to fit flat and tub-style trays. They have a door at the rear and windows on each side. The doors and windows can either be sliding doors or fitted. Unfortunately, they do not support a lot of weight, creating a need for the roof racks to have extra support. These canopies have also been found to fade quickly, which causes them to become brittle and creates a need for frequent replacement. 

How To Choose The Best Ute Canopy For Your Needs

Your needs should dictate the ute canopy that is best for you. In most instances, you may not have the exact specs on a ute canopy that is the most suitable for your working needs. With this in mind, following are some ideas to help you choose the most suitable ute canopy.

 1). The Type Of Electrical Accessories You Might Need

Car bodies with canopies often need reliable electrical accessories for greater convenience. The electrical accessories you need will dictate the ute canopy for your work. It is essential to get the help of electrical professionals to help you choose and install high-standard systems on your canopy. You can install electrical accessories such as inverters, emergency lighting, reversing cameras, dual battery savers, go kits, and light locks. 

2). Internal Accessories

Internal accessories help you create the perfect storage solution for your items. There are different accessories available depending on the kind of work you do. Ultimately, they are meant to help you improve your productivity. They include drawer units, roof shelves, rubber matting, shelf kits, vice kits, fire extinguishers, camping gear, and storage bins. Be clear about your needs to help you pick the right accessories. 

3). Suspension Upgrades

Ute canopies are more reliable when they have suspension upgrades on the rear, especially where you need the canopy to support extra weight A suspension upgrade can be installed as part of the process. Deciding whether you need a suspension upgrade will help you get the most benefit and practicality from your canopy.

4). External Accessories

External accessories are good at maximising your workspace. They also enhance safety and efficiency. You need time to access your job's demands and priorities before deciding what type of canopy you need. Some of these external accessories include; under-tray boxes, roof tracks, ladder slides, under-tray roller drawers, and gas bottle restraints. 

5). Preferred Canopy Designs

Canopies come in a wide range of different configurations. A canopy can be either a full, part, or tool module. Full canopies are fully enclosed to take care of bad weather and dust. They have three doors that make them easily accessible. They are good at providing safety and all-year-round access to equipment. Part canopies offer you the service body and rear tray canopy. It is also enclosed to keep away the elements such as dust and rain. However, the tray section makes it possible to transport bulky items. Part canopies also keep your equipment safe from theft and damage. Tool modules are suitable for storing items for extended periods. They are secure and also have a tray section. In most cases, they are installed with air compressors and generators. 

4 Things To Look For When Buying A Ute Canopy 

Here are 4 things you must look out for before installing a ute canopy.

1). Design

It is okay to settle down for a custom-built ute canopy if it suits your purpose. However, non-standard designs may have a few limitations, with the common occurrences being that the space is too big or too small for certain tools and equipment. Fortunately, it remains an excellent option for enhancing the safety of your equipment. It is advisable to consider having a reliable tie-down point. 

2). Material

A standard ute canopy has different needs in terms of material compared to a dual cab canopy. It is best to choose between steel and aluminium canopies and if possible, go for a lightweight canopy if the equipment you need to carry is heavy.

 3). Additional Accessories

If you must have additional accessories, it is advisable to ensure they make your work easier. Items such as ladder slides increase operability and the convenience of having a ute canopy. A central locking system also goes a long way in enhancing the safety of the ute canopy.  

4). Choose Durability Over Appearance

While the appearance of the ute canopy is essential, you should never trade durability for appearance. If possible, go for an option that offers both of them. 

High-Quality Ute Service Bodies

We are here to help you get a canopy to suit your work for increased usability and convenience. Canopies and trays determine the final outlook and the use of your ute canopy. Seek the help of experts to ensure you get a canopy fit and avoid the frustration of having the wrong ute canopy for your work. 

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.