2 Ute Accessories for Increased Storage Space

Utes are an inseparable part of the Aussie lifestyle. They’re equally adept on and off-road, have enough storage space for work or shorter bouts to the bush, and can be accessorised any way you want. But if tubs and trays aren’t big enough for your purposes, time consider viable alternatives. Roof racks, in the design and capacity suitable for your gear, are the cheaper option and are as easy to install as they are to remove. While canopies are what you want when remodelling your ute into a mobile workshop, or need all the extra space when exploring the Outback for weeks on end.

Both storage solutions are meant for different use cases. Racks let you use tubs or trays for bulkier and heavier gear or equipment, but provide the extra leeway for accessories including tools, spare tyres or jerry cans. Varying designs, such as cage roof racks, double as durable and safe baskets that let you carry and tie down smaller items while offering better access and organisation. Moreover, they help with camping duties, providing the foundation for awnings and tents. This complements other camping accessories, such as annex matting for longer trips with friends or family.

Canopies have more design variations, but considerably up available space. They’re best on a specially appointed tray (factory or tray conversion), use the whole tray length and width, and being enclosed and made of thick metal, offer better protection. Which of these you choose will be based on the gear you carry, where and how you’ll be using your ute and the allotted budget.

The Case for Roof Racks

Roof racks are necessary when carrying more gear and organising that gear in an accessible and safe way. They can be added to the roof of just about any vehicle when supplied with the right mounting hardware to ensure a tight and secure fit. And they come in varying sizes, designs and loading capacities to suit.

Besides the additional storage, racks free up space in the cab, prevent damage to seats and the interior trim, and provide a comfier ride. They also aid safety, by evenly distributing weight with improved vehicle handling the nice by-product. Most racks are also lockable, securing your gear from theft.

Platforms vs. Cages – What to Choose

These are the basic designs roof racks come in. Platforms often combine with roof rails or bars and sit flush against the roofline. They’re ideal for longer items, such as surfboards, kayaks, ladders and hi-lift jacks. Items are tied down to mesh wire or crossbars, in multiple tethering points. Advantages over comparable cages are the reduced wind resistance and lower overall height, meaning less cabin noise and no damage in multi-storey garages.

Baskets and full-length cage roof racks go for versatility, letting you safely store and carry a range of gear and not just the big stuff. Both types include raised side rails, with baskets rounding out to a square design, while cages are more appropriate for the longer rooflines in dual-cabs or bigger 4WDs. Baskets are a light-duty option, but still dependable for carrying bigger objects, such as spares.

Cages maximise available space by just being bigger. They have higher loading capacities, are better built with thick metal tubing and consist of thicker gauge mesh. The racks attach to the ute or 4WD roof via multiple rain gutter mount brackets, with numerous cross members providing extra support. These also let you organise your gear and help in securing items. The longer side rails also prove their worth in camping duties, letting you secure roof tents or awnings.

What to Look For

When buying platforms or cages, a few considerations mean money well spent. Size is the first obvious factor, usually limited by the available roof space and regulations surrounding overhangs. There are standard sizes for each ute cab style, as well as variants tailored for something like the Landcruiser or Patrol.

Next is carrying capacity. Smaller platforms and baskets are limited to 100 kilos, or the recommended carrying capacity of the ute. Cages go on up here, usually exceeding 150 kilos, so can also carry larger and heavier objects.

Lastly, consider materials and how the rack mounts to the vehicle. Aluminium is a durable and low-weight choice, being rust-resistant and half the weight of steel. It also won’t eat into the roof’s overall carry capacity. For outright strength though, you’re better off with stainless steel, especially in cages.

The Case for Canopies

Canopies are often a permanent solution, affixed to factory or converted trays or the chassis itself. As such, they’re a sturdier storage solution, with more usable loading space in every direction, and the added benefit of being fully enclosed. One major advantage besides significantly more space is the level of customisation and accessories down to the metaphorical kitchen sink in utes built for serious off-roading and camping. Like racks though, canopies come in different sizes, designs, materials and finishes.

Full gullwing canopies spanning the entire width and length of the tray are a tradie’s bread and butter. They have twin lockable doors opening left and right, multiple internal storage options (drawers, shelves, bins, compartments) and the build quality to ensure that thousands of dollars of tools and equipment are safeguarded at all times.

Part-tray canopies offer the best of both worlds (tray space and an enclosed storage solution), ideal for smaller tools and items you want to be kept out of the rain or away from sticky fingers. Lift-off canopies, on the other hand, let you use the whole tray for other purposes (transporting motorcycles, building materials or smaller machinery) while the canopy itself is stored in a secure location, for instance, a workshop. And bolted on again when securely transporting smaller pieces of equipment, such as tools.

Like racks, which material you choose, steel or aluminium, boils down to weight and the expected strength. Go with steel if security is your main concern, otherwise choose an aluminium tray canopy for the lower weight, (largely) comparable strength, and rust resistance. A major difference between the two is that aluminium also requires less surface preparation, so powder-coated aluminium canopies are also cheaper than steel variants. And they can be sourced in colours that go with your ute.