Utes are the workhorse of millions of Australians. They’re used for commuting to work, doing the groceries and taking the kids to soccer practice. The main reason utes are the go-to choice for many Australians is their durability, load-carrying capacity and versatility.
Utes are the perfect solution for those who want something different from the usual high-end sedans or sports cars. They’re great for carrying heavy loads and they can handle rough terrain much better than regular passenger vehicles. The downside is that most people aren’t used to driving something so large and bulky, but with practice, it’s easy to get around town comfortably in your ute.
As great as the load-carrying capacity of the average ute is, most hardworking tradies need something extra in order to carry all of their tools and equipment around, such as gas struts tool boxes, ute canopies and trays. But how do you know whether gas struts tool boxes, canopies or ute trays are the better option for you? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Here’s what you need to know about these ute solutions.
Gas Strut Toolbox
The main advantage of gas strut tool boxes is that they open and close automatically. This makes life so much easier when you’re working on projects as there’s no more struggling to open your toolbox or worrying about damage in transit. Gas struts also come with locking mechanisms, which means the lid will stay shut while driving around town. Moreover, gas struts are made from lightweight materials such as aluminium and stainless steel, which makes them easy to transport around.
The only downside of a gas strut toolbox is the cost. They’re usually more expensive than standard canopies or toolboxes. But if you’re working on projects that require your tools to be mobile, then this is definitely worth considering.
Installing a gas strut toolbox is relatively easy, all you have to do is bolt it onto your ute’s roof and you’re good to go. You can also get toolboxes with rails that extend right into the cabin, making it even easier for you to reach any tools stored in them.
Canopy
A canopy is basically a tonneau cover for your ute. It’s designed to keep everything inside your vehicle sound and safe. A canopy can also be used as a makeshift desk when you’re working on projects in your ute, which is great if you have a lot of tools or equipment to move around. The main disadvantage of a canopy is that it doesn’t open and close automatically like gas struts toolboxes or standard canopies do.
This means you’ll have to open and close the cover yourself, which isn’t so bad when you’re driving around town but could cause problems when you’re working on a project. However, if you’re looking for something cheap and simple, then this is the option for you.
Ute canopies can be made using various materials, the most popular of which are polycarbonate, aluminium and fabric. The choice of material will affect the price as well as durability, so it’s best to consider these factors before making your decision.
It’s also important that you choose a canopy with the right dimensions in order for it to fit snugly over your ute’s roof without any gaps. If there are any discrepancies between the two, then this could cause water leaks which can prove costly to fix. So make sure you measure carefully when ordering your new ute accessory.
Ute Trays
Trays are also a popular option for those who need extra storage space in their vehicles. They’re made from various materials such as aluminium and steel, but the most popular ones are polycarbonate or plastic. The advantage of using a tray over a toolbox is that it’s much more flexible, allowing you to use your vehicle for other things besides work.
You can also get trays with locking mechanisms so they’ll stay shut while driving around town. If you want something durable and lightweight then this is the option for you. But there are some disadvantages to using a tray over a toolbox or canopy. Firstly, trays don’t come with locking mechanisms so you’ll have to make sure everything is securely fastened when driving around town.
Secondly, the space between your vehicle’s rear window and the tray can be used as an opportunity for thieves to break into your car. So it’s important that you get a tray with lockable latches and roll-down windows if you’re going to use them for commuting. Otherwise, you’ll have to take your tools out every time you want to use the space for other things such as carrying groceries or shopping bags.
If you’re looking for something simple but flexible then a tray is definitely worth considering. You can get trays in different sizes and shapes depending on what you need them for. Some even come with mounting brackets so they’ll fit perfectly onto your vehicle’s roof without having to drill any holes.
The Final Word
Whether you’re looking for something cheap and simple or something advanced, there are plenty of accessories available for your ute that will make life easier when working on projects around the house or in the garage. Gas struts toolboxes and canopies are just two of these useful ute accessories that make driving around so much more convenient.