What is a canopy?
Utes are a great all-in-one vehicle. You get air-conditioned comfort and the luxury of a car-like interior, while having extra separate space behind the cabin for work gear, leisure gear and the dog. One drawback is that a pickup truck's tray, while great for storing stuff, is open to the elements and you can't park it anywhere without worrying that someone might steal any valuables you store there. Enter the canopy.
A canopy is a structure with a roof, walls, windows and doors that covers the ute tray. They attach to the pallet walls or sit on the pallet floor. In some cases, they can replace the pallet itself. Canopies can be made from polymer, aluminum and/or fiberglass; they can be specially molded or customized for a specific vehicle.
There are many types of canopies, but they all provide a safe space in which to store items, keeping them protected from the elements and away from opportunists. The downside to canopies is that you can't just throw stuff in a tray and walk away. However, as road regulations now mean loads must be covered, a canopy may be a better option than a fixed cover every time items are added or removed.
Canopy type
Fiberglass Canopies: This is the most popular option and can be attached to a well or flat pallet. They usually have sliding or lift-up windows on each side and a door at the back. Fiberglass cannot support much weight, so a roof rack may need to be fitted with additional supports to carry roof cargo. These canopies are known to fade and become brittle over time.
Canvas Canopies: These are basically steel frames with canvas covers. They usually have zippers on the sides and back for easy access. They will have an alloy hardtop or canvas around them. This canopy style is a cheaper and more flexible alternative, but is less safe, easily damaged, and will deteriorate over time.
Steel and Aluminum Canopies: This is an attractive option for those who want to install shelves and load-bearing above. Ideal for work trucks. In some cases, the pallet is completely removed and a fully furnished canopy is installed. These can be customized to suit individual needs. Other types can be mounted directly on the pallet and have lockable side and/or rear doors or shelves. Weight can be a factor with these types of canopies.
Some headliners may have felt lining, central locking and lighting. Most canopies come with a warranty of at least two years or more, and the price will depend on the type of canopy chosen. Canopies can be found through common 4x4 outlets such as ARB, Ironman 4x4, Opposite Lock and TJM. There are also independent retailers selling and installing canopies, some of the brands you'll see include Rhino, RSi SmartCanopy, PJS 4x4, AWL and Flexiglass.
Reasons to install a canopy:
Fixing and protecting equipment
Vehicle styling
Weatherproof
Save ute tray
Who installs canopies?
There are independent specialist retailers who supply and install canopies. If you are looking for a custom canopy, they may be your first call. If you have a fairly ordinary pick-up truck and are looking for a standard factory fitment top then the usual 4WD retailers will be able to source and supply the fitment options for you.
Things to consider:
Not all canopies are dustproof and waterproof and may require some additional sealing to keep the elements out
Consider the additional weight a canopy would add to the vehicle and its impact on handling and storage capacity
Fiberglass canopies can become brittle and fade when exposed to the elements
Not all canopies can support the weight of the roof. Be ready to install a roof rack to support extra cargo
Can the canopy be easily removed if needed?
Not after installing the ute top?
Don't worry. From basic services to major repairs, we can provide you with super-fast, fixed-price quotes from excellent, high-quality local mechanics. The best part is that you can do everything from searching to booking online. It's easy!
