The most iconic vehicle meant for Aussie terrain is the ute. Created by Ford in the mid 1934 and it was all thanks to a letter from a farmer's wife. Today utes are a symbol of hard work and ingenuity and the vehicle doesn't sacrifice looks as much as it used to.
The practicality of utes is unmatched by any other type of vehicle and being the first true crossover between a sedan and a pickup truck, a ute can be more than just a tradie's vehicle. With the right accessories, you can make it a camping vehicle or even one to traverse the Outback with. It all depends on the type of canopy you get and how you use the space at the back.
Types of Dual Cab Canopies
Steel
With steel dual cab ute canopies you get the most impact-resistant and heaviest solution which also makes your ute look more rugged. Steel may require attention when it comes to keeping it clean and safe from corrosion, however, it makes for a strong dual cab ute canopy for sale. You just may need to get it treated if you want to have it for much longer on your ute than expected and this increases its cost.
Aluminium
If you want a lightweight canopy that has better corrosion resistance than one made of steel you should consider getting a dual cab alloy canopy. Aluminium is quite a strong material for its weight and it makes it easy to maintain your canopy without the need of undergoing special processes. Aluminium also looks much better on a canopy especially if you're a tradesman.
Plastic
The most affordable canopy you can get for your ute is one made of plastic which is also much lighter than a dual cab alloy canopy. However, plastic being plastic, it's not a strong material but it does make for one that is free of corrosion no matter what. Plastic is much easier to shape than metal though which means you can get different designs to make your ute even more appealing.
Fibreglass
A stronger alternative to plastic canopies is fibreglass canopies which are still extremely lightweight however they are not as malleable as plastic ones. Also, there's no corrosion to worry about. You can make a fibreglass canopy truly unique with the addition of different types of accessories, some of which aren't available on other types of canopies – more on that later.
What Matters in a Dual Cab Canopy
Design
There are three main design options with canopies and those are full, half and toolbox canopies. Full canopies cover the entire bed and provide the most amount of storage space but cost more than half canopies which, as you'd expect cover only half the bad. Toolbox dual cab ute canopies are made with drawers and compartments in mind that help make organising your tools and supplies a breeze. They are ideal for any trade as long as you get exactly the type of toolbox.
Capacity
The storage capacity of a canopy depends not only on its design and size but also on the way it can be used. For instance, you can use a canopy solely to store gear in it or as a cooking space. How you use the space it offers is up to you but the more you have of it, obviously the better.
Weight
larger canopies, as you'd presume, weigh more than smaller ones especially if they're made of metal. The added weight can make handling a bit on the challenging side if it's too much weight and it can also increase fuel consumption. However, if you don't need as big of a canopy or if you can opt for one made of fibreglass then you can get a lighter alternative.
Accessories
Canopies can be equipped with accessories of their own which include roof racks, windows, tents, lights, stairs and more. The number and type of accessories you can use depends on what you make of the canopy when put on your ute. Is it going to be a portable workshop or a place to haul around supplies?
Advantages of Dual Cab Canopies
Protection
A dual cab ute canopy for sale is made to protect your most precious belongings no matter the weather conditions or threat from prying eyes. With the use of locks, properly sealed openings and an alarm you can keep your items safe no matter what.
Appeal
The curb appeal of a ute is much improved with a canopy on. Even if you go for a plastic canopy you can still make your utility vehicle look modern and like it has a few tricks thanks to the covered-up bed.
Storage
There's no doubt that canopies offer more storage space which you can store whatever you want as it stays protected. It's not that with a dual cab ute, you don't have that space at the back, it just isn't as usable as it is with a canopy on.
