Best Tray & Canopies for your 4WD

4WD Tray and Canopies

The iconic Aussie ute and classic four-wheel-drive is simply not complete without the right tray and canopies. Making the most of the storage space for custom applications, market leading accessories and versatile canopies is a must!

If you’re looking for everything you need to know about ute trays and canopies for 4WDs, you’re in the right place!

 

Ute Trays 101

The ute tray, sometimes referred to as a cargo tray, is the open section at the back of a utility vehicle.

Endlessly customisable both on its own or with ute tray canopies, trays are extraordinarily useful. Of course, tradies and construction workers use their ute trays for transporting equipment, tools and materials. Avid campers and off-road enthusiasts can also make use of trays either as they are or with modified canopies on top. 

The ute tray is an important part of the vehicle as it offers unrivalled storage and transport space without taking up precious internal vehicle room. It’s a safe, customisable and easy-to-access storage facility.

 

What is a vehicle canopy?

The tray canopy refers to the additional structure that covers the open part of the tray. Coming in all manner of shapes, designs and sizes, canopies can even have windows and doors in addition to a roof, wall, drawers and opening ‘flap’.

The canopy itself sits on the ute’s back tray and can be customised to suit all sorts of applications and uses. 

They are very useful as they offer a secure, safe and organised way to store equipment and tools. A tray canopy turns an open space into a highly systemised and easy-to-use facility. 

 

How to set up your tray & canopies accessories

There really is no single way to set up your ute tray or choose the accompanying canopy accessories. For one thing, every person’s application and needs will change. If you want to store camping equipment–or even turn your ute or 4WD into a mobile home–you may be looking at a very different set of accessories to a tradie needing to transport tools.

Similarly, every vehicle will be different. The tray and canopies that you choose need to fit and complement the size and style of your ute.

If you’re not sure what sort of canopies, accessories or even tray modification you need, we recommend getting in touch with our team right here at Dunn and Watson. Why? Not only are we experts in all things 4WDing and vehicular fit outs, but we’re also enthusiasts! We’ve helped tons of customers with custom modifications, drawing on years of passion and experience.

If you’re still browsing the options available, make sure you check out these must-have accessories for your 4WD car or ute.

 

Essential tray and canopy accessories

Fridge Side Mounts (Suits Minecorp Service Box)

What could be more useful than an incorporated fridge on an easy to use side mount? While calling having a frothie on hand essential might be pushing it, keeping food cool and fresh whether onsite or out camping is a must!

MCT Ladder Rack

Ladder racks are another must-have if you’re a tradie or construction worker and need to transfer oversized equipment like–you guessed it–a ladder. Hardy, durable and designed for regular long term use, the MCT ladder rack is an essential addition to your list of accessories.

Gas Bottle Restraints

You don’t need us to tell you how important safe transporting of gas bottles is. Our gas bottle restraints are perfect for being used in canopies on tray back utes. With high quality restraints that are easy to engage and lock into place, you can travel rest assured that your gas is where it should be and will stay there as well!

Load Restraint Net

For peace of mind, road rule compliance and general safety of your gear, a load restraint net is a priority addition to your list. The Dunn and Watson nets are made from tried and tested quality material to ensure they can bear high load levels whilst ensuring nothing comes loose, falls out or causes damage.

Tub Storage System

Your canopy and tray organisation is only as good as your storage system. With the right storage tubs from Dunn and Watson, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to ensure everything you need is kept where you need it whenever you need it. 

Load Restraint Track

Do you need a load restraint track as well as a net? Yes, yes you do! Keeping your heavy and oversized loads in particular 100% secure is more than just important for your own peace of mind. It minimises the risk of anything happening and posing a danger to other road users.

Reverse Sensor Kit

With your tray back canopies installed, loaded and full, it can be increasingly more difficult to reverse carefully and with confidence. Fortunately, advances in vehicular technology not only mean that sensor kits for reversing are available but that they are more affordable than ever before!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fit a ute tray?

This is really like asking the cliche question of how long is a piece of string. Some trays and canopies can be modified and installed within hours, while others take days of fiddling. It all comes down to the size, complexity and type of ute tray being fitted.

Are ute canopies dust proof?

Yes! Dunn and Watson’s range of ute canopies are effective at keeping out everything from thieves and insects to water and dust. 

Can you put a canopy on a tray?

Yes you can! Especially with Dunn and Watson’s extensive range of accessories and products, it’s easier than ever to turn your ute tray into an endlessly usable canopy. 

 

Let’s find the perfect canopy solution for you!

Whether you know exactly what sort of canopy accessories you’re looking for and just want to browse, or want to chat to one of our expert team members about any and all things tray and canopies, Dunn and Watson is here for you! We love using our expertise and experience to help you turn your ute or 4WD into the ultimate kitted out vehicle!