G’day, adventurers and ute tray enthusiasts! Picture this: you’re staring down a dusty outback track, the sun blazing overhead. Your trusty 4×4 ute runs with anticipation with hopes to conquer the unknown. But wait, is your gear ready for the challenge? Here at Bronco Built, we understand that the right ute tray is the unsung hero of any Aussie adventure. It’s the extension of your spirit, the platform for your epic expeditions, and the ultimate test of functionality.

But with countless ute trays on the market, how do you choose the perfect partner for your off-road adventures? This ultimate guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the world of ute trays and select the one that fuels your Aussie adventures.

Round 1 Ute Tray: The Foundation – Steel vs. Aluminium

The ultimate ute tray battle: steel versus aluminium. Both materials boast unique strengths and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Steel offers legendary strength and affordability, ideal for heavy-duty hauling and conquering any terrain. However, its weight impacts fuel efficiency and requires rust maintenance. Aluminium is the lightweight champion, prioritises fuel economy and payload capacity, but might not be as robust for extreme loads. Choose your champion wisely, adventurer!

Steel Ute Trays:

• Pros: Renowned for their legendary strength and affordability. Steel trays can handle the heaviest loads and are perfect for serious off-road enthusiasts who push their vehicles to the limit.
• Cons: Heavier weight can impact fuel efficiency, and steel is more susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.

Aluminium Ute Trays:

• Pros: Lightweight champions, offering better fuel economy and increased payload capacity. Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for coastal adventures.
• Cons: May not be as robust as steel for extreme loads, and the initial cost might be slightly higher.

The Verdict:

The champion depends on your adventure style. Steel reigns supreme for heavy-duty hauling and hardcore off-roading. Aluminium shines for those prioritising fuel efficiency and corrosion resistance.

Round 2 Ute Tray: Sizing Up – Defining Your Space

Every adventurer needs a well-equipped base camp and your ute tray is no exception! Space is a precious element, so understanding your ute type (single cab, dual cab) and intended use is crucial. Dual-cab trays offer maximum cargo space behind the cabin which is perfect for a crew and all their gear. Single-cab trays prioritise legroom or maximise cargo space for solo explorers. Your ute tray is your mobile base camp, so space is a precious. Here’s where your ute type (single cab, dual-cab, etc.) and intended use come into play.

Dual-Cab Trays:

• Perfect for: Adventurers with a crew! Dual-cab trays offer maximum cargo space behind the cabin, ideal for camping gear, bikes, or additional supplies.

Single-Cab Trays:

• Ideal for: Solo explorers or those prioritising the length of their tray. These trays extend the full length of the ute, providing ample cargo space with a smaller footprint.

Bonus Tip: Consider adding sideboards and a tailgate for added versatility. This will allow for easier loading and unloading of bulky equipment, a lifesaver on remote adventures.

Round 3 Ute Tray: Gearing Up – Functionality is King

Look for features that enhance your off-road prowess: Your ute tray should be an extension of your adventurous spirit and not just a metal box. Maximise functionality by seeking features that elevate your off-road prowess. Multiple tie-down points strategically placed throughout the tray secure your cargo on the roughest tracks. Under-tray toolboxes keep recovery gear, spares, and tools organised and readily accessible. Integrated LED lighting banishes darkness, making nighttime gear retrieval or campsite setup a breeze. Be prepared, conquer anything!

• Tie-Down Points: Secure your cargo with confidence. Opt for multiple tie-down points strategically placed throughout the tray to keep your gear safe on rough terrain.
• Toolboxes: Keep essentials organised and easily accessible. Under-tray toolboxes are a game-changer, offering secure storage for recovery gear, spares, and tools.
• LED Lighting: Never get caught in the dark! Integrated LED lighting illuminates your tray at night, making gear retrieval or campsite set-up a breeze.

Round 4: Durability – Built to Brave the Elements

Choose a ute tray that can withstand it all! Australia’s landscapes are a breathtaking yet unforgiving mix of sun, dust, and rain. Your ute tray needs to be a resolute shield against these elements. Seek out trays constructed from high-quality materials like heavy-duty steel or marine-grade aluminium for unmatched strength and corrosion resistance. Don’t forget a durable powder coating, this acts as your tray’s armour, protecting it from scratches, fading, and the harsh Aussie climate. 

• High-Quality Materials: Look for trays constructed from robust materials like heavy-duty steel or marine-grade aluminium. These materials offer superior strength and resistance to corrosion.
• Quality Powder Coating: Opt for a durable powder coating that protects your tray from harsh weather conditions, scratches, and fading.

Round 5: Customisation – Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

Your ute is an extension of your adventurous spirit, and your tray shouldn’t be a cookie-cutter option! Unleash your inner architect and explore customisation possibilities. Ensure a cohesive look by matching your tray to your existing or future ute canopy. Maximise functionality with drawer systems for gear organisation, roof racks for additional storage, or jerry can holders to fuel your extended adventures. Design your perfect mobile base camp, adventurer, the road awaits!

• Matching Your Ute Canopy: Ensure seamless aesthetics by picking a tray that complements your existing or future ute canopy.
• Storage Solutions: Explore drawer systems, roof racks, or jerry can holders to personalise your tray and maximise its functionality.

The Final Checkpoint: Partnering for Adventure

Choosing the right ute tray is an investment in your Aussie adventures. At Bronco Built, we’re passionate about crafting ute trays that are as tough and adventurous as you are. We offer a wide range of steel and aluminium trays, all designed with functionality, durability, and customisation in mind.

Don’t settle for a generic tray. Contact Bronco Built today and find the perfect ute tray to propel you on your next epic Aussie adventure. Remember, the only limit is your imagination (and maybe the size of your tray!).