What is the right tray and canopy size for me? You’ve probably landed on this article to answer this golden question. The answer is ‘it depends’, simply because there’s pros and cons of all the tray and canopy lengths on offer.
Over the years we have noticed that although each customers needs are unique, there’s definitely some common patterns. This guide will highlight a few of those and help you to answer the question of which tray and canopy size is best for you.
At Trojan Canopies, we provide heavy duty alloy canopies in four sizes – 1000mm, 1400mm, 1600mm, and 1800mm. We use a modern body line that works perfectly with all modern utes. Our tray sizes include 1600mm, 1800mm, and 2000mm.
The 1600mm and 1800mm trays work best for dual cab utes, while the 2000mm tray is ideal for space cab models. The best part? Our universal mounts ensure that your setup remains adaptable for future utes. If you upgrade in the down the track, you can transfer your tray and canopy to your new rig.
So now you know what sizes we offer, let’s explore what lengths work best for our customers. We find there are 3 main requirements our customers come to us with:
The biggest consideration for touring rig is the overall weight. You’ll want to ensure you don’t exceed your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass). We like to take a few modern luxuries on trips, but the weight quickly adds up. Simply put, the larger your canopy is, the more you are inclined to load it up.
For touring rigs, we generally find the 1800mm tray is best suited. It provides valuable space for longer trips when compared to the 1600mm. If you are towing however, it’s best to go for a 1600mm tray as it reduces the chance of your tray and canopy hitting your trailer or caravan.
The canopy options for a 1800mm tray range from 1000mm to 1400mm to 1600mm to 1800mm. Here’s how to pick the best canopy size.
The 1000mm is perfect if you need need a little ‘dry’ storage space or a dog box. We find our customers will put in a small 12v system for a fridge and some lights. The rest of the tray is yours to load up as you see fit. You can add some cut down tray sides as well to create an extremely useful space.
The 1400mm is the perfect balance of space and weight. With this size you can add items like an upright fridge, slide out pantry or draws. You can use the Unistrut built into our canopies to change your layout needed.
The 1600mm is decent step up from the 1400mm. You will soon fill the extra space and can start to have setups with and an upright fridge, pantry and draw, all side-by-side. On the drivers side, we often recommend a dual draw setup and overhead shelf. You’d be surprised how much more organised your canopy becomes.
The 1800mm is definitely a solid choice for those that are heading out on longer trips that want it all. In this size, you can option all the ‘bells and whistles’, ensuring everything in your kit has it’s designated spot. Of course, this comes at a heavier weight, but, if packed into accordingly, the weight is certainly manageable. Remember to keep as much weight up the front near the headboard.
When off roading we prefer the shorter tray and canopy options. The shorter options maintain your centre of gravity and manoeuvrability.
A shorter tray and canopy will ensure the ute feels less rear or top heavy. The centre of gravity is barely impacted. Manoeuvrability refers to how easy a tighter track is to navigate. The longer your tray, the more chances you will have scrubbing on tight turns, steep ruts or banks.
We find a good portion of clients building an off-road setup will go for a roof top tent. The good news is that all of our canopies come with internal bracing as standard.
If you have a 1000mm or 1400mm canopy, you can add a rear ladder rack. This will give extra support under your rooftop tent. Our rear ladder racks come standard with every tray.
Need a heap of space for work gear? Our larger canopies, such as the 1600mm or 1800mm, offer ample room and flexibility. These canopy sizes allow for draws, pull-out benches, and even pantries, turning your ute into a mobile base camp or workshop.
With a larger canopy, you can securely carry more equipment. Making it a great choice for extended trips or demanding work environments. The modular nature of our canopies means that you can configure the layout in minutes with simple hand tools.
Our range of canopies come with jack off legs too. When you need a heap of tray space, you have everything you need. Find a level service and whip off the canopy and optionally connect your included tray sides. We also find that a tray only setup off-road results in way less pin stripping and is agile on tight, more technical trails.
For dual cab ute owners, common setups include a 1600mm tray with a 1400mm canopy or an 1800mm tray with a 1600mm canopy. These configurations leave a 200mm gap on the tray. This gap provides dedicated space for accessory mounts such as jerry can holders, spare wheels, or ladders.
You can mount accessories directly onto the rear wall of your canopy. Where possible though, we do recommend to utilise the 200mm gap to pick up the weight of the accessories with the tray. Choosing the right configuration for accessories can significantly impact the durability and functionality of your setup.
Ultimately, the best canopy size depends on your specific needs. Whether you need a towing rig, off-road best, or storage solution for work, we can help. With the right combination of canopy and tray, your ute can be a reliable partner for both work and play.
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We aren’t into spam, just mad deals.