The ute is one of the most functional cars for New Zealand’s roads, which can be used on the farm, at the workplace, and out on weekend adventures. But an open tray exposes gear to elements of nature and theft. It is here that a canopy is needed to make the open tub a secure weather tight storage area that is appropriate for working and play.
Understanding New Zealand Ute Canopies
From wet and coastal to cold and alpine, New Zealand ute canopies can cope with all the extremes of climate and terrain New Zealand offers. A better canopy is made from strong and UV resistant material that will not crack or fade in the extreme sunlight and conforms snugly over the tub of the vehicle.
Most of the canopies have lockable rear doors and windows so that the owner can rest assured that tools, camping equipment, or work equipment is safe and out of the way of sight. Convenience and an extra layer of security is added with many models that integrate with the vehicle central locking, with the canopy opening and closing along with the rest of the central lock.
Canopies are custom fitted to each ute’s specific dimensions and load requirements, not a ‘one size fits all’ situation, whether fitted to a single cab, extra cab or dual cab.
Why Owners Choose a Canopy
Unlike a house, an ute canopy can have many unexpected uses making it a great addition to day to day operations. With the tradesmen it means that morning, morning tools and materials can be securely stowed in the yard at night, therefore lowering the chance of the materials being stolen.
It also helps to maintain the dryness of feed, equipment and supplies for farmers and rural users during the irregular weather. If camping and touring is their style, the canopy makes the tray a mobile storage, offers a covered place to place swags, cooking equipment, etc. and also provides easy access to the space without having to open the tailgate everyday.
Apart from utilising the space better, a canopy may also enhance the overall style of a vehicle that gives it a more finished and logical look than an open tray.
Key Features to Consider
A handful of features are constantly important to remember when considering canopy. Window configuration is one, as there are canopies available with tinted, UV protection safety glass that only allows a certain amount of light to pass through, helping to keep the contents of the container safe from UV rays, and also keeping the onlooker’s view of the inside from the container safe.
Locking mechanisms not only are important but whether it has a key lock system or a more sophisticated e-lock system that communicates with the vehicle’s own key fob. But they also need to pay attention to the way that the vent is designed, as a good design will have a forward facing vent that pressurises the cabin and will maintain a dust-free cabin even when driving on unsealed roadways often used by New Zealand farmers, a way in which many New Zealand buyers do not normally think about.
Interior lighting is a practical feature too, a built-in LED light makes it a lot easier to locate equipment, when loading and unloading in low lighting conditions. Last but not least, weight ratings should be considered. Most canopies have two different ratings, dynamic and static, meaning for use under a vehicle’s moving weight and for parking, respectively. A knowledge of these statistics helps owners to avoid overloading the canopy and deliver continued safe performance over the lifetime of the aircraft.
Matching a Canopy to Your Vehicle and Lifestyle
Again, not all canopies are suited to all drivers; therefore, it is advisable to consider how the ute is likely to actually be used, before deciding on the type of canopy to select. A person who typically uses a lock box for work-site tools may find the advantage of a simple, rugged exterior, with reliable locking performance, more meaningful than a person who regularly takes it off road, where a tinted window, built-in lighting or a nicely finished exterior may take precedence.
Of course, budget is also a factor and manufacturers will usually provide various options ranging from budget to higher end, with newer technology and flame retardants. If you want to appreciate the various types of canopy you’ll want to visit a specialist dealer or stockist for a hands-on understanding of the build quality and how the canopy locks and window mechanism work; going to the showers first will give a better indication of how long the one you’re considering will last. Many dealers also guarantee mastery to fit a specific make and model, eliminating any worry of the canopy size not matching the space in the vehicle tray.
Maintenance and Longevity
A canopy is a part of the vehicle whose maintenance is necessary like any vehicle accessory that is exposed to the sunlight. Periodic maintenance of outside can help maintain the finish, especially in coastal locations where salt air can cause seals and hardware to wear more rapidly. Inspect seams on windows and door hinges every couple of months to keep the canopy tight and open and shut as designed.
Stability on New Zealand’s challenging terrain, whether it’s gravel roads or sun protection, makes a canopy a relatively low maintenance product, however, a little extra upkeep will help ensure the product remains dry and secure and in use for as long as possible.
Conclusion
A canopy is not just a cover for the ute tray, rather it is a wise investment that provides security, protection and additional versatility to a working ute or for recreational use. Some of the factors that owners should take into account include window types, locking mechanisms, ventilation and weight ratings, to ensure that the canopy they choose is the right one for them and not a generic fit.
If a buyer of ute canopies is interested in the subject of ute canopies, he will find it easier to order a model and meet with a competent dealer and get a canopy which will help him to preserve his gear safe and dry for many years while at the same time giving him years of increased value from the vehicle itself.
