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There are myriad options for the ute owner when it comes to storage, and a canopy is an effective and popular way to keep tools and off-road equipment securely stowed, sorted and protected from both the weather and prying eyes.
They also provide a great base to attach other accessories such as racks and rooftop tents, as well as installation of electrical systems and storage drawers.
A standard tub is great for carrying bulky items - throw in a wheelbarrow, three shovels, two crowbars, ten bags of cement, a pile of other random stuff and off you go - but standard tubs are not an ideal place to store camping and recovery gear, as they provide zero protection from the elements and zero security from thieves.
This is why a canopy is essential, but not all canopies are created equal. In fact, when the time comes to upgrade your storage set-up, your first choice will be whether to opt for a full-sized 'tray-top' canopy or dial things back a bit with a simple tub top option.
A full canopy will provide more versaility, better access to acessories like fridge slides, and allow for more weight to be added; a "tub topper" can help achieve the same space as a full canopy, but at nearly a quarter of the cost. Ultimately, though, the best canopy is the one that suits your individual requirements. Here are a handful of recommendations we've split into two sections: full and tub topper.
Full canopies
Tub topper canopies
- Bodyline Titan Hybrid
- Utemaster Centurion
- ARB
- Camp King Industries
- Flexiglass
- Ironman 4x4
- Piranha Off Road
- Razorback
- SMM
- TJM
Selection of full canopies
Norweld Deluxe Canopy Base + Deluxe Lite Compact Canopy
For a heavy duty full-time canopy option, look no further than Norweld's Deluxe Canopy Base + Deluxe Lite Compact Canopy.
Built to Norweld’s highest standards, this turn-key option integrates all OE spec blind spot, reverse camera and sensor options and can be fitted out with a range of fridges, air compressors and electrical accessories that take your off-road adventures to the next level. It comes with a lifetime guarantee on all manufacturing.
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Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight
- Use of quality materials
Cons
- N/A
| Material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Finish | 2Pac paint (custom or colour-coded) |
| Weight | 190kg (base); 232kg (canopy); 422kg (total) |
| Locks | Compression lock |
| Warranty | Lifetime on all workmanship |
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Trig Point canopy
Trig Point is a relatively new player in this sector that offers canopies designed to replace the tub directly mounted to the chassis.
The canopy bodies are made of aluminium sheet with a steel frame base, and the design is simple with basic doors on each side and a fixed back. Trig Point offers canopies in sizes that cover popular vehicle models such as Ranger, Hilux, and LandCruiser 79. Standard features include LED tail-lights, a rear steel bar for protection, rear toolboxes, roof rails, internal touch-operated LED lights, full door seals, slam-shut door catches, rear wheel arches, and filtered vents.
Trig Point can also offer myriad options such as water tanks, internal dividers, upright fridge or fridge slides, and 12V systems. All canopies meet ADR requirements, and Trig Point offers a three-year/100,000km warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
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| Material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Finish | Custom or colour-coded |
| Weight | TBC |
| Locks | Slam-shut door catches |
| Warranty | Three years |
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Versatility
Cons
- N/A
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AMVE canopy
Due to AMVE's mining experience, it became well-known for its high-quality and strong products.
Its canopies use high-strength aluminium with a minimum thickness of 2.5mm, with some items made with 3mm aluminium for durability in harsh conditions. The company designs and custom-builds its canopies using CAD drawings and laser cutting for a high-quality finish. Canopies are powder-coated or painted to match the required colour.
Features include three lift-up doors, an 80-litre drop-down fridge slide on the passenger side, a shelf for electrical equipment, a full-width centre partition to divide the open rear section, two spare tyres mounted on the rear, three carry racks on the roof, a solar panel mounted to the roof, flush-mounted locks, and a full lift-off jacking leg system.
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| Material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Finish | Custom or colour-coded |
| Weight | TBC |
| Locks | Flush-mounted |
| Warranty | One year |
Pros
- Mining experience translates to durable product
- Superior materials
- Plenty of features
Cons
- N/A
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Selection of tub topper canopies
Bodyline Titan Hybrid
The Titan features a hybrid stainless steel and alloy design, which is different to anything else on the market and gives it incredible strength and corrosion-resistance. Plus, it keeps weight low.
Stainless steel is used for the frame and body, and structurally reinforced alloy is then used for the roof, side panels and rear door. The rear door features a honeycomb protection mesh that stops intruders but lets you view outside and inside.
The modular design makes assembly easy. It arrives in two boxes and assembly can be done in less than one hour with two people. No silicone is required to seal the panels on the canopy or the canopy to the vehicle, and pre-applied sealing tape is used on all panels and prevents any leaks. The high-quality black powder-coated finish is extra durable and looks great on any colour of ute.
Each canopy is specifically designed for the vehicle, with close to 20 models available including for Chevy and Ram trucks. It has a 125kg dynamic weight and 300kg static weight capacity, with integrated roof rails for universal fitment of any rack, platform and/or cross bar.
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| Material | Hybrid design (stainless steel and alloy) |
|---|---|
| Finish | Black powder-coated |
| Weight | Varies but Ranger DC ute is 70kg |
| Locks | 6 Compression locks (2 per door) *central locking coming soon |
| Warranty | Two years Australia-wide |
Pros
- Unique Hybrid design
- Easy installation
- Strong yet lightweight
Cons
- N/A
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Utemaster Centurion
Constructed using aluminium, the Utemaster Centurion canopy is a high-strength unit with a dynamic load rating of 200kg and a static load rating of 300kg.
Due to its tough construction the unit features full-width doors to maximise access, which doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the canopy. This design means there’s no obstruction along the top edge of the tub, so loading and unloading gear is a simple affair regardless of size.
The canopy is highly customisable and features include 200kg dynamic load rating (300kg, static); full-width door access; secure locking system; built-in rain channels; concealed security latches; optional central locking kit; dog vent kit to increase airflow; high-quality hinges; and an optional Cantilever roof rack is available.
Utemaster builds canopies for a range of popular vehicles on the market today including the next-gen and past-gen Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-MAX, Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, GWM Cannon and LDV T60.
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| Material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Finish | Black |
| Weight | 60kg (Centurion) |
| Locks | Lock catches (central locking kit available) |
| Warranty | Three years |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Heavy duty construction
- Full-width doors
Cons
- N/A
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ARB canopies
ARB has three canopy models: top-of-the-range Ascent; mid-range Classic Plus; and the original Classic.
ARB moulds it canopies from UV-stable ABS thermoplastic polymer, layered for maximum strength. Features and options include (they vary depending on the model) remote central locking, double-lock handles or twist-lock handles; tinted, lift-up windows with push-button opening; tinted sliding windows; roof-top canopy vent to pressurise canopy; rear-mounted spoiler with LED brake light; LED internal light; security mesh for side windows; vent catch to have window ajar, but still locked; canopy roof racks with internal stiffeners; and ute liners.
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| Material | UV stable ABS thermoplastic |
|---|---|
| Finish | Raw finish or colour-coded paint |
| Weight | Approx 60-70kg |
| Locks | Depends on model |
| Warranty | Three years |
Pros
- High load rating
- Lightweight
- Colour-coding available
Cons
- N/A
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Camp King Industries tub toppers
Camp King Industries manufactures ute canopies (or tub toppers) designed to carry heavy loads on top. With a 300kg load rating, these sturdy aluminium canopies will easily carry a rooftop tent plus accessories.
All canopies come supplied with instructions, all seals, latches and bolts needed for DIY installation. Camp King Industries also provides a fitting service at its Brisbane factory. Camp King offers four kits, each with a range of accessories: Travelling Companion; Tradies Choice; Day Trip; and Weekend Warrior.
Or if you prefer, specify your own accessories. Options include top rail kit; hard-shell rooftop tent; awning brackets; high-quality black windows; sliding windows; rear brake light; 270° free-standing awning; rear drawer unit; fridge slides; Expedition 134 storage boxes; solar panel and mounting kit; 12V Kit (1x LED Light, 1x 12V Round Socket and 2x USB Charging Points); and an extra ladder mounting bracket.
The canopy has a sturdy internal frame, made from 50x50x3 SHS (front to back), 50x25x3 RHS (across) rectangular tubing. This gives it the strength to carry heavy loads on top, yet still be lightweight. A high-quality, durable Australian-made product with tons of accessories … and the load-carrying capacity to match.
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| Material | 3mm aluminium |
|---|---|
| Finish | Powder-coated |
| Weight | Approx 70kg |
| Locks | Low-profile compression latches |
| Warranty | One year (minimum) |
Pros
- High load rating
- Lightweight
- Quality Australian-made build
Cons
- N/A
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Flexiglass ute canopies
Flexiglass has four canopy models: FlexiSport Premium; FlexiSport; FlexiTrade; FlexiEdge. The canopies are made from reinforced fibreglass, designed to flex with the tub. This reduces the chance of damage to both the canopy and the tub.
Features and options include (they vary depending on the model): Remote central locking; push-button opening side windows; pop-up or rotary air vents; tinted, lift-up or sliding windows; security mesh for side windows; rear LED brake light; LED internal light; rear window demister; felt-lined interior; tailgate assist; canopy roof racks with internal stiffeners; mats; and tub liners.
This Western Australian company started in 1949, making its first canopies with timber frames and sheet metal panels for Holden FJ utes. It’s fair to say Flexiglass has a long track record of building ute canopies designed for Australian conditions.
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| Material | Fibreglass |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | N/A |
| Locks | Depends on model |
| Warranty | Two years |
Pros
- Load rating
- Flexible, twists with body
Cons
- N/A
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Ironman 4x4 ute canopies
Ironman 4x4 sells three different ute canopy products: fibreglass Pinnacle, aluminium Alu-Cab Explorer; ABS plastic Thermo-Plas.
Features and options for the Pinnacle (fibreglass) include track mount roof racks; lift-up and sliding windows; rear window central locking; sliding front window; rear LED brake light; and an LED internal light. The Alu-Cab Explorer (aluminium) includes built-in roof rails; full-length side doors; an internal frame; and tamper-proof locks. The Thermo-Plas (ABS plastic) features lift-up side windows; an Internal support frame; plug-and-play wiring loom; rear window central locking; and a rear LED brake light.
Ironman 4x4 lists the weight of the Pinnacle model as 100kg, which is a heavy unit considering it’s made from fibreglass. Unfortunately, Ironman doesn’t specify weights for the other two brands.
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| Material | Fibreglass, aluminium or ABS plastic |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | 100kg (fibreglass model) |
| Locks | Depends on model |
| Warranty | One year |
Pros
- Choice of materials
Cons
- Short warranty
- Heavy
- Low load rating
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Piranha Off Road ute canopies
Piranha Off Road ute canopies are made from three-layer reinforced composite fibreglass. This results in a tough and durable canopy that's designed to withstand punishing off-road conditions, making it a good all-round option for touring vehicles.
Features and options include a smooth external surface with integrated roof rails; tinted lift-up or sliding windows, or a combination of both; front sliding window; rear window central locking; heated rear window; internals lined with automotive carpet; rear-mounted spoiler with LED brake light; and an LED internal light with integrated power supply.
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| Material | Fibreglass |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | N/A |
| Locks | T-handle |
| Warranty | N/A |
Pros
- Integrated roof rails
- Rear demister
- Lined internally
Cons
- T-handle locks easy to force open
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Razorback ute canopies
Razorback Canopies offers two premium canopy models: Fibreglass; and Zincalume steel. Both are lightweight, premium canopies. The downside of being lightweight is the relatively small roof loading which is100kg on-road and only 65kg off-road.
Features and options include (they vary depending on the model): remote central locking; single-hand opening rear window; LED internal light, battery operated; internal lined with heavy-duty vinyl; fully framed rear window (steel canopy); tinted, lift-up side windows; dliding front window; rear spoiler; rear LED brake light; and standard roof rails. Razorback uses double-stage rotary locks (the same ones used in car doors) in the rear window of its steel canopies, making them highly secure.
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| Material | Fibreglass or steel |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | Approx 65kg/80kg (fibreglass/steel) |
| Locks | Integrated central locking |
| Warranty | Two years (parts); Three years (shell) |
Pros
- Good warranty
- Lightweight
- Central locking standard
Cons
- Low load rating
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SMM ute canopies
SMM is a Thai company with a background in manufacturing OEM truck bodies, trays and canopies for utes. It works with global vehicle companies, supplying equipment on a large scale. So, SMM is backed by an extensive R&D department with tooling needed for large-scale manufacturing.
SMM has three models: the premium SMM V4 Executive; the mid-range SMM V2 Executive; and the functional SMM V2 Tradesman. Features and options include (they vary depending on the model) remote central locking on rear door; single-hand opening rear window; interior fully lined; tinted, lift-up or sliding side windows (steel panels on tradie version); security mesh on side and front windows; rear window demister; interior light; rear spoiler; rear LED brake light; and standard roof rails.
SMM’s use of galvannealed steel means it has a base metal with a high level of corrosion protection. What’s galvannealing? The steel’s first galvanised, then run through a high-temperature annealing process. Annealing heats the base steel and the zinc within the galvanised coating, to the point where they start combining. This gives a tough, corrosion-resistant finish for maximum protection.
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| Material | 0.8mm galvannealed mild steel |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | Approx 90kg |
| Locks | Heavy-duty rotary locks |
| Warranty | Three years |
Pros
- Fully lined interior
- Factory fit and finish
- Good warranty
Cons
- Low load rating
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TJM ute canopies
TJM offers premium fibreglass canopies and AeroKlas canopies made from a double-shell ABS. ABS is an impact-resistant thermoplastic, with high strength, rigidity and good insulation properties.
TJM has two models: TJM Premium and AeroKlas Stylish. Features and options include (they vary depending on the model): remote central locking on all windows; drop-down front window; sliding, lift-up or pop-out side windows; felt-lined interior; rear spoiler; canopy vent; wiring harnesses; LED interior light; rear LED brake light; and standard roof rails. TJM also supplies a huge range of accessories to fit-out your ute canopy for long-distance touring.
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| Material | Fibreglass or ABS |
|---|---|
| Finish | Colour-coded paint |
| Weight | Approx 90kg |
| Locks | Heavy-duty rotary locks |
| Warranty | Two years (Fibreglass); Four years (ABS) |
Pros
- Fully integrated central locking for all windows
- Good warranty on ABS canopy
Cons
- Low load rating
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A buyers' guide to ute canopies
The standard ute tub is a basic bit of gear, but add a tub liner, canopy and a drawer system, and your ute becomes an ideal weekend adventurer or tourer.
A canopy adds security, protects your gear, and allows you to carry loads on top. Whether the load’s a rooftop tent, a load of timber for work or a second spare, choosing the right canopy is important. Which canopy you choose depends on what you plan to use it for.
As with any piece of aftermarket gear added to a 4x4 build, it’s important to first establish what your intended purpose is: Are you a tradie looking to keep your tools safe? Perhaps you’re planning your next Red Centre run?
Once that’s established and you’ve started the long, tedious process of browsing aftermarket catalogues, there are a handful of essential elements to keep in mind including materials, construction, fitment, roof-load capacity, access, accessories and aesthetics, to name a few.
As with any off-road purchase, ensure the supplier has a quality reputation and can back its product with aftermarket support and a substantial warranty.
Load rating
By installing a canopy, like a tub topper, and then loading it with tools and/or gear for your next camping trip, the kilograms will begin to rise. This is why it’s critical to always monitor your vehicle’s weight and not overload it.
Most canopies will easily cope with a couple of lightweight kayaks. On the other hand, a rooftop tent is heavy amd will need a sturdy canopy with a high load rating.
And you need to consider roof loading based on type of travel. As a rule of thumb, off-road loading should be 50 to 75 per cent of the rated (on-road) capacity. Most canopy manufacturers specify on-road roof loading.
A few quote both static and dynamic loading. Static loading is a useful number when you fit a rooftop tent, roof platform or similar. It tells you how much weight the canopy will take when you’re parked up, with you and your partner sleeping in it. Dynamic loading is the load rating when travelling.
Is dynamic loading the on-road or the off-road rating? It depends on what figures the manufacturer quotes. Without contacting them directly, it’s impossible to tell. Unfortunately, there’s no standard for specifying loadings.
If in doubt, assume dynamic loading is the on-road capacity, then down-rate the figure for off-road use. Why derate for off-road travel? Because twisting forces, vibrations and rough conditions mean your canopy will be subject to a whole lot of extra loads that will try to rip your canopy apart.
The 50 to 75 per cent load rating is a wide range. Use common sense here. If you’re planning on a trip on rough outback roads or a full-on crawl over the wild tracks of the Victorian High Country, then go with 50 per cent. On the other hand, 75 per cent will be okay if you’ll be driving along well-maintained gravel roads.
Say the canopy’s roof loading is 100kg, then you’re potentially down to 50kg when off-road … less the weight of the roof bars and roof basket or roof platform. That’s maybe a kayak or a couple of swags and no more. Forget about carrying a spare tyre or fitting a rooftop tent.
Generally, a steel or aluminium canopy will have a higher load rating than a fibreglass canopy, but not always. The load rating depends on how the canopy’s made and whether it has an internal frame.
Materials
Canopies come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are constructed using different materials, with your budget typically dictating what path you’ll head down when the time comes to swipe the credit card. Typically, you’ll have to choose between stainless steel, fibreglass, aluminium/metal, or a form of plastic construction.
A quick glance through the canopies we’ve included in our list reveals a wide variety of materials: fibreglass, ABS thermoplastic, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.
Fibreglass is more the traditional material which canopies were made from. They generally have additives to increase strength and UV resistance. The biggest advantage of fibreglass is they’re lightweight. However, manufacturers are now making aluminium and even steel canopies at equivalent weights, qnd their roof loadings are usually (but not always) double or triple that of fibreglass equivalents.
The big advantage of steel or aluminium over fibreglass is window-opening sizes. Due to steel’s inherent strength, window mullions can be thinner. So the openings are larger, making them easier to access and easier to pack.
Keep in mind, however, that metal fatigue is more prominent in aluminium than stainless steel, so aluminium may have a tendency to crack more easily over time. Stainless steel is an extremely strong and versatile material and, contrary to popular belief, isn’t as heavy as you’d think.
One positive of fibreglass and ABS over steel are their insulation properties. As a rule, they don’t transmit as much heat into the canopy as steel and aluminium.
Security
One of the biggest benefits of a canopy is knowing the gear in the tub is safe, and that’s why you should pay attention to the window latches. Look closely at canopies with T-handles, as they can easily be pried open.
We had folding T-handles on a set of toolboxes once, and after several thousand kilometres of corrugations, they decided to snap all by themselves. It’s not a great feeling when you glance in the mirror and see your gear falling out on to the road.
The best latch is a compression latch, as they’re highly reliable and difficult to break in to.
Central locking
Most premium canopies offer central locking. Some include all windows, while others only have central locking on the rear window. Central locking is super-convenient, no doubt, but consider where the canopy will spend most of its life.
We’ve seen more than one canopy central-locking system fail in rough, dusty conditions. Sometimes they fail-locked, other times they won’t lock at all. Either one is particularly frustrating, especially when the keyhole’s plugged up with red dust.
If your ute will be spending its life traversing back blocks, central locking is probably not such a good idea. But if your ute spends most of its life in the suburbs, then central locking is a no-brainer.
Clamping or bolting?
Some canopies clamp to the tub lip with multiple clamps; others require bolts through the tub lip, which means you need to drill into the tub The strongest canopies tend to brace down to the floor of the tub - this way the canopy doesn’t rely on the sides of the tub for strength or support.
Some of you will be okay with drilling holes in the tub’s top lip, while others would rather the less-invasive clamping method - it depends on what you’re comfortable with. Either way, look for canopies which extend down slightly past the top of the lip on the outside faces, as this helps keep the rain and the dust out.
Other considerations
An air hatch is a useful addition to any canopy. It pressurises the canopy, minimising the amount of dust ingress, and it also helps keep the canopy cooler on hot days. Another consideration is whether the canopy is lined, as this adds a touch of luxury and helps to insulate it from cold and heat.
Internal lights are essential. Some canopies have the same system as vehicle’s internal lights - they switch on when the rear door opens. Some lights have their own battery, while others are powered from the vehicle.
If your canopy has the option of internal lights or central locking, check where the electrics connect. This can mean the difference between a simple installation and the need to run extra cabling to the starting battery.
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How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best swags in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you sleep soundly under the stars.
When we compared each of the swags in the list with hundreds out there we looked at the size, weight, durability and price. We also searched for additional features that make these swags stand out from the rest.
We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience sleeping in swags to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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