5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Custom Ute Trays
Are you buying a ute for work? If so, you should consider investing in a custom ute tray. Buy a chassis-only ute with a bareback and purchase a custom tray that’s designed to meet your specific storage needs. Not only will enjoy enhanced utility from your vehicle, but you can also add value to your vehicle by investing in a custom tray rather than going for the standard tray.
What Are Custom Ute trays?
A custom ute tray is a tray mounted on the back of a ute or work truck. However, unlike mass-market trays or an OEM cab, a custom tray features a custom design that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the ute owner. As such, the tray comes with features designed to enhance the functionality of the ute based on the users’ needs.
5 Things You Should Consider Before Buying Custom Ute trays
1). Functionality
The main goal of purchasing a ute and a custom ute tray is to haul your gear and tools around. Ideally, your tray should be adaptable to the various tasks you perform as part of your day to day routine. Is your ute tray only for work? Do you use your ute during the weekends for fishing and camping trips? Either way, you should consider the functionality you want with your ute before purchasing. The last thing you want is to invest in an expensive tray that doesn’t meet your needs.
2). Dimensions
Size is an important consideration. Your tray should have ample space to pack all of your work gear and tools during the week whilst being able to haul your weekend off-roading and camping gear. It’s a good idea to determine the best tray size before settling on your ute tray. Take stock of all your work gear to determine your space requirements. While at it, you can take an inventory of your weekend gear to determine the space you also need during the weekend.
3). Materials
Ute trays are typically manufactured using aluminium or mild steel. The choice of materials will depend on various factors including the ideal weight of the tray, the corrosion resistance required of the tray, the strength requirements of your tray should have amongst other considerations. If you need a lightweight ute tray, an aluminium tray is your best option as it is twice as light as a steel tray. On the other hand, if your tray needs to be robust, steel is three times stiffer and four times stronger than aluminium. For better corrosion resistance, an aluminium tray will perform better. Finally, on the cost front, aluminium trays cost approximately 30 per cent more than steel trays.
4). Durability
While the usage and how well you take care of your ute tray will influence its longevity, the material used to manufacture the tray and the quality of workmanship have a greater influence on the durability of your ute tray. As such, prioritise the quality of manufacturing and the use of heavy-duty material inputs to ensure your tray last as long as possible.
5). The Track Record Of The Potential Custom Tray Manufacturer/Supplier
It’s not enough for the tray manufacturer or supplier to offer quality products. That should be just the minimum. With this in mind, choose a supplier or manufacturer with a proven track record of manufacturing or supplying quality and durable ute trays while also meeting the after-sale needs of their customers.
How To Choose The Best Ute Tray
Start By Considering The Main Function Of The Ute Tray. Ute trays come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Additionally, the ute trays are optimised for different functions and trades. As such, take into consideration the main function of your ute.
Does your trade involve hauling a ladder? Do you need a toolbox on your ute for work? Such considerations should help you determine the most suitable type of tray and the features it should have.
Determine The Features Your Ute Tray Should Have – The main benefit of custom trays is the possibility of incorporating custom features. Therefore, you can incorporate features such as weatherproofing, ample storage capacity, fibreglass canopies enhance toolbox security, roof racks, tail lights, mounting for a small crane, hydraulic tipper function, etc.
With the main function of the ute tray in mind, choose the variety of features that will enhance the usability of your ute.
Determine The Best Material For Your Tray – After considering the main function of your ute and the main features it should have, you should decide on what materials your ute tray should be made of. As mentioned above, most trays are made of steel or aluminium.
Steel and aluminium have different qualities and offers varied performance benefits. With the guidance of a professional, choose the most suitable material for your ute tray.
Choose Your Supplier Carefully – Finally, you should choose the tray supplier carefully. Aside from purchasing your tray from a reliable manufacturer or supplier, you should only purchase your tray from a manufacturer with a track record of providing quality after-sale services.
Final Thoughts
Your ute should exude your style and meet your storage space requirements and needs for both work and pleasure. A custom tray allows you to personalise your ute exactly how you want. Whether you need a tray with toolboxes and tray canopy or you need a flatbed tray, the choices are limitless.
MFI Provides High-Quality Ute Service Bodies
At MFI Automotive Group, we work to bring your vision of a custom ute tray to light. We have experienced engineers and personnel conversant in the production of full canopy trays, tray combo, lift on canopies, and drop-side trays. Whether you are looking for a custom tray for your fleet, commercial vehicle, emergency vehicle, recreational, or even specialised service bodies, we have the expertise to meet your needs.
For more information regarding high-quality service bodies, please call us today at MFI Automotive Group on 1300 634 669 or get in touch with our friendly sales team here.