Dual Cab Canopies: A Reasonable Ute Upgrade

When it comes to dual-purpose utility, dual cab utes are unbeatable. That’s because they transition painlessly from weekday work-crew haulers to weekend family transporters, with no loss of capacity or capability along the way.

What dual cabs lack when compared to their single and extra cab counterparts, however, is reliable covered cargo space. Depending on the make and model of ute, a dual cab’s 0.6 m gain in interior legroom can take away as much as 30% of the vehicle’s prime cargo-carrying area. And although there’s no way to reclaim that lost cargo space, a proper canopy cover is the best way to maximise the space that’s available.

Dual Cab Canopies Give Ute Owners Full Sized Versatility

white dual-cab ute canopy from Magnum MFG
source: magnummfg.com.au

Make no mistake: regardless of whether it’s a single, extra, or dual cab, ute owners understand how practical tray canopies are. For dual cab owners, however, heavy-duty dual cab ute canopies offer a degree of versatility that isn’t available with other sizes of canopies. With a standard length of 1800 mm, dual canopies are the most compact of all full-sized canopies. When it comes to lightweight, easy tray configurations though, their smaller footprint gives them a big advantage.

The shorter length of a dual cab canopy equates to a better balance of work and recreational capacity than what’s ordinarily possible with longer canopies. That means although they’re built for dual cab utes, they’re an equally attractive solution for the extended trays and chassis on single, and extra cab utes. There’s no compromise on feature-richness though, which is why Australia’s best made dual cab canopies are preferred for a selection of qualities that include:

  • Versatile, 3-door design concepts that available in both permanent, and lift-off configurations;
  • A choice of either powder coated, flat plate, or checker plate alloy construction; and,
  • Easily customisable internal layouts that can be quickly secured by keyed or electronic locks.

With a level of multi-purpose functionality that combines all the advantages of larger boxes with the favourable weight and space savings of smaller ones, heavy-duty dual cab ute canopies are as suitable for outdoorsmen as they are for tradies. And although they can be mounted to any length tray or chassis, as they’re originally designed for dual cab utes, they can also be retrofitted as style-side dual cab canopy tub tops.

Premium Attributes Give Dual Cab Canopies the High-Quality Advantage

Whether it’s hauling tools out to the jobsite, or food rations up to the campsite, when it comes to unparalleled dual cab ute canopy configurations, durability is their primary component. Ute canopies have to be able to withstand the punishment of heavy usage, attempted break-ins by thieves, and persistent environmental assault, all without sacrificing their lightweight credentials. That’s why aluminium is the only material rugged enough for ute dual cab canopy box construction.

A 2.5 mm thick, dual cab aluminium canopy made from corrosion-resistant, 1060 grade flat or checker plating offers maximum protection from harsh loading, rough handling, and unwanted intrusion. And top-tier dual cab canopy tray boxes are also supported by rigid aluminium skeletons that feature:

  • TIG welded construction, with fully pickled and passivated external seams;
  • RHS braced and reinforced front walls and roof sections;
  • Built in and fully reinforced and enclosed 2.5 mm aluminium floors;
  • Reinforced internal corners for extra rigidity; and,
  • Full length piano-type door hinges with a pair of gas struts on each door.

With volume ratings of over 3000 litres and static load ratings of 350 kg, aluminium canopies for dual cab utes boast cargo capacities that are perfect complements for their robust sturdiness. And when it comes to resisting the elements, dual cab ute aluminium canopy boxes offer an added array of weatherproof features that include:

  • Dust and water resistant rubber seals on all doors;
  • High-quality pinch weld material on exposed edges; and,
  • External drainage holes in doors to prevent trapped water.

Ideally, with today’s high quality dual cab canopies, ute owners never have to worry about water leaks, or the security of their cargo. And with their reinforced wall and roof sections, sturdy aluminium dual cab canopy boxes can even be outfitted with a wide range of premium accessories that help make them more functional than ever.

Canopy Accessories Are the Keys to Dual Cab Usability

Whether it’s the framework for transporting lumber or rigid PVC, or the mounting fixtures for a spare tyre and a pair of jerry cans, accessories are an essential part of maximising ute canopy capabilities. The canopy has to be sturdy enough to safely support them though, especially if they’re externally mounted. Fortunately, Australian-made dual cab alloy canopy boxes are more than sturdy enough to support the widest range of accessories for every possible cargo-carrying contingencies.

Accessories help elevate ute usability across the board, and among the most popular and practical aluminium dual cab ute canopy accessories on the market, owners can expect to find:

  • Internal drawer boxes for tools, parts, and other cargo;
  • Shelves and trundles for optimally space organisation; and,
  • Ladder racks for maximum overhead carry capacity.

Aluminium dual cab canopies can even be outfitted with electrical fixtures like internal lighting, custom power panels, and remote-operated locks and alarms. Even lift-off dual cab canopies can be wired and quickly disconnected when jacked off, giving them maximum flexibility when it comes to owners setting up their ideal configuration.

The Final Word

Close-up of a quality aluminum ute canopy
source: bestplumbers.com.au

At the end of the day, from their straightforward lift off capabilities to their ultra-streamlined profile, modern dual cab canopies are designed for cargo, and fuel efficiency. Quality begins with how they’re constructed though, which is why the best canopies are manufactured from aluminium, and are manufactured right here in Oz.

Regardless of the chassis they’re mounted on, heavy-duty, full alloy ute canopies are the right choice for all sizes of ute. They have all the qualities a ute owner needs to get the most from their vehicle, on and off the road.