Noob question but is it possible to hose out inside a ute fibreglass canopy? I see that some of them have lights and other electronics but I'm guessing it's fine?
I've ordered a new ute and I can't decide if I should get a fibreglass canopy or put a tray on it. Both work out to be about the same price.
I'm leaning towards the canopy but I need it to be easy to clean as I will put my dogs in there after going to the beach.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Dual cab triton.
I ordered the pick up style because the cab chassis version is missing a lot of the safety sensors. I've seen that some of the after market tray makers can relocate the sensors so could have tray without missing sensors
If you need ease of access from all sides a tray is much more useful, especially if you're carrying large items.
Not sure what you mean by fibreglass canopy or tray, as you can only hav e afibreglass canopy over a pickup truck style back - people get these for aesthetics, but utility wise they're pretty useless, apart from being higher.
They offer very different options so really depends what you are looking for. Fibreglass canopy will allow for a near waterproof and dustproof setup. But you are then limited with what you can carry in the back in regards to overside items. A will tray will essentially act like the tub but a different shape.
You do have the option to put a canopy on the tray if you go down that route and they are a much more water proof and dustproof option. You can also look at a jack off version so you can easily go from carting large items around to having a secure weatherproof canopy on the tray.
If your dogs aren't used to travelling in the back of a ute, go for a canopy. I'm assuming you'd secure them in properly either way but you see plenty of dogs in the back of utes freaking out/barking a lot… Whether they're overly heightened from stress, fear or over excitement, it doesn't really matter. It's could be dangerous for them and others
You should be able to hose a tub with a canopy but the best setup depends on a lot of factors. If you go for a canopy you would probably need a drawer set too.
Personally I prefer my soft tonneau cover. Makes the ute tub much more versatile, albeit less secure and water/dust resistant. In the last couple of months I’ve had loads of mulch, soil and gravel, an upright fridge, 4 bikes that I can think. all required no cover to load up.
My mate with a canopy could not transport a fridge or loads of landscaping stuff and is going to purchase a bike rack to take the family’s bikes to the trails. He does however have a secure, dry and mostly dust free space for his gear.
I put a tray on my dual cab Colorado - you can fit much more in a tray - so much more useful for work. I'm handy with a welder so I made myself a canopy that sits in the tray with a roof top tent on top. I just use 4 home made electric canopy jacks and it comes off in about two minutes. Best of both worlds. When out camping I'll usually find a picturesque spot to use as a home base, dump the camper/canopy off and cruise around seeing the sights without it.
Can you explain your homemade canopy jacks?
For the canopy jacks I made the canopy so that it had two slots for each corner, then welded up 4 legs with an inner and outer piece and put and electric scissor jack inside the canopy on either side powered by the batteries in the canopy…unlatch canopy from tray, hit raise switch on jacks and then put a pin in the drop down leg extension just like a jack stand.
An easy way to do it would be to get 4 caravan dolly wheels, weld them onto the legs, cut the crank handles off, weld on a bolt to the top and then use a cordless driver to raise and lower each corner.
Nice mate, simple and very effective. I can't decide whether to fork out for a full setup or make something similar to yours, maybe you've inspired me. Cheers
Which particular ute?
Trays and canopies can vary by manufacturer.