An"extended cab" ute, also called “extra cab”, refers to a type of utility vehicle that combines the features of a traditional two-door cab with an extended rear seating area or cargo space. This additional area offers more room than a standard single cab ute but is smaller than a complete four-door crew cab.
Extra cab utes are popular among individuals and businesses who need a balance between passenger capacity and cargo storage. In other words, the people who commonly own them are tradesmen, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who occasionally need to transport passengers in addition to their cargo.
Still, despite offering a lot more practical space than a standard single-cab vehicle, there is plenty of room for improvement. One of the ways you can make your vehicle more functional for your daily needs is by getting a tray.
Why Get a Tray for Your Vehicle?
Ute trays are among the most popular add-ons for utility vehicles. Depending on your needs and the environment you subject your utility vehicle to you can choose between a durable extra cab aluminium tray or a steel one. But first, let's explore the many reasons to get one, for instance:
Get Increased Storage Space
A tray's main function is to increase your vehicle's storage capacity. It can provide more space to carry tools, materials, camping gear, sporting goods, or any other items you need to transport if your utility vehicle's factory tray size is insufficient for your purposes.
Enjoy Greater Flexibility
Your ute's flexibility may be increased with a tray. It allows you to transport longer and bulkier objects that might not fit in a typical tray, including lumber, pipes, or other extensive materials.
Improve Your Vehicle's Stability
A huge downside of extra cab vehicles is that they struggle with weight distribution. When you need to store something in the ute's back, especially if it's heavy, you can disturb the balance of the vehicle, potentially affecting handling.
Attaching a sturdy tray helps to even out the load better over the ute's wheelbase. This way you can enjoy a more stable ride and reduce the chance of something falling off the back.
Get a Basis on Which You Can Attach Other Accessories
You can modify an extended cab ute to meet your unique requirements with the help of a tray. You can use it to add accessories such as toolboxes, racks, tie-down points, or even a canopy for weather protection.
How to Choose the Right Solution
Take Your Time to Pick a Material
Should I go for aluminium or steel? - This is something you'll likely ask yourself if you're considering buying a new ute tray. The durability of steel may surpass that of aluminium ute trays, however, aluminium is more lightweight and thus has other convenient benefits.
A standard extra cab aluminium tray weighs 90% less than one made of steel. As a result, it gives you the freedom to haul heavier objects without worrying about overloading your vehicle.
Additionally, a lighter tray reduces your ute's GVM, and as a result, its payload capacity. This means, the vehicle will consume less fuel and tyre wear will be decreased.
Consider Your Needs
You need a dependable ute with plenty of tray room whether you work as a plumber, electrician, builder, or any other type of professional. Make a list of how and what you plan to use the ute for so that you can find the most practical design.
Check the Safety Features
The best way to secure your equipment and materials is by using lockable toolboxes. Transporting bulky items to and from your business every day is not necessary. Any area of your vehicle may accommodate ute trays, and the lockable boxes provide secure storage so you can keep your tools safe and secure.
Evaluate the Use of Space
Because aluminium is lightweight and thin, a tray made of it can offer more room and the chance for additional versatility. You can maximise the useful space by placing the tray over the wheels. It can also be positioned higher on the car so that there is room for toolboxes underneath.
Fitted vs. Custom
Due to their factory design, the fitted ute trays have limited flexibility. Aluminium custom ute trays, on the other hand, let you use them however you see fit. These trays may be installed quickly in your truck and have double-height sides with tie rails. The metal trays are extremely durable because they were made to last. These trays are capable of handling any situation and can resist any weather.
Don't Forget to Check the Size
The size of the tray that comes with your UTE is one of the key and most crucial factors you should take into account before choosing a tray. It makes no difference how well-reviewed or which manufacturer created the tray if it does not fit properly; a tray that is the wrong size is useless.
