What is a better Ute tray: aluminium or steel?

Do you plan to purchase a brand-new ute? Or perhaps you're giving an old one a makeover by re-kitting it. Many commercial buyers would rather purchase a chassis-only ute with a bareback rather than a ute that already has its rear section installed. This gives them the flexibility to choose a rear section that is the ideal fit for their requirements. Not only does adding a tray to your ute allow you to express your individual sense of style, but it also increases the resale value of the vehicle.

The use of ute trays makes it possible to transport cargo, whether that cargo consists of fruits, vegetables, livestock, camping gear, construction equipment, bulk shopping, or extended family members who are coming over for a family barbeque. The type of tray that you go with makes all the difference, so in that spirit, here are a few pointers.

First things first, make certain that you purchase your tray from a reputable vendor. Because you are required to return to them in the event that something goes wrong, they should have a solid track record and excellent customer service. After-sale services and assistance with fitting and installing the tray are typically provided by reputable vendors.

They will also have a vast network of distributors and service people, allowing you to contact them whenever it is most convenient for you. Even if they are imported, their products will come with a warranty, and they are tried and tested in the Australian market. Even if they are imported, their products will come with a warranty.

Aluminum, steel, and alloy are the primary components that go into the production of ute trays. Powder coating is most commonly used for the alloy, and the most common colour option is a matte black finish. In contrast, white aluminium has a shiny and grey appearance. Because aluminium trays are typically lighter than other types of trays, using them allows you to transport more goods within the confines of the car's permitted gross vehicle weight. On the other hand, steel is a more abrasive and wear-resistant material.

Are you searching for the most reliable truck service body manufacturing drives swear by? Then Ridgeback Service Bodies is the answer.

Aluminium vs Steel Ute Trays

If you are thinking about purchasing a new ute tray, you are probably going to ask yourself, "Should I get an aluminium ute tray or a steel ute tray?" Steel ute trays are more durable than aluminium ute trays. Both options have positive and negative aspects, and ultimately, the decision comes down to an individual's preferences.

Weight

Compared to mild steel, aluminum's weight is significantly lower. When put side by side, a steel tray will usually weigh about twice as much as an aluminium tray. When comparing the weight of a heavy-duty aluminium HiLux tray (160 kg) to an equivalent steel tray (308 kg) from Toyota's genuine accessories range, the former is a clear winner. This amounts to a gain in mass of 148 kilogrammes, or more than 90%.

The costs of such a drastic increase go far beyond any potential increase in fuel consumption or mechanical component or tyre wear. The addition of the tray's weight to the vehicle's kerb weight reduces the GVM (gross vehicle mass) rating and, by extension, the payload capacity of the vehicle.

For instance, if the kerb weight of a cab-chassis version of a light commercial vehicle is 1500 kilogrammes and the GVM is 2800 kilogrammes, we can infer that its payload capacity is 1300 kilogrammes, or 1.3 tonnes. However, if a steel tray is added, which adds 300 kilogrammes, the payload must be reduced by the same amount to stay under the GVM. As the tray's weight increases, the load decreases. A significantly lighter kerb weight is possible with an aluminium tray, which is beneficial if payload capacity is a priority.

Steel trays add weight, but they could be useful, especially in cab-chassis vehicles that are often driven empty or with very light loads. Their leaf-spring rear suspensions, which are usually designed to carry a payload of one tonne or more, can be so rigid when they are not carrying a decent load over them that they will try to punch your head through the roof whenever you drive over a bump that is larger than a pebble.

A heavy steel tray, however, can often supply the sprung weight necessary to compress those rear springs sufficiently, improving the ride quality even when the vehicle is empty.

The Ute Tray Service Body has many optional accessories available allowing you to create the safest, most functional and best-looking work vehicle around.

Strength

Steel, as a general rule of thumb, can be up to four times stronger than aluminium and up to three times stiffer. Steel is unparalleled in its ability to withstand tensile stresses and resist abrasion, making it ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.

This, however, is not to say that heavy-duty aluminium trays are not sufficiently strong and rigid. Depending on the specifics of your work, your aluminium trays' ability to perform in extreme conditions may or may not be sufficient. Many happy owners attest that their aluminium trays have lived up to all expectations.

Example: anyone who isn't a metallurgist can tell you that an aluminium tray will be defeated by a steel tray in a prolonged conflict because aluminium is softer than steel. Therefore, a steel tray may be more suitable for such abuse if your job requires you to transport a large number of heavy steel Acrow props, jackhammer drill bits, star pickets, sledgehammers, or other similar items.

Steel may be the best material for moving landscape materials, especially large, sharp, angular rocks that could roll out of the bucket of a front-end loader with considerable force. You can only carry so much before the steel tray starts to weigh you down, so that's something to keep in mind at all times.

Corrosion

Aside from its lighter weight, corrosion resistance is another major perk of aluminium. Aluminum is derived from bauxite, while carbon and iron are used to create mild steel. Because of this, aluminium is classified as a non-ferrous metal and does not rust, while steel is classified as the opposite.

An aluminium tray can therefore be left exposed to the elements without any protective covering. Useful in coastal areas due to its resistance to the corrosive effects of sea air and (depending on how it is used) salt water, which means less risk of the dreaded rust forming.

On the other hand, mild steel will quickly corrode in the open air and sunlight if it is not coated or otherwise protected. And salt water is its greatest threat. While hot-dip galvanising is widely regarded as the best method for preventing this, powder-coating and, at the very least, a good coat of paint are also viable alternatives.

Chips and scratches from normal use, no matter how carefully you treat them, will always have a chance to start rust. The steel used to make tray bodies is, fortunately, typically made much thicker than the lightweight sheet metal used to make automotive bodies.

Unless it is poorly maintained, a steel tray won't rust to the point where it loses its structural integrity, even after years of use. Since it's more likely that you'll take the car to work each day than that you'll take a swim in the ocean first thing, this is the case.

See our list of available Ute trays  to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle.

Cost

Since aluminium is roughly 30% more expensive than mild steel, it is reasonable to assume that the cost of an aluminium tray will be greater than that of a mild steel tray. Typically, this is the case with made-to-order trays due to the higher price of raw materials, specialised MIG/TIG welding gases, and labour caused by the prolonged fabrication process.

Dealers of motor vehicles tend to favour prefabricated trays, but the price difference between these and custom-made trays varies widely. Connection between events These trays are usually delivered to retailers as a flat-pack kit, which is then assembled into a ready-to-drive-away, no-extra-cost package by retailers. But some dealerships may charge more due to the flat-pack steel trays' design and the associated shipping costs.

When compared to custom-made trays, the one-size-fits-all trays are about half the price and more than adequate for the job. Despite the fact that, unlike the custom trays, they are not made to order, these trays continue to be popular.

Other considerations

Steel, in contrast to aluminium, has magnetic properties, which may be useful or dangerous depending on the nature of your work. If you work with flammable gases or liquids on a regular basis, you may want to opt for (non-ferrous) aluminium rather than steel because of the former's tendency to produce sparks.

In the event that you need to load wheeled machinery onto your custom tray, you should plan accordingly by considering how the drop-sides can be removed to function as ramps. Aluminum with added reinforcement could work as ramps, but steel might be better for its greater strength and rigidity. In contrast, the latter would be significantly heavier, which could make it difficult to remove and replace items from the tray's sides.

If the tray is going to have a hydraulic tipper function, or if you intend to mount a small crane so that you can load heavy items, you should also consider the types of tools that might be needed for the application of your work. To determine whether an aluminium or steel tray would be more advantageous, some of these calculations may require the assistance of a licenced engineer.

Some ute owners may seek a tray to complement the cab colour of their vehicle. This could be done for practical reasons (such as in fleets that require all vehicles to have the same colour and signage) or simply because the tradesperson desires a more unified appearance for his or her vehicle. This job can be simplified significantly by using a steel tray.

What to look for in buying Ute trays?

The majority of utes come equipped with a tub as standard, unless the buyer chooses the factory tray option. Tubs and factory trays are just two examples of the many different options for transporting cargo that are available. Work is a consideration for some people when selecting an option for the back of their ute, while recreation is more important to others. You are currently reading the appropriate feature if you are unsure what would work best for you.

These guidelines, which were developed by our trained professionals and experts, will assist you in selecting the appropriate tray for the size of your truck, which will, in addition to enhancing the interior space and monetary value of the automobile, provide years of worry-free service.

Size of the UTE: Gold Coast Ute Trays

Before choosing a tray, one of the primary and most important things you need to consider is the size of the tray that comes with your UTE. This is not an incorrect statement by any stretch of the imagination. If the tray does not fit properly, it does not matter how highly rated it is or which company made it; the tray is of no use if it is not the correct size. It is a better idea to check the size of the UTE tray that is the most popular and in demand (such as those offered by Gold Coast Ute Trays), and then enquire about all of the benefits and drawbacks of the product. Due to the fact that there are a great many distinct kinds of trays, this step is of the utmost importance when purchasing a UTE tray.

Some of them are easily adjustable, while others have a narrower range of applications; on the other hand, some of them cannot be adjusted at all and are not designed to work with a variety of chassis and brands. If you are able to test the tray for its size and functionality before making the purchase, then it will be the most feasible option. It is imperative that you remember to enquire about the dimensions of the UTE tray, particularly in the event that you intend to transport longer pieces of equipment or objects.

The Weight Factor:

The vast majority of purchasers neglect to take the weight of the tray into consideration, despite the fact that it should be the second most important consideration after the size of the tray. The Gold Coast Ute Trays are available in a number of different weights, and the weight of the tray will have a significant effect on the fuel efficiency of your truck.

In addition to the weight of the tray itself, you should also consider the weight of your tools in order to calculate the total weight of the load once the new UTE tray has been installed. This means that the lower the fuel economy your vehicle offers, the heavier the tray will be after it is completely loaded.

Because of this, the nature of the items you intend to transport, as well as their dimensions and contours, will have a significant impact on the functionality of your automobile as well as its gas mileage, and it is for this reason that the weight factor should be taken into consideration when choosing between different UTE trays. Pick the one that has enough space to safely and effectively store all of your belongings and pieces of equipment.

Manufacturing Materials:

Gold Coast Ute Trays are typically manufactured from alloy, aluminium, or steel; the material that you select from among these options will largely depend on the demands and necessities of your lifestyle as well as the particulars of your needs and requirements. For your information, the most cost-effective choice among all of the materials is aluminium for the UTE trays.

These also tend to weigh less than their counterparts. Steel trays, on the other hand, are more resilient, strong, and tough than their plastic counterparts. When it comes to the life of the tray and how long it will last, alloy UTE trays are not as dependable as steel or aluminium, despite the fact that their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Do choose the material that fits the weight and type of the things/objects you intend to carry in it as well as your personal preferences. This is an important consideration.

For instance, steel is a material that, when used to construct a tray, results in a structure that is exceptionally sturdy; as a result, this material is an excellent choice if you need to transport weighty items, such as those used in industrial or construction settings. In addition, when choosing an appropriate material, you shouldn't neglect to take into consideration your personal sense of style. The powder-coated alloy trays are typically only available in a matt black finish, whereas the aluminium trays come in a shiny grey colour.

Withstanding Weather Conditions:

The fact that Gold Coast Ute Trays are weatherproof is one of the most notable characteristics that these trays possess; however, this is not true of all of the trays that are currently on the market. Because it guarantees the tray's durability against the harsh conditions, being able to withstand the weather is an important quality.

Not only will you be able to relax knowing that your belongings will be safe and protected, but you will also be able to enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with it. Steel UTE trays are much more weather-resistant and long-lasting than their aluminium counterparts, but they are also significantly heavier and more prone to rusting.

Therefore, if you want to instal a steel UTE tray, you should give some consideration to getting it coated so that it won't rust. Regardless of the material that you choose to use for the tray, you need to ensure that it is installed in such a way that it does not allow water to collect between the tray and your vehicle. This is important because water collection is the primary factor that leads to rusting.

Availability of Internal Space:

Because of the nature of your work, you will be required to transport a variety of tools and pieces of equipment. Because of this, it is essential that you select a UTE tray that provides a large amount of storage space for your various tools. In this regard, you should take into consideration the quantity as well as the size of your tools before selecting the ideal size for the tray.

Usage of the Tray: Gold Coast Ute Trays

before making a decision, it is important to determine how the tray is typically used. Because Gold Coast Ute Trays are available in such a wide variety of configurations, it is important to carefully consider how you intend to use them before making a purchase. For example, you should consider whether you will be transporting animals, goods, fruits and vegetables, or heavy commercial equipment. If the tray comes with a roofing option, that would be the best case scenario; however, having a tarp as an additional option is also very beneficial. If you want to transport plumbing or construction supplies, then your tray absolutely needs to have a ladder rack so that you can hold supplies more easily.

Ease of Installation:

If you want to instal the tray on your own, you should pay attention to the process of installing it as well, and you should pay even more attention if you want to do it on your own. Because it is a large and heavy piece of equipment, installing a UTE tray could be a challenging process. Because of this, you might need the assistance of another person while you are installing it. Before you buy the product, make sure to ask the manufacturer about the product's complete installation process. If you need assistance installing the product, you should seek the assistance of a trained professional.

In the end, what you drive, what you tow, what you want to carry, and how often you want to carry it will determine which option is best for you. Utes are an excellent choice for transportation, particularly if the back of the vehicle is outfitted appropriately.

The list that was just presented to you, including the links to the companies, is not comprehensive; however, it should provide you with some good places to begin your search. Because there are so many factors that go into determining prices, your best bet is to call the businesses that you are interested in to enquire about their current pricing.

Forums and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are also full of recommendations from users who already possess the products that you might be interested in purchasing. It is one of the many wonderful things about the communities of people who go caravanning, camping, and four-wheel driving. People are always willing to offer advice; all you have to do is ask, and then sort through what they have to say.

Conclusion

Many businessmen favour buying a bareback chassis-only ute. You can get more money when you sell your ute if you instal a tray. The choice of tray has a significant impact, so here are some tips to help you make the right one. If you compare steel and aluminium trays side by side, you'll notice that the former is roughly twice as heavy. Although steel trays are heavier, they may be necessary for cab-chassis vehicles.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be made based on personal taste. Steel trays can be up to four times as strong and three times as stiff as their aluminium counterparts. Because of this, they are well-suited for hauling the kinds of large, angular rocks that could be damaged by a front-end loader's dumping action. If your job requires you to haul around a lot of heavy steel props, you might want to look elsewhere than aluminium trays. A steel tray will not rust to the point where it loses its structural integrity unless it has been poorly maintained.

Aluminum (a non-ferrous metal) is a better choice than steel (a ferrous metal) if you frequently deal with flammable gases or liquids in your work. Unless the buyer specifies otherwise when ordering, most utes come with a tub. There are ute owners who want a tray to match the colour of their cab. The reason for this could be based on functionality or it could be that the tradesperson just wants a more streamlined look. All sorts of Gold Coast Ute Trays weights are on offer.

Your truck's gas mileage will suffer noticeably due to the tray's weight. If you need to transport longer pieces of equipment or objects, it is crucial that you remember to enquire about the dimensions of the UTE tray. Typically, alloy, aluminium, or steel is used in the production of Gold Coast Ute Trays. For the UTE trays, aluminium is your most economical option. When compared to their plastic counterparts, steel trays are more sturdy, durable, and long-lasting.

Steel UTE trays are more durable and resistant to the elements than their aluminium counterparts; however, they are also much heavier and more prone to rust. As a result, proper installation is essential to prevent water from pooling in the space between the tray and your car. If you're interested in purchasing a UTE tray, it's important to enquire with the maker about the full details of the tray's installation. In the event that you require assistance during the installation process, a qualified technician should be consulted. Product reviews written by people who have actually used them abound on online discussion boards and social media.

Content Summary

• Do you plan to purchase a brand-new ute?
• The type of tray that you go with makes all the difference, so in that spirit, here are a few pointers.
• First things first, make certain that you purchase your tray from a reputable vendor.
• The addition of the tray's weight to the vehicle's kerb weight reduces the GVM (gross vehicle mass) rating and, by extension, the payload capacity of the vehicle.
• As the tray's weight increases, the load decreases.
• Depending on the specifics of your work, your aluminium trays' ability to perform in extreme conditions may or may not be sufficient.
• CostSince aluminium is roughly 30% more expensive than mild steel, it is reasonable to assume that the cost of an aluminium tray will be greater than that of a mild steel tray.
• If the tray is going to have a hydraulic tipper function, or if you intend to mount a small crane so that you can load heavy items, you should also consider the types of tools that might be needed for the application of your work.
• Some ute owners may seek a tray to complement the cab colour of their vehicle.
• Size of the UTE: Gold Coast Ute Trays
• Before choosing a tray, one of the primary and most important things you need to consider is the size of the tray that comes with your UTE.
• Pick the one that has enough space to safely and effectively store all of your belongings and pieces of equipment.
• Do choose the material that fits the weight and type of the things/objects you intend to carry in it as well as your personal preferences.
• Because of this, it is essential that you select a UTE tray that provides a large amount of storage space for your various tools.
• If you want to instal the tray on your own, you should pay attention to the process of installing it as well, and you should pay even more attention if you want to do it on your own.
• Because it is a large and heavy piece of equipment, installing a UTE tray could be a challenging process.
• Before you buy the product, make sure to ask the manufacturer about the product's complete installation process.