UTE CANOPIES COMPARED - ALLOY vs. CANVAS vs. FIBREGLASS - Experts guide to ute canopies

[@mastersKaaP]

Any setup you can afford is the best setup for you. Instead of sitting at home and saving up for something out of your price range, get whatever you can afford and get out into the bush. The memories and experiences are worth more than a nice setup.

[@cameronwhite2479]

Thats what 4WD 24-7 USED to be about!!! Bring back the grass roots guys.

[@MRMOPARMAN0426]

@@cameronwhite2479 what do you think the pony lux and darrel were? They do this shit for a living. Why would they want to bugger around with cheap shit living like a peasant day in and day out, when there is a FAR better way that they can afford?

[@mabamabam]

A camry wagon that actually goes bush is better than a lot of the $150k rigs you see tooling about the BCF carpark

[@garyhost1830]

So true

[@gregorjames3156]

MITS looks first class, but I can't justify it as a percentage of what a new Ute costs. I think about all the engineering, steel and overheads it takes to make a new car, and then the canopy is about 30% of that cost is disproportionate in my mind... In saying that, I would love one :-)

[@MrSONIC8725]

I called them today, no answer… must still be figuring out how to work the phones? Ahah they’re sexy canopies but would cost the price of a whole car getting shipped and fitted in WA

[@MrKiwijosh]

Economies of scale

[@danoruhdanuk2647]

I just chuck my gear in the tub and put a cargo net from bunnings over it. Things that can't get wet come in the cab with me. Works fine and cost me $20.

[@heathdoesbeca]

Haha yep, my $4k GQ and folding seats does me just fine 🤣

[@thomasbiviano8433]

i do the same 😂

[@scaredyet]

Well said

[@mushbrain1753]

Works fine for thieves too

[@bigchiefbear]

Excellent video jocko. Very well explained. Last set up.thats the ultimate. Quality is second to none.

[@googleuser2170]

You missed one type of setup. My mate Gary builds one hell of a tray out of 2"X6" boards. There are several pros; #1 you have firewood in an emergency. #2 if you hit a deep crossing the wood helps with flotation. #3 Splinters work as toothpicks. #4 No worry about dents or corrosion (termites are admittedly an issue). #5 Easy to source replacement parts.

[@ResponsibleID1OT]

Not sure floating is a good thing, cause you want traction no matter what

[@Greeboful]

Buy a wagon, you get coils (if you buy a good one) and don't have to worry about weather, security, storage options and roof load ratings !!! Coming to you from the future :O

[@shanenorwell8580]

Always had wagons myself and could never see myself in a Ute but now we’ve got a Silverado with tray/canopy setup there’s honestly no going back. The usable space and accessibility is unbelievable.

[@cameronritchie2]

I have a 120 prado, partner had a n70 dual cab with tub and arb canopy, lux had more space but less flexibility due to wall, prado was nicer to drive anywhere. Admittedly a canopy on a tray back gives the most flexibility bc I can't open the sides of my prado

[@tudortanase8957]

Yes and you can sleep in it. Whatever I take with us gets booted outside and we sleep on a comfy mattress inside. No big deal, we dont cart much, we’re on holidays not moving house like some seem to be 😳🙄

[@thomasjackson4743]

And if you need a ute, buy a trailer for ~1k

[@hc7217]

Why would u want coils in a Ute?

[@fitzy1447]

Honestly i reckon the original tub looks mint but the alloy canopy is a close second

[@Retiredroamers]

Mits alloy full setup would almost be the price of the ute. They look and work great but the cost is 🤔

[@stefano_nmd]

I sold my 2014 Navara for 18k and still wouldn’t have been able to afford a mits setup lmao

[@darrenc4096]

That’s insane.

[@natedennison1118]

I got a quote for my brand new ute the canopy cost more than the ute did 50k for a set up like the one they showed.

[@boxy4973]

36k to be precise. Ridiculous

[@darrenc4096]

People are paying for them obviously. Madness.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

The best canopy setup for me is a wagon. 😁

[@Brgnalf81]

It has some problems, too.

[@thomasjackson4743]

I cannot figure out why people spend >20k turning a ute into a wagon. Just insane.

[@R.Sole88109]

A mate has a stiffy for King Cabs. Likes the tub, wouldn't mind a trayback but not at trayback prices. But a wagon works for me too. A inbuilt canopy😉 with roof bars for long loads. Mine's a LR S2A 88. And I managed to load 5x235/x16 MT and 5 steel rims in it😁 I like to look of pickups but not the lack of security. Old mate had the locked box in his D22 KC raided 3 times in 2 years.

[@Brgnalf81]

@@thomasjackson4743 What do you mean, Why? 'cause they can. Simple as that.

[@thomasjackson4743]

@@Brgnalf81 and yet people complain about not being able to save for a house 😂

[@iradar222]

Tuesday and Thursday would be sweet. More 4wd247!!!!!

[@samyeomans6710]

My ideal setup is, tub with a tub rack and rooftop tent that doesn’t go past the roof line. Roof rack so I can have an awning on the car. A tonneau cover, kings tough storage boxes, 95l fridge and slide. Kinda simple. Still looks good

[@sleep3s450]

I have the exact set up u are talking about and I love it

[@samyeomans6710]

@@sleep3s450 I don’t I’m literally 15 and am just super into it and super excited to get my Ls

[@papawilliams1709]

would a 95l fridge fit under a tonneau cover? I've got a tub with canvas canopy and I LOVE it. lightweight and looks so good

[@samyeomans6710]

@@papawilliams1709 some actually do.

[@MrThebrownie72]

I like the fact this was honest that it's great to have the best but what's the point if you can't get on the tracks cause you are broke paying off the set up that you didn't %100 need for what you usually do

[@thomasgraham5842]

great to see the jocko boy out there doing it ...

[@shaynerodrigues720]

Pony Lux tan canopy is a really nice looking rig! Practical for what you use it for and gives it character. 🐎

[@PokeGaz]

Id love to know the starting price on a mitsalloy set up.

[@Jacob_simmonds.]

I was told 7k for a basic setup and keeps going up the trey and canopy setup in this video is easily 20k

[@Tahno91]

7k for a tray, 7k for a empty canopy everything else is extra

[@wazzy101-x9f]

It's roughly 30k for a standard size tray and canopy

[@aaronknight7163]

This setup would be 40-45 with the 12v gear

[@dwayneadamec1993]

With price increases their website starts at 8k

[@johnhannonHanno]

Great tutorial Jocko, as usual. I like a canopy that can be removed without too much drama and equipment required.

[@davebasson320]

Great video showing the different options. I definitely would’ve liked to see them talking about suspension along with alloy canopy set ups. It catches everyone out if you don’t know.

[@midx13]

not enough weight to make a differance

[@noelmoloney8840]

Totally agree with the quality of canopies. I have a MRT tool canopy on a professionally made tandem trailer. I'm finding hair line cracks everywhere. It's not perfect but does a reasonable job.

[@kimatwell9904]

Love this show but did anyone notice that had prices for everything except for the mits alloy canopy lol maybe coz it’s like $30K

[@andrewa6668]

Have the boys at Mits ever compared the weight of there tray and canopy package to the weight of a tub and fiberglass canopy?

[@johnkadel848]

I asked them once and they said 140kg approx. (for the canopy only, and on a dual cab)

[@aaronknight7163]

Most high end trays weigh the same as a factory tub

[@handymandev03]

Some fantastic set ups out their. But now cost of living on the rise, simple may have to do for most of us.

[@WillLowther]

Wasn’t expecting a Tuesday upload?

[@waynekerr8003]

Expect the unexpected

[@caidoandmarko3836]

same

[@yourlocalaussie3795]

@@waynekerr8003 Me to was not expecting

[@danoruhdanuk2647]

As a uni student, I'm gonna have to pass on the Mits.

[@HammerRocks]

When I was a uni student, I was eating a lot of 2 min noodles just to save enough to register and insure my car for a year. No spare cash to buy any accessories for it. 😁

[@montyfpv2259]

When I bought my Hilux new in 04 I optioned it with a canopy and tub liner. Mainly to secure my dirtbike gear and the dogs. Over the years I've added inner roll bars, rooftop tent above it, drawers, water tank and fridge slide. It's a dead set pain in the rectum to access, but I Iike the security and having my kit out of the weather. A good rooftop vent pressurises the canopy and helps somewhat with reducing dust ingress. Having busted 2 windows I can attest to the silly cost of replacements. The rear window is now marine ply. It won't bust

[@matthewfinnigan3862]

My wife wanted a tray/canopy then she saw the price and was happy with a tub/canopy.

[@stuartkcalvin]

Another option is the Utemaster Centurion Canopy and Cantilever Rack. I coupled this with the HSP Load Slide for the tub. The canopy has central locking, and is dust and waterproof. The load slide allows access from the canopy sides when closed up and also when the slide is pulled out - no more leaning over the tail gate. The rack is rated to 200Kg (not that you'd put that much up high), so I have a sixth wheel, Maxtrax, 100W solar panel, shovel, axe and two Oztent Bunker beds. In a Ranger, you can fit a 45 litre water tank up the front of the tub, forward of the load slide. The secondary battery (with a Redarc BC-DC charger) fits behind the passenger rear wheel well and a slimline ruggedised, 100Ah lithium (which runs the Travel Buddy) can sit on top of the driver's side rear wheel well (in a cage), powered by the 100W solar panel. I've also got a Redarc 100Ah GoBlock in it's cradle, running a Bushmans 55 litre fridge. All of that is a good fit between a $45K canopy and a fibreglass canopy.

[@bamafencer12]

Canvas has the lightest options. Great video mates!

[@staragape7999]

Would love to hear nicks opinion between a cheap alloy canopy vs the fiberglass since they’re priced the same.

[@seanmartin2382]

I use my H2 for camping, but would still love a tray set-up for my Ram, great video guys!!!!

[@Ashbros01]

Cheers boys, perfect timing. Just thinking about swapping my tub and rack for a tray and canopy.

[@triggerhappy8872]

Tray back & a canvas canopy is the go..

[@rickyclarke8657]

Great advice do what you need it for and do the best you can for the price you can afford. But more important do it. We all never do what is perfect but do what is best for a time in our life..... live life

[@Dylan-zj1lz]

I’m interested in just the tray. Like it would be clean with the waterproof storage next to the wheel well, but no canopy (trays are just so much more versatile than the tub). Does MITS alloy do that?

[@4G12]

Roof bars for fiberglass canopy? Might as well go all the way and fit a well integrated roll cage that's still plenty strong, yet minimizes interior space loss.

[@cjaussienerfer8169]

I can definitely agree with that, if you can get over the painful process of removing and re-installing the canopy, having a ridiculously strong roll cage in it will do the job and have whatever on the roof no problem.

[@rrphotography3600]

It's not mentioned but the MIT's canopy is probably the heaviest of the lot. Especially with their modular internal set ups. Weight is a major factor in what people can put on their vehicle, sadly it's normaly an after thought. You'll probably find that with 4wd mods and bar work plus their tray n canopy you'll be close to or at gvm without any camping/touring gear.

[@Retiredroamers]

Most likely over, factor in a gvm upgrade for 2.5-3.5 k

[@deadpool3636]

Customer Service.. The number 1 thing for all companies but for most companies in australia is not the number 1 thing.. glad Mits can see the value in good service..

[@kxlleredits1743]

Oh wow a tuesday upload SICK!!

[@simonwallace6425]

how hard is it to remove and replace the Mits Alloy canopy ?

[@ConnectFork]

Would have enjoyed some more technical specs from the examples. Weight being a huge factor on the tracks, would love to know how each of these stack up!

[@verticalift]

Thanks for posting this video. I’m looking at selling my much loved 2014 Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country (45,000km) here on the island of Phuket in SW Thailand and getting a new Toyota pickup. Why am I doing this…??? For the past 10yrs my V40 T5 has been a great ride and when I introduced my now 3 1/2 yr old Golden Retriever to it when she was still a puppy, there was no problem. However, another 2 month old Golden has just joined our Pack. My gut is telling me that the puppy, won’t remain a puppy for long. Hence my search for a larger ride for my dogs. Top of “my” list is the Toyota Prerunner Space-Cab (2 Door with x2 Suicide Doors) I do not want or need a 4-door. Question: Have you ever had a customer “connect” the front main Cab, to the rear Bed/Canopy….. by removing the Cabs rear window and cutting a larger opening between the front & back….??? Initial plans are to “Cut” a large opening in the back of the main Cab, under the window opening….. and the forward/front end of the trucks bed. Have a crew weld steel structural support braces around the new larger opening. Have a Teakwood “Door Frame” fabricated around the sharp metal edges of the new larger opening. Install a large sealed Rubber Gasket between the front and back for waterproofing. Install a wood (Pressure Treated Pine) wooden deck and low bench in the Bed of the truck for the dogs. Others have said to just go and get myself an SUV like the Isuzu MU-X, or other vehicle. That’s not what I want, or need. An MU-X is too much truck…..for my dogs. Any suggestions or links, old be appreciated. Thanks

[@ghosti3289]

Love the vids, is there any chance you guys could compare alloy Wheels and steel wheels for 4wding and why u went with what u got?

[@guhoon]

I went from a hard lid when new, to tonneau for easily taking motorbikes out bush without needing a trailer, to a rear ladder rack and bar on the sports bar with a full length steel rack on them, with a rooftop tent. Fridge slide and dual battery in the tub and perfect sized waterproof boxes to fill the rest of the tub , all covered by the tonneau and that setup has done 2 separate Simpson desert crossings and only owes me a few grand all up. Budget and does the trick, but due to the mounting setup for the ladder rack and weight of the rooftop tent, it caused a couple of cracks in the sheet metal of the inside of the tub (now repaired and reinforced mountings used). As much as I’d love a nice tray and canopy, I can’t justify almost the price of my ute again on top for that setup. Not until I win powerball anyway 😆

[@tajdodson9496]

I would like to know roughly how much a mits alloy canopy would cost

[@yourlocalaussie3795]

I’m thinking to chop my 2022 Isuzu Dmax X-Terrain and put a alloy canopy from Mits Alloy.

[@Joftaky]

What a pleasant Tuesday surprise!

[@TheWastedasfuck]

hey boys! , got a 2008 hilux 4x4. go away camping every fortnight for enduro riding trips. With the ute loaded with camping set-up and husky on the back. I need this massive upgrade to make my trips alot safer. cheers!

[@ShyR0n3y]

Would love a mits tray/canopy setup. However, they're double what the car is worth, can understand why though with the amount of fab/labour/materials that goes into them

[@bandolerosucio7060]

No dramas. Love it

[@adrianthomas6066]

Maybe Mits need to do a tray and canopy giveaway and not just to ppl that have KZbin channels but still like to get out with the family.

[@mattrayfield5611]

Great Vid guy’s, I’m extremely happy with my tub + load lid setup.. suits my needs and budget, but I definitely wouldn’t knock back a free MITs 🤷🏼

[@JapersDT]

When is the video about, making an old vehicle reliable, coming out?

[@Shilo-fc3xm]

So do many of you guys go with the cheaper aluminium/steel canopy and get in there and weld in some additional structural strength yourselves?

[@joeycourtice4157]

That's a pretty great way to save money and get a quality canopy

[@tony15869]

If your going to go for canopy best to save up and get the best quality possible, if I ever needed one and was in aus would be going to mits seeing what you guys put them through top quality

[@djjames6576]

And people today were complaining they couldn't get a house deposit together 😉

[@gregeigsti3280]

Thanks for the thoughtful comparison! I see that Mits is available in the states; within a few miles/kilometers from home even. Time to start saving?!?!?

[@dexteww]

Heya mate what you rocking shorts would you tell us more?

[@harrisonlynam8165]

Can we get a cost for the Mits setup? Everything else had a price except the Mits one.

[@1tr1ck]

Cant beat a transit van camper van with some AT'S and a come along hand winch..millions of places to go 2x4 before 4x4 and i get a full pillow top mattress in the van

[@darrenc4096]

And the whole thing is still cheaper than a MitsAlloy canopy. 🍺

[@WeberEnthusiast]

Awesome video , we have Ford Ranger ‘wildttak . We go camping around Aus so need a canopy as not much room when camping with kids . Thank you for this awesome review

[@ShadyN80]

Is a tray and canopy setup lighter then a tub and alloy canopy?

[@jasonhardy8790]

What size is that on the mitz Hilux pls canopy and tray pls

[@8626John]

Nice summary, but you could have used a pickup truck with a longer bed as an illustration of the canopy system. Also, a canopy with some type of storage system can be a lower cost option for those just getting into it. I've seen lots of people sink a lot of money into outdoor gear (boats, camper trailers and the like), and then figure out they don't really enjoy it that much or have the time. Just some thoughts; good video overall.

[@beldmannen1776]

Personal usability should definitely be the main priority. Starting off on a budget and work your way up until you get it right. For the time being, a load lid and a roof rack works for our family.

[@off-roadwithacamera8866]

Was not expecting an upload today... Nor to be featured at 2:35 😁😁

[@CB-hr6zs]

Awesome video, awesome content awesome channel keep it coming subscribed and viewing all the way from Hawaii

[@steveott6238]

Maybe be more transparent with costings guys. We'd all love a MIT'S canopy but disclose pricing in your comparisons 👍

[@gazpixs]

I have a BMW X5 with a WAECO 35 litre fridge/freezer. 40Ah Lipo4 battery, 200W solar blanket, thumper compressor, OZtrail tent. Yep still not cheap including the car but I'm happy...

[@Chris-74]

Lets not forget,, If you want a MITS Canopy, You have to buy the Tray as well! (Tray and Canopy Package) All the rest were cost effective over time.

[@tafadzwakevinbadza]

Yeey Bonus Video.

[@brianpike2817]

Nice back drop for your blog over at Stockton

[@timrodgers-wilson7201]

Wouldn’t your canopy door hit the awning if it was open?

[@MCtanStud]

Where can I get Canvas for d22 crew?

[@kenanschoon8585]

Haha the guy with the Colorado and fibreglass canopy has since put a mits tray and canopy on his car 😂😂

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday. Lots of great advice mate, cheers

[@jonathankroenke4722]

Whats is the name of the bird at 5:05 i heared?

[@deanadams7198]

Her names Bri Voto

[@ianvangordon6548]

But how much that mitz setup for a 2020 ram1500

[@CriticalThinker1967]

Good vid. No nonsense

[@ratusd6592]

Well done mate, that was great!!!

[@testpilot2399]

how much is the mits alloy conopy shown in the video

[@joeycourtice4157]

At least $30k with all the stuff inside

[@harrysmith9724]

Tray and aluminium tool boxes, cheap, lockable, tons of storage and able to do whatever you like with it

[@zaccharlton2300]

I agree however I'm struggling with a fridge on a slide as I don't want it outside in the elements and getting damaged.

[@harrysmith9724]

Yeah that is a set back however if you have a dual cab there’s always the ability to put the fridge in place of the rear seat. (Not really an option if you need rear seats though)

[@jacobthornock317]

Good advice guys

[@reeeeekoilll3868]

yes new vid!

[@tom.wilsonbmx]

A Tuesday vid, this is awesome, will there also be a Thursday vid aswell?

[@4WD247]

Yes👍🏻

[@tom.wilsonbmx]

@@4WD247 That'll be epicc 🤙

[@oldboyoverland]

Great.... Now we just need MITS to ship to the UK :) Love the channel, but its a shame its so "Ozzy" and all the cool kit you get doesn't ship haha

[@markcoldnso9085]

The patrol with the canvas canopy has the tail lights facing the same way for each side 😂

[@jarrod1687]

Hahahaha wtf

[@FordJ1]

Damn I cant look at it anymore 😑😂

[@chir0pter]

6:27 that would be my setup- light as possible canopy with more gear

[@stevenstjohn6681]

So how much was mits?

[@sebastianmuswere2700]

I think of the shop that bt50 ute doesn't come with tub covers...it comes bare metal, if u want it installed u get it as an extra...

[@davidmoyes726]

What was the price on the mits ?

[@kirnl]

30k

[@myrtlepanhandle2454]

Do a video of a fit out on one of those basic non-mitts canopies or try make one yourself!

[@4WD247]

Scroll down the video list mate, Jock & Shauno built their own canvas canopy for the Pony!

[@MyViewon_Life]

With a modest use and not really beating the crap out of it, does anybody know what would be the lifespan of a mits alloy canopy? Like is it 5-10 years or with good care can it last a lifetime (Sort of speaking haha)?

[@Brunos_outdoors_and_projects]

This is a great video love this channel 😎🤙🏻

[@joshblackmore1206]

I feel like every second ute in Melbourne with a fibreglass canopy has a smashed in rear window. It’s a shame there aren’t more done with solid fibreglass or aluminium windows

[@donkaputjaza]

Lekker video mate

[@michaelilagan2873]

Keep the good upload going

[@taylorbach-christensen1348]

Less go new vid

[@CharliePatto]

Love u guys

[@coreyrule7525]

Personally think that the best set up that anyone could have is the one they can afford! Just buy it snd use it I say!

[@TyFenwick]

Best quality trays and canopies in Aus 😎🤙🏼 love my MITS setup !

[@SUPERTRUCKER166]

Shill much? Mits are no different to most manufacturers now, its all catalogue line item builds, no customisation, minimal options, they only support the 'popular' vehicles and they are stupid expensive for what they are. There is way better on the market, and cheaper, infact Truckfit which is a 20min drive from Mits in Mayfield not only do custom 1 off work to suit any vehicle, but these days are actually cheaper.

[@TheJanope13]

@@SUPERTRUCKER166 how much is a tray and canopy setup

[@SUPERTRUCKER166]

@@TheJanope13 i got a quote through them last year and a bare tray and canopy 1650mm long tray 1400mm canopy was 24k. That was with 2 draws, toolboxes under the tray and trundle draw/water tank combo. No electrics etc

[@deanadams7198]

@@SUPERTRUCKER166 hold up on the big words mate.

[@VineV-Dutch]

What about the weight???