STEEL vs ALLOY ute trays - what's best? Everything you need to know about 4WD tray setups!

[@jarradblair1793]

The weight bearing posts are perfectly aligned from cruiser to the ground. It only proved how strong the alloy posts are, having the tray in the middle really serves no purpose. Hook a van on the Ute and load tray so still under gvm, then jack up the rear wheels by the tray with a high lift jack, as if you were changing a tyre. This is something I do every time I rotate my tyres, and it will show exactly how strong his mounts and tray are.

[@swatmann7541]

yeah a whole vid is BS. Timber would have held the 79.

[@fugawiaus]

Yeah, all the weight went straight through the top frame to the bottom frame. The only weight on the tray was flat metal sandwiched between the frame Better to place massive concrete blocks on the tray sitting on a frame approximating a chassis sitting on the fastening points. I love the trays though. 😃

[@bartvank8323]

Yep, they may as well stuck a loaf of bread between the two stands

[@dannycourtice]

Yep first thing I thought

[@zaphanera]

exactly what I thought.

[@bennettbuchanan2162]

I think the biggest difference between steel vs ali tray is not how u tested it but running into stuff. Ali bends and dints so easy it’s not funny. Steel definitely allot more impact resistant

[@SMfkngC]

Yes it absorbs the impact and absorbs the damage rather then transforming it into chassis torsion and causing random impact stress fractures that are easily overlooked and turn into large chassis cracking over time. I was always taught to choose your weaknesses with more thought than your strengths as it's a lot easier to replace something that's dented or folded in on itself cosmetically rather then it is easy to see the damage when it's too late and you need to repair your chassis rail or deem your vehicle at a write off

[@bennettbuchanan2162]

@@SMfkngC I get what your saying. But I still think a steel tray will deform before it it does any damge to car chassis which in most cases are very strong. As someone who makes ali trays for a living and have one on my own car I think there great. Back hit a dirt wall in the slightest or even back into a pole or something and it fucked. It’s just a very soft metal.

[@SMfkngC]

At least you see them for what they are since you are around the industry, I've spent 8 years in mining as a hd mech and see the abuse that the 24/7 operating causes. There is a good reason why the breakdown teams Utes get a steel tray on them and they also change replace their fleet of utes every few years. Chassis damage happens a lot quicker when there is a well built steel tray on the back over a flimsier factory steel tray

[@danbulowski7013]

Remember the Ali bull bars? Soft as butter, completely ineffective 🤣

[@bennettbuchanan2162]

@@SMfkngC yeah I’m sure being too stiff would cuase issues in that instance. But my guess would be an ali tray wouldn’t last a week Ahah. But yeah definitely had to repair a few of our own just from backing into little stuff that a steel tray would of Ben fine. Just my opinion anyway

[@Matt-np6nq]

The strut holding up the tray is directly under the strut holding up the cruiser, so not really testing The strength of the tray at all.

[@Matt-np6nq]

@@Grumpy_CBG by their logic a piece of paper is as strong as a steel tray, if I replaced the tray with paper it’d still hold. Ever since they became 4wd 24/7 they’ll say whatever for whichever company pays them the most.

[@4WD247]

We didn't go to all this effort to fake something & then post it on the internet 😂 The frame was designed so that the entire weight of the 79 is transferred through the tray, into the exact same mounts that would be used if it was mounted to an actual ute. The frame just allows us to actually put the cruiser on the tray - which wouldn't have fit for obvious reasons!

[@Matt-np6nq]

@@4WD247 yea but my point being a tray isn’t loaded with all the load directly above the frame mounts, frame mounts are the strongest point of a tray. if you wanted to show a trays strength don’t put all of the load on the strongest point which wouldn’t happen in real life.

[@patryanlrd666]

@@jro.90 are you sure, everything is painted.

[@SAGE795]

Matt wins, hire this man as your head engineer

[@Ckktopa]

The selling point to me is you can move the tray from one vehicle brand to another with a new mount kit... brilliant!

[@davorocket2825]

Mine is used to fix big heavy dirty things. My only options were dealer fitted alloy or dealer fitted galvanised steel. I'm very happy the boss let me have the steel tray. If I was building a touring ute a fabricated alloy would be nice to have but the finances tell me I'm building a Jocko inspired Pony Lux with no need to carry 3.7 ton of 79 around lol

[@danbulowski7013]

I’m not trying to rubbish anything, but I don’t get how they tested the tray with the crane. It looked like the load points on top of the tray were lined up with the support frame points underneath. Six load points lined up with six support points, a sheet of plastic would’ve passed the same test. This is coming from a structural engineer, but maybe I’m missing something?

[@brycar05]

Sheer weight is not distributed on the horizontal tubings and bed of the tray itself. They should have not aligned it top to bottom to really test it.

[@teamd57a26]

💯

[@DK90VR]

Bit of a leg pull on that one boys the posts are directly lined up… my take is that steel is a bit more DIY friendly, and I can make a great looking strong tray in my shed easily for under 1000 bucks

[@jarrod1687]

This is how most people use there mits alloy trays, perfect demonstration for potential new customers.

[@jmac822]

The test needs to be setup where the vehicle weight is not bearing over the lower support posts. Good idea though👍

[@arenspicer1322]

the supports are put in a way where the canopy bears no weight

[@willrogers5713]

yup, im surprised people are missing this

[@4WD247]

The top frame spreads the load around the tray bed, and then it's transferred into the very same mounts you'd be using when the tray is fitted to a ute.

[@danielcaines5693]

It's point loaded straight to the ground, of course it's not going to crumble with that weight. Move the top frame to the outside edge of the tray, put the 79 on and see what happens...

[@johnpeake-livingretired]

I’m retired, wanted a touring 4x4, did my home work for over two years on what how and needed , the Jeep Gladiator is not a poplar 4x4, in terms comfort and cost is the best, there is no way I wanted to spend over 120.000 to tour Australia in a Toyota, as for the tray and canopy , Mits Alloy was the only one to go with, super happy with the tray, the canopy is tops, when you count on the best they will deliver it. One very happy customer, makes the Jeep a stand out , always have people asking me am I happy , to tell the truth I’m over the moon with my Gladiator

[@seanmartin2382]

I love the looks and the functionality of the flatbed tray and the shells with the 12v and reefers and all....but the cost is just out of range. Great looking and performing product!!!!

[@laurancekubel8802]

compression forces directly to matching positions below big deal a piece of glass in between those frames will do exactly the same as the tray, for a real test how about disconnect one mount and jack that corner up to show the torsional strength , compare that to steel tray

[@krump743]

When mits first came into the game, they used to sell just a tray, or just a canopy. Now i believe they wont sell u either unless you have a tray already, or you have to purchase them together. I thought norweld was the only place that did this. Bit tough to try front up like 20k plus all at once.

[@4WD247]

You can get a tray on its own no worries, but the reason MITS won't sell a canopy without a tray (unless you already have a MITS tray) is because they can't warrant the canopy if they don't know the quality of the tray under it. Rewatch the video and Tim talks about how bad trays can destroy canopies!

[@tareskisloki8579]

It's pretty much what I've always heard, steel is better for impact loads like firewood, etc, alloy is better for static loads where weight is critical.

[@colinvosper5296]

All the weight is on the frames not really on the tray.

[@aussieaussieaussieioioio]

Crikey mate! Love your videos and this takes testing to the next level!

[@georgefrederiksen4298]

Testing the strength of the 10mm box frame. Not testing the tray at all.

[@alexanderralph8341]

I've got a dual cab Mazda BT-50, which used to have a tub, but now has an aluminium tray & half canopy. Dual cab trays are cheaper than single cab trays.

[@explore_off_road]

This was pretty cool. Being Canadian I can only drool, but still pretty cool. But also need to see more of that red truck you guys were hovering around. Digged the roof rack on there

[@ericalto22]

Really wish there were more options for these in the USA. So awesome.

[@4WD247]

MITS Alloy are available in the US mate 🙌

[@MicahBell_1860]

Static v Dynamic weights? & I want to see wherw the frame is not directly over the chassis mounts. We can see the chassis mounts are strong, but just how strong is the tray?

[@shiftengears5743]

This guy knows his stuff

[@adamblundell6402]

Can concur aluminium can be a bitch to work with. I have built a few back yard trays now and have come up with a happy medium. steel tray frame with aluminium floor, brought aluminium guards and toolboxes. For the back yard builds highly recommend building this way as you save a little bit of money on materiels but still have a reasonably lightweight set up but have the ease of working with mild steel with no welding of aluminium.

[@Splagnate]

I think a good comparison is taking the two pieces at the 4:25 mark and smashing them against each other. Which will hold up better to hits? Or just take a rock and smash it on them.

[@reinier7865]

that tray isnt doing anything in this test the posts the vehicle is on transfers the weight straight though to the posts holding up the tray so the whole test is just for show and totally pointless

[@4WD247]

We didn't go to all this effort to fake something & then post it on the internet 😂 The frame was designed so that the entire weight of the 79 is transferred through the tray, into the exact same mounts that would be used if it was mounted to an actual ute. The frame just allows us to actually put the cruiser on the tray - which wouldn't have fit for obvious reasons!

[@johncitizen8253]

@@4WD247 they're not saying it's fake, they're just saying it's a pointless test.

[@PK51X]

Whatever your take on this is, it does prove that the material being used is plenty strong enough for most people

[@LethalLee666]

awesome so next time sooty or dirty 30 breaks down put it on the back of mitz 79

[@ClissaT]

I have a 75 ute since almost new. It has a standard aluminium tray. Never had an issue with it. No movement, no rattling, no loose bits at all. Had all sorts of things on it including lots of heavy weight and towed a horse float since I got it. Still carrying 1ton often, although the float is gone now, as are the horses. But still good as the day I purchased it way back then. Am really keen to know the outcome of this test because I plan to tow a 5th wheeler from this time next year. Am hoping to keep the tray as don't need a canopy or boxes but will have some vegetables growing in potting mix-filled styro boxes behind the headboard.

[@georgefrederiksen4298]

Don't rely on this bs test mate. Unless you're going to build a frame for the fifth wheel that lines up perfectly with the mounts under the tray.

[@jessemeanlt1]

Controlled test. I rather see it in a rollover and I will decide how strong it is.

[@sandrewadventures]

Well done Mits!

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Should have put the MyCoolman fridges at the very bottom. Maybe they're still being used to hold up Shauno's 200 series?

[@4WD247]

Great for oil changes!

[@leerobertson3021]

A tray would only be on wheels in centre of tray not six post

[@andygarswood6972]

People often compare the strength of steel to aluminium alloys, biggest difference is unless you heat treat aluminium alloys after welding they lose their temper and hence strength, typically about 2/3's tensile strength.

[@skullandcrossbones65]

G'day, 22 years ago I built a steel tipper (exhaust bag) tray for a duel cad hilux, To my knowlage the tray is still doing well. It could tip more than the vehicle should carry.

[@stuartkcalvin]

18:15 love the camera angle - Graham looks seven foot tall!

[@benmanuell8707]

Take out the posts under the corners of the tray. Just shows the strength of the posts.

[@terrygolder2959]

Its strong stationary i understand it its travelled but like to see it travel that far with that much weight on it

[@jdjd8430]

You might've missed the statement that the posts are the same materials that the trays are made out of. So while the tray may not be actually holding anything up, being sandwiched in-between the posts below and above, the materials are the same. In reality the tray may only there for visual representation, it's the strength of the materials and quality of the workmanship which is being tested and demonstrated, which is the same as that put into the trays.

[@patryanlrd666]

Yes alloy can be made into strong products but it is still a soft material. It will fatigue over time. Ask any boat builder or alloy trailer maker. Once it’s starts cracking you’ll be chasing them all over.

[@andys31337]

makes sense, but the alloy tray was the most solid part on my old 25 yearold Hilux 1tonner . just seemed indestructible.

[@patryanlrd666]

@@andys31337 was it welded? If not it had room to move. Cracking on or near welds on alloy is not uncommon.

[@4WD247]

That's why designs with good quality material & carefully placed folds are so important - longevity! Companies like MITS would go out of business if they couldn't back the lifetime warranties they offer.

[@davorocket2825]

Life time guaranty, It's going to be Mits Alloy's problem IF it cracks.

[@patryanlrd666]

@@davorocket2825 only if you’re the original buyer and it’s on the same car. All pointed out in t&c’s, but that’s standard

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday, after watching the Mitts alloy setups on 4wd247 for a good while now and comparing the functionality and looks of other companies that make trays and canopies I would pick a Mitts everyday of the week, the test you did here was brilliant, thanks for sharing, cheers

[@4WD247]

Cheers mate!

[@aaronbell7966]

I’m going with a MITs tray for my Hilux it should be here for Xmas so excited for it can’t wait

[@4WD247]

Good choice!

[@robcar277]

Really like all your videos guys hello from Adelaide

[@YaboyOlly]

So months and months ago you all did a budget build saying “anyone can weld, get into it and do it yourself…. Now your pushing “don’t do it yourself, buy stuff off our mates” Bring back Jesse and Jock proper wheeling and doing budget builds!

[@Chris-iz3zb]

Tim's socks are awesome

[@LandRoverDrive]

Whaaaaaat, that's insane... 🤯 Well done Mits Alloy - You should make a trailer tray option. 😉

[@anbu999]

Static weight test done. Will there be a dynamic weight test for the tray ?

[@calvingreene90]

My experience is that steel is heavier but fatigues less from any bend, dent, or load. There allegedly are aluminium alloys that age really well but are heavy for aluminium. I have never used any of it long enough to make a judgment.

[@Snatch4WDGal]

We need a alloy tray and canopy

[@michaelhermans4753]

Structural grade alloy is stronger than steel, however it loses its structural strength when you apply heat (welding) Bending alloy maintains its strength and minimises welds

[@overlandready]

Total farce of a test, the legs are directly above the floor supports, so the weight is going through the supports not on the tray. Have the supports in the chassis line for the tray and then the vehicle supports angle in a V to go to the centreline and outter edges of the tray. That will stress the tray in several ways and is not a direct to ground line of weight bearing.

[@jaytickle4065]

I’m kickin myself I didn’t do my research and invest in a tray and canopy!

[@lukehannifey7672]

Hey Lads and ladetts, When will we see a ladder on the side of the canopy for the wrap around awnings and side access roof tents?

[@calling_a_spade_a_spade]

Would love to see some 4 wheel driving.

[@molten_woof4880]

I prefer steel for the ability to weld to it for the average person since not everyone can afford a TIG. Always you to fix thing on the tray yourself

[@petersomani1580]

Hopes Mitts alloy will built canopy fit over ute tube tray.

[@radencooper1481]

should have put an axle under it

[@davidwatson3921]

Just look what they are standing in front of. Funny it looks like a steel racking set, to me !!

[@929cosmodude]

Alloy is the best, that is why manufacturers use ally for the chassis, if the used steel it would rust.. ally never corrodes, look at the old landrover discovery, heaps of rust issues in the body, if they used alloy the panels wouldn't dent so easy and they would be as reliable as a LandCruiser

[@Disco_Lux]

My big question is, tub or tray? Is a gray better than the tub or should I leave the tub on?

[@grant209]

Was lucky enough to get a look at the New 4WD 24-7 GU Patrol Camera Ute when it was still in Mits Workshop. Hope in a couple years when my GU Patrol Comes off Lease, I'll be in a position to go back and look at replacing my Fiberglass Canopy with a Mits Tray & Canopy system

[@justasix8815]

Got any figures of typical tray weights? Ie steel tray vs ally tray vs tray+canopy vs chassis mount canopy?

[@rasta77-x7o]

Lets up the game, Carbon Fiber tray/canopy. Lighter than aluminum and even stronger than steel, rust? No way!

[@outdoors5352]

I wonder if Mits will make a canopy that goes on top of a dual cab tub 🤔

[@georgefrederiksen4298]

They'll only sell you a canopy if you fork out for a tray 1st

[@outdoors5352]

@@georgefrederiksen4298 I think there's still a market for lightweight and strong canopies that go on top of tubs. Not everyone wants or needs a tray.

[@georgefrederiksen4298]

@@outdoors5352 I agree. It's what I'm after too for my hilux with the stock tub. I just want to be able to slide a canopy into the tub and go. Tub works great for what i do and a flat tray would be a pain. But I contacted MITS and they aren't interested unless I fork out $20k odd and buy a canopy and tray.

[@outdoors5352]

@@georgefrederiksen4298 Ah well, their loss. They're probably making more trays and canopies as they can so no need to diversify their business.

[@darrellbest1800]

Seems like a lot of "arm chair tray experts" are commenting here, wonder why they aren't in the tray building business...think the point of the video was show the strength of the aluminum that they use to build the trays...good video Graham and 24-7...would like to see the experts do a video showing how easy it is to destruct the tray. IMO, if you don't want to use aluminum and want to use steel, use steel, exactly what they said in the video.

[@aldente9310]

Doesn't take a physicist to figure that one out old boy

[@robda7195]

Was the mounting system for the bottom of the tray the same as it would be mounted on the 4x4? Aluminium also work hardens faster than steel

[@4WD247]

Exactly the same mate - part of the point of the test was to make sure the tray mounts were the same as they'd be on 4WD!

[@robda7195]

@@4WD247nice was there much damage to the mounting points ie holes stretching from the bolts?

[@4WD247]

Zero damage! MITS will post a video on their social pages soon going over the frame & mounts in more detail 👍

[@ksas7091]

When is the episode with sooty mk2 I’m soo impatient

[@4WD247]

This Thursday mate!

[@bitsaeng8644]

Wow. This proves that steel can support a land cruiser…😂

[@dstarns9252]

I think most ppl cant afford a mits canopy

[@RepLicanT00100]

Hahaha .. people ain’t seeing the biggest down side to an aluminium tray 🤣 🧑🏼‍🏭

[@johnhannonHanno]

Alloy bars compared to steel ones? My F100 had such a heavy bull bar then when removed the truck lifted in the front!

[@slowboat6021]

the question is why have a tray at all? if you're have a canopy bolt the canopy directly to the chassis, save a few hundred kg plus you reduce the height by 150 - 200mm. don't kid yourself 99% won't remove the jack off canopy more than once in your life.

[@wikkidme755]

Last the life of the vehicle does that mean 4 yrs for a Ranger or 20+ for a Hilux😂😂😂

[@jacksonmoen8530]

is the 4x4 Suzuki good for camping & off roading ?

[@grumpy-g5s]

if you have the body size of a 10-year-old yes, it's got plenty of room for you then

[@mastersKaaP]

I have a family member who owns one. Short answer = it's fine for short trips. It is loads of fun to drive on a track or in the dunes, but sucks on a highway. Your space is also very limited. So what we have learned was that if you're only going for a weekend trips to someplace close (within 100-200km) then the Suzuki is fine and you will have enough room (if you fit a roof rack) to carry the necessary kit for 2 people. If you have kids or plan on going on longer trips (or if you are physically tall and/or big), I would recommend to rather consider a dual cab or full size SUV.

[@awinkleycontracting269]

I don’t want to talk about the test with the cruiser on top of the tray, enough has already been said But I think Graham saying that “Alloy trays can be made stronger then a steel tray” is not true, a steel trays strength is just like an alloys trays strength, it is all dependent on the design and amount of material used. Poor wording I believe, sends the wrong idea what the test was about. Was very much a commercial for Mits unfortunately.

[@BTBSean0]

Dude there whole shtick is a commercial

[@rm-px3hj]

Aluminium can absolutely corrode under paint

[@grantlouw3182]

I have been looking into getting a canopy setup but all the Aussie manufacturers insist on selling tray + canopy for $20k plus - just a straight rip-off IMO - I can buy a whole new small car for that price FFS.

[@ZPSCRUISER]

Have an all steel tray but it used to be wood so it is lighter than normal. Can I put a canopy and dog box and still be light to go on big trips?

[@flynnalconera2615]

Graham,just seek 4 a nearest truck scale,that rig does not weigh above 3.5 tons. If u dont mind,why u're not with the orig 24/7 mates?(shauno and jocko)

[@4WD247]

Just filmed this one in Newcastle while the other boys are on a trip! The 79 series does weigh 3.7T - she's a heavy rig.

[@warrenthornton3432]

My question is if you swap vehicles dose the lifetime warranty still stand also what is a ball park figure for the tray an canopy to suit 2014 px ranger apart from that I found this to be very interesting information great work graham very informative 👍

[@grumpy-g5s]

dose ?

[@pheonix1758]

I find that statement about aluminium does not “RUST” no it CORRODES 😡and has very little tolerance when it comes to interfacing with other metals, in fact the corrosion is escalated when it comes in contact with dissimilar metals. I have seen time after time that aluminium trays ( aftermarket Australian built ) will not withstand lateral loads. Many many mine sites are banned from going onsite.

[@R.Sole88109]

Land Rover OG has entered the chat 😆

[@gabbyjonson3498]

Steel bends upon impact, Ali cracks, same deal with steel and alloy wheels Steel wins hands down by way more than just a country mile.

[@brentmcd12]

now that's a massive lift ! 📹🛻🤙😎

[@joshburke4083]

What about factory Wood trays? Especially if you are only planning to do a simple canvas canopy?

[@MrMtman86]

With the shape of both of those frames above and below the tray that tray could’ve been made out of aluminum foil, and It would have reacted the same.

[@imchris5000]

steel trays are nice to have when you have an onboard welder

[@yamumatittys]

How do you join the rubber seals together for the boxes

[@scottsv96]

Now the real test would be to load my ex misses on the back. GAME OVER

[@tee7snow401]

tonnue cover is all i need

[@JuanPOcampo.74]

excelent..!!!

[@mcmenace4847]

Mate, This was so informative! Cheers.

[@mk27wrx]

Like watching a epp of MythBusters... Plus boys where is you barricades for the crane lift ?? .... That's a window seat fallars

[@kennethmedcraft9721]

What's the cost differents between the two if you don't mind me asking

[@ZingOnMate]

Wild

[@johnpitt2742]

i made my own alloy tray for my isuzu dmax

[@allenszykula8071]

Steel would be advantagize if you where tossing hard shard edge objects in to or around it all day long where in the same situation the aluminum would get dinged dented and gouged in short order the steel being harder and denser can take that kind of abuse a bit easier. But aluminum is much lighter and can be easily as structurally strong so in the case of like the use trays for the overlanding adventures they are much better.

[@dolguldur4706]

The question is not steel or aluminium...but,the true question is.....aluminium..or aluminum?

[@johnpitt2742]

the tyres last up to half the life of the veichle i would not have said this before my d-max is 8 years old my last tyres are 110 klms and still have 8mm of tread left.

[@FullGoon]

Look at all the keyboard engineers and fabricators. If you’re so smart where’s your tray and canopy company 😂🤫

[@FullGoon]

@Banserki what in tarnation are you on about fairy bread? That comment makes no sense

[@chesterwillplay5374]

how do the canopy's connect to the tray?