The canopy options for Utes, wagons and other 4×4 vehicles have advanced over time from rudimentary canopies to multifunction weatherproof awnings. You will be able to find a large variety of awnings in the market but you need to be very clear about your requirement before bruising for options.
Because of the large number of options available, it will be hard to select one canopy in the first go. You need to think about what you are using the canopy for and the frequency of use. The location that you are using the canopy is also important. This will help you narrow down a model. Whether you frequently go on off-road trips or only occasionally go on vacations, you need to think about the terrain that you will mostly be spending time in and the condition of the terrain. This will determine the level of waterproofing that is required of the canopy. Depending on the usage and the terrain, you will need to look for water resistant or corrosion resistant canopies. You also need to think about the additional weight the vehicle will have to bear. This will affect the performance of the vehicle when you are travelling off-road and also the handling of the vehicle. You will need to think twice before adding more weight to a vehicle that does a lot of towing.
You also need to select the right professional to install the canopy and give you an idea of the options that are available in the market. You need to let them know of your requirement clearly and make sure that they provide a comprehensive price quotation. There are also different materials that are available and you need to weigh the pros and cons for each before you select what is best for your vehicle. If you are looking for a cheap option, you can choose a canvas canopy. It is lightweight as well. You will be able to strengthen it with the internal frame. But the protection they provide from the weather is minimal. Aluminium awnings are very popular in the market as they are resistant to corrosion and are quite lightweight.
There are also awnings that are made of fibreglass and other composite materials. They can be heavier when compared to aluminium but they can be customised to a higher level. There are also different styles and mounting methods. If you don’t need to take the tray off, you can mount the canopy directly to the chassis. Tray mounted awnings are a flexible option and you can remove them to be refitted to a different vehicle as well. If you are interested in camping and want to fit roof top tents over the canopy, you need to make sure there is sufficient reinforcement for the roof. You can use a fabricated structure with steel and alloy trays. When it comes to fibreglass awnings, you can use an internal frame. See if you can use stainless steel fixings to increase corrosion resistance.