Why Ute Trays Matter for Aussies
Hey there fellow adventurers! Are you trying to get the most out of your ute, for work or fun? You’ve landed in the right spot. At Trayon Campers, we build campers that go directly on to a Tray, so we understand that a top-notch ute tray lays the groundwork for any great setup for work or play. This guide will take you through all you need to know about ute trays. We’ll cover types, specs, installation, and how to keep them in good shape. Our main goal? To help you find the ideal base for your Trayon camper.
Ute Tray Basics: Not Just a Flat Surface
Most Aussies know ute trays, but they differ in quality and features. A ute tray takes the place of your regular tub giving you a flexible platform to carry toolboxes, dog cages, compressors, and slide-on campers like our Trayon models.
Ute Trays Offer These Advantages over a tub or style-side pickup body:
- More flat usable cargo room
- Simplified loading and unloading
- Options to customize
- Improved weight distribution for slide-on campers and other loads
- More robust and hardy profile for adventuring as well as work
- More accessories to choose from
- Stronger mounts to the vehicle chassis
Ute Tray Types: Aluminium vs Steel
When picking ute trays, you’ll find aluminium and steel as the main options. Each has its strong points and what you choose depends on what you need.
Aluminum Trays:
- Light-weight (200-400kg less than steel)
- Won’t rust (great for coastal areas)
- Good for off-road trips
- Saves on fuel
Steel Trays:
- Very tough
- Fits heavy work needs in hard situations like farms or mine sites
Pro Tip: For most Trayon Camper setups, customers choose aluminum trays. Saving weight helps your vehicle run better and use less fuel, which matters on long Outback drives. Also, less unnecessary weight on the vehicle means less stress on the vehicle, especially in off road conditions.
Ute Tray Specs: Finding the Right Size
Picking the right tray involves more than just material selection; size and compatibility play a key role if you plan to add a Trayon camper.
Standard Ute Tray Sizes:
- Dual cab: Usually 1,800mm long
- Extra cab: Often 2,100mm long
- Single cab: Ranges from 2,400mm to 2,500mm long
Helpful Hint: When you measure for a ute tray, think about the length, width, and height of your vehicle’s bed. When you measure the length, ensure it is from the further rear protruding part of the headboard to the back edge of the tray (ie: usable flat tray space). When you measure the width (ie: passenger side to driver side) make sure you measure the external width (ie: overall width). If it is a dual-cab, you will need to measure the headboard/cab clearance as our Trayon Dual-cab model has a front overhang and it needs to clear the headboard and cab of the vehicle (which ever is the highest). This helps ensure your tray and future Trayon camper fit.
Tray Construction: Prefab vs Welded
The way your tray is built has an influence on how well it works and how long it lasts, as well as how much it costs.
Prefabricated Extruded Trays:
- Simpler to fix
- More flexible (great for off-road)
- cheaper
Welded Aluminium Trays:
- Stronger structure if made by experienced professionals
- Most of the time made for aesthetic appeal
- pricier
Trayon’s Take: We often tell our customers to go for prefabricated extruded trays. They flex well, which is perfect for off-road trips, and you can fix them more easily if something goes wrong in the bush.
Top Ute Tray Makers: Quality Is Key
Many tray makers exist and Trayon has worked with various brands – we have not met a tray we can’t fit our Trayon Campers onto yet. Triple M Tray Bodies stands out as Australia’s biggest tray maker.
Why We Like Triple M:
- Makes OE trays for big brands (Ford, Toyota, Nissan, etc.)
- Sells tough quick-lock aluminium trays
- Has clever design ideas (e.g. headboard tube in front of the tray)
- Offers many add-ons
Fun Fact: Triple M has made trays since the 1970s giving them almost 50 years of know-how in this field.
Picking the Best Ute Tray for Your Trayon Camper
When picking a tray for your Trayon setup, think about these things:
- How much weight it can hold
- How the tray is built (the front wall and back edge)
- If it works with Trayon camper models
- How much you can change it
Pro Tip: Go for trays with a tube headboard at the front, not on top or in the load area itself. This lets your Trayon camper sit further forward, which spreads the weight in front of your rear axle rather than behind it. Also make sure the tray does not have a rising lip on the rear otherwise the Trayon underbody drawers can’t pull out to the rear. Check out our guide to slide on campers weights and things to consider.
Ute Tray Add-ons: Getting More Use
The right add-ons can turn your ute tray into the best platform for adventures. People often add:
- Storage drawers under the tray
- Boxes on the sides for more storage
- Water tank or even a removable diesel jerry can on the sides
- Racks for ladders
- Points to tie things down
- Tanks for water built in to the underbody
Trayon’s Recommendation: Think about what you need when picking accessories. Say you’re planning to take long trips with your Trayon camper. In that case extra water or fuel storage could make a big difference.
Installation and Maintenance: How to Keep Your Tray in Great Shape
To install and maintain your ute tray is key. This ensures it lasts long and works well when it’s holding a Trayon camper.
Installation Tips:
- We suggest you get a pro to install it. This helps make sure it fits right and stays safe
- Make sure the weight spreads out . This matters a lot for slide-on campers
- Check if it works with your specific ute model
- If its a steel tray with a checker plate deck then you may want to add a rubber ute mat as the checker plate surface does not have a very high friction point and things (like a slide on camper) will slide around more easily
Maintenance Advice:
- Look it over often for signs of wear. This is extra important after you’ve been off-road
- Clean the tray to stop rust (this matters a lot near the coast), specially with steal
- Look over and secure bolts from time to time
Expert Insight: A tray in good shape not just stands the test of time but also gives a strong and safe base for your Trayon camper paving the way for years of exploration.
To wrap up: Your Ute Tray Lays the Groundwork for Adventure
Picking the right ute tray plays a key role in building the ultimate adventure vehicle when you plan to add a Trayon camper. By thinking about things like material, build and how well it fits – you can make sure your ute is ready to take on any challenge the Aussie landscape throws its way.
Keep in mind, at Trayon Campers, we don’t just sell high-quality slide-on campers. We provide a full service package, from finding your ideal ute at dealer prices to fitting it with a GVM upgrade, custom tray, 4×4 accessories, and of course – your Trayon camper. We take care of everything, including registration, so you can plan your next big trip.
Want to transform your ute? Get in touch with us at Trayon Campers, and we’ll build your dream adventure vehicle together!
Asked Questions
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Q: Can I install a Trayon camper on my existing ute tray?
A: In most cases, yes! We can adjust our campers tie down j-hooks to work with different tray types. But to make sure everything works well and stays safe, it’s best to check with us about compatibility.
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Q: How much weight can a typical aluminium ute tray support?
A: This changes depending on the maker and model, but many good aluminium trays can support loads of 1000-1500kg and higher if you choose a heavy-duty (HD) version. Always look at the specs for your specific tray.
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Q: Do ute trays need special care in the Australian climate?
A: Yes! Our harsh sun and varied environments mean you should look for materials that resist UV damage and protect against rust if you live near the coast or plan to explore the desert.
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Q: Can Trayon help me pick the right tray for my ute and camper combo?
A: You bet! Our full-service approach includes giving advice on tray options that work best for your specific ute model and how you plan to use it. This ensures your Trayon camper fits right.
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Q: How does a ute tray impact my vehicle’s fuel efficiency?
A: In most cases, aluminium trays can boost fuel efficiency because they weigh less. Simple physics, more weight requires more energy to move. Steel trays may lower efficiency due to being a heavier material and some steel trays are massively over-engineered which adds even more weight.
Keep in mind, your ute tray isn’t just a flat surface – it forms the base for your journeys. Make a smart choice and you’ll be ready for countless trips across our stunning nation!
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Q: Do I need a rubber ute mat on my tray for the Trayon Camper to sit on?
A: Not necessarily. The Trayon Camper can sit directly on the tray load surface as long as it is nice and flat all the way through. Sometimes trays have flip-up style tie-down hooks or rear ladder rack brackets that protrude and a rubber ute mat can make up the difference allowing the Trayon Camper to sit up and over those. Other times when it comes to steel trays, they use checker plate decks and the camper will slide more easily on this so a rubber ute mat can help it to stay put better in off-road conditions. Generally we say that if your vehicle’s payload can manage the addition of a rubber ute mat (approx 30-35kg) then it’s a good idea as it will create a level of cushioning for the camper to sit on and limit metal to metal contact.
