When you are choosing a tray to fit your ute, there are many things to consider. You need to factor in the additional weight that the tray will add to your kerb’s weight and, thus your GVM. This can have a negative impact on the amount of fuel consumed and wear on mechanical/tyres.
You’ll also have to decide if you want a smooth floor or a timber floor. Mild steel can rust unless properly galvanised or powder coated and timber can rot when not treated with the right maintenance.
Strength
A ute tray could be like the Swiss Army knife for tradies. It has plenty of room for tools and other equipment that is easily modified to meet your individual needs. They can be made of aluminum or steel, each having a unique blend of pros and cons. Steel tray frames are four times more durable and three times more rigid than aluminium trays and are a great choice for hauling large, angular tools. They’re also able to take more of a beating and their rust-resistant properties help them stand up to extreme Australian weather conditions.
If mild steel is not treated with hot-dip zinc or powder coating, it will corrode if exposed to salt water. This is why if you’re regularly lugging heavy loads or living in coastal areas, an aluminum tray may be the better option.
Durability
Steel Trays Queensland bodies are usually thicker and stronger than aluminium ones. They are also more durable. In certain instances this can be beneficial if you are using your ute to cart around heavy tools and equipment, such as steel Acrow props or jackhammer drill bits.
Steel trays made of mild steel are prone to rust if exposed to elements. The deterioration can be accelerated by exposure to sunlight and salt water. Hot-dip galvanizing is a good option. Powder coating and, at the very least, a decent coat of paint are also feasible options.
Aluminum trays are lighter than their steel counterparts. This is crucial for those who travel long distances in their utes, because a lighter vehicle will increase fuel efficiency. This can be a problem when you have a huge payload since it can add to the weight of your vehicle. This could affect the handling of your vehicle.
Resistance to corrosion
Steel is the most durable material for Ute tray. However, it can be rusty or corroded when exposed to the elements. It is more prone to damage and scratch than aluminum trays.
Commercial aluminium is a nonferrous material which is naturally rust resistant and easy to clean. This makes it a more preferred choice for coastal areas and those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Norweld’s new Townsville showroom is now offering heavy-duty aluminium Ute trays and wind-off canopy. The team can customize their products to fit any vehicle, no matter the make or model. Norweld’s team is comprised of experienced engineers. employs aluminium because of its strength-to-weight ratio as well as corrosion resistance. In contrast to steel, which decreases the payload of a ute and its fuel efficiency aluminum is lighter and more durable against the harsh Australian environment.
Security
A tray made of welded steel is a good choice if you regularly carry tools or other items that require securing. This is especially important for utes that are used for a variety of tasks and you frequently alter the kind of work you perform from week to week.
Mild steel is susceptible to corroding in the absence of powder or galvanized. This is a problem if your ute will be exposed to saltwater and the open air.
Aluminium trays are lighter than steel trays and less likely to scratch. However, they can increase the weight of your kerb, and can reduce the payload of your vehicle which could be a problem with certain vehicles that have rear suspensions made of leaf springs, designed for an enormous one-tonne load.
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