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Utes are arguably the most versatile vehicles on the planet, and they provide a wide range of opportunities for accessorisation and customisation. If you use yours as a workhorse, there are countless accessories for ute that can make it more convenient and practical to use. However, with so many aftermarket accessories available, choosing the right ones that fit your lifestyle can be tricky.
While there’s no standard application for a ute, many owners will benefit from accessorising them. Here are the essential accessories for ute that can go a long way in enhancing its usability, making it a functional vehicle that fits your needs perfectly.
Types of Accessories for Ute
Lids
You might think that lids are standard accessories you get from the factory, but that’s not really true. In fact, most utes don’t come with a lid, and the last thing you want to do is expose your equipment, tools, supplies and gear to the harsh Australian weather.
That said when buying a ute lid, make sure it’s weatherproof. Moreover, check whether it features locks that can safely secure everything under it. There are fibreglass lids, lockable roll-top lids, and soft tonneau covers each with its pros and cons.
Canopies
Canopies are the more advanced storage accessories for ute that provide the most functionality, space and durability. They’re an extension housing for the tubs and trays and feature compartments and extra space for your supplies and tools. Whether you use your ute for recreational or work purposes, a custom-built canopy that meets your specific demands can go a long way in ensuring everything is stored in an organised manner.
Most canopies are made of aluminium, with a gull-wing tool compartment to make storage easier. Aluminium is lightweight and won’t change your ute’s handling and won’t impact its gross vehicle mass.
Roof Racks
Your ute’s roof is one of the most easily customisable parts that can make a huge difference in how functional your vehicle is. You can easily change its capability by mounting a roof rack, and then other accessories onto the roof rack. For instance, you can mount a ladder, work lights, a UHF antenna, etc.
The great thing about roof racks is that they’re not necessarily permanent additions, and you can switch them up based on your needs. For instance, some roof racks are great for mounting work equipment, while you can mount camping equipment and tents on others. As long as you make sure to stay below the weight-load rating of your roof, you can mount pretty much anything you want.
Heavy-Duty Tow Ball
Hitch tow balls can come in handy whenever you tow a trailer or RV. The tow ball can help you maximise the amount of weight you can tow, no matter whether for leisure or work. Worth noting is that most trucks come with an advertised towing capacity of about 3.5T. However, realistically, you can’t tow that much on top of all the other people and gear in your ute.
Spare Tyre Mount
You can place a spare tyre mount in different locations on your vehicle, such as the roof rack, on the tray, or at the rear by using a swing-away tyre mount attached to the tow bar. Moreover, a swing-away tyre carrier can be used as a fuel carrier whenever you need to carry extra fuel for long travels.
Finding the Best Ute Accessories
Consider the Application
The most important thing to consider when looking for ute accessories is how you’ll use your ute. It only makes sense that the accessories you get complement your activities. If you’re looking for accessories that will help you for work, consider investing in heavy-duty, durable ones. If you’re a casual weekend adventurer, then you can maybe get something that’s more budget-friendly, as it won’t see as much use.
Consider the Cost
You get what you pay for. However, you shouldn’t overspend on accessories that won’t get much use. Set a budget for yourself, and only make small exceptions to it, as long as what you’re considering is worthy of your hard-earned money. If your ute is a key part of what’s providing for your family, look at the accessories as a long-term investment, in which case, it might pay off to spend more upfront.
Gross Vehicle Weight
The gross vehicle weight is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can handle. Do not, under any circumstance, get close to it or go past it. Adding accessories slowly adds up to the overall weight, which is why you should consider light accessories made of aluminium. While steel is stronger, it’s also heavier, and in time the weight can add up before you even know it. Safety should be your number one priority.
The Final Word
The number of accessories for utes is limitless, which is why you should think twice before you start buying them in numbers. Start slow and consider the GVW. Only buy practical accessories that meet your specific demands. This guide should hopefully give you an idea of which accessories are considered essential, at least in terms of practicality.
