There are infinite ways to deck out your ute tray in order to maximise storage, protect your gear and offer the best functionality for your daily use. But working out which box is right for the job is a heavy task in itself. One of the most flexible ute boxes is a Half Canopy Toolbox which combines the convenience of a traditional toolbox with the added functionality of being a half canopy.
It’s worth noting that Global Industrial typically refrains from using the term “half canopy” because tray lengths vary. What might be a half canopy on a longer ute could be a full canopy for a shorter tray. To keep things simple, in this article, these shorter canopy styles will be referred to as half canopies.
Why choose a Half Canopy Toolbox for your ute?
Above: Aluminium canopy range with internal unistrut frame
A tradesperson who relies on their ute for various jobs can use the Half Canopy Toolbox to neatly store tools, keeping them safe from theft and harsh weather conditions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Half Canopy Toolbox is a game-changer, offering a secure space to store camping gear, fishing equipment and other essentials. You can hit the road with peace of mind, knowing that your gear is both secure and sheltered.
A cross-deck style half canopy perfectly pairs with a full-width canopy on most utes, maximising storage while allowing for compartments where you want to keep gear separate, like your swag and fuel can apart. Our custom toolbox dividers are coming soon!
Canopy tool boxes help provide weather protection to your gear, with strong gas-lift struts to keep the canopy in position while you work. It offers a smaller area of shade and rain cover for a person — but sometimes that’s all you need.
You’ll also have the bonus of a work area at the pack of your ute for measuring and cutting, to store your tools when you’re on site, and space to store those bulky items like bags of cement or fertiliser on the way out to a job.
Metal beats canvas for security: Protection from would be thieves
While canvas canopies are a great lightweight solution, and many come with ‘locking’ features, these are easily overridden with a box cutter or knife, as well as being easily damaged by a sharp tool. A steel or aluminium half canopy toolbox is a more secure way to store your valuables, with whale-tail style handles and a secure locking barrel. And if you want, you can still use a canvas cover for the back half of your ute for items that are unlikely to be the subject of theft.
Smart custom additions to a half canopy toolbox
1) An LED torch with a magnet and hook. If you’re working after dark this can be a godsend. Pop it on the canopy when you’re working or hang it from the rim to light your work area.
2) Plastic parts bins to keep your gear organised and easy to find with colour-coded parts containers
3) Hard-wearing drawers or metal shelves to affix inside
Above: Accessories to suit aluminium canopy range only
Stop being a loose unit and get organised
Half Canopy Tool Boxes come in various types, tailored to different needs. You can add accessoriesto the aluminium box, including shelves and multiple smooth-sliding drawers compartments. A model like the Ute Canopy 800mm is a blank canvas, perfect to lock up a portable toolbox, your primo camping gear and any high-value power tools. A full ute-width, this is a smart way to protect your building supplies, like smaller pieces of MDF, fibre cement sheets or cornices that may be damaged by wet weather.
Can you paint a ute canopy to match the cab?
Above: Steel canopy range 1700L x 800W x 850H
Steel canopies by Paramount Boxes come in powder-coated black or white as standard. A custom paint job is best left to an auto body shop who will use professional automotive paints to stand the test of time. A vehicle wrap or print is another option. Steel tool boxes will accommodate printed car magnets you want to promote your business that way.
How to install and maintain a Half Canopy Toolbox on your ute
Half Canopy Toolboxes are installed using anchor bolts into the ute tray. As our standard range is steel, it’s typically straightforward, but professional installation is advisable. Our more lightweight aluminium canopy toolboxes may need additional bolstering and attachment points to prevent the metal tearing in extreme driving conditions. Most people will mount a half canopy toolbox to the front of the tray, closest to the cab for easy access from both sides.
Many tradies opt to install Half Canopy toolboxes beneath ute racks to make room for longer tools and supplies like lumber and pipes. We don’t recommend tying down heavy items directly to the top of the boxes as it could scuff or dent the metal — and you don’t want to lose your gear on the freeway!
Maintenance for any ute toolbox is minimal; you may want to lubricate locks, hinges and drawers from time to time, especially if you often visit areas with lots of dust or frequently go off-roading. Global Industrial uses strong gas struts that should last for years when looked after. But if you do notice some sagging, replacement parts can be found in just about any auto parts shop – or call us directly to find replacements to any damaged parts.
Find your better half
A Half Canopy Toolbox is a practical addition to your ute, offering enhanced storage and protection. By choosing the right type for your needs, installing it properly, and maintaining it regularly, you can maximise your ute’s utility for more efficient work and enjoy better organisation for your outdoor leisure. Whether you’re a tradesperson or an adventurer, this versatile accessory can make a world of difference in how you use your ute.
Talk to one of our reps today about a canopy toolbox, or browse our range.
Still not sure whether a canopy toolbox is right for you? Read our guide on how to choose the best ute toolbox for your trade.
