Hard Lid vs Canopy vs Roller Shutter

So you’re about to head out for a job on site, but your tools are sitting at the back of your ute, left to the elements, without protection and exposed to anyone that walks past.

You’ve spent your hard earned cash on your tools and there is no way you can leave them in the back of your ute like that, especially with onlookers who have sticky fingers. You need a solution and fast!

But should you invest in a canopy, hard lid or roller shutter? What are the pros and cons of each and what’s going to be the best option for you?

The problem :

• Every time it rains your equipment gets wet
• The sun is blasting down on your equipment
• Potential theft of expensive tools

Long story short, we’ve got you! You need a ute cover that works for you.

At Oz Canopies & 4×4 we’ve got the ultimate collection of ute coverings and accessories, along with a highly experienced team ready to install your ute cover. We’re ready to walk you through options that suit your individual needs.

What Are Ute Covers?

A ute cover is a protective covering for the bed or tray of a ute, which sits at the back of a ute. They keep the elements away from your items, and double up as security protection.

Often made from materials like flexible vinyl, or canvas or harder materials like aluminum, steel or fibreglass.

Regardless of weather, a ute covering is a tradies best mate. They are designed to protect the gear that you take around to sites or perhaps even a cheeky camping trip.

Types of Ute Covers

If you’ve got a ute, the next phase is purchasing a covering for the back of the ute bed or tray.

Ute covers tend to come in three main styles or categories, in the form of a solid hard lid cover, a flexible material option and a roller shutter style.

These three versatile options, really come down to how you’ll use your ute and need for security.

Hard Lid Covers

Model: Mitsubishi Triton MV 2024 to Current Aluminium Hard Lid Tonneau Cover EGR Load Shield Matte Black Loadshield

Hard lid covers are rock solid, and come in what is called a ‘hard lid’ style. They’re secure, solid in structure and durable when it comes to keeping your items safe.

Materials : Constructed from highly durable materials like aluminium or fibreglass

Protective status : Very high! The solid structure keeps the elements away and has excellent security with locking mechanisms.

Canopy

Model: DODGE RAM Canopy 1500 DS / DT 5’7″ TUB (06/2018 to Current) Lift up or Sliding side windows Central Locking

Adding a ute canopy is like adding a whole new section to your vehicle. For tradies who need to take a lot of equipment with them at once, a canopy expands your ute into a mini mobile workshop.

Materials : Available in steel canopies, fibreglass or aluminium canopies.

Protective status : Plenty of extra room and protection

Upgrades : Shelves, drawers and other storage options can be installed to help organise your equipment.

Roller Shutters

Model: LDV T60 MAX or LDV T60 Dual Cab Roller Shutter Tonneau Cover Hard Lid For Sailplane 2023 to Current

Roller shutters are a mix between flexible and a hard covering. They roll up neatly when you need access and provide solid protection when closed off.

Materials : Constructed from aluminium slats that interlock

Functionality : Easy to open and close, even with one hand, especially for quick access to your gear!

What Are the Differences Hard Lid vs Canopy vs Roller Shutters

Hard lids, canopies and ute roller shutters all offer unique qualities, for different uses on the back of your ute, ranging from security to flexibility.

A complete side by side comparison : hard lid vs canopy vs roller shutters

Hard Lids

Model: Volkswagen NF Amarok 2023 to Current Aluminium Hard Lid Tonneau Cover EGR Load Shield Matte Black

Security : Crafted from highly durable materials, like aluminum or fibreglass which is a reinforced material for strong protection against the theft of items, for example the locking mechanism makes it more difficult to break into, along with a solid hard covering.

Weather Protection : Fully sealed and secure against the elements from entering like debris and dust, this is blocked by the uniformed and solid structure of the ute hard lid, also preventing damage in extreme weather.

Storage Space : Quite limited on space for larger items or bulky items, but great for tools and smaller to medium sized items due to the rigid lid.

Ease of Access : Harder lids need to be completely opened to access the items inside the tray, with some models including gas struts for ease of access.

Fuel Efficiency : Highly improved air drag when it comes to fuel efficiency, with a solid and covered ute tray, compared to a fully opened tray which is exposed to wind.

Aesthetics : The look is quite stream lined and designed to be integrated well with the existing look and size of your ute tray depending on the model of your vehicle.

Price : The price points are more moderate, with prices varying depending on your selection of options like material, custom features and locking systems.

Canopies

Model: EGR Mitsubishi Triton MV Dual Cab Canopy 2024 to Current GEN3 Canopy Dual Lift Windows

Security : Offers much higher protection as a canopy structure goes over the entire tray rather than just covering it over, and interlocks into the tray creating a strong bond between the canopy and ute tray. Some models have reinforced glass for that extra layer of security.

Weather Protection : Canopies are completely enclosed, and provide excellent protection in very harsh weather conditions like hail, and high winds. Due to the spacious enclosure, the temperature levels within the canopy are highly regulated with the drop and rise in weather conditions, keeping your valuables in great condition.

Storage Space : The storage is quite expansive, allowing for vertical styled stacking and the ability to add custom shelving. Also great for outdoor adventures like camping, due to the spacious room which can double up as a sleeping area.

Ease of Access : The ease of access is excellent, as most canopies offer multiple access points rather than having a single section to access.

Fuel Efficiency : Lower fuel efficiency, as canopies tend to add the extra weight to the back side of the ute creating higher wind resistance, leading to the added fuel consumption.

Aesthetics : The look is a mix between styled and bulky, some models offer utilitarian functionality above the overall look, with prioritisation on the storage space. Other models may have a more visually appealing look, that combines the aesthetic of the canopy with your vehicle depending on the model type.

Price : This is the more expensive option, due to the customisation options, size and functionality, more expensive materials, and installation.

Roller Shutter

Model: Oztrax Electric Roller Shutter Cover Tonneau Hard Lid Toyota Hilux SR5 2015 to Current

Security : Roller shutters are a good option to keep your tools secure, as their interlocking metal slat features offer excellent protection with the roller shutter mechanism. However may be susceptible to being pried open due to their slated structure compared to a fully solid covering.

Weather Protection : Provides reasonable protection to the elements and is a particularly good shield from the heat. Although water can have the tendency to leak through the edges of the slats of the roller shutters in very heavy conditions.

Storage Space : Offers flexibility, however for storing larger and taller items, vertical access is limited, however is this option good for smaller to medium sized items.

Ease of Access : Is extremely convenient, as the roller shutters can be left fully or partially opened up for quick access to equipment, making unloading and loading items fantastic for regularly used equipment.

Fuel Efficiency : Good for the overall impact of fuel consumption, allowing consistent airflow over the tray, however this largely depends on what materials are used and design.

Aesthetics : A very sleek, modern look, which adds to the rest of the utes design with a minimal and contemporary feel, especially for more leisurely activities, blending the best of work and play!

Price : The price can be more expensive than harder lids, but cost less than a canopy. The final price is reflected in the final build, inclusions of additional accessories and locking systems

Should I Choose a Hard Lid, Canopy or Roller Shutters?

At the end of the day, it’s the dealer’s choice when it comes to selecting your ute covering or canopy. Your individual needs, budget and overall style will factor into your final decision.

Here is a short rundown to help you make the final call.

Hard lids are ideal for tradies who need maximum security for their tools, and for those who don’t need access to their tray often.

The visual appeal for ute owners are those who are after a sleek, low profile look and for those adventurers who like the option for off road activities.

Ute Canopies are made for workers like sparkies and chippies who carry quite a lot of gear, for those who need a quick mobile workshop set up, with the flexibility of adding shelving to expand and organise your tools.

It’s also a great option for camping, outdoor adventures and off roading!

Roller shutters are designed for those who love the functionality of the slat features, with quick access to tools, with a very modern and streamed design.

For any landscapers out there, this might be the option for you.

Oz Canopies 4×4 Your One Stop Shop For Ute Cover

If you’re still unsure about what to choose, don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

Our legendary team at Oz Canopies & 4×4, are highly experienced and have a huge selection of ute covers to choose from in our collection, our team can help you pick the perfect style for your needs.

We’ll provide :

• Professional guidance and information of selecting the ideal ute cover
• Expert installation services
• A wide range of ute covering like roller shutters, canopies and hard lids
• Tailored solution for specific trade requirements
• Highly quality products from reliable brands

Keep your tools of the trade in top notch condition, so you are ready for action whenever you need them. Get in contact with our team today.