Load lids vs canopies: which will reign supreme?
We compare load lids to canopies and attempt to solve the ute-niversal debate of which is going to be best for you.
By Josh Leonard,
May 17, 2023
Investigating the ute-niversal debate
As someone who has owned numerous utes and experimented with various storage and rear-end setups, I reckon utes are the most practical and versatile vehicles on the market. But no ute leaves the factory floor as the perfect option for everyone. There’ll come a time when every ute owner finds themselves looking to make their already versatile vehicle the perfect fit for them.
In this article, I’ll be comparing load lids to canopies. And sharing my first-hand findings on which is the best option for you and your specific needs.
What is a load lid?
Soft tonneaus and hard lids have been around for donkey’s years. But it wasn’t until relatively recently that the scene was introduced to hard lids capable of carrying a load. These are often in the form of a lid made of reinforced aluminium that is supported by gas struts and sits on top of a ute’s tub.
Due to their superior payload, function, and versatility, we’re going to focus on the range of load lids from Utemaster in this article. With up to 7M of internal bracing and heavy-duty hardware, Utemaster’s load lids have a dynamic load rating of 200 KG (the weight that can be carried at road speeds) and a static load rating of 350 KG (the weight that can be placed on the load lid when the vehicle is stationary).
Because their load lids are made of aluminium, they’re both light and strong. Making them durable and able to handle the tough terrain of the outback without risking exceeding your GVM. Or affecting your fuel economy.
What is a canopy?
A canopy, also known as a camper shell or truck cap (if you’re from the land of the red, white, and blue), is a hardcover that is installed on top of a ute’s tub to enclose it. Canopies are available in a variety of materials and designs, with some models featuring sliding or pop-up windows and side access doors for convenience. It’s important to note that in this article, we’re specifically comparing load lids to canopies for ute tubs, not trays.
Load lid or canopy – which should you choose?
The answer is, it depends. Both load lids and canopies have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Load lids
Load lids are ideal for transporting heavy and bulky items regularly, as they are easy to remove if you’re trying to transport an item that exceeds the height of your tub walls. They are also more affordable than canopies and provide a sleeker profile due to their positioning below the rear firewall. The added benefit of this is that you can store additional gear on top of the load lid and still keep it below the roofline, keeping your vehicle’s overall height down while maintaining your fuel economy and handling.
It’s possible to fit a rooftop tent to a load lid, but your options are limited – unless you’re driving a full-size ute, like an F-150, you won’t be able to squeeze a hard-shell rooftop tent onto a load lid anytime soon.
Canopies
Canopies are the perfect option for outdoor enthusiasts and tradies who require a secure and enclosed space to store their gear. They offer a larger internal storage space and more options for equipment placement and access. Additionally, they provide a solid platform for mounting accessories such as rooftop tents, ladders, or piping.
Generally speaking, the biggest disadvantage of canopies is their windows, which are both fragile and provide a view of the contents within the canopy, making them vulnerable to break-ins. Utemaster has countered this issue with their range of canopies that feature solid doors instead of windows, providing more strength and a larger surface area for accessory mounting.
Both load lids and canopies can be modified to suit your individual needs. Load lids can be fitted with racks, storage rails, and lid-spacing kits (for those who want to bring their four-legged furry friend along for the ride!).
Canopies can have just about anything bolted both inside and outside of them, from shelving to 12V gear and control panels to solar panels, spare wheels, and recovery boards. And hey, if you’re into it, they also provide a dry space that’s easily adapted to a sleeping area.
Depends on what kind of adventurer you are
Ultimately, the choice between a load lid and a canopy comes down to your specific requirements. If you’re a weekend camper who values versatility and visibility, a load lid is an excellent option. However, if you’re a tradesperson or frequent camper who requires maximum space and accessibility, a canopy is the better choice.
