This Checklist is designed to provide you with a very brief overview of all the accessory options available for your Ute. We have included PRICES in this Checklist so that you can consider the impact on your pocket when checking the alternatives. If, instead of paying cash for the accessories, you were to add them to your vehicle lease, then you could expect to increase your monthly lease payments by a relatively small amount. We stress that all prices are approximations, included for general guidance only, and subject to verification by specific quotation before purchase.

TRAY PROTECTION:
The main functions of a tray protector include minimising tray damage, preventing movement of goods in transit, and preventing the noise and vibration of gear rattling around the back. The most common products are mats and drop-in Liners.

Tray Tops:
• Solid rubber mats come in a standard size (2400x1800mm by 5mm thick) but these can be cut down for smaller trays as required. They usually have ribs on top and nipples underneath, and cost around $160.
• Woven rubber heavy duty mats come in a range of sizes (2400x1800mm, 2250x1800mm, 2200x1700mm etc) - $200.
Tip:
• The woven mat is best for steel trays, as they remain dry underneath.

Utes:
Full tray liners, made from almost indestructible polyethylene, protect the tray, walls, and tailgate areas, and come in two main types:
• Traditional "drill fit" liners are teck-screwed into the Utes body, and cover up the existing tie-down points - $425 fitted
• "Non-drill" versions that include tie downs - $475 fitted
Mats are also a popular (cheaper) option:-
• Solid rubber mats come in "cut it out yourself" sheets - $160
• Woven rubber heavy duty mats come custom made for a perfect fit - $180 to $200
• Matching woven Archguards - $70/pair
• Tailgate Mats - $35
• Tailgate Liners - $70

Tips:
• Money spent on tray protection usually gets more than repaid in increased trade-in value later on.
• Contrary to popular belief, Liners do not cause rust (unless the tray is damaged or contains a build-up of grit).
• Optional "closed-cell foam protection tape" prevents Liners scuffing - $30/kit
• Woven mats are the "grippiest" Ute products ever made.

TRAY TOP "TRAYS":

• Aluminium trays range from $1300 to over $2300 depending on size, quality and features.
• A reasonably good quality single cab aluminium tray shouldn't cost more than $1500 to $1600.
• Steel trays usually start at around $2400 and go up from there.

Tips:
• If you're buying a Tray Top cab-chassis vehicle, you can tell the Motor Dealer what tray you want on it - although they may argue. (Anyone can go and fit it at the Dealers yard if required.)
• Most trays that are thrown in with the new Ute sale are pretty ordinary in terms of quality. With Ute trays, you generally get exactly what you pay for, and a cheap tray that warps when a bag of cement is placed on one corner is not what you want on your work-horse. Look UNDERNEATH the tray to see how much metal you are getting for your money.
• There is a legal limit as to tray size. Don't be tempted to go for a "longer than legal" tray because you may void both vehicle warranty and insurance in the event of an accident, as well as risking a defect notice.
• Some new Utes are not available as "cab chassis" models. However remember that you can remove the Ute body and fit a Tray Top if you want more carrying space. It's pretty simple to do. Then you can store your brand new Ute body in the shed for reinstallation when you go to trade the Ute for top value.

CANOPIES & OTHER UTE COVERS:

Tray Tops:
• Traditional fibreglass canopies range from around $1950 to $3000, depending on features & colour.
• The Sliding Canvas Canopy is around $1600 and concertinas open to provide full tray access. This product is not as secure as fibreglass but is great for camping or carrying fruit, livestock, etc (or anything that "sweats")
• Aluminium checkerplate bodies, with huge side and rear doors, can be made to order. Prices range from $3000 to $5000
Utes:
• Traditional canopies cost around $1500 to $1900 depending on colour, features and brand).
• The new space-age smooth (as against "leathergrain") Alpha canopies offer a load of smart, good looking features, and are around $2600.
• At a lower cost of about $1100 is the Hard Lid - a flat fibreglass lockable cover that is easily removed in seconds.
• The Roll Top is another option (especially attractive to tradesmen) at $1600 to $2100 depending on model. The Roll Top can be fitted with ladder racks, and left partially or completely open in transit to carry high loads, providing total flexibility.

Tips:
• Check to make sure that whatever you fit to the back of your Ute will clear your garage door, underground car parks, etc.
• Remember that a brick will smash a canopy window, so they aren't as secure as some people think.
• Most canopies can be fitted with roof racks for extra carrying capacity.
• The Alpha space-age canopy will add maximum resale value.
• Lids are great, but you can't fit them with Ladder Racks or Sports Bars.
• Roll Tops are the pick of the bunch in terms of security and flexibility.

LOADING & LIFTING:

A "crook back" is a huge price to pay for lifting loads that can be handled mechanically, not to mention the stringent laws regarding Occupational Health & Safety.
Bulk Materials:

Machines, Tools, etc:
• The Lyco tailgate loader will lift 300kg from ground to deck level with ease. Generators, 200 litre drums, concrete mixers, Granny's fridge, all become easy as pie, at around $1200

Everything Else:
• Widge Ute hoists will lift any 270kg object from the side or rear of your Ute or Tray Top and drop it on the deck, for $800+ . Electric models also available.

Carrying Capacity:
• Most Utes get pretty light in the front when nearing their maximum load carrying capacity, not to mention body roll and headlights pointing at the moon. The Load Plus suspension kit is $125, and does the job of traditional faxes that cost three times as much. Two spanners and 20 minutes and you're driving safely at full load capacity.

SPORTS BARS:

• Sports Bars are available for Utes in 64mm, 76mm and 102mm diameter polished alloy, ranging from $700 to $1100 each. They are side mounted for maximum effect.
Tips:
• Some people call these "roll bars", but they are NOT rated to protect you in the event of an accident. They are there only for show!
• Ford & Holden offer Sports Bars in 3" diameter alloy, but the WALL THICKNESS is very thin. For example, the Ford/Holden bars weigh 7kg, and Bluey's 3" bar weighs 12kg. That's 70% more metal for the same money !!!!! Tap a puny Ford or Holden bar with a small object and it dents easily.
• Bluey's Sports Bars can be fitted with spotlight tabs, tie downs, rabbit ears, or anything else that you want.

REAR PROTECTION BARS:

Perhaps the most vulnerable area of most Aussie and Jap Utes is the REAR END, where there is no bumper, or at best a very flimsy bumper. And because many Utes tend to spend time around work areas, tips and building sites, it's easy to reverse into a low pile of bricks or similar, without seeing it. A standard towbar can provide limited protection, but specially designed rear protection bars are the most effective. A good looking combination Rear Step Towbar costs around $560 and protects the Ute body as well as taillights etc.

FRONT PROTECTION BARS:

• The cheapest form of front protection is a Nudge Bar, typically comprising a single loop of polished aluminium alloy that goes up around the radiator. It can usually be used to mount driving lights, and Nudge Bars run from $350 (64mm dia polished alloy) to $625 (76mm alloy air bag rated).
• Steel bull bars, usually painted black, are the cheapest front bars starting from around $900. They tend to be the heaviest and worst looking, but require little maintenance.
• Polished aluminium alloy bull bars usually look the best, and commonly replace the existing bumper bar. Prices are around $1100, but to look good they need a metal polish periodically.
• Polyethylene Smart Bars are lighter than aluminium, come in black white and silver, and are said to outperform steel bars in a crash. Due to the fact they are moulded, they are styled to compliment the shape of modern Utes. Some models are airbag and/or winch compatible, and usually feature built-in blinkers, fog lights and sometimes driving lights. At around $1050 they are good value for money.
• 5 Poster (country style) bull bars are one product where "bigger is better". Ranging from $1000 to $2000 ($24 to $48/month), with aerial and spotty tabs, they are built to look like the front of a freight train.
Tips:
• Many bull bars can be supplied "winch compatible" for off road use.
• Alloy bars can be kept looking good without constant polishing by installing the ERPS rust prevention system (it prevents the alloy from oxidising). See details under "rust prevention")
• Rumours have circulated for years that the Government is going to ban bull bars. It's an untrue rumour - providing your bar complies with ADR Rules you have nothing to fear.
• If your Ute is fitted with an air bag, you MUST only fit an air bag approved bull or nudge bar.
• It is illegal in all States to have any sharp object (eg fishing rod holders) protrude from the front of your bull bar.

TOW BARS:

Towbars are rated in accordance with their towing capacity, and a Compliance Plate is attached to each towbar, stating capacity. A "one tonne" rated bar is suitable for pulling a typical box trailer, and costs around $250  plus fitting. A "heavy duty" towbar is usually rated at close to the Utes legal towing limit (typically 1600kg to 2300kg) and usually costs around $480 plus fitting.
• Your Ute handbook will tell you the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle.
• It's important (safety-wise) not to try and tow with an under-capacity towbar
• It's important not to try and tow a larger load than your vehicles rating allows (eg don't tow a horse trailer with a Subaru Brumby)

SIDE STEPS & SIDE SKIRTS:

Side Steps are particularly useful on vehicles with high suspensions, such as 4WD's.
• There is a large range of traditional Side Steps available, almost always made from aluminium extrusions, and mostly costing around $600 ($14/month).
• The new "Footlights" Side Steps offer the additional facility of TWO lights in each Step, which operate automatically when the doors are opened. These are very good value at night time, and they look good too. Price is about the same as traditional Side Steps.
• Side Skirts are stainless steel or aluminium checkerplate strips, about 120mm wide, which run along underneath the doorsills between the Utes wheels, and behind the back wheels. They prevent stone chips and cost around $195 + fitting.
 

SECURITY & STORAGE SOLUTIONS:

There are more styles of Ute storage boxes and drawers than there are Utes. Some of the main types are:
Tray Tops:
• Underbody Drawers are designed to run UNDERNEATH the tray on tray top Utes. They are typically 1800mm long, 750mm wide, and 160mm to 200mm deep. They cost around $1150 to $1400  and feature roller bearings, gal steel construction, and are water and dust proof.
• The largest Ute box manufacturer in the world is the American Delta Corp, and a range of their boxes is available at Bluey's to fit most needs. These boxes are made from either polyethylene, powder coated steel, or bright aluminium "tread plate", ranging in price from $120 to $900. Most have flush mounted keyed locks.

Utes:
• Cargo Drawers are an open top drawer that can be fitted into the tray of most Utes. They feature roller bearings, and safety stop mechanism, and cost around $1100 . A false floor can be built over the top, providing additional storage space, especially in small trays of Dual Cab Utes.
• Dual Cab Boxes are especially designed to minimise the space taken up in Dual Cab Ute trays. They are made from either gal steel $400,  or checkerplate aluminium $600. They feature covered double hasp/staple padlock facilities.
• "Hunchback" boxes are designed specifically for XF-XH Falcon and Commodore Utes. They slide in underneath the area behind the cabin window, using up that space that is wasted with a traditional rectangular box. They are made from checkerplate aluminium ($600). They feature covered double hasp/staple padlock facilities.
• Delta boxes are also available for most Utes.
Tips:
• Quite often it is more effective, and sometimes cheaper, to fit a Ute Lid or a Roll Top rather than multiple boxes.

TIE DOWNS:

An important part of safe cartage is securing your load so that it will not move in transit. A wide range of tie downs is available, at minimal cost. Some handy items worth considering are:
Tray Tops:
• Recessed Anchor tie downs are installed in the floor of the Ute tray. The tie down ring lies flat, out of the way, when not in use, but swings up to accept a tie down or rope when needed. At around $15 each they are extremely cost effective and useful.
Utes:
• Cargo Bars are a telescopic bar with rubber feet both ends, and a ratchet mechanism in the middle. The Bar can be positioned at any point in the Utes tray by simply cranking the ratchet. The Bar then performs as a barrier to stop items moving in transit. At $45, they avoid the need to drill holes in the Ute.
Tips:
• If you can't tie "truckies knots" then always carry a couple of "ratchet straps" or "rubber ropes" in your Ute. You'll be surprised how many times they come in handy. Safe too!

SUMMARY:

If you have had the patience and dedication to read our "Setting up your New Ute Checklist", then you are about to make the most informed buying decision possible when buying Ute accessories.

The above list is by no means exhaustive, and we know that there are many areas we haven't covered.

We have, however, had over 20 years in providing "Ute solutions" to Aussie Ute owners, so if we haven't addressed your questions in the above, then PLEASE feel free to contact us for more information.

All our staff are always happy to have the opportunity to "talk ute"…..

John Bryant (Founder) Bluey's Ute World © Bluey's Ute World 2002