11 Jul
So, you’re finally ready to upgrade your Ute tray. Maybe the old one’s had a rough life, or maybe you’re starting fresh with a new build. Either way, the big question hits: Should you go with a steel tray or an alloy tray?
If you’re like most Ute owners in Perth, you’re probably weighing up what really matters; durability vs weight, rust-resistance vs raw toughness, price vs long-term value. And with all the choices out there, it’s easy to feel stuck.
Don’t worry. We’ll help you to find the right tray for your Ute setup.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between alloy trays and steel Ute trays, their pros and cons of each, and which tray might suit your Ute, lifestyle, and budget best. We’ll also explore how to customise your Ute setup with accessories like under tray tool boxes, Ute canopies, and more.
Let’s get started.
Steel Ute Trays | Strong, Affordable & Built for Heavy Loads
If you’re after pure strength, durability and affordability, steel Ute trays are the tried-and-true option for hard-working vehicles across WA. They’re ideal for tradies, farmers, and anyone who puts their Ute through serious punishment.
Strength & Durability
Steel trays are built to handle heavy loads. They can be up to four times stronger and three times stiffer than comparable alloy trays. That extra rigidity means they won’t flex or bend under pressure, making them ideal for heavy-duty use.
For example, Toyota’s HiLux steel tray weighs about 308 kg vs only 160 kg for the aluminium version. That extra weight gives it serious strength to handle rough loading without warping or cracking.
Weight & Payload
The strength of a steel Ute tray comes with a downside: weight. On average, a steel tray adds an extra 150–250 kg compared to alloy. This eats into your payload capacity and can affect fuel economy, especially over long distances.
However, some owners find a bonus in that weight — it can improve ride quality when the Ute is unloaded, slightly softening the rear suspension by compressing the leaf springs.
Rust & Maintenance
The biggest long-term concern with steel is rust. Steel is prone to corrosion if scratched or left uncoated, which is something to consider in Perth’s coastal and humid areas. Fortunately, most modern steel trays (like the ones at Perth 4WD) are galvanised or powder-coated to help resist rust — just be sure to maintain the coating over time.
Now, let’s weigh out the pros and cons of steel Ute trays to get a better idea:
Pros of Steel Trays:
- Exceptional strength for heavy loads and tools
- Tough and impact-resistant; ideal for worksite abuse
- Generally lower upfront cost compared to alloy
Cons of Steel Trays:
- Heavier, reducing fuel efficiency and payload
- Requires protective coating to prevent rust
- Not ideal in salty or humid coastal environments unless coated
Ultimately, if ruggedness, affordability, and carrying capacity are top priorities, steel is hard to beat. Just keep in mind the need for upkeep and be aware of the weight penalty if fuel economy matters to you.
Alloy Ute Trays | Lightweight, Rust-Free & Fuel Efficient
On the other side of the spectrum, alloy Ute trays are lightweight and corrosion-proof that’s perfect for touring rigs, fleet vehicles, and everyday drivers who value efficiency.
Lightness & Payload
The most noticeable benefit of alloy trays is their light weight. Typically, they weigh about half as much as their steel counterparts. For instance, a dual-cab HiLux fitted with an aluminium tray weighs around 160 kg, compared to 308 kg for a steel version.
This weight savings gives you better fuel economy, increased payload capacity, and less wear on suspension and brakes. If you’re carrying lighter equipment or doing long-haul drives across WA, this makes a big difference in day-to-day performance.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium’s biggest selling point is corrosion resistance. It’s inherently non-ferrous, so it won’t rust. It naturally forms a protective oxide layer that shields it from moisture, salt, and chemicals. That’s a huge win for Ute owners who live or work near the coast, where steel trays need regular maintenance to avoid corrosion.
Impact & Durability
Alloy trays are strong, especially modern, heavy-duty designs. But aluminium is still a softer metal than steel. That means it may dent more easily if you’re constantly loading rough, heavy items. However, for general use, camping, and lighter trade work, an alloy tray will hold up well for years.
Now that you know the basics of alloy Ute trays, let’s explore their pros and cons for further detail:
Pros of Alloy Trays:
- Lightweight, increasing fuel efficiency and usable payload
- Rust-proof — no coatings or treatments needed
- Clean, modern appearance (especially powder-coated)
- Great for coastal and humid WA conditions
Cons of Alloy Trays:
- Higher upfront cost; 30–50% more than steel
- Can dent under heavy abuse or impact
- Less suitable for worksites with rough, sharp loads
Ultimately, if you value efficiency, longevity, and a rust-free setup, alloy is the way to go. It’s perfect for long-distance travel, lighter loads, or anyone who wants to avoid maintenance without sacrificing too much durability.
Alloy vs. Steel Ute Trays | A Quick Comparison
Hence, steel excels in strength and durability, while alloy wins on weight and corrosion resistance. Your choice depends on priorities.
Customising Your Ute Tray: Storage & Accessories
One major benefit of a quality Ute tray is the ability to tailor it with accessories for even more functionality. Whether you choose steel or alloy, you can customise your tray with canopies, toolboxes, and racks to suit your exact needs. These tray accessories ensure tools stay safe and organised on every job or adventure.
Perth 4WD offers many accessories to maximise your tray space. Below are some popular Ute accessories for customisation:
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Under-Tray Toolboxes:
These lockable steel or aluminium boxes mount under the tray, utilising wasted space. They give huge extra storage without cluttering the bed. Under-tray toolboxes keep your tools organised and easily accessible. Their sturdy construction with heavy-duty locks daunts theft and creates hidden, secure storage for your tools.
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Ute Canopies:
Quality Ute canopy transforms the open tray into a weatherproof, enclosed storage box. A good canopy has seal-tight doors and locks which keep gear dry and secure. Many canopies include built-in drawers, shelving, and slide-out trays. This lets you organise tools and camping gear efficiently.
Perth 4WD offers top-quality alloy canopies Perth tradespeople love. They match your tray and can be colour-coded to your vehicle.
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Other Accessories:
Consider tie-down points, ladder racks, and drawers. Almost all trays have stake pockets or rails to lash gear down securely. Ladder racks (often front and rear) are popular for carrying pipes or ladders.
At Perth 4WD we also supply LED lights, rubber matting, and custom sliding drawers.
For example, industry suppliers list add-ons like under-body toolboxes, rubber tray mats, and lighting as common extras. All these accessories turn your tray into a mobile toolbox, keeping everything in its place.
Read more about > 7 smart ways to maximise the storage capacity of your Ute
Choosing the Right Tray for Your Ute: Cab Configurations
Your Ute’s cab size affects the tray size you need. Perth 4WD offers trays for single-, dual-, and extra-cab vehicles, so pick what fits your Ute and workload:
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Single Cab Utes:
These have a short cabin and a larger bed. A single-cab tray is great for trades needing maximum deck length. You carry only two people, so weight isn’t split by passengers.
For very heavy use on a single cab, a steel tray gives the strength needed. If you mostly carry medium loads or care about fuel economy, an alloy tray keeps weight down without sacrificing too much capacity.
We offer both new and second hand single-cab trays, even ex-lease or demo trays can save money.
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Dual Cab Utes:
The most common setup, with 4 seats and a medium bed length. Dual cabs balance crew and cargo space. Steel and alloy options are both popular here. If you often haul heavy gear and carry passengers, many tradies still prefer a steel tray for its toughness. Others choose alloy to improve fuel range for long highway drives.
Some dual-cab owners even opt for a chassis extension. This stretches the chassis to fit a larger (extra-cab–sized) tray on a dual cab, giving more payload without losing seating.
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Extra Cab Utes:
These have a small rear section behind the seats and a slightly shorter tray length than a single cab. They share cargo space with dual-cab setups. You can fit larger trays by extending the chassis or switching to a flat cab chassis.
Typically, an extra-cab tray is put on a chassis extension (to keep it level) and often made of steel for maximum capacity. But high-end alloy trays can also be used if weight is critical.
Budget Tip: Don’t overlook reconditioned or second-hand trays.
We offer quality secondhand steel or alloy trays at a fraction of new cost. A well-maintained second-hand tray can be a smart, budget-friendly choice. Our full range includes new steel and alloy trays as well as reconditioned options, so you can find the right tray for sale to fit your Ute.
Key Takeaway
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Steel trays are rugged and affordable, able to handle big loads, while alloy trays are lightweight and rust-proof, improving fuel economy. In simple words, of you carry extreme loads or work in harsh sites, go steel. If you want fuel savings and rust immunity, go aluminium.
Consider your cab type and payload needs as you decide. With the right info and Ute accessories, you’ll end up with a tray that makes your job or adventure easier.
Not sure which tray is right for you?
Find the Perfect Ute Tray with Perth 4WD
Whether you need a heavy-duty steel tray or a light alloy one, or both tray and canopy, the experts at Perth 4WD can help. We offer steel and aluminium trays for sale, plus a full range of Ute accessories to customise your setup; from underbody toolboxes to canopies.
Ready to upgrade your Ute?
From rugged steel trays to lightweight alloy setups, Perth 4WD has what your Ute needs.