14 Jul
Still running your Ford Ranger with the stock tray and nothing else? You’re definitely missing out.
A basic tray might get the job done, but when it comes to security, durability, and all-weather protection, it simply doesn’t cut it. That’s where a properly fitted ROPS tray, secure toolboxes, and a weatherproof Ute canopy come in. It’s the difference between just getting there and turning your Ranger into a fully functional mobile workspace or campsite.
This guide covers everything you need; heavy-duty ROPS trays for safety, smart toolbox options for storage, and rugged canopies for weatherproof protection. Plus, we’ll show popular Ute tray accessories, all optimised for Ranger owners.
Scroll down to outfit your Ford Ranger single cab with the ultimate setup.
ROPS Tray | Safety and Strength for Your Ranger
A ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) tray is a specialised Ute tray built with integrated steel or aluminium hoops to protect you if the vehicle flips.
It’s a heavy-duty headboard/hoop welded or bolted to the tray. ROPS bars are designed to prevent the cabin from being crushed in an overturn. This setup adds rollover protection and secure storage without sacrificing the tray’s carrying capacity.
Besides safety, ROPS trays also offer practical benefits.
The headboard includes spare tyre carriers and wiring holes, and it doesn’t steal much tray space. It serves as a solid mounting point for lights or a ladder rack. Thus, a Ford Ranger Single Cab with a ROPS tray gives you mine-spec toughness and compliance, ideal for construction, mining or remote area work.
At Perth 4WD, we install ROPS trays that meet national safety standards, so you get industrial-grade strength (built from high-grade alloy or steel) without losing tray space. Modern ROPS trays are bolted on without cutting or welding to your chassis, so your Ranger’s factory ANCAP rating stays intact.
Aluminium vs. Steel Ute Trays for Ford Ranger: What’s Best for Your Build?
When upgrading your Ford Ranger single cab with a new tray, the most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right material: steel or aluminium. At Perth 4WD, we offer both steel Ute trays Perth tradies love for toughness, and aluminium Ute trays Perth off-roaders choose for lightweight performance.
Here’s how to decide which tray material suits your needs:
Why Choose a Steel Ute Tray? Steel trays are like the heavy-duty workhorses of the trade world, built tough for serious use.
- Made from heavy-duty galvanised steel; excellent for harsh worksites
- More impact-resistant; perfect for tools, machinery, and rugged use
- Can be colour-matched to your vehicle
- Better suited for long-term durability and abuse
Why Choose an Aluminium Ute Tray? Aluminium trays are great for those who value lighter weight and better resistance to rust.
- Lightweight construction; improves fuel economy and handling
- Rust-resistant; ideal for coastal and off-road use
- Great for recreational and weekend adventure setups
- Easier on suspension for vehicles carrying lighter loads
Perth 4WD’s aluminium Ute trays for sale are strong yet lighter, ideal for dual-purpose use – whether you’re towing, touring, or setting up for weekend camping.
Still torn between steel and alloy trays? Explore the pros and cons of each in our detailed guide on what’s better for your Ute – alloy or steel trays.
Custom Tray Fitment for Ford Ranger
We specialise in Ute trays made to fit your single cab Ford Ranger. Our standard tray size for a single cab is 1870mm x 2400mm, offering more space than dual cab trays (usually 1870mm x 1870mm). You can also customise your tray with:
- Under tray tool box
- Rear ladder rack
- Rope rails and tie-down points
- Roll-out trundle drawers
- LED tail lights and more
No matter which material you choose, we’ll help you create a setup that works as hard as you do, for both weekdays on-site and weekends off-road.
Ute Tray Toolboxes & Accessories | Smart Storage Solutions for Your Gear
Outfitting the tray with smart accessories turns your Ranger into a rolling workshop.
Toolboxes are the most common add-on. You can have under-tray toolboxes or on-tray boxes. Under-tray boxes slide onto the chassis beneath the bed, adding large locked storage without eating into tray space.
We supply a range of premium toolboxes to fit on any tray. For example, you might install an aluminium under-tray chest or a weatherproof steel box on the tray floor. These lockable boxes keep power tools, axes, tie-down straps and first-aid kits safe and dry.
Beyond boxes, many Ute tray accessories help organise gear and improve utility. Common upgrades include:
| Accessory | Description & Benefits |
| Ladder Rack | · Rear rack positioned above the tailboard
· Ideal for carrying long items like ladders, pipes, or timber |
| 40L Water Tank | · Mounted between the cab and headboard
· Perfect for on-site washing, camping, or jobsite hydration |
| Tie-Down Rails | · Heavy-duty rails or D-ring anchors along the floor or tray sides
· Essential for securing loads safely |
| Slide-Out Drawers | · Lockable trundle drawers or pull-out tables
· Great for storing tools or using as a kitchenette during trips |
| Spare Wheel Carrier | · Twin spare tyre mounts on the headboard
· Keeps your spares out of the tray and ready for off-road backup |
| LED Work Lights & Wiring | · Integrated lighting and accessory wiring
· Ideal for night work, camping, or trades that run late |
Ute Canopy Setups | Weatherproof, Secure Load Space
A Ute canopy is essentially a roof and sidewalls bolted onto the tray, creating a lockable, weatherproof case over the bed.
For a Ford Ranger, a canopy transforms the tray into secure storage. You can leave tools, camping gear or cargo inside overnight without worry. Perth 4WD fits high-quality aluminium and steel canopies for local conditions. These canopies typically come in 2-door or 3-door styles (with various side-opening configurations) and have rubber seals on the doors and windows.
Canopy choice depends on your needs.
1. Fixed (bolted) canopy is permanently mounted for maximum security.
- Pros: lockable, dust- and waterproof storage.
- Cons: added weight and height may limit very tall loads or make the center of gravity higher.
2. Wind-off (removable) canopy slides on/out when needed.
- Pros: flexibility; remove it to use the open tray when carrying bulky items.
- Cons: extra work to take it on/off, and you must ensure proper sealing and latching each time.
Additionally, we also stock dual cab canopies for larger cabs, essentially the same concept but sized for the shorter tray behind a dual cab. Our steel trays paired with aluminium canopies are built for tough environments right here in Perth, and can even be painted to match your vehicle.
In short, adding a canopy gives your Ranger Single Cab a locked garage on the back, ideal for camping gear, tools, or trade supplies.
Complete Ford Ranger Upgrades Package at Perth 4WD
| Feature | Description |
| Heavy-Duty ROPS Tray | Compliant roll-over protection for mining, fleet, or remote area use |
| Under-Tray Toolboxes | Lockable, weatherproof side storage without sacrificing tray space |
| Aluminium or Steel Canopy | Fully enclosed, dust- and waterproof canopy for secure storage and protection |
| 40L Water Tank | Mounted between cab & tray – great for cleaning tools, hands, or campsite use |
| Rear Ladder Rack | Carries long gear like timber, ladders, or pipes above the tray |
| Slide-Out Trundle Drawer | Perfect for storing jacks, tie-downs, or roadside repair tools |
| LED Work Lighting | Integrated tray or canopy lights for night work, camping, or off-road trips |
| Custom Colour & Paint Options | Match your tray, canopy, or toolboxes to your Ranger’s original finish |
Planning to camp out of your Ranger? Check out our best Ute canopy setups for camping, full of practical, durable ideas to turn your tray into the ultimate basecamp.
Upgrade Your Ford Ranger with the Ultimate Tray, Toolbox & Canopy Setup at Perth 4WD
We’re 4WD enthusiasts just like you, and we live for tough builds. Whether you need a heavy-duty ROPS tray, lockable toolboxes, or a weatherproof Ute canopy, our team in Perth can handle it all. We stock and fit new and reconditioned steel and aluminium Ute trays in Perth, plus all the accessories, from under-tray toolboxes to ladder racks, to turn your Ranger into a true workhorse.
Don’t settle for a bare, unprotected tray.
Boost your Ranger’s safety with a ROPS system, carry more gear with organised trays and boxes, and lock it all away under a canopy.
Ready to build your perfect ford ranger setup?