Aluminium versus steel ute trays: A comprehensive guide for the Australian market

Fitting a tray to the rear of your ute is like adding a Swiss Army knife to your back pocket. However, picking the right tray can be difficult thanks to the bewildering assortment of materials, options and configurations.

Understanding trays

A tray is essentially a go-to tool for tradies, farmers and everyone who loves a bit of rough-and-tumble in the outdoors. They provide a solid platform for tools, gear and larger equipment, and there many sizes to choose from, depending on individual requirements.

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A tray will either be steel or aluminium, each with their unique blend of pros and cons. Aluminium trays are lighter, nimble, and more resistant to corrosion; Steel trays are tough and can take a beating, making them ideal in construction and mining industries.

A ute's tray is your ticket to efficient, convenient, heavy-duty hauling, and can be tweaked to perfectly suit your needs. Whether you're a tradie, farmer or just love hitting the great outdoors, investing in a tray is a smart move.

Aluminium

Aluminium trays impress with their strength-to-weight ratio. They're lighter than steel trays, and rust-resistant capabilities give them the edge in Australian weather.

The light weight of an aluminium tray can work wonders for fuel economy - a major plus for those clocking up serious miles. Plus, their rust-busting powers are invaluable for keeping your tray in top nick in the face of Australia's temperamental weather.

However, they can dent easier and they come with a heftier price tag.

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Steel

Steel trays are the old guard; they're tough, built to last and made to handle serious rough-and-tumble action.

One major advantage of a steel tray is its unparalleled strength. If you're in a heavy-duty trade industry, a steel tray is less likely to dent or scratch compared to aluminium units.

There are a couple of downsides, though. Steel trays can be quite heavy which can put a dent in fuel economy – something to consider if you're clocking up a lot of kays. Plus, they need a bit more elbow grease to keep rust at bay, which can add up over time.

Aluminium vs steel

Whether you opt for aluminium or steel, it all boils down to individual needs. If you require a lightweight, corrosion-resistant tray, then aluminium best fits your needs. If you're after something that can take a beating and handle serious weight, then steel would be better. At the end of the day, it's all about your budget and what you use your ute for.

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Durability

Steel trays are more durable and steel is king when it comes to strength. Sure, steel can rust and corrode over time if you don't keep an eye on it, but it's less likely to dent or scratch than aluminium.

Aluminium, on the other hand, can handle wet and mucky conditions better due to its rust-resistance, making it a top choice if you regularly get your wheels dirty. Keep in mind that aluminium is a softer metal, so it might pick up a few more dings and scratches.

Fuel efficiency

Weight is critical when it comes to fuel efficiency, and steel trays are the heavyweights here which can substantially increase your fuel bill.

The difference in fuel consumption can vary depending on your vehicle and its engine, but if you're a long-haul driver, you might want to swing towards aluminium to keep fuel costs in check.

Load capacity

Whether you choose aluminium or steel, most ute trays can handle a load of around 1000kg. However, steel trays might be better for heavier stuff, thanks to their increased strength.

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Cost comparison

Aluminium trays tend to cost a bit more than steel due to higher manufacturing costs, but you might save some dosh on fuel in the long run thanks to their lightweight design. Steel trays are easier on the wallet initially, though.

Aesthetics and customisation

Aluminium trays can be both practical and visually appealing. Being easy to customise and available in a dazzling array of powdercoated colours, aluminium trays offer a smorgasbord of design choices.

Steel trays may be rough, rugged and ready for action, but their customisation options are more limited due to their inherent toughness and the nature of the material.

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Industry opinions

Industry folk reckon there's a place in the market for both aluminium and steel trays, as both have their strong suits. Your choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs.

Aluminium trays win the day for lighter loads and touring vehicles, while steel trays are better suited to heavy-duty loads and work/trade conditions.

Choosing the right tray

The key to finding the perfect tray relies on your specific needs and intended purposes. If you're a light hauler, live in coastal areas, or have a fuel-efficient beast with a smaller engine size, aluminium is recommended.

If you're regularly lugging heavy tools or working in rough conditions, then you'll want to buddy up with a steel tray.