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There has always been a long standing rivalry between the people who love drop side steel trays and the ones who are die-hard fans of aluminium trays for utes. Both these options have their fair share of pros and cons to follow, depending on the tasks they are going to take and expected to perform. Even the environment, in which they are going to operate, will determine the longevity of the trays and which one seems to be the perfect match.

So, in case you are already contemplating the right purchase to make between the steel and the aluminium trays for your UTE, there are certain steps you need to feature in. Create a list of all the things you are expecting from the trays. It helps you to know exactly what to look for and then make a purchase accordingly. Let’s start off with some differences, which will finally help you to make the right shot in here.

Start with the weight of the product

Aluminium is always targeted to be way lighter, even when compared to mild steel. As one generic guide, a steel tray is likely to be about twice the weight of any equivalent aluminium tray to have come across. An example might help you to understand even better.

In case you are comparing the HiLux trays from the genuine accessory range from Toyota, then the heavy duty aluminium one will weigh around 160kg, the steel equivalent will weigh at around 308kg for the steel equivalent.
That is going to focus on a weight rise of around 148kg or even more than just 90% if you choose to go for the steel tray instead of the aluminium one. That’s why most people opt for the aluminium trays big time.
The negative aspects of such increase will go beyond any upsurge in the current fuel consumption and also tyre or mechanical wear.
The tray’s current weight will also be added to the kerb weight of the vehicle, which in turn, will reduce the Gross Vehicle Mass or GMV rating. It will reduce the payload big time.
On the other hand, if you are dealing with a light commercial vehicle in the cab-chassis form with a complete kerb weight of 1500kg and GVM of 2800kg, then it means it will have around 1300kg or 1.3 tonnes of payload capacity.
But, whenever you are planning to add a steel tray, which is around 300kg, then the payload needs to be reduced by the same amount to avoid exceeding the GVM.
It proves that if the tray is heavier then the payload is going to be smaller. So, the much lighter kerb weight will be achieved with aluminium tray and it can be a promising advantage if checking out payload capacity is vital.
On the other hand, that extra weight related to steel tray can also be useful in some instances, mainly in cab-chassis vehicles often driven with light loads or un-laden.
The leaf-spring rear suspension, mainly, is designed to carry one tonne plus payloads. So, they can be stiff without even any decent load on top of them.
Fitting that heavy duty and weighty steel tray during such instances can offer that sprung weight needed in order to compress those rear springs. It helps in improving your ride quality without bumping your head on the roof whenever the driver hits a pebble on the road.

In terms of weight, there are positive sides related to both steel and aluminium trays for utes. But, if you are looking for a more favourable option, aluminium seems to be taking the lead in this regard.

Now it is about the strength to focus at

As one general guide, steel happens to be 4 times stronger when compared to aluminium and 3 times stiffer at the same time. So, if for you hardness and strength seem to be the two major characteristics to look for then steel might be your right option to venture into.

But, that does not mean that all the heavy duty aluminium ones are not going to have that rigidity and ample strength you are looking for.
There are so many UTE owners these days, who are pretty happy with the performance rate of the aluminium trays for utes these days, even during those harsh Australian weather conditions. It solely depends on the specified requirements around here.
As aluminium is targeted to be softer than steel, there is no need to be a metallurgist to be sure that aluminium trays will be the second best during repeated clashes.
In case your work revolves around carting lots of heavy steel props, star pickets, jackhammer drill bits and similar such items, which are mostly thrown abroad and not placed carefully, a steel tray will be great to take hold of that abuse.
Steel can also prove to be a clever choice for all your carting landscape supplies, mainly piles of the hard jagged up rocks, which might tumble with some force from the bucket of the front-end loader.
But, that extra weight of the steel trays will reduce the amount that you can carry over here. So, during that instance, aluminium trays seem to be the biggest winner to focus on.

Corrosion resistant is the main goal

Apart from being light in weight, the aluminium trays for utes are known for their corrosion resistant features. Aluminium is primarily made out of bauxite, and you have some mild steels made using carbon and iron. So, aluminium is subject to be rust-free and non-ferrous. Steel, on the other hand, is going to be completely different.

So, you do not have to protect the aluminium trays from any of the natural harsh elements.
It is particularly targeted to be good in the coastal environments, where they are exposed to sea air and salt water. It will not result in dreaded rust covering the entire body of the aluminium trays.
On the other hand, you have mild steel which, if not sealed properly, will start to rust immediately when exposed to some outdoor conditions. Salt water is steel’s greatest enemy.
The most effective treatment over here to prevent rust from forming on steel trays is hot-dip galvanising. But, there are some other options like powder-coating or a decent paint job.
No matter whichever protective coating you have chosen, the scratches and chips that are the result of hard use will always lurk as some potential rust starters in steel. But, it is not a problem with the aluminium trays.

Therefore, most of the steels used in construction of the tray bodies are much thicker when compared to the light in weight sheet metal ones used in automotive bodies. So, even if rust starts to form, these thick steel trays will last the longest then mild ones, but not as long as the aluminium trays for sure!

Unless you are driving rather than diving into the surf each morning, a poorly maintained steel tray is going to suffer from depth of rust. Eventually, this rust formation will start to compromise the structural integrity even after many years of some hard work.

Check in with the cost over here

Pricing forms another interesting feature while determining the right tray for your UTE to choose. The aluminium trays for utes are around 33% more expensive than the mild steel. These are mostly the case with the customised trays, because of the higher costing value of the raw materials, specialised TIG or MIG welding gasses and extra labour because of higher fabrication time.

But, this price difference is not likely to remain consistent across all the pre-fabricated products, which are the best options for car dealers right now.
These trays are mostly delivered within flat-pack kit forms and then bolted together by the chosen dealerships as perfect packages.
However, in some instances, these flat pack steel trays can cost you a lot more, based on the shipping costs and the design you have chosen.
Even though these trays are not tailored to match specified needs like any customised ones, they are mostly half the price and more than adequate for work that you expect out of them.

Catching up with the best team for help

You must remember to work with the best online stores, whenever you are planning to purchase standard or custom trays for your UTE. Looking for a sector that covers both aluminium and steel trays will be of great help around here. As you can compare both the options under one umbrella, making a choice gets a lot easier and less time consuming at the same time.

Remember to check out the credibility and experience of the chosen firm and then you can move on with purchasing the trays for the UTE. Not just trays, but there are so many other accessories available to enhance the working capability of the UTE trucks big time.

Ozi4*4 is your perfect solution while looking for the best aluminium trays. Give the team a call at +13 0069 4494 or email at sales@ozi4x4.com.au for details.