Customising Your Ute

If you're buying a ute with plans to customise it, you’re making a smart move. A stock ute is a great start, but the right upgrades can make it work even harder for your needs. Whether you’re a tradie hauling tools, an off-roader tackling rough tracks, or just someone who wants to get the most out of their ute, it's worth having a solid plan before you start bolting on ute accessories.

In this article, we'll take you through what you need to consider before upgrading, and explore some of the main accessories, from canopies and covers to toolboxes and bull bars, so you can start customising with confidence.

Start with the Right Tray or Tub

Your ute’s tray or tub is the basis of your setup, so getting it right from the start is key. If you’re planning to install toolboxes, a canopy, or racks, you’ll need a tray that can handle the weight and layout you have in mind.

A flat deck tray is ideal for tradies, giving you more flexibility with storage and allowing easy access from all sides. Aluminium ute trays are lightweight and resistant to rust, while steel trays are stronger but heavier. If you’re planning to mount heavy equipment, a reinforced steel tray might be the better option.

If security and weather protection are more important, a wellside tub might suit you better. A factory tub keeps your gear covered and protected, and you can always add a lockable hard lid or canopy for extra security.

Ute Canopies & Tray Covers: Keeping Your Gear Secure

A canopy or tray cover is one of the best upgrades you can make if you need to keep tools, materials, or other gear safe from weather and theft. The right choice depends on how much security, space, and accessibility you need.

  • Canopies are a popular choice for tradies and four wheel drivers alike. Aluminium or fibreglass canopies offer full security and protection, with options for shelving and built-in storage compartments. If you need quick access to your tools, consider side-opening gas strut doors.
  • Hard lids are a great compromise if you want a lockable, weatherproof cover but don’t need the full height of a canopy. They provide better security than a soft tonneau cover and can often be fitted with roof racks.
  • Soft tonneau covers are a budget-friendly option for keeping your tray covered, but they’re not as secure. They’re great for keeping your gear out of sight, but not ideal if you’re carrying expensive tools.

If you’re constantly in and out of the back of your ute, think about convenience—do you need a fully enclosed space, or will a lockable lid or a retractable cover be more practical?

Toolboxes: Organisation & Security

If you’re carrying tools for work, a properly set-up toolbox system is a fantastic addition to your ute. Toolboxes not only help you stay organised and carry more gear in the same amount of space, but they save you from digging through a messy tray trying to find the right gear at the end of a long day.

When you're choosing a toolbox, you should consider the following aspects:

  • Material: Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, while steel offers more security but adds weight.
  • Access: Gullwing toolboxes with side-opening doors make it easy to grab what you need without climbing into the tray.
  • Security: Heavy-duty locks are a must if you’re leaving tools in your ute overnight.

For those who need a fully kitted-out setup, a service body might be the way to go. These are fully enclosed storage systems with dedicated compartments, perfect for tradies who need to carry a lot of gear in an organised way.

Bull Bars & Nudge Bars: Protection & Practicality

If you’re driving in rural areas or on work sites, a bull bar is a smart addition to your ute that can save you a lot of money down the line. Bull bars protect the front of your ute from animal strikes, low-speed collisions, and general wear and tear from the kinds of conditions you'll find out in the bush. Plus, many bull bars come with built-in mounting points for spotlights, winches, and aerials, making them a popular choice for keen hunters and four-wheel drivers.

A nudge bar is a smaller and lighter alternative to bull bars and is what most Kiwis think of when they hear the word 'bull bars'. Rather than covering the full front of your car from the fender to the bonnet, a nudge bar covers between 30 and 50%, providing some front-end protection while still allowing easy access to the bonnet. If you’re mainly using your ute in the city but still want a bit of added security to protect your ute from sloppy parallel parkers or runaway shopping trolleys, a nudge bar might be all you need.

Suspension Upgrades: Handling Heavy Loads

Stock ute suspension is designed for general use, but if you’re carrying heavy loads or heading off-road regularly, an upgraded suspension system can make a huge difference.

  • Heavy-duty springs and shocks help reduce sagging when carrying a full load. If your ute is constantly weighed down with tools or materials, factory suspension might not cut it.
  • Lift kits improve ground clearance for off-road driving, making it easier to tackle rough terrain without bottoming out and disemboweling your ute.
  • GVM upgrades (Gross Vehicle Mass upgrades) might be necessary if your ute is pushing the legal weight limit once fully loaded.

If you’re planning any suspension upgrades, make sure you factor them into your budget from the start, as it’s an area you don’t want to skimp on.

Roof Racks & Load Carrying Solutions

If you’re maxing out your tray or canopy space, roof racks are an easy way to expand your storage and give yourself a little more space. Whether you need to carry ladders, pipes, camping gear, fishing rods or kayaks, a well-installed roof rack system gives you more options.

Roof racks can be as simple as a pair of parallel bars, or a fully fabricated alloy tray. Whichever style your budget or preference dictates, this is what you should look for in your roof racks:

  • A strong internal mounting system—cheap external mounts can fail under heavy loads.
  • Locking systems if you’re carrying valuable gear.
  • Weight ratings that match what you’ll be hauling. Don't get something designed to carry a mountain bike or a plastic kayak if you're going to be sticking a load of framing timber on your roof.

For tradies, racks that integrate with a ladder lift system can make loading and unloading easier, especially if you’re working solo.

Electrical Add-Ons: Powering Up Your Ute

If you’re running tools, fridges, or lights from your ute, setting up a dual battery system is a great idea. This allows you to power accessories without draining your main battery, which is essential for long workdays or extended camping trips.

Other electrical upgrades to consider include:

  • LED work lights for night jobs or off-road trips.
  • 12V outlets and inverters for charging tools and devices on the job site.
  • Dash cams and reversing cameras for added safety and security.

Plan Your Upgrades Before You Buy

If you’re buying a ute with plans to customise it, thinking ahead will save you time and money. Not all utes are equal when it comes to modifications, some have better aftermarket support than others, and certain models handle extra weight or accessories better.

Before committing to a ute, ask yourself:

  • Will the factory suspension and chassis handle the customisations you want?
  • Does it have the right tray/tub setup for the accessories you plan to install?
  • Are there off-the-shelf accessories available, or will you need custom work done?

Planning in advance means you can avoid unexpected costs and get your ute set up exactly how you need it from day one.

Looking For a Ute? Start Your Search With Only Cars NZ

Customising a ute is all about making it work for your lifestyle. Whether you’re decking it out for work, adventure, or a mix of both, the right upgrades can turn a good ute into the perfect one.

If you're on the hunt for a ute, trust Only Cars NZ to help you find the perfect match. With an extensive range of utes for sale, including new utes and used utes, we've got something for everyone. But if a ute isn't what you need right now, we make it easy to sell your car or buy a car online as well.