A must for tradies, farmers and outdoor adventurers alike, ute trays provide a durable and versatile platform for storing tools, equipment and camping gear. To keep your ute tray reliable through it all, it’s important to understand how best to maintain it. In this blog we’ll share some care tips and tricks, and while we have you, chat to you about why a tray is often better than a tub, and what to consider when in the market for the ideal tray.

6 tips to care for your aluminium ute tray

• Regular washing: Treat your aluminium ute tray like you would your vehicle. Use a gentle car wash with a soft towel or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
• Removing water spots: After washing, chamois the tray to remove any water spots. This helps in preserving the finish and prevents water stains from settling.
• Protective cleaning with 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner: After drying, apply 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner on the mill-finish aluminium sections of your tray and canopy – don’t use on painted sections. This cleaner not only removes any residual water spots but also adds a protective layer to reduce future stains and marks.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Stay away from pre-soak agents at self-serve car washes as these can be harsh and may damage the aluminium finish. Avoid specialist aluminium cleaning or restoring products as many are designed for boats and may leave stains on your tray.
• Restoring grain and removing scratches: Soapy Steel Wool Pads are effective in restoring the grain on aluminium surfaces, especially where there are fine scratches. Test the process on an unseen area before proceeding to the main area you wish to focus on.
• Specialised cleaners: Consider using products like California Customs Aluminium Deoxidizer for deep cleaning and deoxidising. It removes road film, acidic stains and even rust without damaging the surface. For optimal results, pair it with California Customs Purple Metal Polish to achieve a superior shine and long-lasting protection.

By following these care tips, you can help keep your aluminium ute tray looking and performing its best in all conditions.

Friendly reminder: These tips are general recommendations only to help you out. Always follow the product manufacturer’s instructions in the first instance. For more information on maintenance or product recommendations, refer to your Norweld maintenance guide or speak to one of our dedicated team members.

What to consider when choosing the right ute tray

Selecting the ideal ute tray involves much consideration:

• Material: It’s a good idea to explore your options on the advantages of the materials used for the ute tray. Modern aluminium trays, particularly Australian Made heavy-duty products, are exceptionally durable and designed to withstand significant stress, challenging the old perception that steel is inherently stronger. 
• Be wary of cheap imports: Investing in high-quality, Australian Made aluminium trays, like Norweld, ensures superior durability which is backed by a lifetime warranty on workmanship. With local service and nationwide support, you can’t go wrong.
• Tray vs tub: While tubs come standard on many vehicles, they often lack the durability, versatility and functionality that a quality ute tray offers. Tubs are more susceptible to damage and can limit how much you can safely carry. On the other hand, a heavy-duty tray significantly improves your options, allowing for better storage, increased load compacity and added style.

If you’re in the market for a cab chassis, deciding on a tray is a must. Norweld can work directly with your car dealer, bundle the financing and get the tray fitted before you even pick up the keys. That way, you’re good to go from the moment you drive off.

• Durability and finish: It’s important to know as much about the durability of the tray’s construction as you can. Look for features like precision CNC-cut and fully welded aluminium construction, water and dust resistant toolboxes and drawers and fit for purpose exclusive extrusions. There’s a bit to unpack, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Check out this informative video about Norweld’s extrusions and components to understand more.

• Compatibility and warranty: Some trays are designed for specific makes and models, ensuring a seamless fit. Opt for a tray that aligns with your vehicle’s specifications for a hassle-free installation. Look for a lifetime warranty on workmanship, to guarantee long-term durability and peace of mind.
• Budget: An investment: While Norweld trays may be on the higher end of the pricing scale, consider them an investment in quality, durability and functionality. With finance options available, owning a Norweld tray is attainable, and the lifetime warranty ensures your investment will not only last, but also adds to its resale value

Find the right ute tray at Norweld

At Norweld, we understand that buying the right tray is a significant investment—one you only need to make once. We have a team of customer services experts to help guide you through the decision-making process, to ensure that you get what you need the first time. With local service and national support across 8 branches and a network of fitters and resellers, help is always close by.

If you have questions like “Which is better, a ute tray vs tub?” or “Should I get steel or aluminium trays?”, reach out to our dedicated team at Norweld. We’re here to help you discover the perfect ute tray tailored to your needs. 

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