Choosing a 4WD Tray or Canopy in Perth: Boss Aluminium Options Explained
A well-planned tray or canopy can completely change how useful your ute is.
For a work vehicle, it can provide secure and organised tool storage. For a touring vehicle, it creates space for a fridge, recovery equipment, batteries, water and camping gear.
However, choosing the right setup involves more than selecting a tray that looks good.
Vehicle weight, storage requirements, tray length, canopy layout, suspension and future accessories should all be considered before anything is ordered.
Hunter Mechanical is a Perth dealer for Boss Aluminium. We supply, order and professionally fit Boss Aluminium trays, canopies, service bodies and accessories through our Perth workshop in Kenwick.
What are the main options for a ute?
The right rear setup depends on how the vehicle will be used.
The three main options are:
- An aluminium ute tray
- A tray and removable or permanent canopy
- A complete service body
Each option provides a different balance of load space, security, organisation and flexibility.
Aluminium ute trays
An aluminium tray provides an open and practical load area.
It may be suitable for carrying building materials, machinery, bikes, camping equipment or oversized items that would not fit inside a canopy.
A tray can also provide additional storage underneath the deck through drawers and underbody boxes.
Boss Aluminium offers modular M-Spec tray configurations, allowing the tray to be selected around the owner’s storage requirements.
M1 tray package
The M1 is the starting point in the M-Spec tray range.
It provides the main tray deck, heavy-duty mudguards, headboard and double-skinned tray sides.
This configuration can suit owners who want a clean and practical aluminium tray without extensive built-in storage.
M2 tray package
The M2 builds on the base tray by adding two rear underbody storage boxes.
These boxes use otherwise empty space underneath the tray and provide secure access to commonly used equipment.
M3 tray package
The M3 adds a full-length rear undertray drawer alongside the underbody boxes.
This can suit work and touring vehicles that need more secure storage without taking up space on top of the tray.
View the Boss Aluminium M3 Tray for Ford Super Duty
M4 tray package
The M4 combines underbody boxes with a shorter rear drawer and an integrated undertray water tank.
This configuration may suit touring vehicles or work vehicles that need onboard water storage.
Exact package availability, tray dimensions and included components depend on the vehicle and current Boss Aluminium specifications.
Aluminium ute canopies
A canopy provides enclosed storage and additional protection from weather, dust and unwanted access.
Canopies are popular with owners carrying tools, electrical equipment, fridges, camping gear and recovery equipment.
Boss Aluminium M-Spec canopies use a modular design. Owners can begin with a canopy shell or choose a package with storage components already included.
Available configurations can include:
- Half or full canopies
- Spare-wheel mounts
- Jerry-can holders
- Low-profile roof racks
- Trade racks
- Folding ladders
- Fridge surrounds
- Internal shelving
- Drawer and table systems
- Rear wing platforms
This makes it possible to select a canopy around a specific use rather than filling it with accessories that may not be needed.
Half canopy or full canopy?
A half canopy leaves part of the tray open.
This can be useful when the vehicle needs secure storage but still regularly carries larger items, building materials or equipment.
A full canopy uses most of the available tray space for enclosed storage. It may suit touring vehicles, electrical builds or work vehicles carrying valuable tools and equipment.
The correct choice depends on what needs to remain accessible and how often the open tray area will be used.
Tray and canopy packages
A matching tray and canopy package provides a more integrated setup.
The tray establishes the base storage and load area. The canopy then adds enclosed space for tools, touring equipment or an electrical system.
Boss Aluminium packages can be configured with features such as:
- Underbody storage boxes
- Undertray drawers
- Roof storage
- Spare-wheel carriers
- Jerry-can storage
- Fridge surrounds
- Shelves
- Drawer systems
- Water storage
- Central locking
- Electrical equipment
Planning the tray and canopy together can help create a cleaner installation and reduce the chance of components competing for the same space.
View the Boss Aluminium M3 Tray and M2 Canopy for Toyota Hilux
What is a service body?
A service body combines enclosed storage and the rear vehicle body into one integrated structure.
It is generally aimed at trade, commercial and fleet applications where fast access, organisation and security are important.
Unlike a separate canopy mounted onto a traditional tray, the service body is designed as a complete work-focused storage system.
Boss Aluminium service bodies are available for selected dual-cab, extra-cab and single-cab utes.
Boss Aluminium S1 service body
The S1 provides the core service-body structure.
Features can include:
- Internally strengthened gullwing doors
- Adjustable door positioning
- Heavy-duty three-point locking
- Automotive rubber seals
- Ventilation
- Integrated wiring channels
- Vehicle mounting system
- LED tail lights
It provides a foundation that can be configured around a business or trade requirement.
Boss Aluminium S2 service body
The S2 builds on the service-body platform with additional storage features.
Depending on the package, these can include:
- Rear undertray drawer
- Underbody storage boxes
- Low-profile roof rack
- Internal shelving
- Remote central locking
This option can suit tradies, mobile technicians, field-service vehicles and fleet operators who need secure and organised access throughout the working day.
View the Boss Aluminium S2 Service Body for Toyota Hilux
Tray, canopy or service body: which should you choose?
The correct choice comes down to what the vehicle needs to carry and how it is used.
Choose a tray if:
- You regularly carry oversized equipment
- You need an open load space
- You want underbody storage
- Your load changes frequently
- You may add a canopy later
Choose a tray and canopy if:
- You want a mix of open and enclosed storage
- The vehicle is used for touring
- You need room for a fridge or electrical system
- You want a modular layout
- The canopy may need to be removed later
Choose a service body if:
- The vehicle is primarily used for work
- Secure tool storage is a priority
- You need regular side access
- Organisation is more important than open tray space
- The vehicle is part of a commercial fleet
There is no single setup that works for every owner. A touring Hilux and a commercial Ford Super Duty may both need secure storage, but the required dimensions, weight distribution and internal layout will be very different.
Planning the internal canopy layout
The internal layout should be planned before the canopy is ordered.
Start by listing the equipment that will be carried regularly.
This might include:
- Fridge
- Auxiliary battery
- Inverter
- Battery charger
- Solar equipment
- Air compressor
- Recovery gear
- Tools
- Spare parts
- Water
- Cooking equipment
- Camping equipment
- Starlink equipment
Frequently used items should be easy to access. Heavy components should be positioned with weight distribution in mind.
Allow space for wiring, ventilation and future servicing. Filling every available section with permanent cabinetry can make later additions difficult.
Consider vehicle weight before ordering
A tray, canopy and everything installed inside it contribute to the vehicle’s total weight.
The calculation should include:
- Tray
- Canopy or service body
- Internal shelving and drawers
- Fridge
- Battery system
- Water
- Spare wheels
- Fuel
- Tools
- Recovery equipment
- Passengers
- Tow-ball weight
This needs to be compared against the vehicle’s GVM and axle limits.
A vehicle can exceed its legal operating weight even when there appears to be physical room left inside the canopy.
If the build will include substantial storage, additional fuel or towing equipment, assess its payload before finalising the tray and canopy configuration.
Learn what a GVM upgrade means for your 4WD
Consider the complete vehicle build
The tray or canopy should not be planned separately from the rest of the vehicle.
Depending on the build, Hunter Mechanical can consider the rear setup alongside:
- Suspension
- GVM requirements
- Wheels and tyres
- Towing equipment
- Electrical systems
- Long-range fuel capacity
- Underbody protection
- Accessories
Planning these components together helps control vehicle weight and reduces the risk of having to move or replace equipment later.
Boss Aluminium options for larger American vehicles
Boss Aluminium also manufactures tray solutions for selected American vehicles.
Hunter Mechanical currently offers Boss Aluminium products for platforms including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford Super Duty.
These vehicles require model-specific planning around:
- Vehicle dimensions
- Cab and chassis configuration
- Factory cameras
- Parking sensors
- Lighting
- Storage layout
- Tray mounting
- Final vehicle weight
Compatibility should always be confirmed using the exact vehicle model, year and cab configuration.
View the Boss Aluminium Premium Tray for Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Why choose Boss Aluminium?
Boss Aluminium is an Australian-owned manufacturer producing trays, canopies and service bodies for work and touring vehicles.
Its range is designed around modular storage, allowing owners to select a starting package and add components that suit their application.
Depending on the product, available features can include:
- Australian-made aluminium construction
- Powder-coated finishes
- Underbody storage
- Undertray drawers
- Integrated tie-down points
- Central locking
- Roof storage
- Internal shelving
- Water storage
- Electrical integration provisions
Boss Aluminium states that its trays and service bodies are backed by a lifetime warranty on workmanship, subject to its applicable warranty terms. Trade & Fleet Service Bodies
Ordering Boss Aluminium through Hunter Mechanical
Hunter Mechanical can help Perth customers select, order and fit the correct Boss Aluminium setup.
The process generally includes:
- Confirming the vehicle model, year and cab configuration
- Discussing work, touring or storage requirements
- Reviewing payload and suspension considerations
- Selecting the tray, canopy or service body
- Confirming the desired finish and accessories
- Checking stock or placing the order
- Completing professional fitment at our Perth workshop
- Inspecting the completed installation
Exact pricing and lead times depend on the product, vehicle and selected configuration.
Product photos may also show optional accessories. Confirm the complete specification with Hunter Mechanical before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunter Mechanical a Boss Aluminium dealer in Perth?
Yes. Hunter Mechanical is a Perth dealer for Boss Aluminium. We supply, order and fit Boss Aluminium trays, canopies, service bodies and selected accessories.
Where is Boss Aluminium fitted in Perth?
Boss Aluminium installations are available through the Hunter Mechanical Perth workshop in Kenwick.
Are Boss Aluminium products Australian-made?
Yes. Boss Aluminium states that its products are Australian-made and manufactured using its Australian design and fabrication capabilities.
Can Hunter Mechanical order a product that is not currently in stock?
Products can be ordered subject to availability, production lead times and vehicle compatibility. Contact the team with your vehicle details and preferred setup.
Does the listed product price include fitting?
This depends on the individual listing and configuration. Request a fitted quote to confirm the product, freight, accessories and installation costs.
Can a Boss tray and canopy be fitted to any ute?
Compatibility depends on the vehicle model, year, cab type and chassis. The correct mounting system, tray dimensions and vehicle integration must be confirmed before ordering.
Can I add an electrical system to the canopy?
Yes, electrical components can be considered when planning the canopy layout. Allow space for batteries, charging equipment, sockets, lighting and service access before the internal storage is finalised.
Should I consider a GVM upgrade?
A GVM assessment may be appropriate if the completed vehicle will carry a tray, canopy, tools, touring equipment, additional fuel or significant tow-ball weight.
Order and fit Boss Aluminium in Perth
Hunter Mechanical is a Perth dealer for Boss Aluminium.
We can supply, order and fit Australian-made trays, canopies and service bodies for selected work, touring and commercial vehicles.
Our team can also assess how the rear setup will work with your suspension, payload, towing requirements and complete vehicle build.
Explore Boss Aluminium in Perth
Contact Hunter Mechanical for a fitted Boss Aluminium quote in Perth.
