Fibreglass vs. Aluminium Tub Canopy
There are plenty of options when it comes to a Tub Canopy.
Sometimes too many options.
Let’s get into them.
The Options
The 3 most common options being compared are:
- Fibreglass Canopies
- Steel Canopies
- Aluminium Canopies
These Tub Canopy options each offer certain benefits and limitations.
Roof Capacity
When it boiled down to the decision making, the roof capacity was the catalyst.
Fibreglass Canopy
Some fibreglass tub canopies have a dynamic roof capacity of 100kg.
The catch is that internal bracing is required.
This means less space within the canopy itself and added install time and cost.
Steel and Aluminium Canopies
Both steel and aluminium canopies generally have 100kg dynamic roof capacities.
This option comes standard and wore no extra cost or install time (apart from the roof racks themselves).
Weight
Next, weight is a big decision making factor.
Fibreglass Canopy
Most fibreglass canopies come in around the 60-80kg weight range.
Not the heaviest and not the lightest, somewhere in the middle.
Steel and Aluminium Canopies
The steel canopies sit quite heavily at about 100kgs.
Aluminium canopies sit at about 50kg, making them the lightest option in this category.
Although heavy, steel has a far greater tensile strength compared to aluminium.
Quality
Fibreglass canopies are virtually immune to corrosion and rust, a win if salty air is prevalent often.
Steel and aluminium canopies fall here, even well protected canopies can chip and corrosion can begin.
Aluminium is slightly better at resisting corrosion than steel, but is still susceptible to oxidation.
This looks like little white spots on the surface of the canopy.
Side Access
Access is everything when it comes to working and living out of a ute.
Fibreglass canopy
The canopy side windows are often limiting when it comes to access.
Reaching into the setup is often not a possibility with some sliding or popup windows.
Steel and Aluminium Canopies
Both Steel and Aluminium Canopies have full access side windows.
This can make access into the tub somewhat easier.
Aesthetic
When it comes to the rig, no one wants high wank factor.
Fibreglass Canopies offer clean lines and bodywork that flows with the car.
Aluminium and steel are often box shaped with tapers to suit the edges of the cab, tub and tailgate.
Not quite as seamless as other options, but, aesthetic in their own right.
Personal preference wins here.
Ranking
Fibreglass Canopy
Benefits:
- Dynamic roof capacity 100kg (with internal support)
- Corrosion resistant
- Aesthetically pleasing
Limitations
- Internal bracing required for 100kg roof capacity
- Limited access through side window
- Heavier in comparison to Aluminium Canopies
Steel Canopy
Benefits:
- Dynamic roof capacity 100kg
- Large access through side window
- Strongest canopy material
Limitations
- Susceptible to corrosion
- Heaviest canopy
Aluminium Canopy
Benefits:
- Dynamic roof capacity 100kg
- Large access through side window
- Lightest canopy variation
Limitations
- Susceptible to corrosion
- Less tensile strength in comparison to steel
Final Thoughts
When it came time to pick the canopy for the setup, there were 2 main things.
Roof rating and side access.
That was the main rationale.
Then came the strength of steel and the weight of aluminium.
I was conscious of how quickly weight adds up.
Steel is stronger than aluminium, yes.
Aluminium is also not ‘weak’. It is a capable material.
I was willing to take a chance on the aluminium if I saved 50kg in the setup.
So I placed the order for an aluminium tub canopy.
2 years in, it’s held up.
Apart from surface oxidation and some issues with gas struts and hinges, it’s been pretty forgiving.
And if I had my time again, I would still pick an aluminium tub canopy.
