When you’re setting up your 4WD for serious touring or off-grid travel, the canopy you choose can make or break your setup. An aluminium canopy isn’t just a storage solution – it’s a critical part of your vehicle’s performance, practicality, and comfort on the road. Here’s what you need to know before you invest
Start with Your Purpose
First, decide how you’ll use your canopy. Are you heading off for extended overland trips? Will you be cooking from the back? Carrying tools or camera gear? Running fridges, inverters, or other appliances.
Getting clear on your usage will help you:
• Choose the right internal layout
• Decide what power systems you need
• Work out how much space you need inside vs. on the tray
A canopy isn’t a one-size-fits-all product – so don’t treat it like one. Take the time to think about what you really need, not just what everyone else says you should have.
What Will Live in the Canopy Full-Time?
Ask yourself: What gear will always stay in the canopy? Fridge, drawers, batteries, recovery gear – the essentials are obvious. But there are always a few things you don’t think of until they’re missing.
For example, in the MITS ’79, we always keep 1–2 camp chairs permanently stowed – it’s one item we used to forget all the time. Others on our team have niche additions like tomato sauce in the pantry, a drawer-dedicated six-pack, or a mounted tool charging station.
Planning your storage in advance will guide your internal fit out. You don’t want to build a kitchen setup only to realise you mainly eat 2-minute noodles and now have no room for your tools.
That’s where modular fit outs make a huge difference. We’ve engineered our EVO2 canopy system to be fully modular, giving you the flexibility to rearrange or upgrade your internal layout as your needs change. It’s ideal for 4WD owners who go from weekday work setups to weekend tourers
Cooking, Power and Appliances
Planning to cook from your canopy? We’ve got a range of upgrades for your camp kitchen – from one-touch pull-out drawers and tables to dropdown shelving and upright pantries. We also offer mounting brackets for Travel Buddy Ovens and Air Fryers.
List your appliances – it’ll show you exactly how much power you need. That’s why we developed three 12V packages to suit everything from basic lighting to full setups with all the bells and whistles. Built using top-shelf Redarc products, these systems mount cleanly inside your canopy without stealing storage.
What About Tray Space?
While your canopy handles most storage, don’t overlook your tray. Sometimes you’ll still need space for dirty or bulky items – firewood, jerry cans, spare tyres.
Consider whether a full-length canopy is right for you, or if a half canopy would offer more flexibility. Our team can help you find the right balance between enclosed storage and open tray space.
Also, keep in mind your rear wall package may take up some tray space. But with the benefit of easy-access mounting for ladders, jerries, and spares, the trade-off is often worth it.
Why MITS Alloy?
Not all aluminium ute canopies are built the same. At MITS Alloy, we design and build canopies for real 4WDers – tested by people who live the lifestyle.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Modular Internal Fit Outs – easy to install, rearrange, or expand
- Central Locking as Standard – secure your gear with a button
- Built with Quality Systems – ISO9001 certified
- Designed for Real-World Use – built for the bush, not just the driveway
We engineer every canopy for Aussie conditions, so you can head off-road with confidence.
Speak To The Team
Choosing the right aluminium canopy is about more than brand or price. It’s about getting a system that actually works for you – with the features, flexibility, and durability to back you up anywhere.
Think about your gear. Plan your power. Leave room to grow.
Then chat with the team at MITS Alloy. We’ll help you build a canopy setup that doesn’t just store your gear – it supports every trip you take.
Ready to build your dream canopy?
Explore the MITS Alloy Canopy range or get in touch to talk about a custom setup.
