STORIES

GearForce Hard Lid vs. MAC Utes Hard Lid

The 2026 N90 Hilux Build Series Begins

We're building the 2026 N90 Toyota Hilux into a lightweight, capable overlanding rig - weighing every accessory episode by episode to stay under our 400kg budget.

What Can You Fit to the Chery Stockman?

Utemaster is already developing canopy, hard lid, tray and accessory options for the upcoming Chery Stockman. See what is planned and register for updates.

Paul Maric visits Utemaster to see what makes a canopy worth trusting

Mechanical engineer and CarExpert co-founder Paul Maric visits the Utemaster factory in New Zealand to see how the Centurion Canopy is designed, manufactured and tested for real-world ute use.

RAM 1500 TRX TrailCore Tray & Canopy Overlanding Build

See how Utemaster transformed a 700hp RAM 1500 TRX with a custom TrailCore tray and canopy, 37-inch tyres, suspension upgrades, airbags, relocated sensors and a full overlanding fit-out.

Behind the Build: Stabicraft and Stabi X Tour the Utemaster Factory

We recently welcomed Paul, Dan and Doug from Stabicraft and Stabi X to our Utemaster factory in Waikato, where they got a behind-the-scenes look at how our trays, canopies and ute storage systems are built.

Liam Lawson vs Mad Mike - Formula 1 Driver vs Drift King

The Rural Rumble When Red Bull calls and asks if you want to put your gear into a motorsport showdown between Formu...

Allan and Jess, Explore Oz

After five years living full time on the road, Allan and Jess from ExploreOz needed a setup that kept the dust out, kept their camera gear secure and kept weight down for towing. Here's how the Centurion Canopy and MK4 Cantilever Roof Rack changed life on the road.

Braden Currie

Ironman champion Braden Currie spends most of the year chasing podiums, so his downtime with family has to count. Here's how his Ineos Grenadier with a Utemaster TrailCore Tray and Canopy switches from race gear to family adventures without missing a beat.

Ethan, Top Of The Lake Guiding

Glenorchy fly fishing and hunting guide Ethan Clark needed his clients and gear kept apart. Here's how his Toyota Hilux with a Utemaster Centurion Canopy and Cantilever system keeps the cab clear, the gear secure and every guided day running smoothly.

JE Wilds

Hunter, guide and creator Joe Edlington built JE Wilds into a global outdoor brand from the back of his ute. Here's how his Ford Ranger Raptor and Utemaster Centurion Canopy keep hunting, fishing and family life organised when everything else is chaos.

Brendan Hyde

Lawn care operator Brendan Hyde built Hyde the Clippings on neat, tidy work. Here's how his Ford Ranger Raptor and Utemaster Centurion Canopy keep his gear organised on the job and ready for off-road adventures when the day's done.

Off The Wall Construction

Crews driving across town for forgotten gear was costing Off the Wall Construction time on every job. Here's how founders Matt and Sian worked with Utemaster to design a TrailCore Service Body fleet fitout that keeps every wagon fully equipped, secure and ready to work.

Leroy Strode

How Leroy from Pro-Flo Plumbing Built a Plumbing Ute Setup That Actually Works "It was like an aquarium. I had to pu...

Clarke Boys

We handed Sam from Clarke Boys Hunting the keys to a Toyota Hilux with a Utemaster TrailCore Tray and Canopy for two weeks of real use. Sika country, a family hunting holiday, and Stacey's first deer - here's how the setup handled it.

Richard Mills

From film sets to building sites, Richard Mills swapped the screen for his tools and started Living Improvements, a handyman business built around family time. Here's how his Utemaster Centurion Canopy lets him unload in minutes and head for the mountain, farm or beach.

Grant Budd

Written by Utemaster customer Grant Budd. Towing a heavy caravan, chasing surf and heading off-grid meant his Ford Ranger XLT had to be set up right the first time. Here's why he chose a Centurion Canopy and cantilever roof rack, and how they've held up.

Ronny Dahl

Australian 4WD YouTuber Ronny Dahl weighs and tests every mod on his Toyota Hilux. After two months searching for a hard lid that could carry cargo, he fitted a Utemaster Load-Lid and took it on the road. Here's his honest verdict, pros, cons and all.

Jim Brown's Isuzu D-Max Surfcasting Rig

For Jim Brown, a surfcasting trip is as much about the food as the fishing. Here's how his Isuzu D-Max and Utemaster Centurion Canopy became a rolling beach kitchen, with fridges, cooking gear and tackle all packed in and ready to go.

Black Duck

When you make seat covers tough enough for the Pilbara, your setup has to match. See how Black Duck built their rig around the Utemaster TrailCore Tray and Canopy.

Paul Wilks

The first thing you should know about Paul isn't just that he's a sparkie from Mudgee, it's that he's the kind of blo...

Meet Maxy! Isuzu TrailCore Build

See how Ethan transformed his Isuzu D-MAX from a bare cab chassis into a fully equipped touring setup with a Utemaster TrailCore 1400 Canopy, 12V power, rooftop tent, GVM upgrade and more.

Kia Tasman Touring Rig: Built for the Outback

Matt’s 2026 Kia Tasman has been turned into a capable outback touring rig with a Utemaster Centurion Canopy, roof top tent, solar, power setup and practical storage built for remote travel.

Isuzu D-Max Touring Canopy Build

Isuzu D-MAX touring build, including the Utemaster Centurion Canopy, roof rack, 12V power, suspension, tyres, fridge and Starlink.

Kia Tasman Build - Colour-Matched TrailCore Tray & Canopy

The Kia Tasman is one of the most unique-looking utes to hit the market. This build pairs the Utemaster TrailCore Tray & Canopy with a full Mule-Tek fit-out, colour-matched doors, underbody storage, and rear-mounted accessories for a setup that looks built into the vehicle.

Emergency Service Ute Fitout

Auckland Emergency Management coordinate New Zealand Response Teams across South, West, and North Auckland. These are...

Ford Ranger Raptor - TrailCore Tray & Canopy Mule-Tek Build

One Ford Ranger Raptor. One TrailCore Tray & Canopy. Full Mule-Tek fitout throughout. Most touring builds mix and...

Toyota Hilux N90 2026 - Centurion Canopy Foundation

See this 2026 Toyota Hilux N90 SR5 Limited build featuring a Utemaster Centurion Canopy, ROH wheels, Toyo tyres, and a low-profile snorkel.

Arden Packeer's Ultimate Overlanding Rig

By trade, Arden Packeer is a software developer. But outside of work hours, he's all about family adventures, overla...

Next Gen Ford Ranger Touring Setup

This Next Gen Ford Ranger was built for serious touring. Kitted out with a Utemaster Centurion Canopy, a full drawer ...

How Weatherproof Is The Centurion Canopy?

Most canopies rely on a single door seal. When that fails, everything inside gets wet. Here's how the Centurion is built differently.

Why Utemaster Costs More upfront and Costs Less in the Long Run

Utemaster canopies and Load-Lids cost more upfront for a reason. See how engineering, durability, support and resale value can lower the total cost of ownership over time.

Metal Tub Canopy Canopies - What you need to know before buying!

Before buying a metal ute canopy, check the materials, seals, access, load ratings and hidden install costs. This guide breaks down the five biggest pitfalls to avoid.

How to Transport Your Dog Safely in a Ute

Learn how to transport your dog safely in a ute tub with better airflow, shade, and security using Utemaster canopies, hard lids, dog vent kits, and lid spacers.

How to Choose a Ute Tub Cover You Won’t Outgrow

Choosing a ute tub cover is not just about what works today. This guide helps you think one step ahead, from load capacity and security to dust protection, roof-mounted gear and when a canopy may make more sense.

Which ute tub cover is best: Roller Shutter, Tonneau, Fibreglass or Aluminium Hard Lid?

Comparing roller shutters, plastic hard tops, aluminium hard lids and vinyl tonneau covers for your ute tub.

How much does a Utemaster Load-Lid cost?

Find out how much a Utemaster Load-Lid costs and what affects the price.

How to make your tub dust proof

Tips and tricks for keeping dust out of your ute tub when driving off-road.

The best hard lid for 4WD & Camping

Which hard lid is the best choice for 4WD adventures and camping trips?

Canopy Recovery Tracks

Recovery Tracks on a Utemaster Centurion Canopy For serious overlanders, recovery tracks aren't optional -they're t...

How to Mount a Roof Top Tent on a Ute

Find out how to mount a Roof Top Tent to your Utemaster Load-Lid or Centurion Canopy.

Hard Lid Recovery Track Mounts

Find out how to mount your Recovery Tracks to your Hard Lid.

How To Install A 270-Degree Awning To Your Ute Canopy

Learn how to mount a 270-degree awning to your Utemaster Centurion Canopy with a Cantilever Roof Rack.

Create The Ultimate Tub Canopy Setup For Camping

How to create the ultimate tub canopy setup for your next camping adventure.

Hard Lid Comparison: ARB or Utemaster

Weighing up between an ARB Hard Lid or Utemaster Load Lid? This article will help you decide what is right for you.

Powder Coat vs Paint

In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of Powder Coating and Painting.

Utemaster Warranty & After-Sales Support

Utemaster is committed to providing a quality service. Find out what's covered in your product warranty here.

Best Ute Tub Liners

A comparison of the best ute tub liner options to protect your tub.

Bike Carriers – Things you need to know

Everything you need to know about mounting bike carriers to your ute hard lid or canopy.

Can I open my tailgate while the Load-Lid is down?

Find out if you can open your tailgate while the Utemaster Load-Lid is in the closed position.

Transporting a kitchen fridge or dirt bike?

Tips for transporting large items like kitchen fridges or dirt bikes in your ute.

Carrying long loads on a tub canopy

How to safely carry long loads using a ute tub canopy.

Can I put a fridge under my Load-Lid?

Find out whether you can fit a fridge under your Utemaster Load-Lid and what sizes work best.

Static vs dynamic load capacity

Understand the difference between static and dynamic load capacity for ute hard lids.

Helicopter vs TrailCore

Can our highly tempered aluminium extrusions handle the weight of an MD530F helicopter landing directly on top? Watch the video to find out...

2 Tonne Kettlebell vs Centurion Canopy

The Standard Behind Every Build Strong Bones isn't something we came up with in Marketing. It's the internal benchmar...

TrailCore vs Bandit

Your tools are your livelihood – protect them!

Find out whether our TrailCore really is Bandit Proof...

TrailCore Tray vs 1 Tonne Digger

Strong Bones……Words are easy to say but actions speak louder.We don’t just talk tough, we test tough! Watch the video...

Airport Fire Truck Vs Centurion Canopy

Water wrecks gear. Gear costs money. The Centurion Canopy protects both.

Centurion Canopy vs Crane

The Centurion's got Strong Bones - proper bracing, no shortcuts, no fluff.

800HP Drift Car Vs Centurion Canopy

Will the Centurion Canopy hold up to an 800HP Drift Car?

Centurion Canopy vs Pro Wakeboarder

When it comes to adventure, Red Bull "King of the Air" and kiteboarding legend Marc Jacobs never holds back!

Load-Lid vs Rocket

Can we land a backflip on a Load-Lid?

Load-Lid vs BMX

Can we land a backflip on a Load-Lid?

Strong Bones: TrailCore vs 1 Tonne

How strong is the Utemaster TrailCore Service Body? The custom extrusions that form its backbone have a well-earned r...