Here in Australia, ute canopies don’t have it easy. The weather is harsh, the terrain is challenging, and the road is unforgiving. Ute canopies carry the load of roof racks and protect your cargo, so you can’t settle for anything less than proven strength.
When it comes to durability, which material is best? Let’s settle the aluminium vs. fibreglass ute canopy debate.
Should I buy an aluminium ute canopy or a fibreglass ute canopy?
Rewind to Western Australia in 1949. Harry Robins spied the very first Holden car and recognised the need for a station wagon. So, he created one, and Flexiglass was born. Harry built his first canopy from steam-bent timber and metal panels. It was a roaring success, but fast-forward to the present day, and new technologies have propelled fibreglass to the forefront of ute canopy design.
This raises the question: is there still a time and place for metal ute canopies? Let’s weigh the differences between aluminium and fibreglass.
Durability and toughness
Aluminium is manufactured from several alloys explicitly chosen for their tough and durable qualities. There’s no denying – aluminium is strong. However, like many metals, it can easily dent, bend, and warp.
Fibreglass, on the other hand, is exceptionally robust. Unfortunately, this rigidity does come with a downside – if you purchase from a dodgy manufacturer, your fibreglass canopy could be brittle and prone to cracking.
The bottom line: Nothing beats top-quality fibreglass when it comes to durability and toughness. Do your research and shop with a reputable manufacturer.
Weight
Fibreglass canopies are almost always heavier than their aluminium counterparts, so if you’re the kind of person who needs every last kilogram of storage, you may prefer aluminium.
For most of us, however, the difference is negligible. You can expect about a 20-kg disparity between fibreglass and aluminium canopies, which isn’t much when you consider the overall weight of your vehicle.
Corrosion resistance
Whichever way you decide, you can drive easy knowing neither aluminium nor fibreglass is likely to rust or corrode. Do keep in mind that uncoated aluminium can oxidise – if you spot a fine, white powder in the nooks and crannies of your aluminium ute canopy, that’s what’s happening.
Fibreglass is a 100% guaranteed rust-free option. It’s not metal, which means it can’t oxidise. But, again, poorer-quality fibreglass canopies may react to certain cleaning chemicals and materials. Over time, you may need to re-apply the canopy’s coating. Avoid this by shopping with the industry’s top brands.
Looks
Of course, durability, longevity, and practicality outweigh good looks, but we’d be lying if the aesthetic quality of our ute canopies didn’t cross our minds. This category has a clear winner: fibreglass.
Fibreglass canopies are sleek and streamlined, with lines and silhouettes that perfectly complement your vehicle. What’s more, they nestle snugly against your cab, creating a unified look that adds instant muscle without detracting from the beauty of your ute.
Aluminium canopies tend to look boxier and a little clunky. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a workhorse built for performance and nothing else, but if you want a vehicle that’s both rugged and sleek, fibreglass is a no-brainer.
Shop industry-leading ute canopies today
Modern innovation backed by a rich history makes Flexiglass one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of fibreglass ute canopies. If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start living, check out our dynamic, durable, and good-looking collection of canopies and ute add-ons today.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team if you have any questions.
