By Paul Owen (edited)
For many double-cab Ute owners, versatility is the biggest consideration for load carrying.
Many ask questions such as, what is the best cover for my ute? What is the difference between a soft tonneau cover and a hard lid? What is the difference between a rolling shutter lid or an aluminium load lid to maximise your utes potential?
Fitting a tray canopy could prevent them carrying many loads.
But they also need to make sure the tray is weather-proof and secure.
How can it be done? The new RVE shutter lids are an ideal solution.
These ultra-strong sliding aluminium shutters come in two versions.
The manually-operated lid entry model is available for most popular double cab well-side utes.
The powered version can by operated by a remote, and is compatible with even more dual cab utes.
No surprises in guessing the power operated version is proving the more popular of the two, as it suits more vehicles.
After living with the latter power-operated shutter lid on a Triton FRX for a week, I applaud RVE for coming up with this elegant-looking solution.
It makes the double-cab well-side more useful than its manufacturer intended.
It rained most of the days I drove the FRX, and the lid didn’t let a drop enter the load tray thanks to the extensive guttering integrated into the design.
It was a relief to know my valuables were locked away from the sight of any inquisitive opportunists.
It’s easy to appreciate the touch of class this the lid added to the working end of the Triton.
The stainless shutters look as high-brow as the doors of any top-end European appliance added to a kitchen.
If items larger than the well-side’s volume need to be carted, roof racks can be added above the lid without affecting its operation.
This allows large recreational items like bicycles to be carried, and even a rack available to carry a full-sized pallet if required.
The operation of the tailgate is still works with the lid closed, adding to the convenience.
It’s more likely that owners of the power model will simply use the remote and slide the lid back as they approach the vehicle.
One of the biggest bugbears of owning a double-cab are made easier if it’s equipped with an RVE’s tray bed-rug, which restricts items from sliding around when driving.
This makes shopping at the supermarket a breeze.
Both the lid and bedrug make fine finishing touches to all double-cab utes.
For more information click here.