Introduction
This an exhaustive guide on how to construct ute tray sides that are professional-grade. In this case, utility trucks more appropriately called ‘utes’ gain the advantage of carrying extra gear with the addition of tray sides.
If you have a set of tools for your job or need to transport some equipment during a weekend recess, having tough and personalized ute tray sides can be of great benefit to you. Let’s see how to make ute tray sides!
What are Ute Tray Sides?
What do we mean by ute tray sides? These sides serve as barriers on any side of the tray area in the back of the ute. The capacity of such rear trays is thus increased as they hold cargo and prevent it from falling off when the truck or car is moving at high speeds.
Benefits of Making Your Own Ute Tray Sides
Customization options to fit specific needs, cost savings over buying expensive alternatives, and pride in achievement are among the benefits realized for making one’s own set. Besides, home-based activities often generate superior customized outcomes.
Preparing to Build Ute Tray Sides
Choosing Materials for Ute Tray Sides
The choice of materials is very important since this determines how long your tray will last. Aluminum (Alloy) is chosen most often due to its strength-to-weight relationship and anti-corrosive properties.
However, galvanized steel which may be cheaper offers robustness. Other materials like plywood, aluminum, or composite materials can be used but these may not provide similar levels of strength.
Measuring and Cutting Materials
In order not to cut up anything wrong, you must carefully measure dimensions before cutting any material. Be very careful when measuring the length, width, and height of your tray so that you can tell what sizes your sides will be.
After obtaining measurements, use a measuring tape together with a marker pen or pencil to mark them on your chosen material. Use a ruler or square tool so that the lines drawn are straight. Double-check your measurements to ensure that you are not making any errors before making cuts.
Using either a circular saw, jigsaw metal cutting blade, or other tool appropriate for the material chosen, cut along the marked line using appropriate tools slowly and carefully to make clean and precise cuts.
Attaching Ute Tray Sides to the Tray
To fix tray sides on your ute tray, you will require mounts or brackets specifically designed for this purpose. These can be found in hardware stores or made from metallic materials, stainless steel, or strong plastics.
Put the tray sides in place at the edges of the tray so that they are positioned correctly. The use of clamps or temporary fastening equipment is necessary to hold everything until brackets or mounts are attached.
Drill holes for screws through both the tray sides as well as into the tray itself. Ensure that these holes will allow screws and bolts to go through when attaching sides securely. Finally, remove any clamps and put the screws/bolts through them tightening them hard.
Finishing Touches
The attachment of these trays should be checked to see if they are tight enough. Find out whether any sharp edges require smoothing out during this work.
You may want extra features on your ute tray sides. Add tie-down points on it for strapping items down or create mounting brackets for accessories like toolboxes and spare tires.
In addition, you could paint them with a protective coating too against rusting, which improves their looks in addition to durability.
To create your ute tray sides that are customized to suit your needs, just follow these steps. Safety must be prioritized as well as accuracy for the whole process to result in a complete success. With the tray sides included, you can enhance the performance of your utility truck and carry your goods without fear.
Tools and equipment needed
You will need to purchase various tools to build ute tray sides including tape measure, metal cutting saw, drills, rivet guns, and welding machines. Personal protective gear such as gloves and eye guards should also be used for safety purposes.
Constructions of Ute Tray Sides
Cutting and measuring
The precision of the cuttings and measurements ensures that the tray floor and sides fit perfectly. The material is usually cut into panels corresponding to the length and width of the vehicle’s tray though the exact sizes may vary according to specific makes and models.
Ute Tray Sides Assembly
Having been cut into shape, panels must then be framed together using either welds or bolts with rivets. The correct alignment is necessary in order not to destroy structure integrity.
Installation of Ute Tray Sides
Fixing Ute Tray Sides on Vehicle
Typically this involves drilling holes into the edge of the tray and then fastening them using bolts; it is important to note how to tighten them properly before use.
Securing Ute Tray Sides for Longevity
For durability purposes, it may be necessary to coat these surfaces with anti-rust chemicals while checking regularly if they are still intact.
Customizing Ute Tray Sides
Additional features and accessories
Adding tie-down points or removable sections among other features increases its functions thereby making it more versatile depending on an individual’s usage requirements. Moreover, you can also fix brackets used in mounting toolboxes or spare tires.
Finishing Touches
After attaching these tray sides check if they are tight enough. Further, check for sharp edges or rough surfaces that may require smoothening.
You may also consider including other features on your ute tray sides to improve their functionality. These may include tie-down points or mounting brackets for toolboxes and spares among others.
Alternatively, you can also paint or apply a protective coating to the tray sides to prevent rusting and increase their beauty.
To make your own personalized professional quality ute tray sides, use these steps. Safety should be given priority over price as well as accuracy to facilitate success. With your new tray sides, you will have all the reasons to enjoy using your utility truck knowing that your goods are safe.
Painting or Coating Ute Tray Sides
Apart from giving it an aesthetic touch, a layer of paint or protective covering can shield users from some of nature’s harsh elements. Proper selection of paint type helps protect against corrosion and therefore prolongs the lifespan of these surfaces.
Before putting any color on the tray sides, you should ensure that the surface is properly cleaned. Use sandpaper or a wire brush to eliminate dirt, grease, and even rust if it is present; do away with any irregularities and ensure a smooth texture.
Choose a paint or coating that is appropriate for the material your trays are made of. When dealing with metal surfaces, it is advisable to apply primer before painting to enhance adhesion and durability. Apply several thin layers of paint, ensuring each dries fully before applying the subsequent one.
Alternatively, if you prefer a finish that lasts longer, bed liner can be purchased and used as a protective coating. They have a rough surface making them non-skid and long lasting. These coatings provide a textured, non-slip surface that can withstand heavy use and resist scratches and corrosion. The manufacturer will provide instructions on how this should be done.
Once you have painted the ute tray sides, check for areas that might need touch-ups when dry. If necessary sand any rough edges or roughness on the surfaces.
While painting or coating, remember to observe safety precautions including wearing gloves and goggles and using a mask to prevent inhalation of fumes and also avoid getting paint on your skin.
Painting or coating the sides of your ute tray enables you not only to preserve it from damage and rust but also makes it appear perfect and professional.
Professional-Quality Ute Tray Sides
Creating professional-quality ute tray sides greatly enhances vehicle functionality. By following these steps, choosing appropriate materials, adding personalized features as well as customizing this part accordingly, one can achieve success during construction.
Safety is key in every step hence use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating tools correctly throughout. Accuracy in measuring and cutting is key to ensure a snug fit for the tray sides.
Carefully align panels when assembling sides to maintain the integrity of the structure. Attach carefully secured tray sides on your ute without any wobbling movements before using it. Treatment of the tray sides with rust inhibitor while periodically checking fastenings for slackening or wearing out can elongate their lifespan significantly.
Accessorize by fixing things like tie-down points or compartments on the tray sides. Finally, consider painting or applying a coat to your tray sides to give it a little protection from weather elements. Through these tips, one can come up with his/her commercial quality ute tray sides that are customized to fit their wants and improve the functionality of their workhorse.
Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Mehak
