4×4 utes are arguably the most versatile and functional vehicles in Australia, used by millions of off-road enthusiasts, tradespeople and everyday family Joes. They’re capable of doing everything you need them to, and the Holden Colorado is no different.
While not the most popular 4×4 on the Australian market, the Holden Colorado has found its way in many households and can be seen frequently in the outback. But one thing that many utes lack is luggage or storage space, and the Colorado also comes with that problem. Fortunately, there are quite a few add-ons, or Holden Colorado accessories for sale you can find to expand your Colorado’s storage space.
The two most popular pieces of 4×4 gear for sale that do just this are roof racks and canopies. Even though your Colorado is probably capable of transporting significantly more than a conventional vehicle, roof racks and canopies can improve the vehicle’s carrying capacity almost tenfold. The great thing about both accessories is that they are compatible with each other, meaning you can install a canopy, and then a roof rack on top of the canopy itself, allowing you to bring everything you need wherever you go.
If you have to choose whether you want to go for a roof rack or a canopy, there are a couple of things to keep in mind in order to ensure you make the right choice.
4×4 Roof Racks
These are the more affordable pieces of 4×4 gear for sale you’ll come across. They’re also easier to install, making them one of the most popular Holden Colorado accessories for sale. If you decide to get a roof rack for your Colorado, you have to mind your roof arrangement before making a choice. Why? Well, because your roof might already have rails and a crossbar, in which case you’ll only need a kit that includes a roof rack that you can attach onto them. On the other hand, if your Colorado only has rails, then you’ll need a crossbar, roof towers and everything else needed to connect the roof rack to your vehicle.
Besides the arrangement, you need to consider how easy the roof rack installation and removal process is. Keep in mind that roof racks are available as permanent and removable installations. If you’re a tradesperson or off-road enthusiast who frequently carries a lot of equipment, tools or camping gear around, then a permanent installation may be the better solution. However, keep in mind that a roof rack can alter your vehicle’s aerodynamics and hurt your fuel economy. That being said, if you only need the extra storage space very occasionally, then a removable roof rack is probably the better choice. If you go for a removable rack, you want its installation and removal process to be as easy and straightforward as possible, as to not waste hours on the task every time you need to place and remove it.
In order to reduce the negative effects of a permanent roof rack, look for a model made of aluminium, as it’s one of the lightest metals that’s durable and rust-resistant. Furthermore, try choosing a rack with a lower profile, so you can pass through lower bridges and park in your garage.
4×4 Canopies
When considering a canopy, you first have to determine the type. There are three basic types of canopies – chassis-mounted, tray and tub canopies. Tub and tray canopies are the most popular, as most 4×4 vehicles come with tub or tray arrangements from the factory. If your Holden Colorado doesn’t have a tub arrangement, you can probably find one relatively cheap, as a lot of people sell theirs in favour of aftermarket steel or aluminium trays.
Tray canopies are installed by removing the fold-down sides and they’re easy to remove as well. All you have to do is bolt them through the tray. Some 4×4 tray canopies feature legs that you can take advantage of when removing and storing the canopy in the garage. Both tray and tub canopies come in various designs and strengths, and they can be used for heavy-duty or light-duty applications. That being said, consider the canopy’s application before making a choice. Filling a heavy canopy made of steel with lots of equipment and accessories can be dangerous, especially if you intend on venturing off the beaten trail.
Chassis-mounted canopies are different from the aforementioned two types as they’re bolted directly onto your Colorado’s chassis rather than its tub or tray. For that reason, they’re stronger, and you can’t remove them as easily.
Besides the type of canopy, you have to consider two more important factors when choosing the ideal storage solution for your Colorado – the weight and the security the canopy will provide. The weight is especially important, as you want your Holden Colorado to be road legal and within its intended GVWM (Gross Vehicle Weight Mass). Going over the GVWM can become a safety hazard not only for yourself but everyone you share the road with. It’s also important to properly balance the canopy to avoid a bent or damaged chassis. While these things are also important to consider when buying a roof rack, roof racks are generally much lighter, so they don’t add a significant amount of weight to your vehicle.
The security of your belongings is obviously just as important as the security of your Holden Colorado. Your camping equipment or toolkit isn’t cheap, and it can be the target of thieves. So, in terms of safety, canopies offer much more than roof racks do, but thieves can still get to your belongings if they decide to. That being said, if you go for a canopy, make sure you get one that isn’t easy to break into so it deters any potential thieves. With a roof rack, there’s very little you can do to prevent theft, which is why many people opt to get both a canopy and roof rack. Again, it will also come down to personal preference and application, so know what and how you’ll use the canopy or roof rack before making a buying decision.