STEEL vs ALLOY ute trays - what's best? Everything you need to know about 4WD tray setups!
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Alloy vs Steel trays… what’s better?! We’re answering ALL your questions - and we’re putting a few of them to the ultimate test with a 4T Landcruiser and a CRANE! Is steel stronger than alloy? Why do steel trays get rusty? Do alloy trays cost more than steel? Why would you want an alloy tray instead of a steel one? If we didn’t answer your question, let us know in the comments!
If you want to know more about alloy tray & canopy setups, have a chat to Tim at mitsalloy.com.au/
#4x4 #ute #4x4ing #offroad #overlanding
Пікірлер: 230
The weight bearing posts are perfectly aligned from cruiser to the ground. It only proved how strong the alloy posts are, having the tray in the middle really serves no purpose. Hook a van on the Ute and load tray so still under gvm, then jack up the rear wheels by the tray with a high lift jack, as if you were changing a tyre. This is something I do every time I rotate my tyres, and it will show exactly how strong his mounts and tray are.
@swatmann7541
Жыл бұрын
yeah a whole vid is BS. Timber would have held the 79.
@fugawiaus
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, all the weight went straight through the top frame to the bottom frame. The only weight on the tray was flat metal sandwiched between the frame Better to place massive concrete blocks on the tray sitting on a frame approximating a chassis sitting on the fastening points. I love the trays though. 😃
@bartvank8323
Жыл бұрын
Yep, they may as well stuck a loaf of bread between the two stands
@dannycourtice
Жыл бұрын
Yep first thing I thought
@zaphanera
Жыл бұрын
exactly what I thought.
The strut holding up the tray is directly under the strut holding up the cruiser, so not really testing The strength of the tray at all.
@Matt-np6nq
Жыл бұрын
@@Grumpy_CBG by their logic a piece of paper is as strong as a steel tray, if I replaced the tray with paper it’d still hold. Ever since they became 4wd 24/7 they’ll say whatever for whichever company pays them the most.
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
We didn't go to all this effort to fake something & then post it on the internet 😂 The frame was designed so that the entire weight of the 79 is transferred through the tray, into the exact same mounts that would be used if it was mounted to an actual ute. The frame just allows us to actually put the cruiser on the tray - which wouldn't have fit for obvious reasons!
@Matt-np6nq
Жыл бұрын
@@4WD247 yea but my point being a tray isn’t loaded with all the load directly above the frame mounts, frame mounts are the strongest point of a tray. if you wanted to show a trays strength don’t put all of the load on the strongest point which wouldn’t happen in real life.
@patryanlrd666
Жыл бұрын
@@jro.90 are you sure, everything is painted.
@SAGE795
Жыл бұрын
Matt wins, hire this man as your head engineer
I think the biggest difference between steel vs ali tray is not how u tested it but running into stuff. Ali bends and dints so easy it’s not funny. Steel definitely allot more impact resistant
@SMfkngC
Жыл бұрын
Yes it absorbs the impact and absorbs the damage rather then transforming it into chassis torsion and causing random impact stress fractures that are easily overlooked and turn into large chassis cracking over time. I was always taught to choose your weaknesses with more thought than your strengths as it's a lot easier to replace something that's dented or folded in on itself cosmetically rather then it is easy to see the damage when it's too late and you need to repair your chassis rail or deem your vehicle at a write off
@bennettbuchanan2162
Жыл бұрын
@@SMfkngC I get what your saying. But I still think a steel tray will deform before it it does any damge to car chassis which in most cases are very strong. As someone who makes ali trays for a living and have one on my own car I think there great. Back hit a dirt wall in the slightest or even back into a pole or something and it fucked. It’s just a very soft metal.
@SMfkngC
Жыл бұрын
At least you see them for what they are since you are around the industry, I've spent 8 years in mining as a hd mech and see the abuse that the 24/7 operating causes. There is a good reason why the breakdown teams Utes get a steel tray on them and they also change replace their fleet of utes every few years. Chassis damage happens a lot quicker when there is a well built steel tray on the back over a flimsier factory steel tray
@danbulowski7013
Жыл бұрын
Remember the Ali bull bars? Soft as butter, completely ineffective 🤣
@bennettbuchanan2162
Жыл бұрын
@@SMfkngC yeah I’m sure being too stiff would cuase issues in that instance. But my guess would be an ali tray wouldn’t last a week Ahah. But yeah definitely had to repair a few of our own just from backing into little stuff that a steel tray would of Ben fine. Just my opinion anyway
I’m not trying to rubbish anything, but I don’t get how they tested the tray with the crane. It looked like the load points on top of the tray were lined up with the support frame points underneath. Six load points lined up with six support points, a sheet of plastic would’ve passed the same test. This is coming from a structural engineer, but maybe I’m missing something?
@brycar05
6 ай бұрын
Sheer weight is not distributed on the horizontal tubings and bed of the tray itself. They should have not aligned it top to bottom to really test it.
@teamd57a26
2 ай бұрын
💯
The selling point to me is you can move the tray from one vehicle brand to another with a new mount kit... brilliant!
Mine is used to fix big heavy dirty things. My only options were dealer fitted alloy or dealer fitted galvanised steel. I'm very happy the boss let me have the steel tray. If I was building a touring ute a fabricated alloy would be nice to have but the finances tell me I'm building a Jocko inspired Pony Lux with no need to carry 3.7 ton of 79 around lol
the supports are put in a way where the canopy bears no weight
@willrogers5713
Жыл бұрын
yup, im surprised people are missing this
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
The top frame spreads the load around the tray bed, and then it's transferred into the very same mounts you'd be using when the tray is fitted to a ute.
It's point loaded straight to the ground, of course it's not going to crumble with that weight. Move the top frame to the outside edge of the tray, put the 79 on and see what happens...
All the weight is on the frames not really on the tray.
The test needs to be setup where the vehicle weight is not bearing over the lower support posts. Good idea though👍
This is how most people use there mits alloy trays, perfect demonstration for potential new customers.
Bit of a leg pull on that one boys the posts are directly lined up… my take is that steel is a bit more DIY friendly, and I can make a great looking strong tray in my shed easily for under 1000 bucks
I love the looks and the functionality of the flatbed tray and the shells with the 12v and reefers and all....but the cost is just out of range. Great looking and performing product!!!!
I have a 75 ute since almost new. It has a standard aluminium tray. Never had an issue with it. No movement, no rattling, no loose bits at all. Had all sorts of things on it including lots of heavy weight and towed a horse float since I got it. Still carrying 1ton often, although the float is gone now, as are the horses. But still good as the day I purchased it way back then. Am really keen to know the outcome of this test because I plan to tow a 5th wheeler from this time next year. Am hoping to keep the tray as don't need a canopy or boxes but will have some vegetables growing in potting mix-filled styro boxes behind the headboard.
@georgefrederiksen4298
Жыл бұрын
Don't rely on this bs test mate. Unless you're going to build a frame for the fifth wheel that lines up perfectly with the mounts under the tray.
compression forces directly to matching positions below big deal a piece of glass in between those frames will do exactly the same as the tray, for a real test how about disconnect one mount and jack that corner up to show the torsional strength , compare that to steel tray
This guy knows his stuff
Crikey mate! Love your videos and this takes testing to the next level!
@georgefrederiksen4298
Жыл бұрын
Testing the strength of the 10mm box frame. Not testing the tray at all.
Well done Mits!
I’m retired, wanted a touring 4x4, did my home work for over two years on what how and needed , the Jeep Gladiator is not a poplar 4x4, in terms comfort and cost is the best, there is no way I wanted to spend over 120.000 to tour Australia in a Toyota, as for the tray and canopy , Mits Alloy was the only one to go with, super happy with the tray, the canopy is tops, when you count on the best they will deliver it. One very happy customer, makes the Jeep a stand out , always have people asking me am I happy , to tell the truth I’m over the moon with my Gladiator
This was pretty cool. Being Canadian I can only drool, but still pretty cool. But also need to see more of that red truck you guys were hovering around. Digged the roof rack on there
Really wish there were more options for these in the USA. So awesome.
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
MITS Alloy are available in the US mate 🙌
I've got a dual cab Mazda BT-50, which used to have a tub, but now has an aluminium tray & half canopy. Dual cab trays are cheaper than single cab trays.
Static v Dynamic weights? & I want to see wherw the frame is not directly over the chassis mounts. We can see the chassis mounts are strong, but just how strong is the tray?
Really like all your videos guys hello from Adelaide
When mits first came into the game, they used to sell just a tray, or just a canopy. Now i believe they wont sell u either unless you have a tray already, or you have to purchase them together. I thought norweld was the only place that did this. Bit tough to try front up like 20k plus all at once.
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
You can get a tray on its own no worries, but the reason MITS won't sell a canopy without a tray (unless you already have a MITS tray) is because they can't warrant the canopy if they don't know the quality of the tray under it. Rewatch the video and Tim talks about how bad trays can destroy canopies!
that tray isnt doing anything in this test the posts the vehicle is on transfers the weight straight though to the posts holding up the tray so the whole test is just for show and totally pointless
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
We didn't go to all this effort to fake something & then post it on the internet 😂 The frame was designed so that the entire weight of the 79 is transferred through the tray, into the exact same mounts that would be used if it was mounted to an actual ute. The frame just allows us to actually put the cruiser on the tray - which wouldn't have fit for obvious reasons!
@johncitizen8253
Жыл бұрын
@@4WD247 they're not saying it's fake, they're just saying it's a pointless test.
G'day, 22 years ago I built a steel tipper (exhaust bag) tray for a duel cad hilux, To my knowlage the tray is still doing well. It could tip more than the vehicle should carry.
It's pretty much what I've always heard, steel is better for impact loads like firewood, etc, alloy is better for static loads where weight is critical.
Static weight test done. Will there be a dynamic weight test for the tray ?
Got any figures of typical tray weights? Ie steel tray vs ally tray vs tray+canopy vs chassis mount canopy?
Tim's socks are awesome
I’m going with a MITs tray for my Hilux it should be here for Xmas so excited for it can’t wait
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Good choice!
awesome so next time sooty or dirty 30 breaks down put it on the back of mitz 79
Controlled test. I rather see it in a rollover and I will decide how strong it is.
Whatever your take on this is, it does prove that the material being used is plenty strong enough for most people
Alloy bars compared to steel ones? My F100 had such a heavy bull bar then when removed the truck lifted in the front!
Have an all steel tray but it used to be wood so it is lighter than normal. Can I put a canopy and dog box and still be light to go on big trips?
Its strong stationary i understand it its travelled but like to see it travel that far with that much weight on it
What about factory Wood trays? Especially if you are only planning to do a simple canvas canopy?
A tray would only be on wheels in centre of tray not six post
I think a good comparison is taking the two pieces at the 4:25 mark and smashing them against each other. Which will hold up better to hits? Or just take a rock and smash it on them.
Can concur aluminium can be a bitch to work with. I have built a few back yard trays now and have come up with a happy medium. steel tray frame with aluminium floor, brought aluminium guards and toolboxes. For the back yard builds highly recommend building this way as you save a little bit of money on materiels but still have a reasonably lightweight set up but have the ease of working with mild steel with no welding of aluminium.
Should have put the MyCoolman fridges at the very bottom. Maybe they're still being used to hold up Shauno's 200 series?
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Great for oil changes!
My big question is, tub or tray? Is a gray better than the tub or should I leave the tub on?
Hey Lads and ladetts, When will we see a ladder on the side of the canopy for the wrap around awnings and side access roof tents?
How do you join the rubber seals together for the boxes
18:15 love the camera angle - Graham looks seven foot tall!
how do the canopy's connect to the tray?
What's the cost differents between the two if you don't mind me asking
My question is if you swap vehicles dose the lifetime warranty still stand also what is a ball park figure for the tray an canopy to suit 2014 px ranger apart from that I found this to be very interesting information great work graham very informative 👍
@Paul-md8ms
Жыл бұрын
dose ?
tonnue cover is all i need
Hopes Mitts alloy will built canopy fit over ute tube tray.
What if you have steal frame wood bed
should have put an axle under it
Take out the posts under the corners of the tray. Just shows the strength of the posts.
We need a alloy tray and canopy
Would love to see some 4 wheel driving.
Was the mounting system for the bottom of the tray the same as it would be mounted on the 4x4? Aluminium also work hardens faster than steel
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Exactly the same mate - part of the point of the test was to make sure the tray mounts were the same as they'd be on 4WD!
@robda7195
Жыл бұрын
@@4WD247nice was there much damage to the mounting points ie holes stretching from the bolts?
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Zero damage! MITS will post a video on their social pages soon going over the frame & mounts in more detail 👍
Total farce of a test, the legs are directly above the floor supports, so the weight is going through the supports not on the tray. Have the supports in the chassis line for the tray and then the vehicle supports angle in a V to go to the centreline and outter edges of the tray. That will stress the tray in several ways and is not a direct to ground line of weight bearing.
People often compare the strength of steel to aluminium alloys, biggest difference is unless you heat treat aluminium alloys after welding they lose their temper and hence strength, typically about 2/3's tensile strength.
Just look what they are standing in front of. Funny it looks like a steel racking set, to me !!
Love you guys and one question does shauno have a fishing channel cause I saw him on some Sammy guy channel who does fishing and wanted to know gif shauno had his own thanks
When is the episode with sooty mk2 I’m soo impatient
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
This Thursday mate!
i made my own alloy tray for my isuzu dmax
steel trays are nice to have when you have an onboard welder
excelent..!!!
is the 4x4 Suzuki good for camping & off roading ?
@Paul-md8ms
Жыл бұрын
if you have the body size of a 10-year-old yes, it's got plenty of room for you then
@mastersKaaP
Жыл бұрын
I have a family member who owns one. Short answer = it's fine for short trips. It is loads of fun to drive on a track or in the dunes, but sucks on a highway. Your space is also very limited. So what we have learned was that if you're only going for a weekend trips to someplace close (within 100-200km) then the Suzuki is fine and you will have enough room (if you fit a roof rack) to carry the necessary kit for 2 people. If you have kids or plan on going on longer trips (or if you are physically tall and/or big), I would recommend to rather consider a dual cab or full size SUV.
You might've missed the statement that the posts are the same materials that the trays are made out of. So while the tray may not be actually holding anything up, being sandwiched in-between the posts below and above, the materials are the same. In reality the tray may only there for visual representation, it's the strength of the materials and quality of the workmanship which is being tested and demonstrated, which is the same as that put into the trays.
Wild
Like watching a epp of MythBusters... Plus boys where is you barricades for the crane lift ?? .... That's a window seat fallars
Whaaaaaat, that's insane... 🤯 Well done Mits Alloy - You should make a trailer tray option. 😉
Graham,just seek 4 a nearest truck scale,that rig does not weigh above 3.5 tons. If u dont mind,why u're not with the orig 24/7 mates?(shauno and jocko)
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Just filmed this one in Newcastle while the other boys are on a trip! The 79 series does weigh 3.7T - she's a heavy rig.
I’m kickin myself I didn’t do my research and invest in a tray and canopy!
Do UTes not ship with a truck bed from the manufacturer?
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
They do - we cover the pros/cons of a stock tray in the video 👍
Best size and pricing for a 2020 dual cab Ranger?
@stefano_nmd
Жыл бұрын
30 grand give or take
@pilot2sim924
Жыл бұрын
Not bad 👌
Aluminium can absolutely corrode under paint
Awesome technical video
Structural grade alloy is stronger than steel, however it loses its structural strength when you apply heat (welding) Bending alloy maintains its strength and minimises welds
Steel would be advantagize if you where tossing hard shard edge objects in to or around it all day long where in the same situation the aluminum would get dinged dented and gouged in short order the steel being harder and denser can take that kind of abuse a bit easier. But aluminum is much lighter and can be easily as structurally strong so in the case of like the use trays for the overlanding adventures they are much better.
Was lucky enough to get a look at the New 4WD 24-7 GU Patrol Camera Ute when it was still in Mits Workshop. Hope in a couple years when my GU Patrol Comes off Lease, I'll be in a position to go back and look at replacing my Fiberglass Canopy with a Mits Tray & Canopy system
I wonder if Mits will make a canopy that goes on top of a dual cab tub 🤔
@georgefrederiksen4298
Жыл бұрын
They'll only sell you a canopy if you fork out for a tray 1st
@outdoors5352
Жыл бұрын
@@georgefrederiksen4298 I think there's still a market for lightweight and strong canopies that go on top of tubs. Not everyone wants or needs a tray.
@georgefrederiksen4298
Жыл бұрын
@@outdoors5352 I agree. It's what I'm after too for my hilux with the stock tub. I just want to be able to slide a canopy into the tub and go. Tub works great for what i do and a flat tray would be a pain. But I contacted MITS and they aren't interested unless I fork out $20k odd and buy a canopy and tray.
@outdoors5352
Жыл бұрын
@@georgefrederiksen4298 Ah well, their loss. They're probably making more trays and canopies as they can so no need to diversify their business.
I prefer steel for the ability to weld to it for the average person since not everyone can afford a TIG. Always you to fix thing on the tray yourself
Yes alloy can be made into strong products but it is still a soft material. It will fatigue over time. Ask any boat builder or alloy trailer maker. Once it’s starts cracking you’ll be chasing them all over.
@andys31337
Жыл бұрын
makes sense, but the alloy tray was the most solid part on my old 25 yearold Hilux 1tonner . just seemed indestructible.
@patryanlrd666
Жыл бұрын
@@andys31337 was it welded? If not it had room to move. Cracking on or near welds on alloy is not uncommon.
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
That's why designs with good quality material & carefully placed folds are so important - longevity! Companies like MITS would go out of business if they couldn't back the lifetime warranties they offer.
@davorocket2825
Жыл бұрын
Life time guaranty, It's going to be Mits Alloy's problem IF it cracks.
@patryanlrd666
Жыл бұрын
@@davorocket2825 only if you’re the original buyer and it’s on the same car. All pointed out in t&c’s, but that’s standard
My experience is that steel is heavier but fatigues less from any bend, dent, or load. There allegedly are aluminium alloys that age really well but are heavy for aluminium. I have never used any of it long enough to make a judgment.
I think most ppl cant afford a mits canopy
Alloy is the best, that is why manufacturers use ally for the chassis, if the used steel it would rust.. ally never corrodes, look at the old landrover discovery, heaps of rust issues in the body, if they used alloy the panels wouldn't dent so easy and they would be as reliable as a LandCruiser
now that's a massive lift ! 📹🛻🤙😎
Been waiting for this one 😆
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Enjoy mate!
@meerkat731
Жыл бұрын
@@4WD247 He's being sarcastic no one cares
Mint
Hahaha .. people ain’t seeing the biggest down side to an aluminium tray 🤣 🧑🏼🏭
So months and months ago you all did a budget build saying “anyone can weld, get into it and do it yourself…. Now your pushing “don’t do it yourself, buy stuff off our mates” Bring back Jesse and Jock proper wheeling and doing budget builds!
the tyres last up to half the life of the veichle i would not have said this before my d-max is 8 years old my last tyres are 110 klms and still have 8mm of tread left.
Steel bends upon impact, Ali cracks, same deal with steel and alloy wheels Steel wins hands down by way more than just a country mile.
Wow. This proves that steel can support a land cruiser…😂
With the shape of both of those frames above and below the tray that tray could’ve been made out of aluminum foil, and It would have reacted the same.
Upper
Drop a fully built troopy on it
@4WD247
Жыл бұрын
Not sure a crane could lift that!
How much does it cost To build an aluminum tray
@grahameroberts8109
Жыл бұрын
Better to build it out of aluminium!
@patryanlrd666
Жыл бұрын
If you have to ask you can’t afford it 😂
@jacoby2877
Жыл бұрын
8-10k for a good one 👍
@ventura9513
Жыл бұрын
a fully decked out canopy like the All for Adventure guys,, bout 40 to 50k depending
@willrogers5713
Жыл бұрын
learn to weld and go visit your local scrap metal joint. should be less than 1k
Lets up the game, Carbon Fiber tray/canopy. Lighter than aluminum and even stronger than steel, rust? No way!
the question is why have a tray at all? if you're have a canopy bolt the canopy directly to the chassis, save a few hundred kg plus you reduce the height by 150 - 200mm. don't kid yourself 99% won't remove the jack off canopy more than once in your life.