For tradies, farmers, adventurers, and weekend warriors, the tray is the workhorse of your ute. It’s where your tools, equipment, and cargo ride every day, and it’s often exposed to tough conditions from muddy worksites to salty coastal air. That’s why investing in a quality Ocean Roads heavy duty aluminium tray is a smart choice. Aluminium is strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to rust, making it perfect for Australia’s demanding conditions.
But even the toughest tray needs proper care. Without it, wear and tear can creep in faster than you expect. The good news? With a little attention and consistent upkeep, you can keep your tray performing like new and extend its lifespan for years.
Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining your ute tray and protecting your investment.
1. Keep It Clean Regularly
This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most important things you can do. Dirt, dust, and debris don’t just make your tray look messy — they can also hold moisture, which may lead to pitting or corrosion over time.
-
Weekly wash: A bucket of mild soapy water and a soft sponge will remove most grime.
-
High-pressure rinse: Especially after driving on beaches, through red dust, or in muddy terrain, blast away salt and grit before they settle into crevices.
-
Avoid harsh chemicals: Acidic cleaners or strong solvents can dull the finish of your custom aluminium tray or cause surface damage.
Pro tip: Cleaning regularly also gives you a chance to spot early signs of damage before they become big problems.
2. Protect the Surface from Damage
Your tray is built for work, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to knocks and scrapes. Sharp tools, shifting cargo, or constant vibration can wear away the surface over time.
-
Rubber mats or bed liners: These prevent dents, reduce noise, and keep cargo from sliding around.
-
Tie-down point care: Add padding to straps or chains to avoid scratching the tray’s surface.
-
Protective coatings: Clear sealants or spray-on liners create an extra barrier against physical and environmental damage.
Even though an Ocean Roads heavy duty aluminium tray is engineered for punishment, these small protective measures can keep it looking sharp for longer.
3. Check Fittings and Fasteners
The bolts, latches, hinges, and welds on your tray take a lot of strain, especially if you regularly carry heavy loads or travel on rough terrain.
-
Inspect monthly: Look for loose bolts, rattling panels, or small cracks in welds.
-
Tighten promptly: Loose bolts can lead to movement that wears away mounting points.
-
Lubricate moving parts: Hinges, locks, and latches should be kept smooth with a light lubricant to prevent rust and stiffness.
-
Replace worn parts quickly: Ocean Roads offers compatible replacement components to ensure your tray maintains its original strength.
4. Load It the Right Way
How you load your ute tray has a huge impact on how long it lasts.
-
Know your limits: Every tray and vehicle has a maximum payload. Exceeding it not only risks damage but also impacts safety and fuel efficiency.
-
Even weight distribution: Place heavier items over the axles and spread the load evenly to avoid stressing one side.
-
Secure cargo properly: Use ratchet straps, load binders, or tie-down ropes to prevent items from shifting during transit.
By respecting your heavy duty aluminium tray design limits, you’ll preserve its structural integrity for years.
5. Store Your Ute Wisely
If you’re not using your ute every day, storage matters more than you think.
-
Undercover parking: Keeps your tray out of harsh sun, rain, and hail.
-
Use a cover: Even a simple tarp can protect against UV fading and reduce dust build-up.
-
Avoid soggy ground: If parked long-term, avoid boggy or salty environments where moisture can affect fittings.
-
Light oiling: Applying a thin coat of oil to hinges and latches prevents seizing during downtime.
6. Customise with Care
One of the best things about an Ocean Roads custom aluminium tray is its flexibility. Whether you need lockable toolboxes, ladder racks, or removable sides, a custom setup lets you work smarter. But there’s a catch poor-quality add-ons or DIY installations can cause stress fractures or alignment issues.
-
Choose professional fitting: Accessories should be installed by experts who understand the tray’s load points.
-
Stick to compatible parts: Not all aftermarket gear is designed for your tray’s build.
-
Avoid overloading accessories: A toolbox full of heavy gear mounted too far back can stress the frame unnecessarily.
By choosing well-made, professionally fitted upgrades, you keep your customisation functional without sacrificing durability.
7. Schedule Professional Inspections
Just as you book your ute in for regular servicing, your tray benefits from professional attention too.
-
Annual check-up: A tray specialist can examine welds, mounts, and structural points that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.
-
Repair early: Small cracks, bent panels, or damaged tie-downs are much easier (and cheaper) to fix before they worsen.
At Ocean Roads, we see trays last decades when they’ve been cared for properly and regular inspections are a big part of that longevity.
8. Don’t Ignore the Signs of Wear
It’s tempting to keep working through minor issues, but small problems often turn into major damage if left unchecked. Look out for:
-
Rattling noises from the tray while driving
-
Difficulty latching or unlocking storage compartments
-
Visible cracks or deformation in panels
-
Uneven wear on the tray surface
Addressing these signs quickly can add years to your tray’s life.
Final Word
Your ute tray isn’t just a piece of metal bolted to the back of your vehicle it’s the foundation of your work or adventure setup. Whether you’re hauling tools to the job site, camping gear into the outback, or supplies to the farm, your Ocean Roads heavy duty aluminium tray is built to deliver.
With consistent cleaning, smart loading, protective measures, and occasional professional attention, you can keep your tray looking and performing like new for many years. And if you’ve chosen a custom aluminium tray, remember that the quality of your add-ons is just as important as the base build itself.
A little care now saves a lot of cost and hassle later and it means your tray will keep working as hard as you do, season after season.