Are ute canopies easy to remove? It’s a question every ute owner has asked at some point — and for good reason. A canopy adds plenty of practicality, but there are always times when you want your tray space back.
So whether you’re switching up your setup for work, heading off on a camping trip or just need extra room for a big load, knowing how to remove a ute canopy is a skill worth having. The good news? It’s totally doable, and with the right prep, it can be smooth sailing.
First things first — can you remove a canopy from a ute?
You’ll be happy to hear that the answer’s yes, you can! Canopies are put on with the idea that they can come off again. But how simple the process is depends heavily on the type of canopy you’ve got bolted onto your tray.
Fixed canopies, for example, are built to stay for the long haul. They’re bolted or even welded directly to the tray or chassis, offering rock-solid stability and security for tradies or anyone who needs a full-time setup. The trade-off? Removing one can be a serious project. It often involves disconnecting wiring, undoing multiple heavy-duty fittings and sometimes even machinery or a team of mates to lift the canopy off.
Jack-off canopies, on the other hand, are all about flexibility. They feature mounting points for legs that allow you to lift the whole unit clear of the tray without cranes or forklifts. Unlike their permanent cousins, they’re perfect for people who want to run a fully kitted setup during the week and switch back to an open tray when the weekend calls. Taking one off only takes a few tools, some patience and a bit of know-how.
For the purpose of this guide, we’ll be diving into the step-by-step process of removing a jack-off ute canopy.
Tools you’ll need
Before you jump in, you’ll need a few tools. Having the right gear makes the job quicker, safer and way less frustrating. Here’s what you’ll want by your side:
- Jack-off legs — These are the stars of the show. They slide into your canopy’s mounting points and let you safely lift and support it while you roll your ute out.
- Spirit level — Not mandatory, but if you’re picky about balance, this little tool helps line everything up evenly before lifting.
Safety precautions
As you’ll soon find out, taking off a jack-off canopy is a fairly simple job. That said, it’s still heavy gear, so a couple of safety precautions are well worth your time:
- Check the ground surface — Always park your ute on a level, solid surface. If you’re on a slope or soft dirt, things can get dicey fast when the canopy starts lifting.
- Secure the load — Make sure the canopy is secured before removal. Even something small, like a fridge slide or a jerry can left unsecured, can throw the weight off balance.
- Wear protective gloves — Depending on your canopy, there can be the odd sharp edge here and there. A decent pair of gloves gives you better grip and keeps your hands scratch-free.
Removing a jack-off ute canopy
Here’s where we get into it — how to remove a canopy from your ute. With a jack-off setup, these are the steps you’ll want to follow:
- Prepare the setup — Park your ute and engage the handbrake. Make sure the inside compartments of the canopy is secure and all doors are locked shut. Double-check that your jack-off legs are the right size and ready to slot in.
- Attach the jack-off legs — Locate the designated mounting points on your canopy corners. Slide in each jack-off leg securely in place.
- Raise the canopy evenly — Slowly wind each leg in sequence, lifting the canopy a little at a time on each corner. The goal is to keep everything level as you go, and if you want extra peace of mind, a quick check with a spirit level can help. Rushing one corner higher than the rest can put stress on the canopy frame.
- Clear the ute tray — Once the canopy is high enough, carefully check that the bottom edge clears your tray sides and any accessories like wheel guards or toolboxes. Adjust leg height if needed to give yourself some breathing room.
- Drive out carefully — With everything lifted, hop into the ute and slowly roll it forward. Keep an eye on all corners and ease it out nice and steady.
- Stabilise the canopy — Once the ute is clear, check the canopy legs again. Make sure they’re balanced.
Bonus hacks
Want to make the job even easier? Here are some tricks that can help:
- Keep your tools together — Having your jack-off legs in one spot saves time and keeps things flowing.
- Give the legs a quick test wind — Wind each leg a turn or two first to make sure they’re all moving smoothly before the real lift.
- Rope in a mate — Sure, it can be a one-person job, but an extra set of hands can make the task quicker and easier.
How to remove ute canopies made easy with Australian Performance Boxes (APB)
So, are ute canopies easy to remove? With the right setup, the answer is a solid yes. It really just comes down to good prep, a few safety checks and taking it step by step.
At APB, our jack-off canopies are designed tough yet simple to take on and off, and we’ve got the jack-off legs and accessories to match. If you’re chasing gear that’s built to perform — and built for you — check out APB today.
