When it comes to kitting out your ute for work or play, the canopy and dog box are often the heroes out in plain sight. But what about the elements working quietly behind the scenes—the hinges, seals, locks, and mounting hardware—that keep everything working like it should? At Australian Performance Boxes (APB), we believe that a great build is only as good as its hardware. That’s why our Canopy + Dog Box Hardware collection is designed to give tradies, explorers, and animal lovers the security, stability, and finish they’re chasing for their setups.
Let’s shine a spotlight on the true unsung heroes of every professional ute fit-out and find out exactly why the right hardware makes all the difference.
The Finishing Touch: APB Logo Plate
On every job, appearance matters. That polished professional look sets you apart, and nothing says quality like an Australian Performance Boxes Logo Plate on your canopy or dog box. Maybe your original plate came off during a repair or painting session. No dramas! Our logo plate is an exact replacement to restore that factory-finish appeal.
- Direct fit for APB canopies and dog boxes
- Perfect for repairs, resprays, or upgrades
- Sold individually—add as many as you need for your setup
A small touch with a big impact, show the world that your ute is equipped with quality.
Dry Gear. Every Time: APB Canopy Weather Seal
Australia’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. One minute it’s blue skies, the next it’s pouring rain. The APB Canopy Weather Seal is your first line of defence against water ingress. Custom designed for our gullwing canopies, it diverts water away from your canopy contents (and your head!) every time you open the door.
This rubber seal clips onto the aluminium door edge, sending stray water through the hinge and safely into the recess, not onto your tools or the inside of your pride and joy.
- Simple fit
- Protects against water ingress
- Cost-effective upgrade
When you rely on a trade canopy for your gear or a secure space for your dogs, don’t leave weather protection to chance.
Reliable Security: Whale Tail Compression Lock
Our Whale Tail Compression Lock is more than just a handle, it’s robust, comfortable to use, and delivers excellent compression to keep your doors tightly sealed.
With a ‘whale tail’ handle for easy grip (even in gloves), a single-point locking system, and all the installation bolts included, this lock is a direct fit for APB tool boxes, trade canopies, and dog boxes.
- Manual whale tail design for easy operation
- Lock comes with a key (may not match original)
- Built to resist corrosion and tampering
- Perfect for demanding trade, camping, or weekend lifestyles
Easier Installs: Canopy & Dog Box Installation Kit
No two utes are quite the same, and securing your canopy or dog box can be a challenge if you don’t have the right kit. The APB Canopy & Dog Box Installation Kit makes life simple by gathering every bolt, nut, washer, and plate you’ll need for a rock-solid install.
Just drill through the base of your canopy or dog box into your tray, then use the plate washers above and below for a secure hold and add the Nyloc nut underneath.
Kit includes:
- 4 x M10 100mm Hex Head Bolts
- 4 x M10 Hex Nyloc Nut
- 8 x 37mm Zinc Plated Flat Washers
No more piecing together bits from the hardware store, just everything you need.
Smooth Functionality: Canopy & Dog Box Gas Strut
Nothing says “premium” like a canopy door that lifts easily and stays open on its own. Our Canopy & Dog Box Gas Struts are designed to match the original specs, ensuring each gullwing and dog box opens smoothly, and holds itself up securely.
Sold individually, these gas struts (550 x 210 x 255N) are a perfect replacement for tired, leaky, or broken originals. And the best bit? Installation is a breeze. Just remove your old strut and pop in the new one.
- Keeps doors open safely and reliably
- Simple DIY replacement
- No more struggling or sudden door drops
Heavy-Duty Flooring: Canopy & Dog Box Rubber Matting
Your canopy or dog box needs more than just sturdy sides and tough locks—it needs protection from within. That’s where our 10mm Heavy Duty Rubber Matting comes in. Designed for powerhouse durability, this matting keeps the floor of your canopy or dog box protected from knocks, dropped tools, muddy boots, or your best mate’s claws.
With a studded underside and integrated drainage holes, water is channelled away, keeping your gear dry, aired, and tidy on even the wettest days. Each mat is 1820mm wide and can be ordered in any length up to 10 metres. Custom fit out the interior of your canopy or dog box, or use it underneath as a buffer between your new hardware and the tray.
- 10mm rubber
- Studded for superior grip and drainage
- Sold by the metre, customise for any setup
- Simple to cut to size
Keep it clean, dry, and protected, whatever your cargo.
Why the Right Hardware Matters
It’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items, but true peace of mind comes from knowing every small component is up to the job. Imagine a canopy door that always slams shut, a lock you can’t trust, or a leaky seal letting rain in after every downpour.
The right hardware:
- Ensures your gear, pets, or valuables are always safe and dry
- Gives your vehicle a professional, factory-finish look
- Reduces time spent on DIY repairs or inconvenient breakdowns
- Makes your trade ute, canopy, or dog box perform better every single day
Whether you’re fitting out a brand new trade toolbox, restoring a dog box, or just wanting to upgrade for peace of mind, our Canopy + Dog Box Hardware has got every base covered.
Complete Your APB Experience
Once your canopy or dog box is sorted, don’t forget to check out our full range of accessories—from Jerry Can Holders and Gas Bottle Holders to Under Body Toolboxes and fit-out kits.
