Chassis Mount Module vs Tray & Canopy: Which Is Best for Your 4WD?

Whether you're building your dream touring rig, upgrading your work ute or fitting out a fleet, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between a chassis mount module and a traditional tray & canopy setup.

At first glance they can look very similar. Both provide secure storage, improve the functionality of your vehicle and can be customised to suit almost any application. But once you look beyond appearances, there are some important differences that can make one option a better fit for the way you use your vehicle.

The good news?

There isn't a right or wrong answer.

At Custom Concepts Off Road, we build both. Some customers are chasing the premium, integrated look of a chassis mount module, while others need the flexibility that comes with a tray and canopy combination.

Rather than pushing customers towards one particular product, we start by understanding how the vehicle will actually be used. Whether it's touring Australia, working on construction sites, servicing remote areas or managing a fleet, the best setup is always the one designed around the owner's needs.

What Is a Chassis Mount Module?

A chassis mount module is a single-piece aluminium body that combines the tray and canopy into one integrated unit.

Instead of fitting a tray first and then mounting a canopy on top, the entire body is designed and fabricated as one complete structure before being mounted directly to the vehicle chassis.

This creates a cleaner appearance while allowing every aspect of the build to work together from the beginning.

Because the storage compartments, electrical systems, internal layout and exterior design are all planned together, a module often provides a more refined finish and better use of available space.

Modules have become increasingly popular on vehicles such as:

Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD RAM 2500 & 3500 Ford F-Series & Super Duty Ineos Grenadier Fleet and government vehicles

For owners planning to keep their vehicle for many years, a chassis mount module provides a premium long-term solution that is purpose-built around the vehicle.

What Is a Tray & Canopy?

A tray & canopy setup uses two separate components.

First, the aluminium tray is installed onto the vehicle. The canopy is then mounted onto the tray to create enclosed storage.

This modular design has been trusted by Australian tradies, tourers and fleet operators for decades because it offers excellent versatility.

If your vehicle regularly changes roles—perhaps carrying pallets during the week before heading away camping on the weekend, a tray & canopy setup gives you the flexibility to adapt.

Many customers also appreciate being able to build their vehicle in stages, fitting a tray initially before adding a canopy, electrical system and accessories as their needs evolve.

It's this flexibility that keeps tray & canopy combinations one of the most popular setups on Australian roads.

Why More People Are Choosing Chassis Mount Modules

Over the past few years we've seen a significant increase in customers choosing chassis mount modules, particularly for touring vehicles and premium work builds.

There are several reasons why.

A More Integrated Finish

Because the entire body is designed as one complete unit, everything flows together naturally. There are no compromises trying to make separate components fit together afterwards. The result is cleaner body lines, improved proportions and a finish that feels like part of the vehicle rather than an accessory bolted onto it.

For many owners, this premium appearance is one of the biggest attractions. Because a module combines the tray and canopy into one integrated body, it can also be a more cost-effective way to achieve a complete enclosed setup, using fewer materials and fabrication hours than building two separate components.

Built Around the Owner

No two people use their vehicles the same way.

Some spend months travelling Australia.

Others need secure tool storage for work every day.

Fleet operators may require specialised equipment layouts, while rural customers often need completely different storage solutions again.

That's why every module we build starts with a conversation. Rather than selecting from a catalogue, we design the vehicle around how it will actually be used.

Whether it's dedicated battery systems, dog boxes, pantry storage, drawers, recovery gear or specialised shelving, the entire layout is customised to suit the owner.

A Premium Long-Term Investment

For customers planning to keep their vehicle for many years, a module often becomes part of the vehicle itself rather than simply an accessory.

Everything has been designed to work together from day one, creating a highly integrated solution that remains practical for years to come.

Why Tray & Canopy Setups Continue to Be So Popular

Despite the growing popularity of chassis mount modules, tray & canopy combinations remain an outstanding option for many customers.

In fact, for some applications, they're the better choice.

Flexibility

The biggest advantage of a tray & canopy is flexibility. If your work changes throughout the year or you occasionally need an open tray, being able to remove the canopy can be a huge advantage.

Many tradies, contractors and rural customers rely on this versatility every week.

Build Your Vehicle Over Time

Not every customer wants or needs to complete their entire build in one hit.

A tray can be installed first, with the canopy added later.

Internal fit-outs, battery systems, roof racks and accessories can all be added as budgets allow.

This staged approach makes upgrading a vehicle much more achievable for many owners while still allowing the vehicle to remain productive throughout the process.

Easier Future Changes

Because the tray and canopy are separate components, replacing or upgrading individual sections is generally more straightforward.

If your needs change in the future, it's often easier to modify a tray & canopy setup than redesign an integrated body.

For customers who regularly update their vehicles or expect their work requirements to evolve, this can be a significant advantage.

Which Option Is Better for Touring?

For a dedicated touring vehicle, a chassis mount module can offer some clear advantages. Because the full body is designed as one unit, it is easier to create a highly organised setup with dedicated storage for everything you carry. Fridges, battery systems, drawers, water storage, recovery gear and camping equipment can all be positioned where they are easiest to access and where they make the most sense for weight distribution.

A module can also provide a cleaner, more integrated finish, which appeals to owners building a long-term touring vehicle rather than a setup they plan to change regularly.

That does not mean a tray & canopy is the wrong choice for touring.

Many experienced travellers still prefer a tray & canopy because it allows them to remove the canopy, replace it later or reconfigure the vehicle as their travel style changes.

For touring, the decision usually comes down to this:

Choose a module if you want a permanent, fully integrated setup designed around your exact travel needs.

Choose a tray & canopy if you want more flexibility and the ability to modify or replace individual components in the future.

Which Option Is Better for Work?

For work vehicles, the right choice depends heavily on what the vehicle needs to do from one day to the next.

A chassis mount module can be an excellent solution for vehicles that remain permanently fitted out with tools, equipment or specialised storage.

This may include:

-Service vehicles

-Fleet vehicles

-Electrical and communications vehicles

-Surveying vehicles

-Rural and agricultural vehicles

-Government and council vehicles

-Mobile workshop setups

Because the entire body is designed around the equipment being carried, a module can create a highly efficient and professional workspace.

A tray & canopy may be the better option if the vehicle regularly changes roles.

For example, if you need an enclosed canopy most of the time but still want the ability to carry oversized items, pallets or machinery on an open tray, the removable canopy provides valuable flexibility.

Tradies and contractors also often prefer tray & canopy combinations because they can start with a practical tray and add enclosed storage later as the business grows.

Neither option is automatically better for work. The correct choice depends on whether flexibility or permanent organisation matters more.

Weight: Is a Module Lighter Than a Tray & Canopy?

Weight is one of the most important considerations when planning any 4WD, work vehicle or touring build.

A chassis mount module can often be more weight-efficient than a comparable tray and canopy because it does not require a complete tray structure underneath the canopy.

The entire body is designed as one unit, which can reduce duplicated framing and unnecessary material.

However, that does not mean every module will automatically be lighter.

Final weight depends on several factors, including:

-Overall body size

-Aluminium thickness

-Internal drawers and shelving

-Roof racks

-Spare wheel and jerry can carriers

-Water storage

-Electrical systems

-Fridges and appliances

-Additional accessories

A tray & canopy includes the combined weight of two separate components. Once drawers, toolboxes, water tanks, roof racks and electrical systems are added, the total can increase quickly.

The most useful comparison is not simply the weight of the body itself. It is the expected weight of the vehicle once the complete build, passengers, fuel, water, tools and equipment are all included.

Payload and GVM should be considered at the beginning of the design process, not after the vehicle is already built.

Price: Which Option Costs More?

In a like-for-like build, a chassis mount module is generally more cost-effective than fitting a separate tray and canopy.

Because the module combines both components into one integrated body, it requires less material and fewer fabrication hours. There is no need to build a complete tray structure and then fabricate a separate canopy to sit on top of it.

A tray & canopy setup involves two individual components, which means:

More aluminium and structural material Additional fabrication time Separate mounting and finishing requirements Greater duplication between the tray and canopy structures

This generally makes a comparable tray & canopy setup more expensive than a chassis mount module.

The final price of either option will still depend on the overall dimensions, door configuration, internal layout, finish and accessories included. A basic tray fitted on its own will naturally cost less than a complete module, but when comparing a finished module against a similarly sized tray and canopy package, the module is typically the lower-cost option.

A tray & canopy may still suit customers who want to spread the expense by fitting the tray first and adding the canopy later. However, completing the full setup in stages does not necessarily make the finished package cheaper overall.

Storage and Internal Layout

Both systems can provide excellent storage when they are designed properly. The main difference is how the available space is used.

For many customers, the difference will not be significant. For highly detailed touring or fleet builds, however, the ability to design from the chassis up can provide an advantage.

Regardless of which option you choose, the layout should be based on what you use most often.

Heavy items should be positioned carefully, frequently used equipment should be easy to reach and the build should remain practical once fully loaded.

Can You Transfer the Setup to Another Vehicle?

A tray & canopy generally offers more potential for reuse.

Depending on the dimensions and mounting system, a canopy may be transferred to another tray or vehicle. Modifications may still be required, particularly if the replacement vehicle has different dimensions.

A chassis mount module is designed specifically around the chassis, cab shape and dimensions of the original vehicle.

It may be possible to modify a module for another vehicle, but this is usually more complicated and may not be practical.

Customers who regularly replace vehicles may therefore prefer the flexibility of a tray & canopy.

Customers planning to keep a vehicle long-term may place more value on the integrated design of a module.

Which Option Looks Better?

Appearance is subjective, but chassis mount modules are generally chosen by customers wanting the cleanest and most integrated finish.

Because the tray and canopy are built as one body, the lines, guards, doors, storage compartments and rear profile can all be designed to work together.

A tray & canopy has a more traditional appearance, with the separate tray structure visible beneath the canopy.

That does not mean it cannot look premium. A well-designed tray and canopy with matching finishes, balanced proportions and carefully planned details can still create an excellent result.

The best-looking setup is one that suits the proportions of the vehicle and avoids adding unnecessary bulk.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing

Before deciding between a module and a tray & canopy, consider the following:

-Will the vehicle be used mainly for work, touring or both?

-Do you ever need access to an open tray?

-Do you expect your equipment or storage needs to change?

-Are you planning to keep the vehicle long-term?

-What payload will remain once the build is complete?

-Do you want to complete the build now or in stages?

-Is appearance, flexibility or storage efficiency the highest priority?

-Will the body ever need to be transferred to another vehicle?

These questions usually make the right direction much clearer.

Which One Would We Choose?

There is no single answer.

If one option was better for every customer, there would be no reason to build both.

A chassis mount module is often the strongest choice for a dedicated touring vehicle, a permanent fleet fit-out or a premium build where everything needs to work together as one complete package.

A tray & canopy is often the better choice for a mixed-use vehicle, a tradie who needs access to an open tray or a customer who wants to complete the build over time.

The best result comes from understanding how the vehicle will be used **before deciding what should be built. Custom fabrication should not begin with a catalogue. It should begin with the customer, the vehicle and the job the finished build needs to perform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a chassis mount module stronger than a tray & canopy?

Both can be extremely strong when they are correctly designed, fabricated and mounted.Strength depends on the construction, materials, mounting system and intended application rather than whether the body is a module or a tray and canopy.

Is a module always lighter?

Yes. A module can be weight-efficient because it removes the need for a separate tray underneath the canopy, but its final weight still depends on the size, internal structure and accessories included.*

Can electrical systems be installed in both?

Yes. Battery systems, inverters, solar charging, lighting, fridges and other electrical components can be incorporated into either setup.The electrical system should be designed around the owner's power requirements and planned early so the available space is used effectively.

Can a tray canopy be removed?

In many cases, yes. The exact process will depend on the canopy design, mounting points and whether wind-off legs or another removal system have been included.

Can a module be removed?

A chassis mount module can physically be removed, but it is generally intended as a permanent body rather than something taken on and off regularly.

Which option provides more storage?

Both can provide excellent storage. A module may use the available space more efficiently because the whole body is designed together. However, the total storage capacity will depend on the size and layout of the individual build.

Which option is better for resale?

That depends on the quality of the build and whether the setup suits the next owner. A versatile tray & canopy may appeal to a broader range of buyers, while a well-designed module can add significant appeal to a premium touring or work vehicle.

Can I add accessories later?

Accessories can be added to both systems, but future requirements should be discussed during the initial design. Items such as roof racks, spare wheel carriers, ladders, water tanks and solar panels affect weight, structure and available space. Planning for them early usually produces a cleaner result.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a chassis mount module and a tray & canopy is not about finding the option that is best for everyone.

It is about choosing the option that best suits your vehicle, your budget and the way you plan to use it.

A tray & canopy offers greater flexibility, easier future changes and the ability to complete the build in stages, while a module can provide a lighter, more integrated and more cost-effective complete setup.

Both can create an outstanding touring, trade or fleet vehicle when they are designed and fabricated properly.

At Custom Concepts Off Road, every build starts by understanding what the customer actually needs. Whether you're planning a dedicated touring setup, a hard-working trade vehicle or a specialised fleet build, we can help you design a solution that works for the long term.

Ready to discuss your next build? Contact Custom Concepts Off Road to talk through whether a chassis mount module or tray & canopy is the right choice for your vehicle.