I own a Toyota Hilux workmate ute with a 2.6m tray with high tray sides, easily fits all my boards etc but only tarp over the top, when travelling usually take my trailer.
Thinking of getting a fibreglass canopy, they look great.

www.flexiglass.com.au/

Full length Japanese utes will work, extra cabs only just depending on the gear and how you pack it in but forget dual cabs if you don't want gear hanging out of the tray. I used to have my boards sticking out the back of my Hilux dual cab.

Aussie utes, forget the new models. Holden have made the tray too short in the new model by giving over extra room to the cabin. VZ or earlier had enough room in the tray to get gear under a hard cover. Bit of fun to have a V8 machine to get to your favourite spot. Ford utes haven't had the tray length side the old XH which I think was up till about '99. Of course you could go a one toner in either the ford or holden and have a tray made up that suited.

I'd recommend an aluminium tray. Don't like rust.

I had a VY SS (2003) with a hard cover, used to put all my gear in it in October and leave it there until April. Worked well, all locked up, 2 boards fitted diagonally.

Now I've got a triton dual cab with a tray back, and a tarp. still good but the boards hang out the end and I cant leave all my stuff in it for 6 months. Happy with both

I guess a Hold crewman or Falcon ute (non tray) with a lock-able lid and a two roll bars would be ideal. As aus301 said, the dual cab won't take a board diagonally. On the other hand sails/masts etc. will fit inside the cabin of a crewman.

If you are considering vans the Hyundai iloads are relatively cheap and have a 3 or maybe a 5 year warranty.

check out jason's van with shelves fully loaded (JH2703).

ikw777 said...

Davage said...

Utes are great. To make it better fit a roll top. Gives you the ability to fit large stuff in the back when needed. Im running a D22 navara with the roll top and its fantastic.

I've never seen a roll-top.

This will give you an idea.

Mine is a crossover between a T4 transporter van and a ute. Comes with a full size tray and fits most boards.

Davage said...

ikw777 said...

I've never seen a roll-top.

This will give you an idea.

The only problem with the roll top is that you loose some length at the front of the tray for the box that the top rolls into. They work a bit like a garage roller door. I looked at these at one stage for a ute I owned, VU commodore, but once fitted I could no longer get my gear in the back with the cover locked closed.

Hi there, I used to wonder myself and could not find what I need.. wanted a roomy 4x4.. end up bying a Rodeo, single cab with a long tray, build up a wood shell for 800 bucks, slide it in the back and bold it down!! Been 3 seasons and still going!! full lockable 4-5 (4 in if needed, 1 out) boards, 4-5 sails, 6-8 mats, + all the rest of the gear.
There is a multi usage cavity above the shell access from outside (1200x2600x150) which I have fishing gear, or extra wishbone, or mattress, etc depend..
Still happy with it today, its aging, thinking to build another one in ali this time, something I could remove anytime.. not sure yet. anyway here it is




good luck on finding what you need...

samOZ - that thing's excellent!

How long is it?

ikw777 said...

samOZ - that thing's excellent!

How long is it?

Oh, 2640mm - I found your build thread. Just fantastic.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/The-Shell-equipment-transport-option/?whichpage=-1

^^^^^ Very nice pair you have there. Let me gues....your from Saudi Arabia and own a couple of Oil wells so that fuel is never an issue to you

Ive got a nissan navara d40

I dont like it for windsurfing kit. Its to small. If im going a distance ill strap it all to the roof. If not ill throw it all in the back and let it hang free.

Im selling it to get something more suitable.

I tried using a ute for windsurfing but it was terrible. Very slow to get on the plane and very difficult to gybe. Could handle a wide wind range though.