The concept of adventure and exploration has evolved rapidly in recent times, and with it, the equipment that supports these pursuits has also advanced. In recent years, outdoor enthusiasts and travellers have witnessed a remarkable innovation in the form of alloy ute canopies, like this SEBA-built canopy with integrated features like a rooftop tent, slide-out pantry, and a 60-litre Engel fridge on a Clearview drop-down slide. 

This combination of features brings numerous advantages that enhance travellers’ overall outdoor experience, convenience, and versatility. In this review, we will delve into the various advantages of such a setup and explore how it transforms how people enjoy the great outdoors.

Mobility and Versatility:

The SEBA alloy ute canopy is a sturdy and adaptable storage solution attached to the back of a 4×4 ute tray, providing a secure and weather-resistant enclosure for camping gear, tools, and supplies. This setup offers unparalleled mobility, allowing travellers to easily move from one location to another without the need for cumbersome trailers or additional vehicles. The alloy construction ensures durability, with lightweight properties that don’t compromise the vehicle’s fuel efficiency or handling and, significantly, allow for greater payload without exceeding the vehicle’s load limit.

Roof Top Tent:

The built-in rooftop tent is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. It eliminates the need for traditional tents and ground camping, providing a comfortable and elevated sleeping space that’s safe from ground moisture, insects, and uneven terrain. The convenience of having the tent always set up on the vehicle means that travellers can quickly establish their sleeping quarters, saving time and effort. Moreover, the panoramic views offered by the elevated position enhance the camping experience, allowing occupants to connect more intimately with nature.

One feature that attracted me to SEBA’s built-in rooftop tent was that it utilised much wasted space not used in the top canopy. In addition, it kept the overall height of the vehicle down under 2.1 meters, even with the 50mm lift from the GVM upgrade. The overall lower profile of the inbuilt rooftop tent significantly improves fuel economy, and when you’re doing a lap of the big island, any saving is a bonus. Additionally, if you must catch the Spirit of Tasmania, having a vehicle under 2.1 meters in height makes it easier to secure a booking.

Setting up the rooftop tent is merely a matter of releasing the two catches and lifting the lid. The internal gas struts do all the hard work. Once the roof has extended, you place the elastic cord out of the way and fix the two poles and straps to the tent veranda. We leave the bed made up inside so it’s ready to sleep in once the roof and porch are extended. Packing it up in the morning again only takes a few minutes. The foam mattress has a removable cover that is easy to clean.

I try to park the vehicle so the hard roof faces the wind, minimising canvas flapping. And I use Tred GT levelling ramps to level up the ute so the bed is level.

Slide-Out Pantry:

The inclusion of a slide-out pantry in the alloy canopy brings an element of organisation and accessibility to outdoor cooking. Traditional camping often requires rummaging through bags and boxes for food and cooking utensils, but the slide-out pantry streamlines this process. With SEBA’s custom-designed compartments and shelves, campers can effortlessly access their supplies, saving time and reducing frustration. This feature also prevents food contamination and spoilage, as items are securely stored and separated from potential contaminants.

Integrating a 60-litre Engel fridge on a Clearview drop-down slide into the pantry area represents a remarkable advancement in outdoor refrigeration. The Clearview drop-down slide enhances accessibility, allowing us to reach our items without stretching or straining easily. These features significantly reduce setup time and increase resource efficiency during outdoor journeys. The seamless setup and storage provided by the SEBA alloy ute canopy eliminate the need for lengthy campsite preparations and packing procedures. With everything securely stored and organised, we can enjoy our surroundings and engage in activities, be it pleasure or work.

Six months into a working trip through the back tracks of central Queensland, our D-Max fitted with a custom SEBA canopy is indeed getting a thorough workout. The rough corrugated tracks are covered with thick bulldust. Thankfully the upgraded suspension is proving money well spent, as the ride is relatively smooth given the condition of the roads.

But more pleasing is the excellent job SEBA did with seals around the canopy and rooftop tent, as no dust has entered the inside of the canopy, and given the conditions, this is a terrific result.

Before embarking on this journey, the SEBA crew fabricated custom-polished stainless brackets to mount the CAOS 2×2.5 meter straight pull awning to the left side of the canopy. At the rear, they added a polished stainless-steel bracket so I could attach an additional collapsible ladder that extends outwards at an angle, making it a little easier to climb up into the rooftop tent than the vertical fixed ladder on the rear of the canopy.

Not surprisingly, at nearly every fuel stop, I get asked by fellow travellers about the canopy and how it’s handling the rough conditions. Each time they’ve been fascinated by the build quality and finish. But the lack of dust inside the canopy and rooftop tent has impressed many who have viewed the vehicle.

Before departing, I fitted a couple of HardKorr LED light bars on the canopy doors that provide plenty of light for nighttime camps. The orange glow offers a soft light that is bright enough to illuminate the living area for playing cards or working on a laptop while keeping the bugs away.

Overall, the convenience, space optimisation, enhanced cooking capabilities, mobility, and time efficiency of the SEBA Canopy make it an appealing choice for any outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, the integration of essential components supports eco-friendly practices. As our world continues to evolve, innovative solutions like SEBA canopy setup pave the way for more enjoyable and sustainable outdoor adventures.

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