Utes are more popular than ever. With the increasing popularity of off-roading and the potential tax benefits of buying a commercial vehicle, ute sales are booming.
When a manufacturer designs a truck or 4WD they are designing it for a mass market that has a variety of uses for the vehicle. It might be the daily driver picking up kids from school or doing shopping runs to the local market. Others might have plans to tow a boat or trailer or use it to get out into the wilderness. So manufacturers have to design their vehicles to meet a wide range of demands.
Suspension
A suspension kit usually refers to replacement shock absorbers, struts and springs. These are the simplest items to change if you want to improve the vehicle's handling when you place more demand on it.
If you are planning on driving your vehicle in its factory configuration there is nothing wrong with the stock suspension. When you install a canopy on a ute you can affect the suspension in a few ways.
Weight Distribution
Canopies can add weight to the rear of the ute, which can alter the weight distribution of the vehicle. This can lead to changes in how the suspension handles the load and how the ute behaves on the road.
Increased Load
If the canopy is used to carry additional cargo, the increased load can put more strain on the suspension components. This can lead to sagging and reduced ground clearance and potentially affect the stability of the vehicle.
Suspension Stiffness
The added weight of the canopy may cause the suspension to compress more, making the ride stiffer. This can affect comfort if the vehicle is driven over rough terrain or for long distances.
Handling and Performance
By changing the weight distribution and suspension stiffness you alter the handling and performance of your ute. It may feel different when cornering, braking or accelerating causing you to make adjustments in your driving style to compensate for the modifications.
Suspension Upgrades
When installing a canopy on your ute you might need to make changes to the suspension.
Upgraded Springs – Installing heavier springs can help support the additional weight of your canopy and cargo. These springs are designed to handle increased loads without affecting ride quality.
Shock Absorbers – Installing stiff or adjustable shock absorbers can improve the handling of your ute. Adjustable shocks allow you to fine-tune the suspension to suit the added weight and driving conditions.
Lift Kit – These will restore your vehicle to its original height. This can help prevent bottoming out and improve your off-road capability.
Wheel Alignment – When you install the canopy and make any suspension adjustments it’s important to get a wheel alignment. This ensures the wheels are properly aligned, maximizing the life of your tyres while improving stability and handling.
By making the proper adjustments to your vehicle's suspension when you install a canopy you ensure that your ute handles the additional weight effectively and maintains its comfort, performance and safety on the road.
