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Buying guide
Chassis Mount vs Lift-Off CanopyWhich Is Right for Your Ute?
Choosing between a chassis mount and a lift-off canopy is the first real decision in any ute canopy build. It shapes how you use your tray, how you pack for a trip, and how your vehicle works for you five years from now.
Both configurations in the Arcpoint APX range share the same aluminium construction, in-house powder coating and dust and waterproof guarantee. The difference is how the canopy attaches to your ute: a chassis mount canopy bolts directly to the chassis and stays there permanently, while a lift-off canopy sits on a tray and lifts off on its own jacks whenever you need the tray open.
This guide explains how each setup works, where each one shines for trade and touring, and what to think through before you commit.
APX Range
What Is a Chassis Mount Canopy?
A chassis mounted canopy is fitted straight to the chassis rails of a cab chassis ute. There is no separate tray underneath it; the canopy body is the tray. That makes it the most space-efficient way to enclose the back of a ute, and it is why Arcpoint describes it as the right choice when you have no need to take the canopy off.
Because it is a permanent, integrated part of the vehicle, it suits owners who want a sealed, secure storage body that is always ready to go. The standard APX chassis mount is a two-door configuration and fully customisable: sealed compartments, a space for the dog, drawers and shelving can all be designed into the build.
The range includes the APX Chassis Mount Canopy and the Tourer Chassis Mount Canopy. The APX Tourer features a taller door opening without increasing the overall height of the canopy, providing improved access while maintaining the same overall height. It also serves as the platform for Arcpoint's touring packages.
Standard inclusions
- Maxilamp sequential LED taillights and LED number plate lights
- Front-to-rear strut channel roof mounting system
- Single-piece 4x4 style aluminium mudguards and front underbody infill panels
- Flush-mount lockable stainless steel fuel filler relocation
- Arcpoint dust and waterproof guarantee
- Fitting and wiring to your cab chassis at Arcpoint's Queensland facility
APX Range
What Is a Lift-Off Canopy?
A lift-off canopy is a removable ute canopy that mounts to a tray rather than to the chassis. When you need an open flat tray, you wind the canopy up on its jacks, drive out from underneath and leave the canopy standing. When you need enclosed storage again, you reverse the process.
The APX lift-off works best on an APX tray body, but Arcpoint can customise it to suit an existing tray. What sets it apart is the concealed lift-off points hidden behind the canopy doors: the doors still open and close while the canopy is jacked up, the jacks fold away for storage, and once the doors are shut and locked the jacks cannot be removed. It comes in two profiles, the APX Lift-Off Canopy and the Tourer Lift-Off Canopy.
Standard inclusions
- Reinforced concealed lift-off points, integrated into the structure rather than bolted on
- Heavy-duty fold-away lift-off jack set (4) plus stabilisation kit (Lift-Off Packages)
- Roof-mounted strut channels for racks, solar and rooftop tents
- 2 and 3 door options, with an extra-wide rear door on the 3 door
- Arcpoint dust and waterproof guarantee
- Fitting to APX tray body at Arcpoint's Queensland facility
Side by side
Chassis Mount vs Lift-Off Canopy: Key Differences
The table below compares the two configurations on the points that matter most to Australian ute owners. Neither option is "better" across the board; the right one depends on how often you genuinely need an open tray.
| Consideration | Chassis Mount Canopy | Lift-Off Canopy |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Chassis Mount CanopyBolts directly to the vehicle chassis. No separate tray required. | Lift-Off CanopyMounts to a tray (ideally an APX tray body) via reinforced, concealed lift-off points. |
| Removability | Chassis Mount CanopyPermanent. Designed to stay on the vehicle. | Lift-Off CanopyRemovable on its own fold-away jacks, with doors usable while jacked up. |
| Storage flexibility | Chassis Mount CanopyMaximum enclosed space for the vehicle footprint. Fully customisable internal fit-out. | Lift-Off CanopyEnclosed storage when fitted, open tray when removed. Internal fit-out options also available. |
| Tray access | Chassis Mount CanopyThrough the canopy doors only; the body is the tray. | Lift-Off CanopyFull open flat tray access once the canopy is lifted off. |
| Trade applications | Chassis Mount CanopySuits trades that need a secure, organised, always-fitted service body. | Lift-Off CanopySuits trades that switch between enclosed tool storage and bulky open-tray loads. |
| Touring suitability | Chassis Mount CanopyThe platform behind the APX Core, Tour Lite and Overlander touring packages. | Lift-Off CanopyGood for owners who tour part of the year and need the tray for work or play the rest of it. |
| Weight considerations | Chassis Mount CanopyOne structure on the chassis; Arcpoint positions it as maximum space while keeping weight to a minimum. | Lift-Off CanopyTray plus canopy plus jack system. Confirm total payload against your vehicle's GVM with Arcpoint. |
| Practicality | Chassis Mount CanopyNothing to lift, store or re-fit. Set and forget. | Lift-Off CanopyNeeds level ground and somewhere to leave the canopy when it is off. |
| Cost considerations | Chassis Mount CanopyPriced per configuration and fit-out. Request a quote for your vehicle. | Lift-Off CanopyPriced as a tray and canopy package with jacks. Request a quote for your vehicle. |
For the job site
Which Canopy Is Better for Work?
For most tradies, the deciding question is simple: do you ever need the tray empty? If your ute is a mobile workshop that carries tools, parts and consumables every day, a chassis mount canopy fitted out with drawers, shelving and sealed compartments keeps everything locked, dry and in the same place every morning. There is nothing to remove and nothing to re-fit.
If your work swings between enclosed storage and bulky loads, such as fencing, pallets, machinery or materials that simply will not fit through a canopy door, a lift-off gives you both. Lift the canopy off for the open-tray job, drop it back on when the tools need to come with you. Arcpoint's Trade Packages cover custom tray and canopy builds for either approach.
For the long way round
Which Canopy Is Better for Touring?
Touring rewards organisation. Fridge slides, pull-out pantries, water tanks, spare wheel carriers and 4-tier storage units all work best when they are built into a canopy that is never going to be moved, which is why Arcpoint's APX Touring Packages (Core, Tour Lite and Overlander) are built on the chassis mount platform. The Tourer profile adds height for taller internal fit-outs.
A lift-off still makes sense for part-time tourers. If the ute earns its keep on a tray during the week and heads off-road on holidays, the APX lift-off lets you keep a fully fitted touring canopy without giving up the open tray, and the roof strut channels carry racks, solar and rooftop tents either way.
Buyer checklist
What Should You Consider Before Choosing?
Run through these before you request a quote. Your answers usually point clearly to one configuration.
- 01. Tray useHow often do you need an open tray? Rarely points to chassis mount. Regularly points to lift-off.
- 02. Your vehicleA chassis mount needs a cab chassis. A lift-off needs a tray, ideally an APX tray body, though existing trays can be catered for.
- 03. Payload and GVMCanopy, tray, fit-out, water, fridge and gear all count. Ask Arcpoint to check the build against your vehicle's rating.
- 04. Internal fit-outDrawers, shelving, fridge slides, dog space or sealed compartments. Decide what lives inside before the body is designed.
- 05. Where it lives when offA lift-off needs level ground and room to stand. No space to leave it means the flexibility goes unused.
- 06. Roof loadBoth include strut channel roof mounting for racks, solar panels and rooftop tents. Plan the roof with the body.
- 07. Doors and accessTwo-door is standard on both. The 3 door lift-off adds an extra-wide rear door.
- 08. FinishPowder coated in-house as standard; 2 pack wet spray available on request.
- 09. Electrical and accessoriesLighting, 12V/24V packages and 4x4 accessories are easier to fit at build time than to retrofit.
Australian made in Queensland
Explore Arcpoint's Canopy Range
Every APX canopy is designed and manufactured in Australia from folded aluminium, finished in Arcpoint's own powder coating facility and covered by the Arcpoint dust and waterproof guarantee.
Chassis mount
APX Chassis Mount Canopy
Permanent, space-efficient two-door canopy mounted directly to the chassis. Customisable internal fit-out.
View Details
Chassis mount
Tourer Chassis Mount Canopy
The taller Tourer profile on the permanent chassis mount platform. The base for Core, Tour Lite and Overlander packages.
View Details
Lift-off
APX Lift-Off Canopy
Removable canopy with concealed lift-off points and fold-away jacks. Fits APX trays or can be made to suit an existing tray.
View Details
Lift-off
Tourer Lift-Off Canopy
Tourer height with full lift-off capability, so a fitted-out touring canopy can still come off when the tray is needed.
View DetailsWant a complete build rather than a bare canopy? See the APX Lift-Off Packages (2 and 3 door) and the APX Touring Packages, which bundle the canopy with storage, toolboxes and touring hardware.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a chassis mount canopy off a ute?
A chassis mount canopy is a permanent fixture. It bolts directly to the chassis and is fitted and wired at Arcpoint's facility, so it is not designed to be removed by the owner. If you expect to need an open tray, a lift-off is the configuration built for that.
How does a lift-off canopy come off the ute?
Four heavy-duty fold-away jacks locate into reinforced lift-off points concealed behind the canopy doors. Wind the canopy clear of the tray, drive out, and leave it standing. The doors still open and close while it is jacked up.
Can I fit a lift-off canopy to my existing tray?
Yes. The APX lift-off works best on an APX tray body, but Arcpoint can customise it to suit an existing tray. Include your tray details with your quote request.
Which option is better for a touring setup?
Arcpoint's touring packages (Core, Tour Lite and Overlander) are built on the chassis mount platform, which suits built-in fridges, water tanks and storage. A Tourer Lift-Off is the better fit if you also need the tray clear between trips.
Are APX canopies aluminium, and are they Australian made?
Yes. APX canopies are folded aluminium, designed and manufactured in Queensland, powder coated in-house and covered by the Arcpoint dust and waterproof guarantee, with service Australia-wide.
How much does a chassis mount or lift-off canopy cost?
Pricing depends on body profile, number of doors, fit-out, electrical and accessories, so every build is quoted individually. Use the quote form below with your vehicle details and intended use.
