Getting the balance right between work and play is one of the major obstacles most dual cab ute owners find when decking out their pride and joy. The empty tub most utes come from the factory with is perfect for transporting motorbikes, doing a Sunday Bunnings run, or helping a mate move. But when it comes to camping? Well let’s just say they’re not the most practical. The flip side is true too. When you kit your ute out with a touring canopy setup it’s near impossible to go pick up that new fridge. ARB reckons their new Hard Lid might be the solution for work and play, and we can see where they’re coming from.
Tough Construction and Load-Bearing Capacity
The ARB Hard Lid has been designed from the tub-up to offer pure function with form coming in a close second. That means there’s no slick colour coded fibreglass, instead, the deck lid is made almost entirely out of heavy duty aluminium checker plate so you’re not scared to load it up with camping kit, firewood, or even building supplies. The reinforced aluminium frame supports a dynamic load of up to 150 kilograms, and a static load of up to 380kgs. That means you can safely load it up with all your camping kit for the drive, and sleep in a roof top tent mounted to it when you get to camp. There’s optional heavy-duty gas struts that’ll hold the lid up with 25kg on it too so you still have easy access to the tub without having to unload everything.
There’s a full perimeter weatherproof seal as well to keep minimise dust and water ingress as well. Something most utes struggle with no matter what camping setup they run. The Hard Lid also has a clever gutter seal on the front edge so when the lid is opened water doesn’t pour straight into the tub.
Ease of Use and Versatility
One of the standout features of the Hard Lid is its quick-release design. While the hardlid and the hinges are robust and designed with strength front and centre, ARB have also made them quick to release. Details are slim pickings with how exactly they mount but ARB reckons a few wingnuts, two people, and two minutes is all it takes to go from a weather tight enclosed tub back to an empty tub, perfect for when those odd jobs come up. You could run a mowing business out the back Monday to Friday and then in a couple of minutes swap it to camping mode for the weekend.
Customisation Options with Mounting System
The Hard Lid also features a unique mounting rail system, allowing users to attach a range of accessories. Whether you need to tie items directly to the lid, add crossbars, or even install a complete roof rack system, the Hard Lid can be customised to meet your needs. The four-bar hinge system, engineered to pivot up and away from the cabin, ensures that you can open the lid even with gear mounted on top. Additionally, it’s compatible with factory sports bars, adding to its versatility. There’s also a central locking system too so your gear stays secure.
Conclusion
The ARB Hard Lid is a robust, multi-functional platform that can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications. From its tough, powder-coated tread plate to its secure storage options and extensive customisation potential, the Hard Lid should be able to handle whatever you throw at it, whether you’re on the job or heading out for a weekend adventure.
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