Utes, trailers and trucks: are your mobile workspaces truly fit-for-purpose?
Fleet managers have an unenviable task of balancing competing requirements when selecting and equipping their teams’ light vehicle fleet. For the front-line operators who use the vehicle as their mobile workspace every day, functionality and the ability to get the job done is paramount. At the same time, safety and compliance staff are looking to ensure fleet consistency and adherence to all regulatory requirements, while procurement and finance staff are demanding value for money.
The unmatched expertise of Hidrive’s team of mobile workspace specialists can assist your organisation in navigating this potentially daunting process, leveraging their knowledge of industry best practice and peer case studies to give you certainty in your procurement decisions.
STEP ONE: choosing the right vehicle for the job
Light vehicle fleets are the backbone of all field and front-line operations, transporting our tools and supplies and our most valuable assets — our people — to and from the worksite. When in the field, a fit-for-purpose vehicle is as important as a desk and computer in the office.
However, with an ever-growing range of brands, makes and models, choosing the right solution to meet your workers’ needs can be difficult. Additionally, as fleets evolve, maintaining consistency becomes a challenge.
A Hidrive mobile workspace specialist can assist you in choosing the right vehicle for your mobile workforce and the environments they work in — so your team can do their job efficiently and safely every day.
Our process considers:
- Your specific industry niche
- Payload requirements
- Load handling requirements
- Equipment space
- Internal and external storage
- Work environment
- Licence type
- Crew size
Whether your fleet comprises utes, trailers or light trucks, Hidrive has a proven service body canopy to suit, with consistent designs for all popular makes and models. Our modular designs for single, extra and dual cabs are engineered to provide future transferability between vehicles, even to different brands of consistent cab type and size.
STEP TWO: choose your service body canopy
Having selected the base platform for your mobile workspace, the size, shape, quantity and nature of your payload will inform the selection of the best canopy type for your specific application.
A full canopy is Hidrive’s most popular service body design, providing ample space to organise and secure all your gear and stock, either inside or on the roof. With two and three door options for utes and trailers, or four and five door options for trucks, rarely is there a load that cannot be accommodated by the full canopy configuration. Strong and sealed, the design protects your load from theft and dust or water ingress, providing maximum certainty and security. This option also maximises branding space and provides a large, protected work area under the open doors.
For those who require external transport and storage options, part canopies with variable tray lengths offer the best of both worlds. Gas bottles, fire extinguishers and high or bulky loads can be managed with external accessory mounts, with space to fit a crane and controller. Conveniently, dirty equipment can be kept out of the canopy while still providing a valuable secure space for sensitive equipment.
Similarly, U canopies and tool canopies provide additional centre aisle space for longer and bulkier items. They provide flexibility for larger tools and items you want kept out of the canopy such as compressors, generators, spare wheels and other items unique to your particular use case. These designs can also maximise your payload as they can be lighter than tray and box combinations. 
Further demonstrating their versatility and customisability, Hidrive also offers uniquely designed and engineered canopies perfect for the transportation of animals. Compliant with all national codes of practice for the transportation of companion animals, these specialist designs incorporate high-grip ramps and other animal handling compatible features.
STEP THREE: tailor your workspace
To provide even greater certainty and flexibility, Hidrive offers several variations that can be made before we fabricate your service body. These options ensure that your fleet is truly fit-for-purpose and reflects the professionalism of your operations.
In this regard, Hidrive can colour match your vehicle using automotive grade 2k paint. Getting this right impacts the impression of your brand with potential staff and customers for years to come — you can’t risk the first impression you make.
To improve performance, adding tray space in front of the canopy and behind the cab allows added flexibility with load distribution. Keeping weight up front improves handling and the front ledge is a convenient place to locate items requiring ventilation.
While all standard models are fitted with gullwing doors that are designed to channel away water when open to provide a dry working area, alternative designs are available. Bi-fold doors are ideal for roadside work or for vehicles that often park in tight spaces, while a part-width door with sealed divider can be added. This can be particularly beneficial to separate dry and wet areas when on site. Toughed automotive glass windows can also be added, flush bonded into front and rear service body panels with optional safety mesh.
Additionally, rear-roller drawers and underbody boxes provide even greater storage options, completing a design solution that is truly yours.
STEP FOUR: accessories to get the job done right
To complete your fit-out, Hidrive offers an unmatched range of over 190 accessories that have been engineered for performance and designed to integrate perfectly with your service body canopy. This extensive range will help you get even more out of your new mobile workspace.
Starting on the inside, Hidrive offers a variety of storage solutions for every requirement, including modular one-click drawers and shelving, parts cabinets and bins, dividers, racks, mounts, hooks, load restraints and much more.
For visibility, comprehensive internal and external lighting options are available, including integrated and remote-controlled work lights, mine bars with LED beacons and safety accessories, variable message displays, running lights and more.
Battery, charge and volt control systems allow for the seamless integration of power supply to the canopy, including dual batteries, inverters, solar panels, jump packs, plugs, switches, power isolation lockouts and override options. These accessories compliment the addition of fridges, communication equipment, cameras, sensors and security systems, including vehicle central locking and warning buzzer integrations.
External equipment storage and load restraint options include roof mounted bars, trade racks, ladder and specialist tool storage, purpose-built brackets and mounts, load covers and air, lube, fuel and reel accessories. Tanks and bunds, hydraulic lift and hoist accessories and work area accessories such as benches and vices can also be integrated. 
Importantly, critical upgrades such as Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS), suspension improvements, towing and brake control systems, bull bars, long-range fuel tanks, winches and recovery equipment, site safety equipment and other integral accessories can all be incorporated in a single-source procurement solution.
Finally, vehicle compliance decals, brand signage and wraps from our in-house service solution FleetBrandTM ensures consistency across your fleet nationally, giving you ultimate piece of mind.
Not all service body canopies are created equal
Hidrive is the only local Australian manufacturer of ute, trailer and truck service bodies with a company-owned national installation network.
Make certain your service body canopy is functional, compliant and great value by speaking with a local Hidrive mobile workspace specialist.
1300 508 143
