Transforming My Touring Rig | Tray & Canopy Install by XTS 4x4

After months on the road with my touring setup, I knew it was time for a serious upgrade. A proper tray and canopy install would not only give me better storage and organisation but also help me live and travel more efficiently. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the full install process, my setup choices, and first impressions on the road.

Why I Needed a Tray & Canopy Setup:

For those who’ve been following along on my YouTube travels, you’ll know the tub setup in my BT-50 has been an ongoing challenge.

When I first purchased the BT, it came fitted with an electronic roller shutter—which I thought was a great addition. It gave me a sense of security for my belongings and seemed like a practical solution at the time. I added drawers and soft storage bags to maximise the limited space, and I kept my fridge in the rear seat area to free up room in the tub. Organisation became absolutely essential.

But in reality, the setup just didn’t work.

Any time I needed to access something from the tub, I’d have to pull almost everything out—just to reach what I needed. And when the electronic roller stopped working properly, things got even more frustrating. I couldn’t open the roller track, so daily life on the road became a bit of a logistical nightmare.

On top of all that, the tub wasn’t sealed against dust, dirt, or water. No matter how carefully I packed, everything was always dirty. It wasn’t ideal for long-term travel, and I knew something had to change if I wanted a setup that was actually functional for full-time life on the road.

Choosing the Right Tray & Canopy:

When it came time to upgrade, there were a few key features I was looking for in a tray and canopy setup: practicality, durability, and clean aesthetics. I wanted something that didn’t just look good—but also made life on the road simpler and more efficient.

After doing some research and chatting to people in the industry, XTS 4x4 was recommended to me. I instantly loved the look of their builds. Their sleek black design stood out, and you could tell every detail had been well thought through—from the quality of the finish to the way their setups were laid out for usability.

Another bonus? They’re based on the Sunshine Coast, which made it easy to connect with the team and see their work firsthand. From that first conversation, I had a good feeling I was in the right hands.

The Installation Process:

The installation process was honestly a dream. I handed over the keys to the team at XTS 4x4 and jumped on a flight to North Queensland to enjoy a bit of downtime while they tackled the hard work.

For a standard tray and canopy install, the turnaround time is usually just 1–2 days—they’re that efficient. But since I was getting a full custom fit-out, including a new 12V setup, internal canopy build, roof rack, and the install of my rooftop tent, I gave the team the vehicle for a full week. This gave them the time and space to really focus on the details and make sure everything was installed and wired perfectly.

Knowing my setup was in expert hands allowed me to fully switch off—and when I returned, I was blown away by the result.

My Tray & Canopy Setup (Detailed Walkthrough):

Here’s a full rundown of my setup, starting with the tray size and working through to all the key inclusions I’ve added to make this space both functional and adventure-ready:

Tray & Canopy

• 1800mm XTS Tray 

• 1600 XTS Canopy (Jack off)

• Set of jack-off legs

• Powder coated finish

• Central locking

• 50L water tank inbuild into the headboard

• 12v water pump

• Tailgate draw with cover

• Jerry can holder

• Spare wheel holder

• Rear ladder

• Roof rack

• Reverse camera remounted

• Sensors remounted

• Slide-out side lockers

• Adjustable wheel guards

• Made from corrosion resistant 2.5mm aluminium plate

• Internal reinforced floor, roof & wall bracing

Interior Fit-Out

• Slide out drawer shelf

• Slide-out pantry

• Fridge cage

• 12v system - Custom Lithium + Enerdrive

• Bushman 85L fridge

• Lighting

12V System

• Custom 12V install tailored to my needs

• 200Ah Custom Lithium battery (carried over from my previous setup)

• 2000W inverter

• Enerdrive Traveller control system, and solar input

  
  

Roof Rack & Rooftop Tent

• Heavy-duty XTS roof rack mounted to the canopy

• XTS rooftop tent

• 200w solar panel mounted to the rooftop tent

• XTS 270 Plus Awning

  
  

This layout has already made a huge difference to how I travel. Everything has a place, it’s quick to access, and I finally feel like I have a rig that’s built for the kind of off-grid adventures I love.

What I Love So Far:

The XTS tray and canopy have completely transformed how I travel. The build quality is solid, and it’s clear that every detail has been thought through for functionality and durability. The extra storage has made a huge difference, especially for full-time travel — everything has its place now, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly shifting gear around to make it work.

One of the standout features has been how well-sealed the canopy is — after hundreds of kilometres on red dirt roads, I’ve had zero dust make its way inside, which is huge when you’re carrying food, bedding, and camera gear.

The kitchen setup on the passenger side has made life so much easier. It’s super organised and functional, with quick access to everything I need when I’m cooking on the road. On the driver’s side, I’ve got plenty of space for tools, recovery gear, and bulkier items, and it still feels neat and manageable.

The canopy layout really does suit my lifestyle perfectly. I can access what I need quickly, whether I’m grabbing something on the go or setting up camp for a few days. I also love how seamlessly the electrical system was integrated — being able to monitor my power usage and rely on the setup day in and day out has been a game-changer.

Aesthetically, I’m stoked with how it looks. It really completed the BT-50 build and gave it that tough, touring-ready presence on the road.

Things I Might Change or Upgrade Later:

Now that I’ve had time to travel with the setup, there are a few upgrades I might consider down the track. I’m looking at refining the storage solutions on the driver’s side of the canopy — possibly adding a drawer system or shelving to better organise tools, recovery gear, and bulkier items. At the moment, it works, but with some fine-tuning it could be even more efficient, especially for long-term travel.

I’m also considering swapping out the internal canopy lighting for something brighter or more directional. The current setup gets the job done, but a bit more visibility — especially at night — would make a big difference when cooking or working in the canopy after dark.

The tray itself has held up extremely well, even after taking on some pretty rough tracks.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations:

If you're building a touring rig and want something that’s both functional and built to last, I highly recommend the team at XTS 4x4. The tray and canopy setup has made living on the road so much more efficient and enjoyable — it’s not just about storage, it’s about creating a space that actually supports how you live and travel.

Their team worked with me to customise the build to suit my setup, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. One thing I really value is how open they are to feedback — they’re always listening, always looking to improve, and genuinely keen to keep evolving their products based on real-world use. There’s definitely more to come in this space, and I’m excited to see how their setups continue to grow and adapt.

Whether you're heading off-grid, working remotely, or just want a tough setup for weekend exploring, this system is definitely worth considering.

Affiliate / Sponsor Disclosure:

This setup was created in collaboration with XTS 4x4, who provided support for the tray and canopy install as part of an ongoing partnership. All opinions shared in this blog are entirely my own, based on real-world use during full-time travel around Australia. I only share products and brands I genuinely use and trust.

If you're interested in building a setup like mine or have questions about custom options, reach out to the team at XTS 4x4 — they’re incredibly knowledgeable and always happy to help bring your touring rig ideas to life.

https://xts4x4.com.au/collections/tray-canopy-sets

Sarah Rose Foster