Sleek, robust, load-rated ‘Hard Lids’ are fast becoming the preferred tray-covering/securing option for utility owners, with Hamilton-based manufacturer MAC Ute Accessories one of the key players.

With their clean lines, industry-leading, black powder-coated four mm chequer plate aluminium construction and distinctive MAC Utes-branded, anti-theft handles, the company’s Hard Lids are certainly not hard to spot; particularly now that they are becoming so popular.

The company offers a range of tough, lockable, weatherproof, load-rated (from 100 to 300kgs) Hard Lids from the MAC100 built specifically for Volkswagen’s distinctive sailplane-equipped Amarok Aventura (and soon to be available for the Z71 Colorado), to the MAC230F and MAC230FR (the latter for utes fitted with factory sports bars) and the key player in their range – the MAC300.

There’s a MAC Hard Lid for the vast majority of  current Double Cab ute models, from 2015 and newer Toyota Hiluxes, Mitsubishi Tritons and Nissan Navaras, 2012 and newer Ford Rangers and Mazda BT50s, 2014 and newer Holden Colorados, 2016 and newer Isuzu D-Maxes, to the Foton Tunland and new Mercedes-Benz X-Class; they even cater for the  latest plus-size US models like the RAM1500 and 2500 and Chevrolet Silverados. 

Working out which one is for you could hardly be easier, either. 

The MAC100 and MAC230F/FR hard lids have completely flat surfaces on which you can work,  or carry loads of up to 100kgs (the MAC100), 150kg  (either MAC230F or 230FR model), or 300kg (the MAC300).

The MAC300 is the ‘Big Daddy’ of the current line-up, and though completely flat like the others, it has a load rating of 300kgs and is super tough making it the highest load rated Lid available in the NZ market, and comes complete with integrated side rails with four tie-down points running along each side. This is a patent pending feature of this lid which makes it a stand out in the Ute lid market.

Closer inspection of any MAC Utes Hard Lid also reveals a host of other clever details; like the silky smooth, lid edges which are hand-sanded pre powder-coat so there is no need for any glue-on trim pieces, the no-drill, quick-release stainless steel sub frame and clamping system, single central handle for easy locking/unlocking of the lid plus comprehensive range of accessories.

Three of the four model Hard Lids can be supplied with or without mounting tracks. And if you specify a MAC100, MAC230F and or MAC230FR Hard Lid with tracks, it will come complete with two tie-down straps and four moveable/removable tie-down points. This gives you the freedom to decide where and when you utilise them because they are not in a fixed position mounted directly to the Hard Lid.

Once crossbars (which MAC can supply with the unit) are fitted, approved accessory partner Rhino Rack’s catalogue is literally your oyster.

It doesn’t matter what you want to carry – from bicycles to skis, fishing rods or surf and snowboards, if MAC’s preferred supplier Rhino Rack makes a fitting for it, you can mount it to a MAC Hard Lid.

MAC also have a clever little accessory to help you out if you have something you would like to stow but is a bit too long for the ute tray, MACGAP.

MACGAP is a special extendable hinge which allows you to lock the Hard Lid as per normal but with a 100 or 150mm gap at the tailgate – perfect for items like surfboards, fishing rods or timber, or if your dog is too big, boisterous or smelly to travel in the cab with you!

Luke Underwood is the man behind MAC Ute Accessories, a company the Bay of Plenty-born but now Hamilton man founded on his return from ten plus years of working in the mines in Outback Australia.

Luke says he couldn’t help but notice how popular utes had become in NZ while he was working across the Tasman and – keen to use his skills and trade training as a fitter and welder to go into business on his own account – he saw an opportunity.

“Which,” he says, “was to create a premium product for the new wave of ute buyers by improving on what was already available.

“If someone is spending $60,000 to $70,000 on a new ute they want any accessory they fit to it to be of similar quality to the vehicle itself,” he explains. “As well as doing its job it has to add value and that is what we have strived to do with our Hard Lids.”

For more information about MAC Hard Lids check out their website at
www.macutes.co.nz or phone 0508 MAC UTES.