Inspired by the utes of Australia and New Zealand, Wiltshire firm RH and IR Cradock has come up with a range of high-capacity aluminium pickup tray backs.

Branded NBF Bespoke, these bolt on in place of the original tub, increasing the load area and offering multiple ways of carrying a load. For example, they can be used as a flat bed, where large items can be secured using anchor points in the chequerplate floor, or they can have removable drop-down sides fitted for keeping loose materials contained.

There is also the option of fitting a rear rack to carry long items such as fence posts, leaving space underneath for tools and other equipment.

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© Benjy Cradock

Additional storage/toolboxes have been incorporated into the design, one of which is a sliding under-bed tray hidden behind the number plate. The others are bolt-on units that secure below the bed behind the rear wheels, meaning they can be added as a later upgrade.

Each tray back is custom built in the UK to order, so it can be fitted to any pickup model, be it single-, king- or double-cab. Various finishing touches can also be added, such as powder coating, floodlighting and buyers’ business logos laser cut into the headboard.

© Benjy Cradock

NBF Bespoke owner Benjy Cradock has designed the tray backs to be fitted without making any modifications to the vehicle’s chassis or wiring loom. This means the original tub can be kept and replaced before sale, helping to maintain its second-hand value. The tray back can also be transferred to a new pickup, with just a modified sub frame required to adapt it to fit different models.

Prices start at £5,000 for a double-cab model, £5,500 for a king-cab and £6,000 for a single-cab, which includes three drop sides and rear LED lights. Extras, such as a pair of under-slung toolboxes and a sliding central drawer are £1,200 and £2,000 respectively.

RH and IR Cradock also customises vehicles for agricultural or overlanding use, fitting options such as upgraded suspension and brakes, winches, performance exhausts, extra lighting, under-belly protection and engine upgrades. The firm is also developing a range of aluminium pickup canopies.

© Benjy Cradock