Essential Colorado Upgrades Every Tradie Needs
Cars carrying the iconic lion logo still roam Australian streets, despite Holden shutting local production in 2017. One of the last locally-designed cars was the Colorado, with the RC models offered since 2008, and a revised RG variant hitting our shores in 2012. Both run on reliable 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines with truckloads of poke and are sold in trims to suit a variety of customers. Rare early RC utes were also given a 6-cylinder petrol option, but this was soon dropped in favour of lower fuel use and more torque. All cars have decent kit levels, and the local appeal means tons of aftermarket options to dress up the Colorado any way you like.
Second-hand cars with decent mileage now cost peanuts compared to current ute prices, and the Colorado fits the bill with decent towing capacity, a range of cab designs, and good overall reliability. If you’re a tradie just starting out, or an avid off-roader in need of a decent 4×4 ute that can handle more abuse, the Colorado won’t disappoint. With the money saved, the ute can benefit from a range of aftermarket accessories and parts, each bringing more to an already rounded package. Here’s what to look for:
Aftermarket Colorado Exhausts
All utes have restrictive factory exhausts, and the Colorado is no different. This limits airflow, hurts performance, and often means higher fuel use. By choosing an aftermarket Colorado exhaust system in larger diameter piping, better materials and revised layouts, Colorado owners are awarded higher power and torque, fewer restrictions and bends for better airflow, and superior materials suited to tough driving conditions. Systems are also easy to install, simply bolting onto existing piping and supplied with mounting hardware to fit the stock undercarriage recesses.
Specifically for the 2.8 and 3.0-litre diesel engines, there are tangible benefits. The already healthy torque numbers can see an increase of up to 40 per cent, or 200Nm more in the newer engine, when paired with an equally capable ain intake and an ECU remap to change fuelling and timing parameters. The parts and software are simple and inexpensive additions that improve acceleration, offer better throttle response when working the pedal, and better drive feel with more traction from the tyres. This means easier merging, faster overtaking and a safer ute, even when towing or with fully laden tubs and trays.
Another benefit is lower exhaust temperatures, sparing the exhaust pipe walls and separates like mufflers and DPF filters from punctures and leaks. This has a knock-on effect in improving engine longevity with less heat and stress on vital parts, such as exhaust valves. Throw in stainless steel tubing for more strength and corrosion resistance, lower fuel consumption, and the chance to tune the exhaust sound, and you can see why an aftermarket Colorado exhaust should be the first upgrade to a local workhorse favourite.
Choose a full turbo-back system (with or without a high-flow catalytic converter) in 3″ diameters optioned in stainless or aluminised steel for the best power and torque gains.
Custom-built Ute Box
At 1484mm long and 1560mm, the factory tub slots bang in the middle for overall sizes. Most tradies though will prefer the stock tray option, or go with a custom tub-to-tray conversion and fit a full-sized canopy or toolbox. These are available for all cab sizes, span the width of the tray and maximise available space. They double as a moving workshop, with numerous internal configurations comprising drawers, shelving, parts bins and pantries for all tools, gear and work essentials. With better internal organisation of tools and gear, ute boxes also distribute weight more evenly, especially with heavier items, This aids driving safety and keeps tools, electronics and equipment dry and protected.Canopies are offered in various designs, can be bolted permanently onto the tray or come as lift-off variants, and are optioned in sturdy stainless steel or aluminium. Solid builds, strong, seamless welds and rubber seals shield all contents inside from the elements or theft and tampering.
Ute boxes and canopies can additionally be fitted with dozens of accessories, including canopy racks for transporting building materials, jerry can and spare tyre holders, gas struts on doors for easy opening and closing and more. Get a custom-built Colorado canopy in the dimensions and shapes you need, with internal layouts best suited for your gear and essential features and extras from dedicated canopy builders. Most also do tray conversions if your Colorado comes with a tub.
Sturdy Roof Racks
If canopies or toolboxes are overkill, there’s more space on the ute roof. This leaves the tray or tub free for essentials but also helps carry larger items, like planks or ladders. Racks can be had in varying sizes to suit different Colorado cab designs, optioned in designs ranging from flat, cage or longer tradie racks, and come with supplied hardware for easy installation.
Choose racks that suit your tools and gear, either in coated steel or aluminium for higher strength and loading capacities and with accessories like tie-down points when securing large items. Aussie-built roof racks ensure a seamless fit, have reinforced construction to ensure they last, and are supplied with tools for easy DIY mounting. Like exhausts and canopies, shop for quality Colorado roof racks from reputable builders.
