Pickup Truck Material Review: Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass, or ABS Plastic - Which Should You Choose For Your Adventure?

For the owner of the pickup truckKung(hardtop) is not just a trunk lid, but a key element that turns a work vehicle into a versatile off-road or expedition tool. The choice of kung affects the aerodynamics, the safety of your cargo and, most importantly, the overall reliability of the vehicle in the harshest conditions. However, before deciding to buy kung, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of what it is made of. After all, it is the material that determines how light, strong, durable and, ultimately, expensive your purchase will be.

In this in-depth review, we'll look at the four main materials that kungs are made from and how each one affects the weight, strength, durability and price of the final product. If you are looking for the best kung for pickup materials, this is the material for you.

The four main kung materials and their characteristics

Manufacturers use a variety of materials, but the main "players" in the market are aluminum, steel, fiberglass and ABS plastic. Each of them has a unique set of properties that make it ideal for a certain style of use.

Aluminum kung: Strength and light weight

Aluminum kungsis a golden mean, especially among fans of expedition tourism and builders. They are made from high-strength alloys that provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Strength and durability

Aluminum does not rust, which guarantees its exceptional durability, even if the kung has minor paint damage. These kungs often have a frame construction (similar to a frame), which allows them to withstand high dynamic loads. They are shock, twist and vibration resistant.

Weight and economy

Due to the low specific weight, aluminum kungs are much lighter than their steel counterparts. This is critical because the kung's lighter weight means less stress on the suspension and potentially lower fuel consumption.

Aesthetics and price

Aluminum models usually have a more utilitarian, "square" or industrial look, although there are more stylized options. Aluminum kungs are often priced higher than fiberglass and ABS plastic, but lower than premium steel solutions. In the question of a kung made of fiberglass or aluminum, the latter wins due to its modularity and the ability to carry a large cargo capacity of the kung on a pickup truck.

Steel kung: Maximum reliability, maximum weight

Steel kungs tend to be less common and are often custom, or designed for very specific, extreme operating conditions.

Strength and durability

This is undoubtedly the strongest option. The steel kung can withstand serious impacts, falling objects and maximum load on the roof. It is chosen when a safe actually integrated with the body is required or when the structure must function as part of a full-fledged external "cage" of security.

Weight and economy

The main disadvantage of steel is its weight. A steel kung can add more than 150-200 kg to the weight of the car, which will require upgrading the rear suspension (reinforced springs or air suspension). It also significantly affects the dynamics and fuel consumption.

Price

The cost of steel kungs, especially of individual production, is the highest on the market. They justify their price only in cases where absolute strength is vital. If you are looking to buy kung steel, the price will be high, but you will get unmatched reliability.

Kung from fiberglass (Fiberglass): A classic with an emphasis on aesthetics

Fiberglass, or fiberglass, has been the most popular material for serial production of kungs for decades.

Strength and durability

Fiberglass kungs are made by molding the material using molds. They are strong, but their strength is lower than that of aluminum or steel, especially for point impacts. They can crack or split with a strong impact. However, fiberglass is easily repaired (usually using boat or bumper repair technology).

Weight and aesthetics

The main advantages of fiberglass are its aesthetics and relatively low weight. Thanks to molding technology, manufacturers can create kungs that perfectly follow the contours of the pickup body, giving it a complete, often more "off-road" look. Kung is easily painted in the color of the car, making it almost an integral part of the design.

Price

Fiberglass models are among the most accessible because they are mass produced and relatively inexpensive. They are a great choice for those who use the pickup as a family vehicle or for light adventures.

Kung made of ABS plastic: A modern choice for everyday life

ABS plastic (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a modern, technological material used in the manufacture of many auto components.

Strength and durability

ABS plastic has excellent impact resistance and flexibility. With small impacts, it does not crack, but bends and then returns to its original shape, which is a significant advantage over fiberglass. It is also resistant to most chemicals and temperature changes.

Weight and economy

It is certainly the lightest material among all presented, which minimally affects the balance and fuel consumption of the car. The advantages of ABS kungs include the speed of production (thermoforming) and, as a result, often the lowest price in the mass segment.

Aesthetics

Usually these kungs have a more modern, sleek design, but like the fiberglass, they follow the shape of the body perfectly. They are chosen for daily use and transportation of things that need protection from rain and dust, but do not involve the installation of heavy expedition equipment on the roof.

Summary of characteristics of kung materials

Carrying capacity of kungs: How to choose a model that will withstand your expedition trunk

The question of the carrying capacity of a kung on a pickup truck is key for any traveler. A regular kung for protecting cargo from the rain is different from a kung that has to support a two-man tent, a spare, sandtracks and a tool kit on the roof.

Dynamic and static load

When choosing a kung for installing an expedition trunk, you need to clearly distinguish between two concepts:

Static load:The maximum weight a kung can hold at rest. This is relevant when you pitch a tent on the roof and spend the night in it. For expedition kungs, this indicator can reach 250–350 kg.

Dynamic load:The maximum weight that the kung can withstand while the car is moving (taking into account vibrations, shaking, cornering, braking). This figure is always much lower (usually 80–150 kg).

It is the dynamic load that is the limiting factor for most trips. Racks with a low dynamic load rating (typical of ABS plastic or some thin fiberglass models) can warp or crack during off-road driving if a heavy trunk is mounted on them.

Factors for choosing a kunga with a high load capacity

To ensure the reliability of your expedition trunk, you should pay attention not only to the material, but also to the design features:

The presence of an internal frame (predominance of aluminum and steel): The kung must have an integrated internal metal frame that transfers the load directly to the sides of the pickup, not just the outer shell of the kung. If there is no frame, the load is distributed only on the upper part.

Type of attachment to the body: Reliable expedition kungs use powerful clamps or special bolt connections along the entire length of the sides for maximum fixation and even distribution of the load.

Material thickness: Even with aluminum, panel thickness matters. For high loads, choose models with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm or more.

Roof construction: Kungas with a flat, flat roof are ideal for expedition purposes. They provide easier and more reliable fastening of the trunk (railing system).

Final thoughts and where to buy

As you can see, the choice of material is a strategic decision that determines the fate of your future expedition or construction project. There is no such thing as a "best" kung fu, only the perfect one for your specific needs. If you've found the perfect material for yourself — whether it's lightweight ABS plastic for the city or ultra-strong aluminum for Carpathian expeditions — it's time to go shopping. On the Vnedorognik UA website, we have collected a wide range of kungs from the world's leading manufacturers from all the listed materials. Our managers are ready to advise you on dynamic loads, fasteners and help you choose a model that will fit perfectly on your pickup and will serve you for many years. Come in and choose reliable protection for your SUV!