Ute Tub Storage Ideas to Maximise Your Space and 4WD Efficiency

Sick of digging through a messy Ute tray just to find a single tool?

If your Ute tub has turned into a black hole of tangled straps, loose tools, and camping chaos, you’re not alone. For tradies, tourers and 4WDers in WA, disorganisation isn’t just annoying, it’s costly.

Studies show tradies waste up to 80 hours a year looking for misplaced gear. That’s time off the tools, wasted fuel, and a daily dose of back strain just climbing into your tray.

No worries. Perth 4WD has the solution!

In this guide, we’ll provide you with 7 smart Ute tub storage ideas, so you can finally reclaim order, protect your gear, and make every square inch of your tray work harder.

So, keep reading to turn your Ute tub into the organised, efficient workspace it should be.

7 Ute Tub Storage Ideas to Maximise Space & Efficiency

1. Heavy-Duty Drawer Systems

Slide-out drawer units are a classic solution for organising tools and gear. These metal drawers (usually steel-reinforced) mount under or on top of the tray and pull out like a filing cabinet.

Key Benefits:

• Easy access: Slide-out access means no more crawling in or bending over to reach deep corners.
• Security & protection: Quality systems have lockable, dustproof lids to keep tools secure from weather and thieves.
• Organised storage: Dividers and foam trays can be added so everything has its place.
• Built tough: Best of all, heavy-duty designs can carry hundreds of kilos (some use 2mm steel and support 400kg per drawer). Many Aussie systems use powder-coated steel and locks rated for extreme use.

Tip: We recommend pairing premium drawers with a local Glennic steel tray for a WA-tested setup that lasts (both made to Aussie specs). This combo handles tradie tools and adventure gear.

2. Under-Tray Toolboxes

Make use of the dead space under your tub. Under-tray toolboxes fit beneath the flatbed, leaving the main tray free for larger loads. They mount under the cross-bars or chassis and locks up, so you can keep tie-down straps or hand tools handy yet hidden.

These slim boxes are perfect for stowing tools, recovery gear, straps and cables out of sight.

Key Benefits:

• Easy access: Keep frequently used tools and long tie-down straps in the undertray box. easy to grab but hidden from view. No lifting toolbox lids
• Recovery gear: Store snatch straps, shackles and gloves in a secure box out of the way.
• Clutter-free tub: With the under-bed box handling the small stuff, your tub stays open for bigger cargo.

Perth 4WD supplies high-quality under-tray boxes that are corrosion-resistant alloy and keyed to match their drawer systems. These are lightweight but lock up tight, so your essentials stay clean and dry.

3. Canopies with Modular Shelving

For the ultimate weatherproof setup, bolt a canopy onto your tray and outfit it as a mini workshop or camper.

An enclosed Ute canopy protects gear from rain, theft and wind-blown dust. Inside, fit out modular shelves, bench tops and fridge slides. You can even install pull-out kitchen modules or battery compartments. A good canopy lets you customise the layout however you need.

Key Benefits:

• Weatherproof security: Canopies are lockable and sealed (rubber trims and vents) so gear stays dry and secure. Your expensive tools or electronics don’t bake in the sun or soak in the rain.
• Flexible cargo: Use the canopy for jobs like to sit in shade and organise gear. Plus, you can remove shelves for carrying odd loads e.g. pipes or ladders.
• Endless layouts: The way to like! Slide-in fridge, battery boxes, drawer banks or shelving racks can be added in any orientation. Like:
• Tradies mostly put drawers on one side and shelves on the other.
• Campers install fridge slides, a porta-pantry and even a small workbench.

Our aluminium Ute canopies are powder-coated and Glennic steel canopies are designed for tough use. You can get factory-built units with optional ladder racks, roof vents and internal power ports. For touring, consider adding a roof-top tent that mounts on your canopy’s roof frame.

4. Steel Ute Trays with Integrated Storage

If you’re due for a bigger upgrade, replace the factory tub with a steel flat tray. Fatefully, many steel tray designs include integrated storage:

• built-in toolboxes (full-width or side-boxes)
• tie-down points welded on
• under-chassis compartments

Compared to a plastic tub, a steel tray offers more modularity and strength. It can handle everything from jackhammers to fridges.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: Steel trays take a beating – they won’t crack or deform under heavy loads. Their payload capacity can exceed the original tub by hundreds of kilos.
• Built-in features: Many have galvanised tie rings, integrated tail-lights, and welded frame ties as standard. You can opt for factory-fitted drawers or boxes.
• Build tough for Perth Climate: Each tray is built to handle the toughest jobs for both tradies and campers.
• Upgrade path: You can retrofit canopies, racks, and bull bars easily since the flat tray is open.

Glennic trays at Perth 4WD are galvanised to resist rust and built for heavy use. Plus, upgrading to our steel trays unlocks extra storage options. For instance, under-tray toolboxes, roll-out trundle drawers, or water tanks can all be factory-added.

5. Slide-Out Cargo Trays

Think of slide-out trays (aka cargo sliders) as a drawer the size of your tub’s floor. Mounted on heavy-duty rails, these panels pull out up to 100% of the way, bringing all your cargo to you.

Key Benefits:

• Easy access to heavy gear: Perfect for carrying engines, long pipes, or stacked tools. Just slide it out instead of lifting, reducing back strain and injury.
• Ideal for lifted Utes & deep tubs: Strain-free access to even the rear of the tub. No more climbing in or crawling under hanging loads. Sliders make every corner of the tub usable. With locking sliders, you can load them with gear and simply pull it out when needed.
• Optimised for touring setups: Combine with drawers or shelving inside a canopy for a layered storage solution that’s efficient and ergonomic.

One of our customers combined a slide-out cargo floor with drawers inside a canopy for the ultimate setup. Every drawer and even a fridge can be accessed from one spot.

6. Tie-Down Tracks & Cargo Nets

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Even with drawers and boxes, you’ll still carry bulky items, and they need securing. That’s where tie-down rails, rings and cargo nets come in.

These affordable Ute accessories let you strap down ladders, boxes or odd-shaped loads anywhere in the tub. By fitting adjustable load rings and rails to your tray floor or walls, you create endless lashing points for ratchet straps.

Key Benefits:

• Flexible load control: Add floor or wall-mounted tracks with removable D-rings, giving you adjustable tie-down points wherever needed. Great for ladders, toolboxes, and awkward gear.
• Prevent gear shifting: Elastic cargo nets and bungee-style barriers stop loose items from sliding or bouncing during travel.
• Quick, removable & affordable setup: Unlike fixed drawers, tie-downs are lightweight, low-cost, and ideal for temporary or changing loads.
• Improved safety: Properly secured loads reduce the risk of gear flying forward during braking. Always use rated straps and hardware.

7. Custom-Fit Storage for Camping & Touring

Finally, think beyond one-size-fits-all. Design your tub storage around how you travel.

Rooftop tents and fridges are worthless if you can’t easily reach them. That means custom drawers, battery and water compartments, and slide-outs tailored to your setup.

For example:

• Dual-battery & power: Install a second battery drawer and fuse block in the canopy or tray. This lets you run an inverter/fridge without draining your starter battery.
• Water storage: Fit slim tanks between the cab and headboard or under the tray for showers or taps. We suggest 40–80L is a good range, strapped securely.
• Kitchen slides: A slide-out bench or canopy pantry with space for a camp oven and sink can turn the tailgate area into a kitchen.
• Storage boxes: Use stackable boxes under false floors or in the canopy recess. For example, one camper had 3 sealed boxes under the false floor for spares and spare parts.

With a custom fit-out, your use tub becomes a “home on wheels.”

Read more about ‘Maximising the Storage Capacity of Your Ute’ and explore how even simple additions can make your caravan dreams come true.

Still wrestling with a messy tray?

Get Your Ute Organised with Quality Upgrades at Perth 4WD

We have all the storage upgrades built for Aussie conditions. From heavy-duty steel trays to slide-out systems and secure canopies, we can outfit your Ute this week.

Let us help you design the perfect Ute setup.

Explore our Ute tray accessories now

Contact us for to get a custom quote

FAQs about Ute Storage Solutions

Q1: What are the best ways to maximise space in my Ute tray?

Use purpose-built organisers like slide-out drawers, under-tray toolboxes, and canopies. These keep items sorted and accessible. In fact, combine a heavy-duty slide drawer for tools, secure underbody boxes for straps, and tie-down tracks for odd loads.

Q2: Do I need a canopy, or is a tub enough?

A canopy adds secure, weatherproof space. With a canopy, you lock up tools and gear out of sight and rain. It also lets you install shelving and drawers internally. If you haul valuable gear or want protected cargo, a canopy beats an open tub or basic organiser. Canopies keep gear dry and allow more storage options like fridge slides and compartments.

Q3: What is a slide-out cargo tray and why should I consider one?

A slide-out cargo tray is essentially the entire floor of your tray on rails. Pull it out like a giant drawer to access everything at once. This is great if you carry heavy or deep loads. No straining to reach the back of the tub, you just slide it out. If you want faster, safer loading/unloading, a slide-out tray is worth it.

Q4: How do I secure loads in my Ute tub?

Always use tie-down anchors and straps. Install rails or D-ring mounts on the floor and walls. You can strap items down securely anywhere. Combine rails with durable ratchet straps or cargo nets, and your load won’t shift on the move. This simple step keeps everything in place and protects your gear and vehicle from flying objects when off-roading.