4 Dec
So, you got a ute to manage your work or adventure gear, great! But how many times have you opened the tray and found your needed piece without hours of searching?
Most utes we see around are in miserable state. Tools sliding around, straps tangled, gear getting wet or dusty, and no easy way to find what you need. Without the right ute tray accessories, your setup becomes chaos on wheels rather than a workspace.
At Perth 4WD, we know what tradie ute accessories you need. We manufacture tough steel trays locally and stock a range of accessories. So, you can stay organised, travel safe, and carry more gear without the mess.
Let’s help you build a work ute setup for job site or off-road camping.
Why Drivers in WA Need Ute Storage Solutions?
Driving around Perth or WA with a poorly organised ute tray is a risk.
Among rough outback roads, dusty job sites, and heavy loads, a standard tray won’t last long. Proper accessories shield your tools and gear, keep everything organised, and help you stay efficient. Plus, they protect your ute from outdoor conditions too.
We manufacture heavy-duty steel trays (Galvanised steel, painted and fitted in Perth). So, they can stand up to daily tradie abuse and weekend off-road use. Combine them with smart storage add-ons and you get an efficient and durable work station on wheels.
What Ute Tray Accessories Should You Get?
You need to buy each and every accessory out there. Just get a few quality ones needed for your job and it’s more than enough. Here are some top tray accessories worth investing in along with their uses explained.
1- Dual-Cab Canopies
A canopy does more than just cover your tray.
It locks up your gear, shields everything from dust, rain and sun, and keeps things tidy and secure. Many tradies and weekenders choose steel or alloy canopies rather than fibreglass or plastic. Because they are more durable under heavy use or rough conditions.
Modern ute canopy accessories include shelving, drawer systems, or even removable “lift-off” styles. So, you can replace them when alternate between work and camping gear.
2- Ute Tray Toolboxes
One of the most valuable investments for a tradie or frequent ute-user is ute tool boxes. They keep tools secure from theft or weather, organise small and medium-sized gear, and free up tray space for larger items.
Toolboxes come in different configurations. E.g. under-tray boxes, side-mounted gull-wing types, or larger steel boxes mounted on top. If you run a tradie operation, get under-tray and lockable toolboxes to keep your gear out of the way without cluttering the tray.
3- Ute Ladder Racks
If your job demands carrying ladders, timber, piping, or long materials, heavy duty ute racks are almost mandatory. They let you carry long loads safely without them overhanging dangerously or taking up tray floor space.
Suitable to both canopy and open tray, ladder rack makes the load easier to tie down and transport. So, you can drive carefree on corrugated roads or uneven terrains in WA.
4- Ute Tray Liners
If you use your ute daily for hauling stuff, the tray floor needs protection too.
A ute tray liner or heavy-duty floor (like chequer plate steel) can protect the floor from scratches, dents, rust and general wear. Many trays also need rubber mats on top of liners to reduce noise, stop items sliding, and add grip.
At Perth 4WD, our steel trays already come with a durable floor. But you can add a liner or rubber mat to prolong the tray life and make loading/unloading less messy.
5- Trundle Drawers & Under-Tray Storage
One of the smartest ways to add storage without sacrificing tray space is ute drawers system or under-tray trundle. These slide-out drawer systems sit beneath the tray and allow you to store tools, recovery gear, straps, small equipment.
For tradies, ute under tray storage means quick access to items without unloading the tray. While travellers or off-roaders can use it for camping gear, recovery kit or spares.
Some drawer systems now come dust-sealed, lockable and with modular compartments.
6- Strong Tie-Down Points
Loose gear or poorly secured loads on rough roads are a known recipe for trouble.
Installing proper ute tie down points or anchor loops (floor-mounted or rail-mounted) helps secure the items. Anchor-point systems can hold heavy loads and are compatible with ratchet straps, bungees or cargo nets.
If you’re carrying bulky gear, building materials, or tools, they become even more necessary. As they save your gear, protect tray, and keep you compliant with load-securing rules.
7- Rubber Mats
Rubber mats seem basic and useless. But in reality, they have a solid role in protecting tray floor from scratches, adding grip under gear, and reducing rattling noise on rough roads. They’re one of the simple ute bed accessories with good value.
For aluminium ute trays, they reduce the risk of dents, chips, or rust and give items friction. So, they don’t slide around and stay secure.
8- Tonneau Covers
If you don’t need heavy storage but want simple protection from sun or rain, get a tonneau cover. They give a clean, flat surface over your tray and keep contents shielded. Choose it if you carry soft gear, camping bags, or light equipment and want an easy cover.
For some, a tonneau cover paired with under-tray storage or toolboxes gives a clean and minimalist bed, while still offering good utility.
9- Taillight Protectors
Working around building sites or rough terrain increases the risk of damage to lights.
So, you can get a simple taillight protector to prevent costly replacements. Especially if you regularly carry bulky, sharp or heavy materials. Some installers even recommend tail-light guards to avoid breakage from shifting loads or debris.
10- Can Holders & Little Add-Ons
Small accessories like can holders, gas bottle carriers, or mounting holders for smaller gear are also a great option. They add day-to-day convenience and enhance the beauty of your ute.
For tradies who spend long days on the job, or for those heading out on 4×4 trips, make a dedicated place for water or jerry cans. You can also install the compartments for small items to keep everything organised and avoid clutter.
11- Blind Spot Monitors & Safety-Oriented Add-Ons
If you’re loading your ute with gear, canopy, or bulky items, visibility and handling changes.
Add safety accessories like blind-spot monitors, rear-view cameras, or better lighting. They make parking at narrow spaces easy and help on highways or busy job sites. If you work during night, the importance of lighting and visibility upgrades increases even more.
Searching for durable 4×4 ute accessories?
Build Your Work Ute Setup with Perth 4WD
At Perth 4WD, we build and supply heavy-duty steel trays right here in Perth.
We offer in-house manufacturing, painting, and fitting for drop-side trays or well bodies. Our trays go well with all major utes (Hilux, Ranger, Triton, BT-50, Amarok, Navara, D-MAX, Colorado, Land Cruiser etc.). Our team arrange proper installation, correct wiring for lights, and if needed, relocation of reverse cameras and sensors.
Once the tray is set, you can add any of the accessories above. E.g. toolboxes, under-tray drawers, ladder racks, tie-down points, canopies or tonneau covers. So, you have a work ute setup for tradie duties, camping trips or off-road runs, whatever your requirement is.
So, let’s equip your 4WD with smart accessories.