Ute Tray vs Ute Tub: What’s the Difference & Which One to Choose?

Feeling cramped by a leaky tub or spending hours reloading a soggy tray? You’re not the only one. Tradies, campers and even everyday drivers face a similar headache when choosing between the stock Ute tub or a custom Ute tray.

The wrong choice wastes time, adds fuel costs, and invites frustration.

This guide cuts through the jargon with valuable insights to show you whether a tray or a tub is the smarter pick for your Ute. Keep reading to see which Ute setup fits your life.

What’s the Difference Between a Ute Tray and a Ute Tub?

In a nutshell, a tray is an open, flat platform bolted onto the chassis, whereas a tub is the OEM cargo bed built into the vehicle’s body. The tub comes standard from the factory, an enclosed, solid-sided steel bed with a drop-down tailgate. Whereas, a tray is a separate aftermarket unit with fold-down sides and a sturdy headboard.

Let’s compare them by material, weight, payload, cost, safety and use-cases, so you can pick the right rear end for your Ute.

What is a Ute Tray?

A Ute tray is a flat square or rectangular platform fitted behind the cab in place of the factory tub. It usually has removable or drop-down sides and a headboard at the front of the bed.

Trays are made from tough materials; commonly galvanised steel or aluminium.

Material: Steel Ute trays are extremely rugged and ideal for heavy-duty hauling. Whereas, aluminium Ute trays weigh much less and resist rust. In either case, many owners opt for a mix: steel frames with alloy sides, or full-aluminium builds. Read more > alloy vs. steel Ute trays

Use cases: Ute trays are popular for tradies, farmers and custom fit-outs. Electricians, builders or mechanics load bulky tools and materials onto a flat tray and lock them in under-tub drawers and canopies. Farmers carry hay, crates and gear (the taller tray sides help contain loads). Off-roaders fit water tanks and spare tires under the deck to free up cabin space.

Benefits of Ute Trays Over Ute Tubs

• Highly versatile fit-up:

Trays are a blank canvas. You can bolt on under-bed drawers, lockable toolboxes, rolling trundle drawers and even high side panels. We supply Ute tray accessories like canopies and boxes that fit trays perfectly. You can also match trays with custom canopies or racks for any job.

• Max cargo area:

A tray’s flat deck sits above the wheels, so you get more usable floor. You can strap in very wide or odd-shaped gear that a tub’s arches would block.

• Stronger for rough loads:

Heavy steel trays are overbuilt for tough work. Even aluminium trays are designed to handle serious weight. Because trays are lighter than tubs you end up with more spare payload before hitting GVM. In practice tradies report carrying a few hundred kilos more gear per trip after going tray.

• Secure storage:

With flat trays you can integrate lockable compartments everywhere (headboard lockers, side toolboxes, drawers). Unlike an open tub, a tray can be fully locked down even with gear inside. Many lockable trays even include keyed roll-out drawers or canopy locks for ultimate peace-of-mind.

• Better off-road clearance:

Because trays sit higher, they give superior departure angles and ground clearance. A tub’s lower, full-width body can be a hang-up on steep grades or rocks.

• Easy loading & tie-downs:

Low or removable sides make it simpler to toss pallets or lumber onto a tray and strap them down. Trays often include rope rails, anchor points or built-in tie rings. OEM tubs require climbing in or folding down the tailgate, which is less convenient.

• Sleek style & good resale value:

Many owners say a flat tray gives their Ute a modern, purposeful look. It can freshen up an old 4×4 immediately. Plus, trays are in high demand, a good tray boosts resale value more than a tub. Best for: tradies, heavy-haulers and anyone wanting custom trays or canopy setups.

• Low maintenance:

Most trays (especially aluminium) are rust-proof and resist scratches better than painted tubs. Aloy trays simply need a wash and light polish, while steel trays are usually galvanised to fend off corrosion. This means less fuss and less touch-up paint than the tin tub’s shiny paintwork.

Downsides of Ute Trays

• Higher initial cost: Custom trays aren’t cheap out of the box. A new heavy-duty tray kit (fitted and painted) can run into the $10,000s, though basic secondhand trays go for $3–5k. In contrast, tubs come standard, so there’s no initial upgrade cost (and a tub is much cheaper to replace if damaged).
• Extra weight: Most trays add more tare weight than a tub, reducing your legal payload. For example, a heavy steel tray (308kg) vs. a tub (150kg) means 160kg less payload. Many owners end up upgrading springs or re-rating to cope with a heavy tray.
• Exposed to weather: Open trays leave gear in the elements. You’ll need tarps, tonneaus or a canopy to keep rain or dust out. That means extra setup time and tie-downs each trip. Roller shutters and lids exist for trays, but most people still pack a cover for heavy rain.
• Extra installation: Unlike a tub, a tray must be bought and fitted after-market. This takes time (1–2 days for removal of the old tub, welding mounts, and install) and some paperwork if a GVM re-rate is needed.

What is a Ute Tub?

A Ute tub is the factory-built cargo body at the back of the cab. It’s a one-piece, painted steel bed with fixed tall sidewalls and a drop-down tailgate.

On most dual-cab Utes the tub is around 1.5–1.6m wide between the outer edges of the walls. The tub’s floor is pressed around the wheel arches, so you do see wheel humps protruding into the load area.

Materials: Tubs are almost always pressed steel coated in body paint. In some models there may be plastic liners or composite inserts. But essentially, it’s a welded metal box molded with the Ute.

Use cases: It’s ready-made from the factory for everyday hauling. It’s deep and enclosed, so it protects cargo from rain and holds taller items upright. Trucks come stock with tubs, ideal for light-to-medium loads, shopping, DIY projects, and jobs where you might quickly cover things with a lid. City drivers, families and fleets often prefer the tub because it offers immediate weather protection and costs nothing extra up-front.

Benefits of Ute Tubs

• Factory setup

Tubs come standard on most new Utes. They have deep painted side-walls ready to carry tall items straight from the lot. Many owners don’t even realise they can swap it out!

• Low initial cost

Since the tub is part of the vehicle, you pay nothing extra for it. If it gets damaged, repairing or replacing a tub is usually cheaper than buying a whole tray.

• Sleek OEM fit

A painted tub matches your Ute’s design and colour perfectly. It keeps the vehicle’s look seamless, which is great for branding or a stock finish. Standard truck accessories like liners, OEM canopies, mounting rails are all made to fit these dimensions exactly.

• Better for open-top loads

The high tub walls are handy for loose materials (soil, gravel, mulch). They contain piles of stuff without spills.

• Immediate weather protection

With the right cover like a roll-top or hard-lid you can seal the tub easily. Tubs generally have more off-the-shelf canopy options that bolt on snugly. They block rain and sun right away without needing extra setup.

• Easy lifting height

Taller tubs can reduce bending into the bed. If you regularly load big bins or crates, the higher wall means less risk of items toppling out.

Downsides of Ute Tubs

• Narrower floor width: The wheel arches intrude into the tub’s flat floor, significantly reducing usable width. You simply can’t load as wide without a tray.
• Limited customisation: You’re stuck with the fixed well-body. Adding under-bed drawers is difficult (the spare tyre often lives under the tub), and there’s no quick way to convert it to a flat deck. You also have fewer options for toolboxes, auxiliary tanks or ladders under a tub.
• Limited canopy options: Trays support a huge range of wind-off or full canopies. Tub canopies exist but are less flexible and often confine side access. Many high-quality Australian canopies only fit trays, not tubs.
• Less durable to rough use: The painted tub walls can dent and scratch easily from daily impacts. Even a small knock leaves a noticeable ding or scuff, whereas heavy-duty trays resist that wear. Over time the tub’s paint may chip and rust, especially around edges.

9 Key Differences Between Ute Tray and Ute Tub

When choosing, consider these key factors:

Ute Tub vs. Ute Tray: Which One Should You Buy?

• For Tradies & Contractors: Go tray + lockable storage.

Builders, electricians and mechanics mostly choose a steel or aluminium tray with under-bed drawers and canopies. It maximises payload and tie-down options.

• For Campers/Overlanders: Consider tray + canopy.

If you haul tents, coolers and adventure gear, a tray’s flat floor makes packing easier. Add a Paramount or swing-wing canopy and you’ve got a secure, weather-proof “garage” for your camp kit.

• For City/Family/Light Use: A tub is usually sufficient.

If you only do school runs, shopping or light DIY, the tub’s weather-shield and low cost make sense. It’s ready to go and won’t shrink your driving range.

Ready for your perfect setup? Don’t let the wrong rear-end hold you back.

Shop Durable, High-Quality Ute Trays and Accessories at Perth 4WD Today

Perth 4WD Centre specialises in top-grade new and reconditioned trays built to Aussie specs.

Whether you need heavy-duty steel Ute trays in Perth or a turnkey tub-and-canopy solution, we have you covered. We’re Perth’s one-stop-shop for trays, well-bodies and all 4WD accessories. Get expert advice or a quote today.

Get a quote now

Prefer a budget pick? Check our reconditioned trays & well bodies for like-new quality at lower cost.

FAQs About Ute Tray vs. Tub

Q1: Can I convert my Ute tub to a tray?

Yes. Virtually any tub can be replaced with an aftermarket tray. The process involves unbolting the tub and fitting a tray frame to the chassis. Many Perth 4WD customers do this; our workshop can handle most models (dual cab, extra cab, single cab).

Q2: Does a Ute tray reduce my payload?

A tray itself weighs more than a tub, so your tare weight goes up. However, lighter aluminium trays offset this. Practically, you should still weigh your setup after installation. We recommend a suspension upgrade or GVM re-rate so you don’t lose usable capacity.

Q3: How much does a new Ute tray cost in Perth?

It varies by size and materials. Expect roughly $8,000–$12,000 for a fully fitted brand-new steel tray (with basic features). Aluminium trays start a bit higher due to material costs.

Q4: Can I fit a canopy to a tray?

Absolutely. Many Ute owners mount a canopy or cage on a tray. Ute canopies are compatible with standard tray sides and headboards. Because trays have a flat upper surface, you can choose any canopy style. We also offer Ute tray accessories such as bespoke toolboxes and slide-out drawers that play nicely with canopies.

Q5: Will changing to a tray affect my insurance or warranty?

Possibly. Always notify your insurer when you modify the rear body. Some policies may need an endorsement or may change premiums. Fitting a tray usually won’t void engine/drivetrain warranty, but check your warranty terms and, if necessary, arrange a certified GVM re-rating.

Q6: How long does tray installation take?

From drop-off to go-time, plan on 1 – 2 days. We remove the old tub (usually with a hoist), prep mounting points, then fit the new tray, connect lights and sensors, and paint-match. It varies by workload, but Perth 4WD aims for the quickest reliable turnaround.

Q7: Are reconditioned Ute trays a safe budget option?

Yes. A reconditioned tray can save you money while still being safe and solid. Perth 4WD’s reconditioning service (sandblasting, priming, repainting, new lights/mudguards) restores old trays to like-new condition.

Q8: What’s the difference between a Ute and a cab-chassis?

Most consumer Utes come with a tub or factory tray. A cab-chassis model is sold with no rear body. It’s just the cabin and chassis rails. Buyers then fit their own tray or body. Essentially, cab-chassis = fully customisable rear end. In all other respects, the vehicles drive the same.