If you are searching for Kings drawers, a Kings drawer system or 4WD drawers generally, the real question is usually the same: what is the easiest way to organise a ute tub and reach gear without climbing inside?
Traditional drawer systems are one answer. A sliding tray is another — and for many ute owners, especially those carrying bulky tools, camping tubs, fridges or mixed cargo, a tray can preserve more flexibility while still solving the access problem.
Important: UniUte no longer sells drawer systems, including Kings-style or Titan-style drawers. We have kept this guide because many Australian ute owners compare drawers with other storage systems before buying. Our current vehicle-specific cargo-access solution is the UniUte sliding tray range.
What Are Kings Drawers?
Kings drawers are a well-known example of the fixed 4WD drawer-system format. The basic idea is simple: a frame is installed into the rear cargo area or ute tub and one or more drawers slide out towards the tailgate.
The appeal is organisation. Small tools, recovery gear, cooking equipment and other items can be separated into dedicated compartments instead of being stacked loose in the tub.
That can work very well when your load stays relatively consistent. But the same fixed structure can become a limitation when you regularly carry large boxes, awkward equipment, building materials, camping tubs or other cargo that changes from week to week.
Why Ute Owners Consider Drawer Systems
Whether somebody is looking at Kings 4x4 drawers or another drawer brand, the main benefits are usually:
- Organisation: smaller equipment can be separated into dedicated spaces.
- Access: gear can be pulled towards the tailgate rather than reached from the front of the tub.
- A flat upper surface: some drawer layouts create a platform above the drawers for additional cargo.
- A permanent setup: useful for owners who carry essentially the same equipment every day.
The trade-off is that the drawer frame permanently occupies a substantial part of the tub. Before choosing one, it is worth asking whether you actually need multiple enclosed compartments or whether your bigger problem is simply reaching the front of the tub.
Where Fixed Ute Drawers Can Be Limiting
They Commit the Tub to One Layout
A fixed drawer system is excellent when the vehicle has one job. It can be less convenient when the same ute is a work vehicle during the week and carries bikes, camping tubs, furniture, large cartons or family gear on weekends.
Once a drawer frame occupies the floor, the usable height and shape of the remaining cargo area changes. A sliding tray keeps the load platform much more open.
They Add Permanent Weight
Every permanent accessory contributes to vehicle payload. A canopy, roof rack, recovery equipment, auxiliary battery, water, passengers and storage system all need to be considered together.
The exact weight varies significantly by drawer design, so compare the complete system rather than assuming one storage type is automatically lighter. The important point is to avoid installing more structure than your actual use requires.
Bulky Gear Still Has to Fit Around the Drawers
Drawers are designed around compartments. If your load is mostly small tools, that can be an advantage. If you carry generators, large tool cases, camping tubs, fridges or irregular cargo, an open load platform can be easier to configure.
Canopies Make Reach-In Access More Important
Once a full-height canopy is installed, reaching equipment at the front of the tub can become awkward. That is one reason a full-width sliding tray works particularly well with a canopy: instead of climbing into the tub, you bring the load towards the tailgate.
For other canopy upgrades, see our Ute Canopy Accessories guide.
What Is a Ute Sliding Tray?
A ute sliding tray — also called a cargo slide or slide-out tray — turns most of the tub floor into a platform that can slide towards the tailgate.
Rather than dividing cargo into fixed drawers, the tray lets you load your existing tool cases, storage boxes, camping tubs or other equipment onto one accessible platform. When you need something from the front of the tub, you slide the platform out instead of climbing inside.
UniUte currently offers vehicle-specific sliding trays for popular Australian utes and pickups. Browse the full ute sliding tray collection.
Kings Drawers vs Sliding Tray: Key Differences
| Consideration | Fixed Drawer System | Sliding Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Excellent for separating smaller items | Use boxes, cases or organisers on an open platform |
| Access to front of tub | Drawers bring their contents forward | Most of the cargo platform comes towards the tailgate |
| Bulky cargo | Must fit around the drawer structure | More open loading surface |
| Changing cargo | Best when the setup stays consistent | Better suited to loads that change regularly |
| Canopy use | Good for organised small gear | Very useful for reaching deep into a covered tub |
| Work use | Strong option for many small tools | Strong option for cases, boxes and heavier bulky equipment |
| Touring use | Good for compartmentalised camping gear | Good for tubs, fridges and mixed touring equipment |
| Future flexibility | Layout is relatively fixed | Open platform can be reconfigured around the trip or job |
Is a Sliding Tray Better Than Kings Drawers?
Not automatically. They solve slightly different problems.
If your main goal is to separate dozens of small items into permanent compartments, drawers may still be the better format.
If your main problem is that the tub is deep and hard to access — especially under a canopy, roller shutter or hard lid — a sliding tray can be a much simpler solution because the whole load area moves towards you.
For many UniUte customers, that flexibility is the reason we now focus on sliding trays rather than fixed drawer systems.
Best Storage Setup for Tradies
A tradie carrying lots of small fittings and hand tools may prefer drawer-style organisation. But if your equipment already lives in tool cases, crates or boxes, a sliding tray can make those existing containers much easier to access without adding another layer of compartments.
A practical work setup can combine:
- a vehicle-specific sliding tray for the main load;
- portable tool cases or crates that can be removed when required;
- a swing-out tool box for smaller frequently used items; and
- a canopy or hard cover for weather protection and security.
For compact storage around the sides of the tub, browse UniUte tub storage and tool box options.
Best Storage Setup for Touring and Camping
Touring loads change. One trip may involve a fridge, food boxes and recovery equipment; another may include family luggage, bikes or bulky camping gear. That is where an open sliding platform becomes useful.
Instead of building the entire tub around fixed compartments, you can organise gear into removable tubs or cases and change the layout as required.
If the vehicle also has a canopy, a sliding tray can reduce the need to climb inside to reach equipment stored near the cab. You can then use the canopy roof for compatible bars, a rack, awning or roof-top tent where load ratings permit.
Can You Use a Sliding Tray Under a Canopy?
Yes, provided the tray dimensions and canopy mounting system are compatible. In fact, this is one of the most practical combinations because the canopy gives enclosed storage while the tray solves the reach problem created by a deep tub.
Before combining accessories, check clearances around canopy clamps, wheel arches and any internal fittings. Also account for the combined weight of the canopy, tray and cargo when calculating vehicle payload.
Browse UniUte ute canopies if you are planning the complete storage setup.
Vehicle-Specific UniUte Sliding Trays
Rather than relying on one universal platform, UniUte offers trays matched to popular ute and pickup tub dimensions. Current options include:
- Toyota Hilux Sliding Tray 2004–2026
- Ford Ranger Sliding Tray 2012–2026
- Isuzu D-Max Sliding Tray 2012–2026
- BYD Shark 6 Sliding Tray 2025+
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Sliding Tray
- RAM 1500 Sliding Tray
The range also covers Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, GWM Cannon, LDV T60, Jeep Gladiator, Ford F-150, Holden Colorado and Toyota Tundra. Use the sliding trays collection to find your vehicle.
What About Swing-Out Tool Boxes?
A sliding tray does not have to do every storage job. A swing-out tool box can use the rear corner of the tub for smaller items while leaving the main load floor available.
This combination can work well for owners who want a dedicated place for straps, gloves, small tools or recovery accessories but do not want a full drawer frame occupying the entire tub.
What to Check Before Choosing Drawers or a Sliding Tray
- Your cargo: lots of small loose items favour drawers; large cases and mixed cargo often favour a tray.
- How often the load changes: a more flexible platform makes sense when the ute has multiple uses.
- Canopy or cover clearance: make sure all moving parts and mounting hardware have room to operate.
- Payload: calculate accessories and cargo together rather than looking at each item in isolation.
- Vehicle fitment: confirm year, model, tub length and body configuration before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UniUte sell Kings drawers?
No. UniUte no longer sells Kings drawers or other fixed drawer systems. This article is retained as a comparison guide for shoppers researching ute storage. Our current storage range focuses on vehicle-specific sliding trays and tub storage solutions.
Are Kings drawers still a good option?
A fixed drawer system can still make sense if you want permanent compartments for smaller equipment. The better choice depends on what you carry and whether you value compartmentalisation or a more flexible open load platform.
What is the main advantage of a sliding tray over drawers?
The main advantage is flexible access to a larger open cargo platform. Instead of fitting cargo around permanent drawer compartments, you can place cases, tubs and other equipment on the tray and bring the load towards the tailgate.
Can a sliding tray be used for camping?
Yes. Sliding trays are useful for camping tubs, fridges, recovery equipment and other gear that would otherwise sit deep inside the tub. Always secure cargo appropriately before driving.
Can I use a sliding tray with a roller shutter or hard lid?
In many setups, yes, provided there is adequate clearance and the products are compatible with the vehicle and each other. Check the dimensions and mounting points before combining systems.
Do sliding trays fit every ute?
No. Tub sizes and shapes vary between vehicles and generations. UniUte offers vehicle-specific tray options, so confirm the exact make, model and year before ordering.
Kings Drawers Alternative: Compare Ute Sliding Trays
If you arrived here looking for Kings drawers but your priority is easier access to the whole ute tub, a sliding tray is worth comparing before you commit to a fixed drawer system.
Explore the UniUte Sliding Tray range for Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, BYD Shark 6, Mitsubishi Triton, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, GWM Cannon, RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and other popular utes and pickups.