If you're trying to get more organisation and easier access out of your ute tub, the two options you'll keep coming back to are ute drawers and sliding trays. Both solve the same core problem — reaching gear at the front of the tub without climbing in — but they solve it differently, and one will suit your setup far better than the other. This guide gives you a straight comparison so you can choose with confidence.
What Are Ute Drawers?
Ute drawers are a cabinetry-style storage system that sits in your tub and provides multiple lockable compartments you can pull open individually. Think of them like a chest of drawers installed in the back of your ute. Each drawer slides out independently — you can have one for tools, one for recovery gear, one for camping equipment, and so on.
Drawers are typically installed as a complete fit-out — they fill most or all of the tub floor and often include a sleeping platform on top for campers and overlanders. They're a more permanent solution than a sliding tray.
What Is a Sliding Tray?
A sliding tray (also called a slide-out tray or pull-out tray) is a single heavy-duty platform that mounts to the tub floor and extends fully out the back of the ute on a rail system. The entire tray surface slides out, bringing all your cargo to you. There are no separate compartments — the tray is one large flat surface you load like a normal tub floor, except it comes to you instead of you climbing in.
Sliding trays are a simpler, more flexible solution than drawers and are particularly popular with tradies and 4WD tourers who carry different loads regularly.
Key Differences
| Ute Drawers | Sliding Tray | |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Multiple separate lockable compartments | Single open platform |
| Flexibility | Fixed compartment sizes | Load anything, any shape |
| Access | Individual drawers pull out | Entire tray slides out |
| Load capacity | Varies by brand and build | 300–400 kg rated |
| Tub height usage | Takes up most of tub height | Sits low, preserves tub height |
| Works under canopy | Yes — common fitout | Yes — works under canopy or roller shutter |
| Price | $$$ — typically higher | $$ — typically more affordable |
| Installation | More involved, often professional fit | Bolt-on, DIY friendly |
| Permanence | More permanent fit-out | Easily removed if needed |
When to Choose Ute Drawers
Drawers are the right choice when:
- You carry the same set of tools or equipment every day and want each item in a specific place
- You want a sleeping platform on top for camping or overlanding
- You're building a permanent work or touring fit-out, usually combined with a canopy
- Organisation by category matters more than flexibility — e.g. electrical tools in one drawer, hand tools in another, consumables in a third
- Security of individual compartments is important
👉 Browse the UniUte ute drawers range
When to Choose a Sliding Tray
A sliding tray is the right choice when:
- You carry variable loads — different jobs, different gear, different days
- You need to load and unload quickly without worrying about which compartment things go in
- You carry large, awkward, or bulky items that won't fit in drawer compartments
- You want a high load rating — sliding trays are rated to 400 kg on the aluminium deck option
- Budget is a consideration — sliding trays are typically more affordable than a full drawer system
- You want a solution you can remove and reinstall in a different ute later
Sliding trays are particularly popular with tradies who carry mixed loads, 4WD owners who load recovery gear and camping equipment, and fleet vehicles that get repurposed for different tasks.
👉 Browse the UniUte sliding trays range — 300 kg and 400 kg rated
Can You Have Both?
Yes — and some owners do. A common setup is a half-length drawer system on one side of the tub with a sliding tray underneath, or a drawer system in the front half of the tub and open space at the rear. This gives you the organisation of drawers for everyday items with the flexibility of open tub space for bulkier loads. It's a more complex and expensive fit-out, but works well in a canopy setup.
What About Under a Roller Shutter or Hard Lid?
Both drawers and sliding trays work under roller shutters and hard lids, but there are height considerations:
- Roller shutters — clamp on top of the tub rail, so they don't reduce internal tub height at all. Both drawers and sliding trays work well underneath.
- Hard lids — also clamp on top of the tub rail with no reduction in internal height. Compatible with both.
- Canopies — provide the most internal height and work with both drawers and sliding trays. Most permanent drawer fit-outs are done under a canopy.
Which Vehicles Do UniUte Sliding Trays Fit?
UniUte sliding trays are available for all major Australian dual-cabs including:
- Toyota Hilux N80 (2015–2025) and N90 (2026+)
- Ford Ranger PX/PX2/PX3 (2012–2022) and NextGen RA (2022+)
- Isuzu D-Max (2020–2026)
- Mitsubishi Triton MQ, MR, and MV (2015+)
- Nissan Navara NP300 D23 (2015–2025) and D27 (2026+)
- Mazda BT-50 (2020–2026)
- GWM Cannon (2020–2026) and Cannon Alpha (2024+)
- KIA Tasman (2025+)
- BYD Shark 6 (2025+)
- SsangYong / KGM Musso (2018–2026)
- Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500
👉 Shop the full range of UniUte sliding trays
The Bottom Line
If you carry the same organised kit every day and want a permanent fit-out, go drawers. If you carry variable loads and want flexibility, high capacity, and a simpler install, go sliding tray. For most everyday tradies and 4WD owners, the sliding tray is the more practical and versatile choice — and at UniUte, it's one of our most popular products for a reason.
Not sure which is right for your setup? Contact the UniUte team in Moorabbin, VIC and we'll help you work it out. We ship Australia-wide.