Your ute tub is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on your vehicle — and most owners don't use it anywhere near as well as they could. Whether you're a tradie who needs tools accessible every day, a weekend 4WD enthusiast, or someone who just wants to stop gear sliding around in the back, this guide covers every practical ute tub storage option available for Australian dual-cabs.
Why Tub Storage Matters
An unsecured tub is a safety risk, a theft risk, and a frustration. Gear shifts in transit, tools get damaged, and finding what you need takes twice as long. The right tub storage setup means everything has a place, nothing moves, and you can access what you need in seconds — even in the dark.
Option 1 — Swing-Out Tool Box
A swing-out tool box mounts to the side of your tub and swings open 180 degrees, giving you access to the full contents without climbing in the back. It sits below the tub rail so it doesn't interfere with a roller shutter, hard lid, or tonneau cover.
This is the go-to option for tradies who need fast access to hand tools, power tools, and consumables throughout the day. Lockable, weatherproof, and side-mounted means your tub floor stays completely clear for other gear.
Best for: Tradies, daily tool access, keeping the tub floor clear
👉 Shop UniUte swing-out tool boxes — all major makes and models
Option 2 — Sliding Tray
A sliding tray (also called a slide-out tray or pull-out tray) is a heavy-duty platform that mounts to the tub floor and extends fully out the back of the ute. No more climbing in to reach gear at the front of the tub — everything slides out to you.
UniUte sliding trays are rated to 300 kg (plastic deck) or 400 kg (aluminium deck) and are bolt-on with no drilling required. They're particularly popular with tradespeople, campers, and 4WD owners who carry heavy equipment regularly.
Best for: Anyone who loads and unloads heavy or bulky gear regularly, campers, 4WD touring setups
👉 Shop UniUte sliding trays — 300 kg and 400 kg rated, all models
Option 3 — Tub Mat
A tub mat is the simplest and most affordable tub upgrade. A custom-fit heavy-duty rubber mat lines the entire tub floor and sidewalls, protecting your tub from scratches and dents, preventing gear from sliding, and making cleanup easy.
UniUte tub mats are vehicle-specific — cut to fit your exact tub including wheel arch cutouts — so they sit perfectly without gaps or bunching. They're often the first thing owners buy, and for good reason.
Best for: All ute owners — the baseline protection every tub should have
👉 Shop UniUte tub mats — custom fit for your ute
Option 4 — Tub Hammock Organiser
A tub hammock is a mesh net that stretches across the tub rails, creating a suspended storage layer above the tub floor. It's ideal for keeping loose, lightweight items — ropes, straps, recovery gear, wet weather gear — off the floor and out of the way.
Simple, lightweight, and cheap, a tub hammock adds a second layer of organisation without taking up any floor space.
Best for: Organising loose, lightweight items — ropes, straps, camping gear
👉 Shop UniUte tub hammock organisers
Option 5 — Roller Shutter or Hard Lid (Security + Weatherproofing)
No tub storage setup is complete without a cover. All the organisation in the world doesn't matter if your gear gets wet or stolen. A roller shutter gives you the best security and weatherproofing, while a hard lid adds a 250 kg rated load platform on top. Both clamp on with no drilling required.
👉 Shop roller shutters | Shop hard lids
The Best Tub Storage Combinations
Most owners end up combining two or three of the above. Here are the most popular setups:
The Tradie Setup
Swing-out tool box + tub mat + roller shutter. Maximum security, fast tool access, weatherproofed, tub floor stays clear for materials.
The 4WD Touring Setup
Sliding tray + tub mat + roller shutter. Pull everything out the back without climbing in, full weatherproofing, can lock at any position.
The Weekend Warrior Setup
Tub mat + hard lid + tub hammock. Clean look, 250 kg load on top, loose gear organised in the hammock.
The Budget Setup
Tub mat + soft tonneau cover. Basic protection, affordable, easy to remove when you need the full tub.
Shop by Your Ute
All UniUte tub storage products are vehicle-specific and engineered to fit Australian dual-cabs precisely. Popular fitments include:
- Toyota Hilux N80 (2015–2025) and N90 (2026+)
- Ford Ranger PX, PX2, PX3, and NextGen (2012–2026)
- Isuzu D-Max (2020–2026)
- Mitsubishi Triton MQ, MR, and MV (2015–2026)
- Nissan Navara NP300 D23 and D27 (2015–2026)
- Mazda BT-50 (2020–2026)
- GWM Cannon (2020–2026)
- KIA Tasman (2025+)
- BYD Shark 6 (2025+)
- SsangYong / KGM Musso (2018–2026)
👉 Browse the full UniUte tub storage range
Not sure what fits your ute or how to combine products? Contact the UniUte team in Moorabbin, VIC — we ship Australia-wide and can help you build the right setup for your vehicle and how you use it.