Ute & Vehicle Storage

Adding practical storage to your ute is one of the most useful upgrades you can make. Whether you use it for trade work, site visits, maintenance jobs, or weekend trips, keeping tools and gear organised makes daily tasks simpler and safer.

An under tray tool box makes use of space that would otherwise sit empty. Instead of piling tools loosely in the tray, you gain secure, structured storage without reducing your main load area.

What Is an Under Tray Tool Box Used For?

An under tray toolbox mounts beneath the tray, usually along the outer edge between the chassis rail and tray side. This location keeps it accessible from ground level while leaving the tray free for larger loads.

Common uses include storing:

• Hand tools and tool rolls
• Power tools and spare batteries
• Ratchet straps and tie-down gear
• Recovery straps and shackles
• Spare fittings, fluids, and consumables

For trade setups, ute toolboxes reduce clutter and limit movement of heavy tools during transport. For touring or off-road builds, under tray tool boxes keep recovery equipment separate from camping gear.

Because the storage is external, you avoid climbing into the tray every time you need something. This reduces strain and speeds up workflow.

Understanding Different Types of Tool Boxes for Utes

There is no single storage solution that suits every build. The right choice depends on how you use your ute.

Under Tray Toolboxes

Under tray toolboxes are ideal when tray space needs to remain open. They are popular on flat trays and alloy trays where external mounting brackets are easy to install.

Tray Tool Boxes

A tray tool box or tray box mounts on top of the tray. These offer greater volume but reduce available deck space. They are often installed across the headboard.

Ute Tub Storage Options

For factory tubs, a ute tub toolbox or ute tub storage box mounts inside the tub. This protects the box from road spray and may offer better security if used with a canopy.

Drawbar and Trailer Storage

A drawbar toolbox or draw bar tool box fits to the A-frame of a trailer. A caravan drawbar toolbox works the same way, adding practical storage without affecting ute tray storage.

Specialised Storage Solutions

Some builds use ute storage boxes combined with a ute tray organiser system. A cargo case can be added inside larger ute boxes to separate smaller equipment. Trades often configure multiple ute tray boxes to create a balanced layout.

Aluminium Storage Box vs Plastic Ute Box

Material choice plays a major role in durability.

An aluminium storage box or aluminum tool box is commonly used in trade environments. Aluminium provides strength without excessive weight and handles vibration well when properly mounted. A tradesman toolbox made from aluminium can support heavy loads and resist deformation.

Plastic tool boxes for utes are lighter and corrosion resistant. A plastic ute box may suit lighter duty use or environments where salt exposure is common. However, plastic may not offer the same impact resistance as alloy.

If you regularly carry heavy tools, hardware, or equipment, aluminium is generally more durable long term.

Choosing the Right Size Toolbox for Utes

Before purchasing a tool box for ute use, take careful measurements.

• Width between chassis rails
• Height from tray base to lowest obstruction
• Door swing clearance
• Ground clearance at full suspension compression

Under ute tool boxes must not interfere with tyres during articulation. Leave adequate space for suspension travel.

If you are fitting multiple under tray toolboxes, aim for balanced weight distribution. Mounting heavy equipment on one side only can create uneven load handling.

For internal tub setups, consider a ute tray storage box or ute tub storage solution that fits snugly without restricting tie-down points.

Installation Tips and Safety

Installing under tray tool boxes can be handled in a home workshop if you have suitable tools and safe lifting access.

• Support the box during positioning
• Mark mounting holes carefully
• Use high-tensile bolts with nyloc nuts
• Check alignment before final tightening
• Re-check bolt tension after initial driving

Avoid mounting directly to thin sheet metal without reinforcement. Where possible, secure to structural tray cross-members.

If unsure about structural strength or clearance, professional fitting may provide peace of mind.

Security and Weather Resistance

Quality under tray tool boxes are built with reinforced doors and lockable compression latches. Weather seals reduce dust and water ingress.

Keep in mind that these boxes sit in a harsh environment. They are exposed to:

• Road spray
• Dust
• Stone impact
• Constant vibration

Inspect seals regularly and apply light lubrication to hinges and locks. A well-maintained undertray toolbox will last longer and protect your equipment more effectively.

Setting Up Practical Ute Storage

Good ute storage is about layout as much as hardware.

Separate frequently used tools from rarely used items. Keep recovery gear in one ute storage box, electrical tools in another, and consumables in a dedicated ute tray storage box.

If you use a toolbox for ute applications daily, think about access height and door swing direction. Side-opening doors may be easier in tight areas compared to drop-down styles.

Combining under tray tool boxes with a larger tray tool box across the headboard often provides the best balance between capacity and access.

When planning your storage system, you may also want to consider ladder racks and tray racks, load restraint and tie-down equipment, and drawer systems and organisers. Matching your under tray toolbox with these complementary categories helps create a safe, organised, and durable ute tray storage setup.