Aside from obvious ute upgrades like trays or uprated suspension components to maximise space and improve handling, there’s more to the practicality and utility side of utes. Utes are versatility hard hitters, and simple additions like under tray drawers or jerry can holders increase overall usable space, help with organising your gear, and improve safety regardless or where you’re driving or what you have in the tub or tray. Here we take a look at high-value but often overlooked ute accessories that get the most out of your vehicle.
Ute Storage Drawers
While factory tubs or aftermarket trays offer tons of space, cramming all your gear in the back might not be the best idea. Ute owners want to pair that space with the accessibility and simple organsation that comes with dedicated storage drawers. These essentially fit inside the back of the ute, have all your gear in defined and easy-to-access spaces, and importantly, prevent items from rolling around and getting damaged.
Drawers come in different configurations, either in larger single or smaller double layouts, be placed horizontally or vertically, and even under the tray if you use this more often for larger gear or equipment. Drawers are usually made from marine-grade aluminium that sits well with trays in the same material. Or be sourced from stainless steel for outright strength or cheaper plastics if you’re carrying and packing lighter items. What’s common in all is that they use durable locking drawer slides that allow drawers to simply slide in and out with minimal effort.
Drawer Slides
These are the long, thin mechanisms that allow storage drawers to slide out. They fit the ute side panels via screws, can be optioned in varying lengths to accommodate storage drawers of varying sizes and weight, and are made of durable, high strength steel. Load capacities exceed 200 kilos in a pair of longer slides, so sliding out a camping fridge or drawers packed with power tools is simple, safe and fast. These ute additions also have a locking mechanism to keep drawers put when driving, and prevent theft.
Benefits include increased storage capacity when paired with the right drawers, easier access to all gear inside, better organisation, and improved safety.
There are several drawer slide types. Ball bearing drawer slides are some of the most common, have decent weight loadings and are favoured for their smooth opening and closing action. Some also include an integrated soft-closing mechanism, that rules out drawers slamming shut and rattling all the items inside.
When carrying heavier or bigger gear, consider the benefits of roller slides. These consist of rollers or grooves on which the drawers sit and can easily be pulled out and retracted back in. Both types can be fitted in caravans and campervans and combined with trays and canopies in single, extra and dual cab utes. Pair these with smaller side, centre or undermount locking drawer slides for drawers in smaller sizes and in different mounting locations to maximise and make better use of your ute’s available space and carrying capacity.
Ladder Racks
Ladder racks are necessary ute accessories for ladders and extra-long building materials like plasterboard, pipes or planks. And they’ll easily carry sporting and recreational goods like kayaks, bikes and surfboards. Consisting of durable rails and multiple cross members, they mount to the tub or tray bed at one end, and brackets in the cab roof or in the front chassis rails via height-adjustable beams. Made of sturdy, thick-gauge aluminium or steel, ladder racks can support loads up to 400 kilos.
These ute additions free up valuable storage space in trays and tubs, distribute the weight of larger and bulkier items evenly across the front and rear axles (no rear axle squat), and ensure even traction in the tyres for optimal handling. And they secure your cargo during transportation with tie-down strap, rungs or integrated locks. Consider a professionally-fitted ladder rack for ute in the material, weight capacity, security features and dimensions that best suit your needs if you work in the trades or need an easy solution to getting sporting gear to your destination.
Jerry Can Holders
If you’re into serious off-roading and exploring more of the bush, then jerry can holders are an absolute must. These are sturdy metal cans used to transfer ample amount of fuel or water (in 5, 10, 20 or 25-litre capacities), made either of thick, food-grade polyethylene able to sustain impact, vibrations and scorching sun and UV exposure, or high-grade. rust-resistant and coated stainless steel for extreme environments and heavy-duty use.
Jerry cans have puncture-proof walls to prevent leaks, sturdy, ergonomic handles and well-positioned spouts for seamless pouring, and safety features such as venting and child-proof caps. Pair one or several jerry cans with metal holders that fit canopies, tubs or racks when venturing further out.
