How to Organise a Ute Tray Without Installing Drawers

Ute drawers can be useful, but they are not the right solution for every owner. They can be expensive, heavy and difficult to remove, and they often reduce the open cargo space that makes a ute so practical.

If you mainly carry toolboxes, camping gear, work equipment, recovery gear, shopping, sports equipment or changing everyday loads, you may not need a permanent drawer system.

In many cases, removable boxes, practical storage zones, suitable dividers and proper tie-downs can create flexible ute tray storage without drilling, bolting or permanently changing the vehicle.

This guide explains how to organise a ute tray without installing drawers while keeping your equipment easier to load, easier to reach and less likely to spread across the cargo floor.

Why some ute owners avoid drawer systems

Drawer systems are popular for good reason. They can suit touring setups, tradies with fixed tool layouts and owners who need enclosed or lockable storage.

However, they also come with several trade-offs:

• Added weight: Drawers, frames and accessories can add considerable weight to the vehicle.
• Reduced cargo height: Raised drawers can make bulky items more difficult to load.
• Higher cost: The final price may include the drawers, installation, wings, slides and accessories.
• Less flexibility: The structure remains in the ute even when the drawers are empty.
• Difficult removal: Many systems are permanent or semi-permanent.
• Lost open space: Larger or unusual loads may no longer fit as easily.

For many ute owners, the real problem is not the absence of drawers. It is an open cargo floor with no structure. When boxes, bags and tools have no defined position, they can slide, tip or end up in one corner.

If movement is your main concern, read our guide on how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub.

1. Divide the tray into practical zones

The simplest way to improve a no-drawer setup is to stop treating the tray as one large empty compartment. Instead, create zones based on what you carry and how often you use it. For more ideas across the whole cargo area, see our ute tub storage ideas guide.

• Daily-access zone: Tool bags, straps, shopping bags and equipment used several times a day
• Heavy-equipment zone: Toolboxes, compressors, recovery gear and water containers
• Dirty-gear zone: Muddy boots, wet straps, garden tools or camping equipment
• Small-item zone: Parts boxes, buckets, gloves and smaller loose equipment
• Flexible loading zone: Open space for larger items and changing loads

This zoning approach gives each category of gear a general position without permanently filling the cargo area with cabinets or drawers.

2. Use removable storage boxes

Removable boxes are one of the simplest alternatives to built-in drawers.

Suitable boxes may include:

• Plastic storage tubs
• Trade boxes
• Toolboxes
• Parts organisers
• Camping crates
• Weather-resistant equipment boxes

The main advantage is flexibility. You can remove the boxes when you need the full tray, swap them depending on the job or keep separate sets for work, camping and family use.

For example:

• A tradie might separate fixings, hand tools and safety equipment.
• A camper might separate cooking gear, recovery equipment and wet items.
• A family setup might separate shopping, sports equipment and cleaning supplies.

Label each box clearly and avoid mixing unrelated items. This makes it easier to remove one category of gear without unpacking the entire ute.

The limitation is that boxes can still move across an open floor. They work best when combined with a grippy floor, defined storage zones or suitable dividers.

3. Add a tray mat or modular floor

A tray mat can help protect the cargo floor and add grip underneath boxes and equipment.

A flat rubber mat may provide cushioning and basic protection, but it does not create separate storage areas by itself. Boxes may still move when there is enough open space around them.

A modular floor approaches the problem differently. It creates a structured surface that can work with removable locking blockers to form adjustable zones around suitable everyday gear.

LockNMat uses heavy-duty interlocking tiles and 12 removable locking blockers. The system installs without drilling, glue or screws and can be reconfigured when the type or size of your cargo changes.

For the difference between flat mats, spray-in liners, drawer systems and modular organisers, read our ute tray mat guide.

Visit the How It Works page to see how the tiles, fillers and blockers connect.

4. Use removable dividers instead of fixed drawers

Dividers can create boundaries between storage boxes, tools and everyday equipment without enclosing the entire cargo area.

Common options include:

• Adjustable cargo bars
• Removable timber panels
• Portable storage crates
• DIY divider frames
• Modular locking blockers

A fixed divider may work well when you carry the same equipment every day. A removable or modular option is generally more practical when the ute changes between work, shopping, family and camping use.

Compare the main options in our ute divider types comparison guide.

5. Keep frequently used equipment near the tailgate

A no-drawer setup should make everyday equipment easier to reach.

Keep items used several times each day close to the tailgate where practical. Equipment used less often can be positioned further forward.

Items that may belong near the rear include:

• Tool bags
• Ratchet straps
• Gloves and safety equipment
• Shopping bags
• Sports equipment
• Smaller work containers

Avoid placing one large box in front of everything else unless it can be moved easily. Access is an important part of organisation.

6. Position heavy items carefully

Heavy equipment must be positioned according to the vehicle manufacturer’s loading guidance, axle limits and appropriate restraint requirements.

Keep heavy items low and avoid placing excessive weight at the extreme rear of the tray.

Common heavy items include:

• Large toolboxes
• Compressors
• Recovery equipment
• Water containers
• Camping boxes
• Building supplies
• Trade equipment

Do not rely on a floor mat, storage box, blocker or divider as a replacement for suitable load restraint.

7. Use proper restraint where required

An organised tray is not automatically a legally restrained tray.

Mats, boxes, dividers and blockers may help organise everyday items and reduce ordinary movement, but they do not automatically make heavy or dangerous cargo safe.

Loads requiring restraint may need:

• Suitable rated ratchet straps
• Factory or approved tie-down points
• Cargo nets appropriate for the load
• Secured storage boxes
• Other approved restraint equipment

LockNMat is an organisation system and is not a certified load-restraint device. Heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must always be secured separately.

8. Keep the setup removable

One of the main benefits of avoiding drawers is that the ute remains flexible.

A removable setup can work well when the vehicle has several roles:

• Work vehicle during the week
• Camping vehicle on weekends
• Family vehicle for shopping and sport
• Delivery vehicle for larger items
• General-purpose vehicle for changing loads

Use storage boxes that can be lifted out and dividers that can be moved or removed. This allows the cargo area to change with the job rather than forcing every load into one fixed layout.

9. Measure around your ute’s actual floor

Different utes have different wheel-arch positions, liners, moulded edges and fitted accessories.

Before buying a mat, divider or modular organiser, check:

• The usable floor width between the wheel arches
• The usable floor length
• Whether a factory or aftermarket tub liner is fitted
• Whether canopy brackets affect the floor area
• Whether sports-bar or tonneau hardware reduces the available space
• Whether factory tie-down points remain accessible

LockNMat is designed to fit within the main usable floor area between the wheel arches of many popular Australian dual-cab utes.

Small side gaps may remain, and on some ute models these can be up to approximately 25 mm per side.

The locking blockers connect to the floor pattern rather than relying on pressure against the tub walls.

Measure your usable cargo area and check the Will It Fit My Ute? guide before ordering.

Example no-drawer ute tray layout

Here is a simple removable layout for a ute used for work and weekend duties:

• Front section: Larger toolboxes, recovery gear or heavy equipment positioned and restrained appropriately
• Rear section: Tool bags, straps and frequently used items close to the tailgate
• Side section: Smaller boxes, gloves, cleaning products or daily-use equipment
• Flexible centre: Open space for changing job materials or larger items
• Removable boxes: Separate work, camping and family gear
• Proper restraints: Rated straps and tie-downs for anything that could become dangerous if loose

This setup keeps the tray useful without permanently filling it with drawers. The boxes and zones can be changed while open space remains available for larger loads.

Drawers vs no-drawer ute tray setup

Is a no-drawer setup right for you?

A removable no-drawer setup may suit you when:

• You do not want to drill into the ute
• You want to retain the full cargo height
• You carry different equipment from week to week
• You want storage that can be removed
• You use the ute for work and family duties
• You want a simpler and lighter arrangement
• You still need open space for larger items

Drawers may still be the better option when lockable enclosed storage or a permanent touring setup is the main priority.

However, when the main goal is organising everyday boxes, bags and equipment while keeping the cargo area flexible, removable storage may be enough.

How LockNMat supports a no-drawer setup

LockNMat combines a removable interlocking floor with adjustable locking blockers to help create open storage zones around suitable everyday equipment.

Each complete 48-piece pack includes:

• 12 large tiles measuring 360 × 360 mm
• 12 medium filler tiles measuring 360 × 100 mm
• 12 small filler tiles measuring 360 × 50 mm
• 12 locking blockers

The blockers can be repositioned around suitable toolboxes, storage tubs, shopping bags, buckets and camping containers when your layout changes.

The system installs without drilling, glue or screws and can be removed when the open cargo floor is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I organise a ute tray without drawers?

Yes. A flexible setup can combine removable storage boxes, practical zones, a tray mat or modular floor, suitable dividers and proper tie-downs without installing permanent drawers.

Are ute drawers worth it?

Drawers may be worthwhile when you need enclosed, lockable or permanent storage. They may be less suitable when you regularly need the full cargo height, carry changing loads or want a removable setup.

What is the best alternative to ute drawers?

The best alternative depends on what you carry. Removable boxes suit grouped equipment, cargo bars create one simple section, and modular blockers can create several adjustable zones around suitable everyday gear.

Can storage boxes replace drawers?

Storage boxes can provide flexible, removable organisation, but they may not offer the same security or permanent structure as drawers. They should also be contained or restrained appropriately.

Does LockNMat replace tie-downs?

No. LockNMat helps organise everyday gear and reduce ordinary movement, but it is not a certified load-restraint system. Heavy, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must still be secured separately.

Does LockNMat require drilling?

No. LockNMat is designed for installation without drilling, glue or screws.

Will LockNMat fit every ute?

LockNMat is designed to fit within the main usable floor area between the wheel arches of many popular Australian dual-cab utes. Small side gaps may remain, and on some ute models these can be up to approximately 25 mm per side. Liners, moulded edges and accessories can also affect the available space, so measure before ordering.

Create a flexible setup without permanent drawers

You do not always need a heavy drawer system to organise a ute tray.

Removable storage boxes, practical zones, suitable dividers, a protective floor and proper load restraint can create a setup that works during the week and can still be cleared when larger cargo needs to be carried.

LockNMat is designed for owners who want adjustable tray organisation without drilling, glue or permanent installation.

LockNMat helps organise everyday ute tray and tub equipment and reduce ordinary movement. It is not a certified load-restraint system. Heavy, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must always be secured separately using suitable rated equipment.