How to Set Up a Ute Tray Organiser: Step-by-Step Guide

A good ute tray organiser does more than make the tray or tub look tidy. It gives tools, boxes, straps, shopping bags and camping equipment a practical position so everyday gear is easier to find, load and access.

The best layout does not always require heavy drawers, permanent toolboxes or a custom-built storage system. In many cases, removable boxes, clearly planned zones and an adjustable ute tub organiser can create a flexible setup without drilling, glue or permanent modification.

This step-by-step guide explains how to organise a ute tray or tub for work, camping, touring, shopping and everyday family use.

What does a ute organiser setup include?

A ute organiser is any system that divides and arranges the available cargo space so different types of gear have their own practical position.

A setup may use:

• Removable storage boxes
• Fixed or adjustable dividers
• Drawer systems
• Toolboxes
• Rubber floor mats
• Rigid modular floor sections
• Removable locking blockers
• Rated tie-down equipment where required

The right option depends on what you carry, how frequently the load changes and whether you still need access to the full cargo area.

A fixed system may suit someone who carries the same work equipment every day. A removable or modular setup is generally more practical when the ute changes between work, family, shopping and weekend duties.

Step 1: Empty the tray or tub completely

Before planning the layout, remove everything from the tray or tub.

Sort the contents into four groups:

• Gear used every day
• Gear used occasionally
• Gear rarely used
• Items that do not need to remain in the ute

Much of the clutter inside a ute comes from the final two categories. Equipment is often placed in the vehicle temporarily and then left there for weeks or months.

Be realistic about what needs to remain in the ute. Removing unnecessary items creates more usable space and reduces unnecessary vehicle weight.

Step 2: Group similar gear together

Once the cargo area is empty, group related items together before putting anything back.

Useful categories may include:

• Daily work tools
• Small parts and consumables
• Ratchet straps and tie-down equipment
• Recovery gear
• Camping equipment
• Shopping and family gear
• Wet, muddy or dirty equipment
• Safety equipment

This makes it easier to estimate how much space each group needs and identify which smaller items should be placed inside removable boxes.

Step 3: Create practical storage zones

Creating zones is one of the most important parts of setting up an organiser.

Instead of treating the tray or tub as one large cargo area, divide it according to how frequently each item is used and how it needs to be accessed.

Rear zone near the tailgate

Keep frequently used equipment close to the tailgate so it can be reached without climbing into the tub.

This zone may contain:

• Daily tool bags
• Shopping bags
• Ratchet straps
• Sports equipment
• Frequently used work containers
• Gloves and safety equipment

Forward zone near the cab

Position larger or heavier equipment according to the vehicle manufacturer’s loading guidance and secure it using suitable load-restraint equipment.

Examples include:

• Large toolboxes
• Water containers
• Camping boxes
• Compressors
• Heavy trade equipment

Side zones

The side areas may suit longer or narrower items, provided they are positioned and restrained appropriately.

Examples include:

• Long tools
• Conduit or pipe
• Recovery straps
• Folding chairs
• Narrow storage bags

Flexible loading zone

Do not permanently divide every section of the cargo floor. Leaving part of it open makes it easier to carry larger, unusual or changing loads.

For more zoning ideas across the whole cargo area, read our ute tub storage ideas guide.

Step 4: Use boxes to contain smaller items

Loose small items cause much of the mess inside a ute tray or tub.

Fasteners, gloves, fittings, straps, cleaning products and smaller tools are usually easier to manage when kept inside labelled boxes or containers.

A simple setup could include:

• One box for straps and tie-down equipment
• One box for small hand tools
• One box for cleaning products
• One box for camping accessories
• One box for recovery equipment
• One box for wet or dirty gear

Labelled boxes make equipment easier to find and allow an entire category to be removed when it is not needed.

The limitation is that boxes can still move across an open floor. They generally work better when positioned inside defined zones or alongside suitable dividers.

Step 5: Add dividers or locking blockers

A ute tray divider or ute tub divider creates boundaries between boxes, tool bags and other suitable everyday items.

Divider options include:

• Fixed timber or metal panels
• Adjustable cargo bars
• Drawer and storage-box systems
• DIY divider panels
• Modular locking blockers

A fixed divider may suit a permanent work layout. A modular divider is generally more flexible when the type and size of the load changes regularly.

LockNMat includes 12 locking blockers that connect to the interlocking floor pattern. The blockers can be repositioned around suitable everyday boxes, tools, shopping bags and camping equipment.

Read our complete ute divider types comparison guide to compare fixed panels, cargo bars, DIY dividers and modular blockers.

Step 6: Keep heavy items low and properly restrained

Heavy equipment should be positioned according to the vehicle manufacturer’s loading instructions, axle limits and suitable load-restraint requirements.

Items requiring careful positioning include:

• Large toolboxes
• Compressors
• Batteries
• Water containers
• Recovery equipment
• Heavy camping boxes
• Trade equipment

An organiser can create defined positions and help reduce ordinary movement, but it does not replace rated straps, approved anchor points or other suitable load-restraint methods.

Step 7: Give wet and dirty equipment its own zone

Muddy boots, recovery equipment, fishing gear, cleaning supplies and wet camping items should be kept away from clean tools, food and personal gear.

Use a separate removable container or dedicated organiser zone for dirty equipment.

Wet equipment should not remain inside the tub for long periods. Trapped water, mud and dirt can create odours, make cleaning more difficult and contribute to unnecessary surface wear.

Step 8: Choose the right cargo-floor option

The floor underneath the organiser affects protection, cleaning and how easily everyday items move.

Bare tray or tub floor

A bare floor keeps the full cargo area available, but boxes and smaller items can move freely unless they are contained or appropriately restrained.

Rubber ute tray mat

A rubber mat can provide additional grip, cushioning and protection against everyday scratching. However, it remains a flat surface and cannot create separate organiser zones by itself.

Rigid modular organiser floor

A rigid modular floor uses interlocking sections. Removable locking blockers can then connect to the floor pattern to create adjustable zones around suitable everyday gear.

For a detailed comparison of rubber mats, spray-in liners, drawer systems and modular organisers, read our ute tray mat guide.

Step 9: Make the organiser easy to clean

The best organiser is one that remains practical to use and maintain.

If cleaning requires removing a heavy permanent system or unpacking the entire ute, the cargo area is less likely to be cleaned regularly.

To make maintenance easier:

• Keep smaller gear in removable boxes
• Leave an accessible area for sweeping
• Remove wet equipment promptly
• Lift removable floor sections periodically
• Remove trapped dirt and debris underneath
• Wash removable components when needed
• Allow the floor and organiser components to dry before reinstalling them

A practical setup should make the ute easier to use rather than creating more maintenance.

Step 10: Adjust the layout for work, camping or everyday use

Setup for tradies

A tradie layout should keep daily tools close to the tailgate and separate clean equipment from dirty materials.

A practical work arrangement may include:

• Daily tool bags near the rear
• Consumables in labelled boxes
• Straps stored together
• Dirty equipment inside a removable container
• A flexible area for changing job materials

Read our guide on how to set up a ute tray for tradies.

Setup for camping and touring

A camping layout may require separate areas for:

• Camp kitchen equipment
• Food boxes
• Sleeping equipment
• Recovery gear
• Water containers
• Wet and muddy equipment

Keep emergency and recovery equipment accessible rather than burying it underneath the rest of the load.

See our ute tray and tub setup guide for camping and 4WD touring.

Setup for shopping and family use

Create a smaller section close to the tailgate for shopping bags, school bags, sports equipment or smaller parcels.

This keeps frequently used items easier to retrieve and helps prevent them from moving towards the front of the tub.

Mixed work and weekend use

A ute used for several purposes generally benefits from removable boxes and adjustable dividers rather than a completely permanent system.

Choose a layout that can change without removing heavy drawers or rebuilding the entire cargo area.

Step 11: Keep the setup flexible without permanent drawers

Drawer systems provide enclosed storage and may suit permanent touring or trade layouts. However, they also add cost and weight and occupy part of the cargo area even when empty.

You may prefer a removable organiser when:

• You carry differently sized loads
• You need the full tub height
• The ute is used for work and family duties
• You prefer removable storage boxes
• You do not want to drill into the vehicle
• You occasionally need the full open cargo area

Read our guide on how to organise a ute tray without installing drawers.

Does a modular organiser need to fill the tub edge-to-edge?

No. A modular organiser does not need to be forced tightly against every moulded edge of the tub.

The system is designed to fit within the main usable area between the wheel arches. 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 interlocking floor layout rather than relying on pressure against the tub walls.

This statement relates to everyday organisation only. LockNMat is not a certified load-restraint system, and cargo requiring legal or rated restraint must still be secured separately.

Tub liners, moulded edges, canopies and aftermarket accessories can change the usable floor measurements. Measure the available area and check the Will It Fit My Ute? guide before ordering.

How LockNMat supports an adjustable organiser layout

LockNMat combines heavy-duty interlocking tiles with removable locking blockers to create adjustable organiser zones across the main usable tray or tub floor.

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 when your tools, boxes or everyday gear change.

The system installs without drilling, glue or screws. Visit the ute tub setup page to see how the tiles, fillers and blockers connect.

Organiser options compared

Important load-restraint information

A ute organiser helps arrange everyday equipment, but organisation and load restraint are not the same thing.

Boxes, mats, dividers and locking blockers may help reduce ordinary movement, but they do not automatically make heavy or dangerous cargo safe.

Anything requiring legal or rated restraint must be secured separately using suitable straps, approved anchor points and appropriate load-restraint methods.

Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s loading guidance and applicable road-safety requirements.

Setup guide FAQs

What is the best way to organise a ute tray?

Empty the cargo area, remove unnecessary items, group similar equipment and create separate zones based on how frequently each item is used. Use removable boxes for smaller gear and suitable dividers or blockers to create defined positions.

What is the difference between a tray organiser and a tub organiser?

The terms describe similar storage systems. A tub usually refers to the factory-sided cargo body fitted to many dual-cab utes, while a tray may refer to a factory or aftermarket cargo platform.

How do I stop gear moving around in my ute?

Use suitable boxes, dividers or locking blockers to create defined positions for everyday items. Heavy, dangerous or legally restrained loads must still be secured separately using rated equipment.

Read our guide on how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub.

Do I need drawers to organise my ute?

No. Drawers may suit permanent setups, but removable boxes and a modular organiser can be more flexible when the ute carries different loads during the week and on weekends.

Will LockNMat fit my ute?

LockNMat is designed to fit within the main usable floor area between the wheel arches of many popular Australian dual-cab utes. Tub shapes, liners and accessories vary, so measure the available floor area and check the relevant fitment guide.

Will the organiser work when small side gaps remain?

Yes. 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 pressing against the tub walls.

Does LockNMat require drilling?

No. LockNMat installs without drilling, glue or screws. The tiles interlock and the blockers connect directly to the floor pattern.

Can the layout be changed later?

Yes. The locking blockers can be removed and repositioned when the size or arrangement of your everyday gear changes.

Is LockNMat a certified load-restraint system?

No. LockNMat is an organiser for everyday ute gear. Heavy, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must be secured separately using suitable rated load-restraint equipment.

Create an organiser layout that can change

The most practical ute organiser is one that matches how you actually use the vehicle.

Keep frequently used equipment accessible, place smaller items inside removable boxes, separate wet and dirty gear and avoid permanently filling every part of the cargo area.

LockNMat provides a removable interlocking floor and 12 locking blockers that can be repositioned around changing work, shopping, family and camping loads.

LockNMat helps organise everyday ute tray and tub gear 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.