How to Stop Gear Sliding in a Ute Tray or Tub

Loose gear sliding around in a ute tray or tub is more than an annoyance. Toolboxes, storage tubs, buckets, shopping bags and camping equipment can move every time the vehicle accelerates, brakes, corners or travels over uneven roads.

The right solution depends on what you carry. A rubber mat may add grip, storage boxes can contain smaller items, dividers can create boundaries and suitable rated restraints are required for heavy or dangerous cargo.

This guide explains how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub by combining containment, floor grip, defined storage zones and proper load restraint.

Why does gear slide around in a ute tray or tub?

A ute cargo area is usually one large open space. When there is nothing around an item, it can move until it reaches a tub wall, another object or a restraint.

Movement is affected by:

• Braking and acceleration
• Cornering
• Corrugated or uneven roads
• The weight and shape of the item
• The amount of open space around it
• The grip provided by the cargo floor
• Whether the item is contained or properly restrained

Flat-bottomed boxes may slide across a smooth floor, while round buckets and bottles may roll. Shopping bags and soft equipment can tip over or move into the corners.

The most effective approach is normally to reduce unnecessary open space around suitable everyday gear while separately restraining anything heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally required to be secured.

Start by separating everyday gear from restrained cargo

Before changing the layout, separate what you carry into two groups.

Suitable everyday gear

Examples may include:

• Shopping bags
• Small storage boxes
• Tool bags
• Sports equipment
• Cleaning supplies
• Light camping containers
• Smaller work accessories

These items may benefit from boxes, floor grip, dividers or locking blockers that create defined positions.

Heavy or dangerous cargo

Examples may include:

• Large toolboxes
• Compressors
• Generators
• Batteries
• Gas cylinders
• Water containers
• Machinery
• Recovery equipment
• Sharp tools or building materials

These items must be positioned and restrained according to the vehicle manufacturer’s loading guidance and applicable load-restraint requirements.

A mat, box, divider or organiser must never be treated as a replacement for suitable rated restraint.

Option 1: Put smaller items inside storage boxes

The simplest way to reduce loose movement is to stop carrying many separate items across the floor.

Group related equipment inside removable boxes or tubs, such as:

• One box for ratchet straps and tie-down accessories
• One box for small tools
• One box for recovery accessories
• One box for camping equipment
• One box for shopping or family gear
• One removable container for wet or dirty items

This turns several loose objects into one easier-to-manage container.

However, the box itself may still slide if it is placed on a completely open floor. Storage boxes work best when combined with grip, a divider, locking blockers or suitable restraint depending on their weight and contents.

Option 2: Add grip with a ute tray mat

A rubber ute tray or tub mat can add cushioning and grip compared with a smooth bare floor.

This may reduce some ordinary movement underneath flat storage boxes and tool cases.

However, grip alone does not create a physical boundary. A box may still move under:

• Hard braking
• Sharp cornering
• Steep inclines
• Corrugated roads
• Sudden changes in direction

A flat mat may be suitable when basic floor protection and grip are the main priorities. Owners who want separate storage positions may need an additional divider or organiser.

Compare rubber mats, liners, drawer systems and modular organisers in our ute tray mat guide.

Option 3: Use a tray or tub divider

A divider creates a boundary that reduces the open space available around suitable everyday boxes, bags and containers.

Common divider options include:

• Fixed timber or metal panels
• Adjustable cargo bars
• Removable crates
• DIY divider frames
• Drawer or toolbox systems
• Modular locking blockers

A fixed divider may suit a work ute that carries the same load every day. An adjustable option is generally more practical when the vehicle changes between work, family, shopping and camping use.

One full-width divider normally creates two large sections. Several smaller blockers can create multiple positions around individual boxes or bags.

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

Option 4: Use a modular floor organiser

A modular organiser combines a structured floor with removable locking blockers.

The blockers connect to the floor pattern and can be positioned around suitable everyday items such as:

• Tool cases
• Storage tubs
• Shopping bags
• Buckets
• Cleaning equipment
• Sports bags
• Camping boxes

This gives suitable items something to sit against rather than relying only on surface grip.

LockNMat uses heavy-duty interlocking tiles with 12 removable locking blockers. The blocker positions can be changed when the size or arrangement of the everyday load changes.

The system installs without drilling, glue or screws. Visit the How It Works page to see how the tiles, fillers and blockers connect.

Option 5: Use drawers or fixed toolboxes

A drawer system or permanently mounted toolbox can reduce movement by enclosing tools inside a fixed structure.

This may suit:

• Tradies carrying the same equipment every day
• Touring vehicles with a permanent layout
• Owners who need enclosed or potentially lockable compartments

The trade-offs may include:

• Added vehicle weight
• Higher purchase and installation cost
• Reduced open cargo height
• Less flexibility for larger loads
• More difficult removal

For alternatives, read our guide on organising a ute tray without installing drawers.

Option 6: Use proper rated load restraint

Organisation and load restraint solve different problems.

Boxes, mats, dividers and blockers may help reduce ordinary movement from suitable everyday gear. They do not automatically make cargo legally or safely restrained.

Depending on the load, proper restraint may include:

• Rated ratchet straps
• Suitable cargo nets
• Approved anchor points
• Vehicle-specific restraint systems
• Equipment brackets designed for the item

The restraint equipment must be suitable for the weight, shape and type of cargo being carried.

Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s loading instructions, payload limits, axle limits and applicable road-safety requirements.

Which option works best?

A practical layout for reducing everyday sliding

A simple layout may include:

• Tailgate zone: Frequently used bags, boxes and smaller everyday equipment
• Side zones: Longer or narrower gear positioned and restrained appropriately
• Forward zone: Heavy equipment positioned according to vehicle loading guidance
• Dirty-gear zone: Wet or muddy items inside a removable container
• Flexible area: Open floor retained for changing loads

Place smaller loose items inside boxes first. Then use suitable dividers or blockers to reduce the open space around those boxes.

For a complete planning process, read our step-by-step ute tray organiser guide.

How to stop shopping bags sliding

Shopping bags are light, flexible and easy to tip over.

Create a smaller section close to the tailgate using:

• A removable crate
• A storage tub
• An adjustable divider
• Several modular blockers

Keeping shopping near the rear also makes it easier to unload without climbing into the tub.

How to stop toolboxes and tool cases moving

Place smaller tools inside closed cases or toolboxes rather than leaving individual equipment loose.

Create a defined position around the case, but assess its weight before relying on organisation alone.

Heavy toolboxes must be secured using suitable rated restraint and approved anchor points.

Tradies can find more detailed layout ideas in our tradie ute tray setup guide.

How to stop camping boxes sliding

Camping setups often contain several boxes of different sizes. Food, cooking equipment, recovery accessories and personal gear may all share the same cargo floor.

Use separate boxes for each category and give each box a consistent position.

A modular organiser can help define those positions, while heavy items such as fridges, batteries and water containers must be separately restrained.

See our camping and 4WD touring setup guide.

How to manage wet and dirty gear

Muddy boots, wet straps, fishing equipment, garden tools and dirty recovery gear should have their own removable container.

Position the dirty-gear zone near the tailgate so it can be removed without dragging mud and water across the rest of the cargo area.

Remove wet equipment promptly and clean underneath removable mats or floor sections periodically.

Does LockNMat need to fit edge-to-edge?

No. LockNMat is a modular organiser rather than a custom-moulded tub liner.

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 pattern rather than relying on pressure against the tub walls.

Tub liners, moulded edges, canopy brackets, rack hardware and other accessories can affect the available floor space.

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

What comes in a complete LockNMat pack?

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 everyday storage boxes, bags and equipment when the cargo layout changes.

Important load-restraint information

LockNMat helps organise suitable everyday gear and reduce ordinary movement. It is not a certified load-restraint system.

Heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must be secured separately using suitable rated straps, approved anchor points or other appropriate restraint methods.

Do not rely on friction, tub walls, storage boxes, dividers or locking blockers as the sole restraint for cargo that could become dangerous.

Gear-sliding FAQs

What is the best way to stop gear sliding in a ute tray?

Contain smaller items inside boxes, add floor grip, create defined positions using suitable dividers or blockers and separately restrain heavy or dangerous cargo.

Will a rubber ute mat stop boxes sliding?

A rubber mat may add grip and reduce some ordinary movement, but it does not create a physical boundary. Boxes may still move under braking, cornering or rough-road travel.

How do I stop shopping bags moving around?

Create a small zone close to the tailgate using a crate, removable box, divider or locking blockers. This reduces the open space around the bags and makes them easier to unload.

Will a ute tub divider stop sliding?

A divider can reduce the open space available for everyday boxes and bags. Fixed dividers create one main boundary, while modular blockers can create several adjustable positions.

Do I need drawers to stop gear moving?

No. Drawers may suit permanent enclosed storage, but removable boxes and adjustable dividers may be more flexible for changing everyday loads.

Can LockNMat stop all cargo movement?

No organiser can guarantee that all cargo will remain stationary in every driving condition. LockNMat helps create defined positions and reduce ordinary movement from suitable everyday gear. Cargo requiring restraint must be separately secured.

Does LockNMat require drilling?

No. LockNMat installs without drilling, glue or screws.

Will small side gaps affect the blockers?

No. The blockers connect to the floor pattern rather than pressing against the tub walls. Small side gaps may remain, and on some models these can be up to approximately 25 mm per side.

Is LockNMat a certified load-restraint system?

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

Reduce movement by giving everyday gear a defined position

The most practical solution normally combines several methods.

Use boxes to contain smaller equipment, add grip underneath, reduce open space with suitable dividers or locking blockers and use proper rated restraint wherever the cargo requires it.

LockNMat provides a removable interlocking floor and 12 repositionable blockers that can help create adjustable positions around suitable everyday work, shopping, family and camping gear.

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.