Next Gen Ford Ranger Tub Storage: Divider and Organiser Ideas for Everyday Gear

The Next Gen Ford Ranger is used across Australia for work, towing, family duties, camping, 4WD touring and everyday driving. Once the tub starts carrying toolboxes, storage tubs, recovery equipment, shopping and camping boxes, one problem often becomes obvious: loose gear has very little structure around it.

A bare tub floor or flat rubber mat may provide some protection, but it does not create defined storage positions. Boxes can still slide, bags can tip and smaller items can spread into the corners.

This guide explores practical Next Gen Ranger tub storage ideas, including removable boxes, Ranger tub dividers, floor protection and modular organiser layouts for work, camping and everyday use.

Start with the usable Next Gen Ranger tub floor

Tub liners, wheel arches, roller shutters, sports bars, canopies and other accessories can all affect the usable cargo-floor area.

Before choosing any storage system, check:

• The usable floor width between the wheel arches
• The available floor length
• Whether a factory or aftermarket tub liner is fitted
• Whether canopy or roller-shutter brackets affect the floor
• Whether factory tie-down points remain accessible
• Whether your preferred boxes sit flat within the usable area

Do not assume every Ranger tub accessory will work with every variant or fitted option.

Measure before ordering and check both the Will It Fit My Ute? guide and the dedicated Ford Ranger fitment page.

Why loose gear moves around in a Ranger tub

An open tub provides plenty of carrying space but very little internal structure.

During acceleration, braking, turning or rough-road travel, unsecured items can move until they hit the tub wall, another object or a restraint.

Common items affected include:

• Toolboxes and tool bags
• Plastic storage tubs
• Shopping bags
• Recovery equipment
• Camping boxes
• Buckets and cleaning supplies
• Sports equipment
• Ratchet straps and smaller loose tools

A practical setup normally combines containment, defined storage zones and suitable load restraint.

For a full breakdown, read our guide on how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub.

Option 1: Next Gen Ranger tub divider

A Next Gen Ranger tub divider creates a physical boundary inside the tub instead of relying only on floor grip.

It can help separate:

• Toolboxes from shopping bags
• Work gear from family equipment
• Camping boxes from wet or dirty items
• Recovery equipment from everyday cargo
• Frequently used items from less-accessible equipment

A fixed divider may suit a Ranger that carries the same equipment every day. An adjustable or modular option is generally more useful when the load changes between work, family and weekend use.

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

Option 2: Removable storage boxes

Storage boxes are one of the simplest Next Gen Ranger tub storage ideas.

Instead of allowing smaller items to spread across the floor, group related equipment inside labelled boxes.

For example:

• One box for straps and tie-down equipment
• One box for recovery accessories
• One box for small tools and fittings
• One box for camping equipment
• One removable tub for wet or dirty items
• One smaller section for shopping or family gear

Boxes are easy to remove and swap when the Ranger changes between work and weekend duties.

The limitation is that the box itself can still slide across an open tub floor. It may need grip, containment or proper restraint depending on its weight and contents.

For broader layout ideas, see our ute tub storage ideas guide.

Option 3: Rubber tub mat

A rubber mat can add cushioning, grip and protection against everyday scratching.

It may suit owners whose main priority is basic floor protection, but it remains one flat surface and does not create separate storage zones.

Heavy boxes can still move under braking, turning or rough-road travel, particularly when there is plenty of open space around them.

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

Option 4: Ranger drawer system

Drawer systems may suit Ranger owners who carry a consistent load and need enclosed or potentially lockable storage.

They can work well for:

• Permanent tradie layouts
• Long-term touring builds
• Small tools and parts
• Equipment that needs enclosed storage

However, drawers also introduce trade-offs:

• Added weight
• Higher purchase and installation cost
• Reduced open tub height
• Less flexibility for changing loads
• More difficult removal

For alternatives, read our guide on how to organise a ute tray without installing drawers.

Option 5: Modular Next Gen Ranger tub organiser

A modular organiser creates several adjustable positions rather than one fixed dividing line.

LockNMat combines heavy-duty interlocking tiles with 12 removable locking blockers. The blockers connect to the floor pattern and can be repositioned around suitable toolboxes, storage tubs, shopping bags, camping boxes and everyday equipment.

The system installs without drilling, glue or permanent modification.

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

Next Gen Ranger tub storage layouts by use

Ranger setup for tradies

• Tailgate zone: Everyday tool bag, power tools and frequently used consumables
• One side: Longer tools or materials positioned and restrained safely
• Opposite side: Stackable parts and consumable boxes
• Forward zone: Heavy or occasional-use equipment positioned according to loading guidance
• Flexible centre: Open space for changing job materials

For more detail, read our tradie ute tray setup guide.

Ranger setup for camping and 4WD touring

• Rear zone: Cooking equipment, chairs and frequently used camp gear
• Recovery zone: Straps, compressor, gloves and recovery equipment kept accessible
• Clean zone: Sleeping gear and clothing inside suitable sealed containers
• Dirty zone: Wet straps, muddy shoes and cleaning equipment
• Heavy-equipment zone: Fridge and water positioned and restrained appropriately

See our complete camping and 4WD touring setup guide.

Ranger setup for shopping and family use

• Create a smaller zone close to the tailgate for shopping bags
• Keep school bags and sports equipment in removable containers
• Retain an open area for prams or larger family items
• Move the blockers when the cargo size changes

Mixed work and weekend use

• Keep one consistent quick-access zone
• Use removable boxes for different jobs or trips
• Retain part of the floor for larger changing loads
• Avoid permanently dividing every section of the tub

Ranger tub divider vs modular organiser

Will LockNMat fit the Next Gen Ford Ranger?

LockNMat is designed to fit within the main usable floor area between the wheel arches of many Next Gen Ford Ranger dual-cab tubs.

The system is designed to fit within the main usable area between the wheel arches. Small side gaps may remain, and on some Ranger models or setups 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.

Factory liners, roller shutters, canopies, sports bars and other fitted accessories can affect the available floor dimensions.

Measure before ordering and check the Ford Ranger fitment guide.

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 when your everyday Ranger tub layout changes.

Important Ranger load-restraint information

Organising the tub and properly restraining cargo are separate responsibilities.

LockNMat can help organise suitable everyday Ranger 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.

Always follow:

• Ford’s vehicle loading guidance
• Payload and axle limits
• The accessory manufacturer’s instructions
• Applicable load-restraint requirements

Next Gen Ranger tub storage FAQs

What are practical Next Gen Ranger tub storage ideas?

Use removable boxes, create separate zones for work, camping and family equipment, keep frequently used items near the tailgate and secure heavy cargo appropriately. Adjustable blockers can help define positions around suitable everyday boxes and bags.

Do I need a Next Gen Ranger tub divider?

A divider may be useful when boxes and bags keep moving around the tub. Fixed dividers suit consistent loads, while adjustable blockers provide more flexibility when the cargo changes.

What is the difference between a Ranger tub divider and organiser?

A fixed divider normally creates one main boundary. A modular organiser can create several open zones and may be rearranged around changing everyday gear.

How do I stop gear sliding in a Next Gen Ranger tub?

Combine removable boxes, floor grip and defined storage positions. Heavy or dangerous items must still be secured using suitable rated load-restraint equipment.

Will LockNMat fit a Next Gen Ranger with a tub liner?

A liner can affect the available floor dimensions. Measure the usable area between the wheel arches and check the Ford Ranger fitment guide before ordering.

Do I need drawers in my Ranger tub?

Not always. Drawers may suit permanent, enclosed storage, but removable boxes and an adjustable organiser can retain more open tub space for changing loads.

Does LockNMat require drilling?

No. LockNMat installs without drilling, glue or screws.

Is LockNMat a load-restraint system?

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

Create a flexible Ranger tub layout

The best Ranger setup depends on what the vehicle carries most often.

Use a fixed divider for a consistent load, removable boxes for grouped equipment and an adjustable organiser when the Ranger changes between work, camping, shopping and family duties.

LockNMat provides a removable interlocking floor and 12 locking blockers that can be repositioned as the cargo layout changes.

LockNMat helps organise everyday Ranger 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.