If you have searched for a ute tub rack, tub rack or ute tray rack, you have probably found raised systems designed to carry equipment above the tub or tray floor.
A rack can be useful for ladders, timber, pipes, awnings and other long or bulky equipment. However, it does not normally organise the toolboxes, bags, shopping and camping gear sitting on the floor underneath.
This guide compares a ute tub rack with a modular ute tub organiser so you can choose the right setup for work, camping, touring or everyday use.
What is a ute tub rack?
A ute tub rack is a raised frame mounted above or inside the tub. It creates an elevated carrying level so longer or bulkier equipment can sit above the main cargo area.
Depending on the design, a rack may attach to the tub rails, factory mounting points, sports-bar locations or another vehicle-specific mounting system.
Ute tub racks are commonly used for:
- Ladders
- Timber and long building materials
- Pipes and conduit
- Awnings
- Recovery boards
- Camping accessories
- Rooftop tents on suitably rated systems
- Bulky touring equipment
The main purpose of a tub rack is to create carrying space above the tub. It is not normally designed to divide or organise smaller gear on the floor below.
Is a ute tray rack the same as a ute tub rack?
The phrases ute tray rack and ute tub rack are sometimes used for similar raised carrying systems, but the exact product and mounting method may differ.
A tub usually refers to the factory-sided cargo body fitted to many dual-cab utes. A tray may refer to a factory or aftermarket steel or aluminium cargo platform.
Before buying any rack, confirm that it is designed for your vehicle body, mounting points, accessories and intended load.
What to check before buying a tub rack
Load rating
Check the manufacturer’s stated load capacity and whether separate static and dynamic ratings apply.
The rack, mounting system, tub or tray and vehicle must all be suitable for the intended load.
Mounting method
Some racks clamp to existing rails, while others require brackets, drilling or vehicle-specific mounting points.
Confirm whether the installation is permanent and whether removing the rack will leave holes, brackets or exposed mounting points.
Height and clearance
Check the rack height against the cab, canopy, tonneau cover, roller shutter, sports bar and any other fitted accessories.
A rack that sits too low may restrict access to the cargo area. A rack that sits too high may increase wind resistance or make loading more difficult.
Vehicle compatibility
Tub width, rail shape and mounting locations vary between vehicle models and generations. Do not assume that a rack described as universal will suit every ute.
Accessory compatibility
Check whether the rack will work with:
- A tonneau cover
- A roller shutter
- A canopy
- A sports bar
- Factory tie-down points
- Existing toolboxes
- Bed liners and protective coatings
Advantages of a ute tub rack
- Creates carrying space above the tub floor
- Can carry suitable long equipment that will not fit inside the tub
- May leave floor space available underneath
- Can support compatible camping and touring accessories when correctly rated
- May suit tradies carrying ladders, conduit, pipe or timber
Limitations of a ute tub rack
- Does not normally organise smaller items on the floor
- May require permanent mounting or drilling
- Adds weight to the vehicle
- Can interfere with tonneau covers, canopies or sports bars
- May be more expensive and time-consuming to install
- Can be inconvenient to remove when it is not needed
If your main problem is toolboxes, bags and everyday gear moving around inside the tub, a rack alone may not solve it.
What is a modular ute tub organiser?
A modular organiser works at floor level. Instead of creating a raised carrying platform, it creates adjustable zones around suitable items already sitting inside the tub or tray.
A modular organiser may use interlocking floor sections, removable dividers or locking blockers to separate:
- Toolboxes
- Tool bags
- Shopping bags
- Camping tubs
- Sports equipment
- Buckets
- Small work containers
- Everyday family gear
LockNMat combines heavy-duty interlocking tiles with 12 removable locking blockers. The blockers connect to the floor pattern and can be repositioned when the size or arrangement of suitable everyday gear changes.
The system installs without drilling, glue or screws. Visit the How It Works page to see how the tiles, fillers and blockers connect.
A ute tub rack creates carrying space above the tub. A modular organiser creates adjustable storage zones on the tub floor.
Ute tub rack vs modular organiser
| Feature | Ute tub rack | Modular organiser |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Carry suitable long or bulky gear above the tub | Organise suitable everyday gear on the cargo floor |
| Typical equipment | Ladders, timber, pipes, awnings and recovery boards | Toolboxes, bags, buckets, boxes and camping gear |
| Installation | May require clamps, brackets or drilling | LockNMat requires no drilling, glue or screws |
| Adjustability | Rack position is usually fixed after installation | Blocker positions can be changed |
| Floor organisation | Usually limited | Creates several adjustable open zones |
| Long-load capacity | Designed for suitable raised or long loads | Not designed to carry equipment above the tub |
| Vehicle modification | May be permanent depending on the rack | Removable and non-permanent |
| Load restraint | Loads still require suitable rated restraint | Not a certified load-restraint system |
Which option should you choose?
Choose a ute tub rack when:
- You regularly carry ladders, timber, pipes or conduit
- You need a raised carrying level above the tub floor
- You want to mount compatible touring or camping accessories
- You are comfortable with a more permanent installation
- The rack and vehicle are correctly rated for the intended load
Choose a modular organiser when:
- Your main problem is everyday boxes, bags and tools moving around the floor
- You want to create separate zones for suitable everyday gear
- Your load changes between work and weekend use
- You do not want to drill into the vehicle
- You want a removable and adjustable setup
Choose both when:
- You carry long equipment above the tub
- You also need organised storage underneath
- You want separate solutions for raised loads and floor-level gear
- The rack mounting system leaves enough usable cargo-floor space
- You use the ute for camping or touring and need both raised carrying space and a flexible floor layout—see our camping and 4WD touring setup guide
Can you use a ute tub rack and LockNMat together?
In many setups, they can be used together because they solve different problems.
The rack carries suitable long or bulky equipment above the tub. LockNMat helps organise suitable everyday items on the floor underneath.
This combination may suit:
- Tradies carrying ladders above and toolboxes below
- Campers carrying awnings or compatible rack-mounted accessories
- 4WD owners carrying recovery boards above and storage boxes below
- Owners who want to keep the tub floor flexible
Check that the rack legs, brackets and mounting hardware do not obstruct the usable floor area, the organiser layout or factory tie-down points.
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, rack mounting brackets, moulded edges and aftermarket accessories can change the usable floor space. Measure the available area and check the Will It Fit My Ute? guide before ordering.
How to organise the floor under a tub rack
A rack can leave useful cargo space underneath, but that space still needs a practical layout.
Start by dividing the floor into zones:
- Keep frequently used tool bags and boxes close to the tailgate
- Position heavier equipment according to the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance
- Keep emergency and recovery equipment accessible
- Separate wet and dirty items from clean equipment
- Leave part of the floor flexible for changing loads
For a complete step-by-step process, read our ute tray organiser setup guide.
You can also explore our ute tub storage ideas guide and ute divider types comparison.
Does a tub rack stop gear sliding?
Not usually. A tub rack normally sits above the floor and does not create boundaries around smaller items underneath.
Toolboxes, shopping bags, buckets and camping containers may still move across an open floor.
A floor mat may add grip, while a modular organiser can create defined positions around suitable everyday gear.
Read our guide on how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub.
Can a tub rack replace proper load restraint?
No. A rack, organiser, mat or divider does not automatically make a load safe.
Anything carried on a rack must remain within the rack and vehicle manufacturer’s stated limits and be secured using appropriate rated restraint.
Heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally restrained cargo inside the tub must also be secured separately using suitable straps, approved anchor points and appropriate load-restraint methods.
How LockNMat supports floor-level organisation
Each complete 48-piece LockNMat 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, tubs, bags and other everyday equipment when the layout changes.
LockNMat can help create defined positions and reduce ordinary movement. It does not replace proper rated restraint for cargo that requires it.
Ute tub rack FAQs
What is a ute tub rack used for?
A ute tub rack creates a raised carrying level above the tub floor. It is commonly used for suitable ladders, timber, pipes, awnings, recovery boards and camping or touring accessories.
What is the difference between a ute tray rack and a tub rack?
The terms are often used for similar raised carrying systems. A tub usually refers to the factory-sided cargo body, while a tray can refer to a factory or aftermarket cargo platform. Compatibility depends on the vehicle body and mounting system.
Does a tub rack organise gear on the floor?
Not usually. A tub rack creates space above the floor but does not normally divide boxes, bags and smaller equipment underneath.
Is LockNMat a replacement for a ute tub rack?
No. LockNMat is not designed to carry ladders, rooftop tents or other above-tub loads. It is designed to organise suitable everyday gear on the cargo floor.
Can LockNMat be installed under a rack?
In many setups, yes. Check whether the rack legs, brackets or mounting points reduce the usable floor area and measure the remaining space before ordering.
Will small gaps at the tub edges affect LockNMat?
No. 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.
Does LockNMat require drilling?
No. LockNMat installs without drilling, glue or screws. The tiles interlock and the blockers connect to the floor pattern.
Is LockNMat a certified load-restraint system?
No. LockNMat is an organisation system for everyday ute gear. Anything requiring rated or legal restraint must be secured separately.
Choose the setup that solves your actual problem
Choose a ute tub rack when you need to carry suitable long or bulky equipment above the tub.
Choose a modular organiser when your main problem is toolboxes, bags, shopping or camping equipment moving around on the floor.
Use both when you need raised carrying capacity and practical floor-level organisation.
Organise the gear underneath your ute tub rack
LockNMat creates adjustable floor-level zones around suitable everyday boxes, bags, tools and camping equipment without drilling, glue or permanent installation.
LockNMat helps organise everyday ute tray and tub gear and reduce ordinary movement. It is not a certified load-restraint system. Heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally restrained loads must always be secured separately using suitable rated straps, approved tie-down points or appropriate restraint methods.