Whether you’re a hard-working tradie or a keen outback camper (or both), a ute slide tray can make life a whole lot easier. But with so many variations, it can be tricky to work out what you need.
We’re here to clear up confusion by comparing slides to the classic tub and presenting the most common ute slide tray types.
The Ute Slide Tray vs the Traditional Ute Tub
If you’re a ute customisation novice, you might wonder what the difference is between a ute slide tray and the standard tub.
Ute tubs
Most utes come with a tub straight from the factory floor. This sizable, stock-standard bathtub-shaped cargo hold weighs very little and can carry a tremendous amount of gear. Deep sidewalls let you safely transport bulky items, such as generators or heavy machinery. Tubs are relatively easy to modify and replace.
On the downside, unless properly secured, which you’ll need to do every trip, the contents will slide around as you corner or cruise bumpy roads, potentially damaging your gear and scratching the interior. Tubs also require a lot of rummaging to reach what you need.
Ute slides
The ute cargo slide is a clever modification where a heavy-duty tray slides out from the tub, usually from the back tailgate, but sometimes from the sides when a canopy is present. The slide can be a simple flat floor design or a drawer with latches and compartments.
Whether hauling work tools, fishing rods, dirt biking equipment or camping gear, a well-organised slide tray provides easy access. This slide-out functionality reduces the need to rummage and can create an instant workspace or kitchen bench.
But there are drawbacks to consider. You’ll have to invest your hard-earned dollars, and some slides can’t support heavy loads. Cheaper ute slide trays rattle around, making an annoying sound and eventually wearing out. Waterproofing can also be a concern on lower-quality models.
| Tub Advantages | Tub Disadvantages | Ute Slide Tray Advantages | Ute Slide Tray Disadvantages |
| Comes free with the ute | Contents slide around unless properly secured | Contents fit snugly in their respective drawers to minimise movement | Requires investment in designing and installing the right slide |
| Can hold a large amount of gear | Movement can damage the contents or the tub | Can slide to the back tailgate or from the sides if a canopy is installed | Limited weight capacity on each slide |
| Suitable for big, bulky items | Poor organisation; lots of rummaging required | Excellent at organising gear | Can rattle and eventually wear out |
| Easy to modify and repair | No extra workspace | Creates a new space for cooking or working | Possible waterproofing issues. |
Types of Ute Slide Trays
Now you’re up to speed on the classic tub versus slide debate, let’s check out some of the most popular ute slide tray types.
Fridge Slides for Utes and 4WDs
No need to crawl through a mountain of junk to grab a coldie at the campsite. Specially designed for off-road utes and 4WDs, the pull-out fridge slide gives you instant access to your favourite frothy beverage. These heavy-duty contraptions accommodate fridges of varying sizes from all the major brands, including Bushman, EvaKool, Brass Monkey, and more.
Due to space and shape limitations, ute and 4WD fridge slides exclusively cater for chest-style fridges. These space-saving designs offer more room and better energy efficiency, but do require some rummaging. If you want a traditional upright fridge, you’ll need a caravan or motorhome.
Pantry and Cargo Slide Options
The classic cargo slide design lets you pull out a single drawer (or multiple drawers) for fast and easy access to your gear. Some feature a slide-out floor between drawers to create a mini workspace, perfect for making a sausage sanger or sawing a piece of plywood.
Invest in a quality cargo slide, and you’ll get secure latches to hold the drawers sturdily in place without annoying rattles, plus reliable waterproofing with a nice, dust-tight seal–that’ll come in handy in Cape York. Use the cargo drawers as a pantry while camping or a toolbox for your nine-to-five, or both.
Slide-Out Tables for 4WDs and Utes
Ute slides don’t have to have drawers at all. The classic slide-out table design sees a reinforced base protrude from the tub, typically from the tailgate. Use this new table-like space as a work area, a kitchen bench, or a platform to
access the contents of your tub at a comfortable height.
Many table slide designs come with a foldable leg (or legs) to add extra support and increase the max weight limit. Our toughest slide-outs can withstand 450 kg evenly spread, or up to 300kg on each end. That makes them appropriate for generators, fridges, bulky tools, and more.
How to Choose the Right Ute Tray Slide
The first step is to consider what you want from a slide-out ute tray.
Need to organise your bewildering collection of construction materials and tools? A compartmentalised cargo tray slide will suit. Or maybe you want to add a 12v fridge to your ever-expanding off-road camping set-up? A slide-out fridge with a pantry drawer and a kitchen workbench is the optimal choice.
While pre-fabricated, DIY installation ute slide-outs exist, the quality often isn’t great. Shoddy latching mechanisms lead to excessive rattling and see drawers swing open mid-trip. Plus, many pre-made slides don’t offer decent waterproofing and see your contents smothered in dust.
The clincher? Prefabricated slides never offer a perfect fit. Because they’re made for any ute, you’ll always end up with wasted space. And as any ute owner knows, tray space is at a premium when you’re at a worksite or roughing it off-road.
The solution is to get a customised ute slide tray system designed and fitted by the professionals at Best Off Road.
Custom-designed Ute Slides from Best Off Road
We believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for ute tray slides. Our team will listen to your requirements and custom-design the perfect solution.
At our Melbourne workshop, we draw on top-quality materials, precise CNC cutting equipment, and years of first-hand experience. As a small family-run business operating since 2006, we pride ourselves on delivering quality customised slide-out trays that align perfectly with our customers’ needs.
Get in contact today for a free, no-obligation quote.