Why Ute Drawer Systems Are Essential
Utes are the workhorses of Australia, but an open tray or empty canopy means your gear is exposed to weather, theft and the chaos of unsecured cargo. A quality ute drawer system transforms your tray or canopy into a secure, organised mobile workshop.
Whether you are a tradie carrying tools, a tourer heading off grid or a 4WD enthusiast who wants everything in its place, a well built ute drawer system is one of the best investments you can make.
What to Look for in a Ute Drawer System
The single most important factor is the drawer slide rating. Cheap systems use lightweight furniture runners that fail under load and vibration. Look for heavy duty sliders rated to at least 200kg per pair. Lawson Automotive ute drawers use sealed stainless twin row roller bearing assemblies rated to 247kg per pair.
Construction quality matters too. CNC cut aluminium or steel construction with proper sealing against dust and water will outlast cheap imported systems by years. Look for systems that are vehicle specific rather than generic one size fits all kits.
Ute Drawer Configurations
The most common ute drawer configuration is a 2 drawer rear system that mounts across the tray or canopy. This gives you two large lockable bays accessible from the tailgate. A 3 drawer system adds a side drawer for smaller items or tools you need to access quickly.
Many ute owners add a false floor above the drawers to create a flat cargo deck, with wing kits along the sides for additional storage. Fridge slides can be integrated to keep your food and drinks cold on long trips.
Canopy Storage vs Open Tray
If you have a canopy on your ute, your storage system options expand significantly. A canopy lets you run full height shelving, side wing kits and a false floor that spans the full tray width. The enclosed space also protects your gear from weather and dust.
For open tray utes, a lockable drawer system with a weather sealed lid is the way to go. This keeps your tools and gear secure and dry even without a canopy.
Best Utes for Drawer Systems in Australia
The Ford Ranger is the most popular ute in Australia and has excellent support for storage systems. The Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 share a platform and are also great candidates. The BYD Shark is a newer entrant that is gaining traction in the electric ute space.
Lawson Automotive engineers ute storage systems for the Ranger, D-MAX, BT-50 and BYD Shark, with each system designed around the exact tray and canopy dimensions of the vehicle.
DIY Installation
Most Lawson Automotive ute drawer systems are designed for DIY installation with no permanent modification to your vehicle. We provide fitting instruction videos to guide you through the process. Australia wide shipping means you can get a system delivered anywhere in the country.
Get the Right System for Your Ute
Every ute owner uses their vehicle differently. The best way to get the right drawer system is to talk to us about your specific needs. Call 1300 300 450 or request a quote online.