Quick answer: There are three main types of ute tool boxes beyond the classic side opening box. An under tray tool box bolts in under the tray and keeps the deck clear. A top opening tool box sits on the tray and opens from above. A gullwing tool box has lids that lift on both sides, so you can reach in from either side of the ute. Choose by where you have room, and how you like to reach your gear.
Below we explain each type, who it suits and the sizes we carry. Then we put them side by side.
Under tray tool boxes
What they are
An under tray tool box mounts under the tray, below the deck. Nothing sits on the tray, so the whole deck stays free for loads.
Sizes we carry
- Ute under tray boxes: 580mm to 940mm long. Most are 230mm wide and 400mm high. Many are sold as a set pair, one for each side.
- Truck under tray boxes: 600mm to 1,200mm long, 450mm wide and 450mm high.
- Trundle trays: slide-out drawers that mount under the tray, 1.4m to 1.7m long.
Flat plate under tray boxes come in raw, black and white. Checker plate ones come in raw. Most use a whale tail lock. A few use T-locks or push locks.
One example is the 600 x 230 x 400mm raw flat set pair. It lists a whale tail lock, a curved dust and water seal and a full length piano hinge. See all under tray tool boxes for more sizes.
Who it suits
Under tray boxes suit people who carry long or bulky loads on the tray. They are handy for straps, recovery gear, spare parts and hand tools.
Pros and cons
- Pro: the tray deck stays clear.
- Pro: the weight sits low.
- Con: they hold less than a box on the tray.
- Con: you bend down to reach in.
- Con: the space under trays varies. Parts like the exhaust or suspension can get in the way.
Before you buy, measure the gap under your tray. Our guide on how to mount an under tray tool box covers the steps.
Top opening tool boxes
What they are
A top opening tool box sits on the tray or in the tub. The lid hinges up, and you reach in from above. Gas struts hold the lid open on many models.
Sizes we carry
Our top opening tool boxes run from 860mm to 2,000mm long. Some common shapes:
- Chest style: 1,200mm, 1,400mm and 1,700mm long, 600mm wide and 500mm high, with two T-locks.
- 3 lid boxes: 1,500mm and 2,000mm long, with a long top lid and smaller side lids.
- Drawbar toolboxes: for trailers and caravans, from 860mm long.
One example is the 1,700 x 600 x 500mm checker plate chest box. It lists two T-locks, two gas struts and a curved dust and water seal.
Who it suits
Top opening boxes suit bulky items that you lift straight out. Think power tools in cases, camping gear or a recovery kit. They also work in a tub, where the tub walls would block side doors.
Pros and cons
- Pro: one big open space that is easy to see into.
- Pro: a lower box. Our chest boxes are 500mm high, against 820mm for most side opening boxes.
- Con: small items can sink to the bottom.
- Con: you must clear anything sitting on the lid before you open it.
- Con: you may need to lean over the tray to reach the far side.
Gullwing tool boxes
What they are
A gullwing tool box has lids that lift up on both sides, like wings. You can reach in from the driver's side or the passenger's side.
Sizes we carry
We carry two kinds:
- Cross deck gullwing boxes sit across the tray, behind the cab. One example is 1,770 x 600 x 500mm with two lids, in a sloped top or flat top.
- Gullwing canopies are taller, full-height boxes that sit behind the cab. Some have a fridge slide on one side.
One example is the 1,770 x 600 x 500mm sloped top cross deck gullwing. It lists two T-locks, four gas struts and a curved dust and water seal. See every gullwing toolbox we stock.
Who it suits
Gullwing boxes suit tradies and tourers who want easy reach from both sides. They also suit anyone who wants a lot of storage in one locked unit.
Pros and cons
- Pro: you reach your gear from either side of the ute.
- Pro: the canopy styles give full-height storage.
- Con: they use tray length that you can't use for loads.
- Con: the taller styles add more height and weight.
- Con: you need to check the box size against both your tray width and length.
What about side opening tool boxes?
Side opening boxes are the classic ute tool box. They sit on the tray and open along the side, so you reach in from the ground. Ours are mostly 600mm wide and 820mm high, from 900mm to 2,100mm long. See full opening tool boxes, or read top opening vs side opening toolboxes.
Side by side: which type should you pick?
- Pick under tray if you need the whole tray deck clear for loads.
- Pick top opening if you carry bulky gear, have a tub, or want a low box.
- Pick gullwing if you want reach from both sides and lots of locked space.
- Pick side opening if you want to reach in from the ground every day.
You can also combine types. For example, a pair of under tray boxes can work alongside a box on the tray. Just keep an eye on weight. Every box you add uses part of your ute's payload.
Questions people ask
Can you fit an under tray tool box to any ute?
Under tray boxes need clear space under a flat tray. The gap varies between utes and tray brands, and parts like the exhaust can get in the way. Measure the space under your tray before you order.
What is the difference between a gullwing and a top opening tool box?
A top opening box has one lid that lifts from above. A gullwing box has lids on both sides, so you can reach in from either side of the ute.
Which type suits a ute with a tub?
A top opening or chest box usually suits a tub best, because the tub walls block side doors. Check the box width and height against your tub first.
Can I have more than one type?
Yes. Many people run under tray boxes with a box on the tray. Buying more than one box? Ask for the locks to be keyed alike in the delivery instructions at checkout.
Checklist before you buy
- Measure the tray, and the gap under it for under tray boxes.
- Decide which side of the ute you reach from most.
- Check the box size on the product page: length, width and height.
- Check the lock: whale tail, T-handle or push lock.
- Check the seal and the gas struts.
- Plan the mounting before you drill. Change-of-mind returns must be in original condition, not drilled or altered.
- Add up the weight against your payload.
Next step: our ute tool box buying guide walks you through size, plate and locks.
Delivery, pickup and our showroom
We deliver Australia-wide from our warehouse in Prestons, NSW. About 98% of products are dispatched within one business day. Allow 1–5 business days for delivery, and up to 10 for some places. Items go by courier or Australia Post, depending on size and weight, with a tracking number.
We do not offer fitting in store, but our team can suggest an installer about 50 metres from the warehouse.
Prefer to see it first? Visit our showroom inside the warehouse at Unit 13, 340 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons NSW 2170. You can view and buy on the spot. We are open Monday to Friday 9am–5.30pm and Saturday 9am–1pm. Pickup from Prestons is also available. Bookings are essential.