Buyer’s Guide

Tray-Back vs Tub Ute: Which Is Right For You?

Most utes come in two shapes: <strong>tub utes</strong> with a factory-pressed load bed, and <strong>cab-chassis utes</strong> that come bare so you can fit an aftermarket tray. A tray gives more usable space, higher payload and easier loading — but a tub is simpler, cheaper and more weather-tight out of the box. Here’s how to choose.

Updated 13 June 2026 · By Duratray Transport Equipment

The short answer

Get a tray if you’re a tradie or 4x4 owner who needs maximum usable space, easy side access and a real fit-out (toolboxes, racks, canopy). Stick with a tub if you mostly haul groceries, weekend gear and the occasional load — and don’t want the extra cost.

Side-by-side comparison

	Cab-chassis + tray	Factory tub
Usable space	Wider + flat floor (no wheel arches)	Narrower (wheel arches eat space)
Payload	Higher (lighter than a tub + fit-out)	Lower
Loading	Drop sides all the way down — easy	Tailgate only
Fit-outs	Anything — boxes, racks, canopy, tipper	Limited
Weather	Open (cover with tonneau or canopy)	Sides are sealed
Up-front cost	Higher (cab-chassis + tray + fitting)	Lower (tub included)
Best for	Tradies, fleets, 4x4 touring, big loads	Light personal use, lifestyle

Why most working utes are trays

A factory tub is a sealed box with wheel arches inside it — your usable floor is narrower than the tray, you can only load from the tailgate, and there’s no way to bolt on a serious fit-out. A tray gives you a wider flat floor, drop sides on three sides for easy loading, and a platform to mount toolboxes, racks, a canopy or a crane.

For trades, fleets and 4x4 touring, that’s almost always the right answer — see our tradie’s fit-out guide and 4x4 touring guide.

Can you convert a tub to a tray?

Yes — most popular tubs (HiLux, Ranger, D-Max, Triton, BT-50, Navara, Amarok) can have the factory tub removed and a tray fitted in its place. The conversion needs the right tray for the platform, fitting at a proper workshop, and sometimes minor electrical re-routing. Talk to us with your vehicle and we’ll quote it.

Frequently asked questions

Is a tray better than a tub on a ute?

For work, yes — a tray gives more usable space, higher payload and easier loading. For light personal use, a tub is simpler and cheaper. It depends on what you actually carry.

How much more can a tray ute carry vs a tub?

Two ways: more usable space (no wheel-arch intrusion) and often higher legal payload (a tray + light fit-out can be lighter than the tub it replaces). Real numbers depend on the build.

Can I convert my tub ute to a tray ute?

Yes — popular utes (HiLux, Ranger, D-Max, Triton, BT-50, Navara, Amarok) can have the tub removed and a tray fitted. We do these conversions at our Capalaba workshop.

Will I lose my tailgate camera/sensors converting to a tray?

Usually no — we relocate reverse cameras, sensors and parking aids during the conversion. See our sensor & camera relocation range.

Is a tray ute legal?

Yes — tray-back utes are common across Australia. We size every tray to your vehicle’s specifications so the conversion is straightforward and registrable.

Tray vs tub — which costs more?

Cab-chassis + tray + fitting usually costs more up front than buying the same model with a factory tub, but you get more usable space, payload and a platform for proper fit-outs. For working utes, it pays back.