Ute Tray vs Tub: Which Setup is Best for Your Trade?

When it comes to choosing a new work ute, tradies often face a simple but important decision: tray or tub? While both setups have their place, picking the right one can save you time, protect your gear, and make day-to-day work easier.

At Tradiespec, we offer both trayback utes and tub back utes, and each setup suits different trades and use cases. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your crew, here’s what you need to know before choosing the right fit.

GET A FREE QUOTE

What’s the Difference?

A tub is the manufacturer-style rear cargo space that comes standard on most utes like the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux. It has fixed sides, a tailgate, and is designed more for general use or lifestyle purposes.

A tray, on the other hand, is a flat aluminium or steel platform, typically installed on cab-chassis utes, with drop-down sides and a much more customisable layout. At Tradiespec, our trays are designed specifically for trade use and are often fitted with toolboxes, ladder racks, and tow bars.

Benefits of a Ute Tub

Tub utes are a popular option for tradies who want a balance between work functionality and a sleeker look.

Advantages:

• Clean, modern look that suits both work and personal use
• Ideal for urban tradies or small tool setups
• Often easier to park in tight city spots
• Potential to add accessories for extra security (on request)

A tub is a good option if your tool load is light, and you prefer a “daily driver” feel without sacrificing trade utility.

Benefits of a Trayback Ute

Traybacks are built to work. They’re designed to carry bulkier loads, give you more flexibility, and allow for add-ons like racks, cages, or custom toolboxes.

Advantages:

• More usable space, especially for bulky or awkward gear
• Drop sides make loading and unloading quicker
• Easily fit ladder racks, pipe storage, and additional toolboxes
• Ideal for jobs that require towing or heavy equipment
• Open layout suits tradies working on multiple job sites each day

At Tradiespec, all our tray utes come pre-fitted with at least one lockable toolbox, ladder racks, and a tow bar so they’re ready to go straight to site.

Which One’s Better for Your Trade?

It depends on what kind of gear you carry, how often you load and unload, and whether security or space is your priority.

Trade Type	Best Setup	Why
Plumbers & Electricians	Tray	Toolboxes, ladders, pipe space
Builders & Roofers	Tray	Long gear, scaffold, easy access
Landscapers	Tray	Bulk materials, spoil removal
Sparkies with minimal tools	Tub	Urban sites, secure gear
Solo tradies in metro areas	Tub	Secure, sleek, easy to park

 

Things to Consider When Choosing

• Security: Do you leave your tools in the vehicle overnight? You may need to add accessories such as a hard lid to a tub.
• Load type: Do you carry awkward or long items? Trays are better for flexibility.
• Crew size: Need a second row of seats? Both setups come in dual cab options at Tradiespec.

The Tradiespec Advantage

Whether you go for a trayback or a tub, all Tradiespec vehicles are built to get the job done. We make sure our utes are set up the way tradies actually use them, not just for show.

What we offer:

• Traybacks with racks, toolboxes and tow bars
• Tub utes with optional accessories available upon request
• Flexible rental options
• Car licence-friendly fleet
• Ready-to-go vehicles available across NSW, VIC and QLD

And if you’re not sure what’s right, we’ll walk you through it.

Conclusion: It Comes Down to Fit

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, just the right setup for the way you work. If your gear is growing or you’re tired of squeezing everything into a tub, a tray might be the upgrade you need. If you want a sleek ute that still gets the job done and keeps your tools secure, a hard-lid tub might be the better bet.

Either way, we’ve got you covered with trade-ready vehicles that are built for your business needs.

Need help choosing your next ute? Get a quick quote or contact our friendly sales team today.

GET A FREE QUOTE