Get organised: Toolboxes and storage ideas for your truck or ute

Is it a stretch to call your truck your pride and joy? If you are like us, the answer is a hard no and organising your truck can give you even more pride in your vehicle. Having an organised truck is also a great way to increase storage, safety, and cleanliness, helping with the upkeep and longevity of your vehicle. Keeping your truck or ute organised can maximise space, keep your belongings clean from dirt and dust and even allow for proper food storage.

When prioritising your truck storage, knowing where to begin and what will be the most valuable for your needs can be tricky. From tradies to travellers, there is something for everyone with interior and exterior storage options to improve the functionality and safety of your valuable items.

The Best Interior Storage Options for your 4X4

Clever interior storage can make your car feel like it has triple the space and allows easy access to all the items you'll need on your camping or road trip. Under-seat storage options and sliding box draws can seemingly create space from thin air and give you a proper upgrade for those longer trips on the road. Interior straps can help you maximise space in the roof of your car for items like fishing rods.

Interior storage isn't just great for adding space to your vehicle. Ample interior storage keeps your belongings secure and properly fastened within your truck. Critical when you are off-road and driving through hectic terrain, where any loose items will get thrown around your vehicle and break or impede driver and passenger safety.

Great storage also prevents dust and debris from getting into your truck and allows for a chance at proper cleanliness on the road, which as anyone that has been to outback Oz knows, can be a real challenge (red dust… everywhere!). Lockboxes, good-quality internal drawers and storage units are just a few of the countless options available to you to keep your important belongings dust free.

Interior storage is also essential for ensuring the security of valuables and dangerous goods and limiting risk if travelling with infants or minors. A portable safe is an excellent option for an added layer of internal security to protect valuable items such as laptops and iPads. Portable safes are also great options for those who need to travel with a firearm or other weapon and are often streamlined, compact cases that do not take up excessive space.

The Best Exterior Storage Options for your 4X4

Exterior storage is a fantastic option for storing stronger, more rugged items outside your vehicle. Sturdy exterior storage will easily keep things like recovery tracks, fishing equipment and sporting equipment such as bikes or surfboards on the exterior of your car by utilising roof racks and some simple tie downs.

With high-quality products such as Weathertechs outdoor rucksack or a cargo box, it is possible to store your essential items on the roof with the confidence they will stay bone dry.

Bed covers

The bed is the tub or tray in the back of your ute, and the distinctive feature sets utes apart from other vehicles. Your average stock ute is going to be pretty basic in this department; you'll find a metal tray with a cover that may or may not be watertight. A ute tray is fantastic as it's customisable, and the way you use your tray will differ depending on why you drive a ute. If you are using a ute for work, a good quality toolbox and a set of drawers is the best option for you, whereas someone who uses their ute for road trips will be better suited to a pull-out bed and some hidden drawers for added space. The beauty of a ute is this customisable aspect.

Bed covers and pull-outs can make for great storage options and give you a hidden layer of secure storage for your truck by accommodating a set of hidden drawers or a pull-out tray to use as a bench or for easy access.

Tool holders,ladder racks and bed extenders are great accessories for tradies to customise their utes.

Sleeping Options for your 4X4

Whether you're going on a 6-month adventure or love hitting the road on weekends, decking your 4x4 out with a decent sleeping setup is a game changer. A good night's sleep on the road can be the difference between an epic trip and a forgettable experience. There are plenty of creative ways to fit your truck out with some sleeping options, from a simple layer of foam and a cheap doona in the tray to a rooftop tent or permanent bed option in the back, there is an option for everyone. To find inspiration, a quick scan through social media can spark some ideas to get you moving.

Our Top Three Favourite Storage Equipment Accessories

• The Bedslide 2000 Pro Truck Bed Cargo Organizer

This product is the ultimate heavy-duty truck organiser and the perfect option for workers or truck owners who need sturdy storage. This product can hold up to a tonne of gear and supplies, making accessing heavy items easy with its retractable capabilities.

• Tuffy's Heavy Duty Truck Bed Security Drawers

The ultimate option for road trips or locking up your belongings, Tuffy's heavy-duty storage drawers are lockable and completely encased, making them ideal for outdoor use. A great option for maximising space in your truck.

• Truxedo's Truck Luggage Expedition Cargo Bag

The Expedition Cargo bag is rail mounted and boasts eight cubic feet of extra storage space. Sturdy enough to work as a toolbox but easily compact when not in use, this is the perfect option for those short on tray space.