Aluminium vs Steel Under-Tray Toolboxes: Which One Suits Your Ute?

July 1, 2026

If you're still stacking tools loose in the tray, you're losing space you could be using for actual cargo. An under-tray toolbox tucks neatly beneath the tray rails, keeping your gear locked away, dry, and out from underfoot — without eating into your load area at all.

The two big questions we get asked are: aluminium or steel, and what size do I actually need? Here's the short version.

Aluminium: lighter, rust-proof, easier on the fuel bill

Aluminium under-tray boxes won't rust, which matters if you're running near the coast, hauling water carts, or just parked outside year-round. They're also noticeably lighter than steel, which adds up if you're already close to your GVM with tools, water, and gear on board. The trade-off is a slightly higher price point for the same size.

Steel: tougher, cheaper, better for hard yakka

Steel boxes take more punishment — dropped tools, knocks from loading, general worksite abuse — and they're usually a bit cheaper than the aluminium equivalent. If the box is going to cop a beating on a work site or farm, steel is the safer bet, just keep an eye on it if you're near salt air.

Getting the size right

Under-tray boxes are sold in pairs and measured by length. As a rough guide: 600mm pairs suit lighter tool kits and smaller utes, 750mm is the most popular all-rounder size for tradies, and 900mm gives you serious capacity if you're carrying larger gear or working as a two-person crew.

A few clever ways to use the space

Dedicate one side to hand tools and the other to consumables (fittings, straps, PPE) so you're not digging through everything to find one item.
Add rubber drawer liners or foam inserts to stop tools rattling and rusting from condensation.
Mount smaller items on the inside of the lid with magnetic strips or hooks — it's dead space otherwise.

Below are a few options from our Tool Boxes range to give you a sense of what's available at each size.