A Beginner’s Guide To 4WD Tray Installation

Driving offroad means you need a reliable vehicle, and utes are a popular choice amongst Aussie adventurers! Utes offer strength, utility and rugged style in a more compact vehicle than a full 4x4, but one thing they can lack is storage. Enter ute trays - a versatile, spacious addition that you can install on your ute to increase its storage capacity and utility.

At Camping Adventures, we’re proud to offer trays from reputable Australian metal fabricators at Camp King Industries, as well as other kinds of quality gear for going off-road. Australian-made and owned, Camp King Industries is a reliable source of quality ute trays you can trust.

Are you interested in having a tray installed on your ute for your next road adventures? Throughout this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including features to look out for and how to do it yourself.  

What Is A 4WD Tray, And Why Do I Need One?

If you’re not sure if you’d like a 4WD tray, here is a little more information on them.

A specialty 4WD tray replaces the basic factory tray or tub your ute comes with initially, and they offer far more than just a simple tray for storage!

• Extendable trays and pockets for storage - Besides the actual 4WD tray itself, many high-quality trays feature extra hidden storage that campers will love using to increase their load capacity. These include a long sliding drawer at the back of the tray behind the number plate and side storage behind small doors ideal for storing 4WD recovery gear and other smaller items. They may even feature a spare wheel holder right behind the cab!

• Moveable tie-down points for security - Camp King trays often include useful tie-down points that can be slid and secured down the sides of your tray. This allows you to attach ropes, cords and tape at the points you want, which makes keeping objects like bikes, camping furniture, rods or even an entire canopy in place very easy.

• Fully plumbed water tap connected to an undertray water tank - A 65L undertray water tank will sit underneath your Camp King tray’s headboard, which is then connected to a tap on the side of the ute. You can use this to access extra water whenever you need it.

• Rerouted fuel line and new cap—Taking off your ute's old tub means you need a new spot for your fuel line. Use the integrated, vented fuel filler and rerouted fuel lines in a new tray!

• LED lights - Most trays will come with LED lights that will fit neatly into the tray. These high-quality lights include all the necessary brake, indicator and emergency light functions you’ll need.

• Options for canopy attachment - Go a step further and attach an entire canopy to your ute tray if you need even more storage space! Canopies can also facilitate extras like a pullout kitchen or pantry, an awning or a ladder. You can even use this extra space as a spare wheel holder if you need it.

The most common kind you’ll find on the market are steel trays. Utes need trays made from hardy metals so that they’re able to resist damage from off-road driving, and they often come in classic steel silver or a powdered matte black finish to suit your ute’s look.

Make sure to choose a tray that has all the extras you want. Whether you want a bare-bones tray or one with all the bells and whistles, check that it will fit your ute and that the weight won’t cause your suspension to suffer before you purchase.

Have we convinced you? If so, then let’s dive into how you can install your 4WD tray yourself!

How To Install A 4WD Tray

Ready to create the ultimate setup for your ute? While the exact steps you take will depend on your vehicle itself and the tray you have chosen, here are some basic instructions you can follow if you want to install your own tray.

Keep in mind that any tray you buy should already come with instructions and installation supplies.

Step 1 - Remove The Connections

Start by using a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the factory tub or tray to the chassis of your ute. Next, you’ll need to disconnect all the wiring that connects the brake lights and any extras like a reverse camera and sensors. Always take care when disconnecting your fuel lines from the old tub, as you’ll need to install them again in the new one.

You may need a few extra hands to hold onto the old tray as you disconnect it. With help, carefully remove the tub and set it aside.

Step 2 - Prepare And Install The Bracket

The brackets are like the bones that will hold our new tray in place. If you want to colour, polish or alter them visually, now is the time! At this point, attach the brackets to the empty space by securely bolting them into place. Make sure each bracket is centred, and leave the middle one until last so you can line it up with the others perfectly.

Make sure your tray is flat, or you may like to angle it slightly at the end so it doesn’t sag under the weight of heavy supplies.

Step 3 - Lower The Tray Onto The Brackets

Lift your new tray and carefully align it with the brackets before setting it down. You may need a few hands for this, so make sure you recruit some help! Ensure you have a decent gap between the end of the tray and the cab of your car, as you’ll need space to add the headframe next. Bolt the tray to the brackets.

Step 4 - Attach The Headframe

The head frame will protect anything in the tray from sliding into the back of your cab and damaging it, and also provides some extra points for attaching tie-down lines. Line it up and secure it to the front bracket, as well as the back of the new tray. You should still have a small gap between the headboard and the cab.

Step 5 - Add Extras Like Mudflaps, Lights And The Number Plate

Take the time while the tray is unfinished to now add extras if you need them. Mudflaps are a must-have for off-roading, and should be installed close to the wheel so they protect other vehicles.This also offers extra protection for the back of your own vehicle from flying stones, dirt and other debris. 

You should make sure to connect your wiring so the lights on the trailer work. Finally, remove the number plate from your old tray and securely add it to the new one!

Step 6 - Install The Sides And Back Of The Tray

Finish up by securing the sides and back of the tray, if it has them. Once everything is installed, make sure to turn on your car and ensure all the wiring is correct and that your lights and any extras like cameras and sensors are all working like normal.
Of course, if you don’t want to install the tray yourself, you can leave it to the professionals! We offer tray installation services at our shop in Clyde North, and you can rest easy knowing that your new tray is safely attached using our quality gear if you choose to use our services.

Discover Amazing Ute Trays At Camping Adventures

You can enjoy choosing from a range of tough and functional Camp King ute trays and canopies right here at Camping Adventures. Browse the range online, visit us in Clyde North or contact us to find the perfect tray for your vehicle.

We offer an amazing range of accessories for your 4x4, as well as quality outdoor and 4WD recovery gear for all sorts of camping. Browse our incredible website for everything you need to take your next off-road holiday to the next level!