What Size Ute Toolbox Do I Need? How to Measure Your Ute Tray

Key Insights

There's no single standard ute tray size. Most dual-cab trays run about 1500–1575mm long and 1500–1650mm wide, but it varies by cab type and model.
Measure four things before you buy: length, width, the gap between the wheel arches, and depth, plus headboard clearance.
Toolboxes come in standard lengths: roughly 1200mm suits dual cabs, 1450mm extra cabs, and 1800mm single cabs.
Always subtract the toolbox weight from your payload so you stay under your ute's GVM.

Few things are more frustrating than ordering a toolbox, waiting for it to turn up, then finding it sits crooked, fouls the headboard or hangs out past the tray. Get the size right the first time and it bolts up clean and does its job for years. Get it wrong and you’re up for returns, refitting, or a box that never quite works.

It comes down to two things: knowing your ute tray size, and matching the right box to it. Here’s how to do both, without the guesswork.earStandard ute tray sizes by cab type

Standard ute tray sizes by cab type

There’s no universal ute tray size. It changes with cab type, model, and whether you’re running a factory tub or an aftermarket alloy tray. As a rough guide, here’s where most Aussie trays land:

Cab type	Length	Width	Depth	Between arches
Dual cab	1500–1575mm	1500–1650mm	480–570mm	1085–1225mm
Extra cab	1600–1800mm	1600–1800mm	approx. 500mm	varies by model
Single cab	1800–2400mm	1700–1900mm	approx. 500mm	varies by model

These are ballparks only. Your exact tray depends on the make and model, so always measure your own before you buy.

The measurements that matter

Whether you run a tray or a factory tub, the same ute tray measurements decide what fits. Four numbers do most of the work:

Length: along the side rail where the box will sit. Leave enough clearance so the tailgate still closes.
Width: the usable width across the tray (your ute tray width).
Between the wheel arches: the narrowest point, and the make-or-break number if the box sits over the arches.
Depth: floor to the top of the rail, so the box doesn’t sit too tall or too low.

On top of those, check your headboard clearance (the gap to the headboard) and, for an under-tray box, the ground clearance underneath.

Between the arches: The gap between your wheel-arch housings is usually the narrowest part of the tray. It’s the number that decides whether a box (or a pallet) sits flat, so measure it carefully; a modern Ford Ranger, for example, runs about 1224mm.

Matching a Paramount box to your tray

Once you’ve got your numbers, matching a box is straightforward. Paramount toolboxes come in a range of lengths and depths to suit different trays, so the right ute toolbox size is the one that fits your measurements:

Compact and tray-saving: the 705 series (around 500mm deep) suits smaller or single-cab trays where you want to keep tray space open.
Maximum storage: the 850 and 950 series have a deeper footprint and longer lengths for trades carrying more gear.
Keep the tray floor clear: an underbody box uses the dead space below the rails, so your tray stays free.
Twin setup: a box on each side of the arches leaves a clear centre channel for timber or sheets.

As a rough rule of thumb for what size ute toolbox suits each cab, this is the usual fit, but your tray measurements always win over the rule of thumb:

Toolbox length	Best suited to
~1200mm	Dual-cab utes: good storage without crowding the tray
~1450mm	Extra-cab and trade utes: room for power tools, PPE and fixings
~1800mm	Single-cab utes with full-size trays: maximum storage

Don’t forget your payload

A toolbox full of tools adds up fast, and every kilo counts toward your ute’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Before you settle on a size, subtract the weight of the box plus the gear you’ll load into it from your payload, so you stay legal and your ute handles properly. If you’re loading up, our guide to GVM-conscious packing is worth a read.

A quick note on under-tray boxes and the law

If you’re fitting an under tray toolbox, leave enough ground clearance so it doesn’t scrape, and make sure it doesn’t stick out past the tray or block your lights or number plate. There are ADR limits on width and overhang. When in doubt, have it fitted by your distributor.

Frequently asked questions

What size toolbox is best for my ute?

It depends on your tray. Measure the length, the width, the gap between the wheel arches and the depth, then match a box to those numbers. As a rough guide, 1200mm lengths suit dual cabs, 1450mm extra cabs and 1800mm single cabs.

What is the standard size of a ute tray?

There’s no single standard, but most dual-cab trays in Australia run about 1500–1575mm long, 1500–1650mm wide, 480–570mm deep, and 1085–1225mm between the wheel arches. Single and extra cabs are larger again, and exact sizes vary by model.

How do I measure my ute tray for a toolbox

Measure the length along the side rail where the box will sit (leaving clearance for the tailgate), the width, the gap between the wheel arches, and the depth. Check your headboard clearance too. Always measure your own tray, as sizes vary by model.

Will a toolbox fit my Ford Ranger or Hilux?

In most cases, yes. Common toolbox sizes are built to suit popular dual cabs like the Ranger and Hilux. A Ranger runs about 1224mm between the arches. Always measure your exact tray and check the box length and between-arch fit before ordering.

How wide can a ute tray be in Australia?

There are ADR limits on tray width and overhang, and an under-tray box must not block your lights or number plate. Keep within the legal limits, leave enough ground clearance underneath, and have boxes fitted by your distributor if you’re unsure.

Find the right-sized box for your ute

Got your measurements? Find a box that fits your tray and your trade, from compact tray-savers to full-size storage. Not sure on the fit? Your local stockist can help you match the right box to your ute.

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