Australia is built for touring. Endless coastlines, dirt tracks, and wide-open spaces call for the right rig. And for many ute owners, that means setting up a system that can handle long drives, rough roads, and nights under the stars. The backbone of a solid touring build? A tub rack. This underrated piece of gear can completely transform a ute.
It’s not just about carrying extra stuff—it’s about how that stuff is stored, accessed, and used. A tub rack changes the way a rig functions from the ground up.
Why Touring Setups Matter
Touring rigs aren’t like city utes. They carry more gear, get pushed harder, and often go where support is hours away. That’s why gear placement matters. Packing too high or too wide can throw off balance and make driving rougher than it needs to be.
A good setup spreads weight evenly and keeps essentials within reach. It helps avoid digging through crates in the dark. Most importantly, it’s the difference between a quick camp setup and a frustrating pack-down.
Where the Tub Rack Fits In
A tub rack sits over the tub without taking over the whole back. It opens up two levels of storage. Heavy or long items like swags, recovery boards, or rooftop tents sit on top. Below, the tub still carries tools, gear bags, or drawer systems. This setup allows better weight distribution. Gear isn’t stacked up too high. The centre of gravity stays lower, and there’s less clutter in the cabin.
What you want is a practical system that works with the ute—not against it. Here’s what a good tub rack brings to the setup:
- Space for rooftop tents without losing access to the tub
- Extra tie-down points for awkward items
- A solid platform for solar panels or lighting setups
- Open access to the bed area underneath
- Compatibility with soft covers or hard lids
Modularity Means Flexibility
Touring setups change over time. What works for a solo trip might not cut it for family camping. Tub racks are usually modular. That means they can be adjusted, added to, or stripped back.
Want to remove the rooftop tent for daily driving? It’s easy. Need to bolt on extra accessories? Most tub racks are made for it. Unlike fixed canopies, tub racks keep things open. The gear changes, but the rack stays useful.
Some setups even include adjustable heights. That can help with garage clearance or to keep tent ladders more accessible. For the best-quality tub racks, look into reliable brands like RealTruck.
Works Without the Weight of a Canopy
Canopies have their place, but they add weight, cost, and often limit airflow. Not everyone wants or needs one. A tub rack offers much of the same function—storage, mount points, and security—without sealing off the back. It also keeps the load area ventilated. That’s great for carrying wet gear, firewood, or things that smell. No more locked-up wet tents stewing in a hot box.
Some ute owners run a tonneau or roller cover beneath the rack. That keeps gear hidden and dry, without closing off the whole tub. It’s a middle ground that suits a lot of tourers.
Gear Placement Matters on Long Drives
Weight at the back or up top can ruin how a rig handles. A tub rack helps move that weight forward and down. Items like jerry cans, firewood, or spare tyres can sit closer to the axle. This improves stability, especially on corrugations. It also protects gear better than rooftop baskets, which catch wind and bounce more.
As a driver, you’ll feel the difference over long distances. Less body roll, more control, and fewer rattles all come from getting the layout right.
Simple Setup, Big Return
One of the biggest appeals of a tub rack is how little it asks. There’s no need to replace the tray. No complex wiring. No full rebuild. Just a few bolts, some brackets, and it’s ready to carry a serious load.
That simplicity makes it easy to upgrade or modify later. It’s also often cheaper than full canopy builds, which take time and planning. For many tourers, it becomes the base of their system. Over time, they add lighting, awnings, or kitchen setups—all mounted straight to the rack.
Final Thoughts
Building a touring rig feels a bit like preparing a good meal—you only know it’s right once you’ve used it. A tub rack doesn’t get much attention at first. But once it’s on the ute, it’s hard to imagine travelling without it.
Tub racks give drivers a strong, simple, and flexible way to manage gear. They keep things where they belong and help rigs handle better. Furthermore, they free up space for things that matter, such as stretching out at camp or getting off the beaten path sooner. Remember, less weight up high, and more gear within reach. That’s how good touring rigs are built.