The ultimate ute camping setup

Whether you’re heading off for a weekend at the coast or a road trip through the Outback, your ute is your greatest camping asset. But a stock tray only gets you so far. To truly enjoy your time on the road, you need a ute camping setup that prioritises accessibility, organisation, and durability.

At Dunn & Watson, we specialise in helping Aussie campers turn their 4WDs into mobile basecamps. Here is our guide to the essential components of a functional touring setup.

1. The foundation: trays and canopies

Every great setup starts with a solid foundation. If you’re serious about camping, a dedicated Tourer Tray is the way to go. Designed specifically for the campers, these trays offer maximum storage and integrated features that standard factory tubs simply can’t match.

For those who want to keep their gear out of the elements and secure from theft, an Aluminium Ute Canopy is a must. Whether you choose a lift-off model or a fixed unit, it provides the “shell” for your mobile kitchen and bedroom.

2. The kitchen: pantries and fridge Slides

Gone are the days of digging through plastic tubs for a can of beans. A professional ute camping setup focuses on “quick-stop” accessibility.

Canopy Pantries

Our Aluminium Canopy Pantries are a game-changer. Available in slimline 100mm widths or Deluxe versions with integrated paper towel holders and fold-out benches, they keep your dry goods organised and within reach.

Fridge Slides

To keep the beer cold and the steak fresh, you need a reliable fridge. We offer everything from Standard Fridge Slides to heavy-duty Drop-Down Fridge Slides, which lower the fridge to a manageable height—perfect for lifted 4WDs.

3. Smart storage: drawers and toolboxes

Space is a premium in any ute. The key to a stress-free camp is “a place for everything.”

Under Tray Drawers

Utilise the “dead space” under your tray with a Slide-Out Under Tray Drawer. These are perfect for long items like recovery tracks, shovels, or even a hidden pull-out table.

Tapered Toolboxes

Positioned behind the rear wheels, these provide easy access to muddy recovery gear or air compressors without opening your main canopy.

4. Powering the adventure

If you’re running a fridge, lights, and charging devices, you need a robust electrical system. Our Canopy Power Boards (powered by Enerdrive) are pre-built to take the guesswork out of 12V setups. Couple this with a Lithium Battery Kit and some solar panels, and you can stay off-grid indefinitely.

5. Water management

Access to water is critical on Aussie roads. Instead of bulky jerry cans taking up floor space, consider an Under Tray Water Tank or a headboard tank. Integrated 12V pumps provide pressurised water on tap for handwashing or a quick trail-side shower using our Portable Shower Water Heater Box.

6. The bedroom

To finish off the ultimate setup, mount a Dunn & Watson Gen 3 Roof Top Tent to the roof of your canopy. By sleeping off the ground, you stay away from the creepy crawlies, and you can leave your bedding made up to save time during pack-up.

Ready to build your setup?

A great ute camping setup isn’t built in a day – it’s evolved. Whether you’re starting with a few Cargo Tie Downs or looking for a full custom Canopy Fitout, the team at Dunn & Watson has the Australian-made hardware to get you there. Contact us now.