Top Accessories to Pair With Your Ute’s Tonneau Cover

Some ute setups look the part but don’t deliver when it matters. It’s not always about having more gear. It’s about pairing the right gear together.

A tonneau cover handles part of the equation, covering the tub and locking up what’s inside. But when combined with essential add-ons, that cover becomes part of a system, one that’s built for how the ute gets used day in and day out.

Here’s a look at the gear that works well with a tonneau cover. We’re talking about gear that adds real use, not just extra weight. But before we move on, remember that compatibility is crucial when installing some of these gears. That means if you drive a Ford Next Gen Ranger, you should get Ford Next Gen Ranger accessories.

Tub Racks That Don’t Get in the Way

A tub rack that fits with a tonneau cover needs the right spacing. Some racks mount on the inside lip of the tub, while others sit higher or attach to rails above the cover. What matters is clear access to both. The rack should carry long or bulky loads without stopping the cover from opening or closing. That balance is what turns a decent setup into a practical one. It’s best matched with:

• Rooftop tents
• Kayaks or bikes
• Timber or piping
• Shade awnings

Drawer Systems and Slide-Out Trays

As a tonneau cover keeps gear out of sight, a drawer system makes that gear easy to reach. Rather than leaning in or crawling through the tub, a drawer slides out with one pull. Some are shallow and lightweight. Others are deep enough to store tools, camp gear, or recovery kits.

Trays do a similar job, offering a flat surface that rolls out. They’re often used for fridges or toolboxes. Some even come with tie-down points built in. The right setup depends on what’s being carried, and how often it needs to be accessed.

LED Lighting for Night Use

When the sun goes down, even with a tonneau cover rolled open, some light doesn’t reach inside. Small LED strips solve that fast. They stick to the inside walls or roof of the tub, lighting up the space evenly. Here are a few things they’re handy for:

• Camp setups at night
• Late gear drop-offs
• Finding small tools or parts
• Keeping an eye on the fridge

Tailgate Seal Kits

Even with a sealed tonneau cover, the tailgate can let in dust and water. That gap between the tray floor and tailgate edge is often missed. Seal kits fix that. Most are foam or rubber strips that stick into place. There are some that come in a full weatherproofing kit with extra seals for the tonneau tracks. Key benefits include:

• Keeps fine dust out
• Stops rainwater from seeping in
• Helps protect stored gear
• Reduces clean-up time after trips

Tie-Downs and Storage Organisers

If gear slides around under the cover, an enclosed tray isn’t much better than an open tub. Tie-down points, nets, and storage boxes bring order to the space. Look into these useful add-ons:

• Adjustable anchor tracks
• Rubber mats to stop sliding
• Foldable organisers
• Cargo nets for loose gear

12V Power and Fridge Support

Touring setups often need power. That means a battery system, charging options, and fridge support—all under the tonneau. A second battery can be mounted in a drawer system or behind the tub wall. From there, it can power lighting, fridges, or tools. Good setups also include:

• USB ports or Anderson plugs
• Battery monitors
• DC-to-DC chargers
• Fuse blocks with labels

Roof and Hitch Load Carriers

Long loads need more than just a tub rack. A roof rack or hitch-mounted extender can keep heavy items level across the whole ute. This avoids bending or bowing timber, pipes, or ladders. It also allows the tonneau to stay shut, even while carrying large loads. Just make sure the front and rear supports line up cleanly, and don’t push down on the cover rails.

Built Right Means Used More

Nothing slows things down like gear that gets in its own way. Imagine a lid that jams, a fridge you can’t reach, and a rack that blocks the cover from rolling. When accessories match each other, the whole system runs smoother. Storage becomes smarter, access becomes easier, and trips become faster to pack and cleaner to unpack.