Slide out gear trays

What slide out gear trays solve

Slide out gear trays move heavy cargo to the door opening, so you reach tools, coolers, bins, or recovery kits without climbing inside. By turning dead space into a rolling shelf, they speed up camp setups, reduce strain on your back, and keep valuables visible at a glance. In tight parking or on uneven ground, a stable tray prevents juggling gear while you balance in a doorway. The result is faster loading, fewer dropped items, and a cabin that stays clean and organized.

Common formats include full length deck trays across a van cargo area, partial depth trays for fridges or stoves, and multi level systems that pair a main tray with drawers above or below. Over travel slides extend beyond the doorway for full access to the far edge of the platform. Lock in and lock out positions keep the tray planted while you work, even on sloped campsites or rutted access roads.

Design choices that make trays work in the real world

Selecting the right materials sets the tone for weight, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Materials and deck surfaces

• Aluminum frames offer high strength to weight ratios and resist corrosion, making them great for vans and overland rigs exposed to weather.
• Steel frames deliver excellent stiffness and cost efficiency but need protective coatings for rust control.
• Composite or phenolic deck panels reduce weight and absorb vibration, while marine plywood remains a reliable, affordable classic.

Deck surfaces often use textured rubber, bed mat, or marine grip to keep bins from sliding. Edge lips or modular extrusions help contain loose items and accept accessories like dividers or clamps.

Slide mechanisms and load ratings

Ball bearing slides dominate in heavy duty applications, often with full extension and over travel options. Roller systems and linear rails appear in specialized builds that need extreme load or weather tolerance. Always check both static and dynamic load ratings. Static measures what a parked vehicle can support, while dynamic considers braking, cornering, washboards, or trail chatter. For off road use, choose a higher dynamic rating and lockable positions that resist vibration.

Locking, tie downs, and weather protection

Lock in and lock out latches keep trays from creeping while you drive or while you cook. Detents are helpful but should not replace mechanical locks for heavy setups. Tie down strategy matters as much as the tray itself. L track, E track, D rings, and threaded inserts let you change the layout when your cargo changes. For weather and grit, look for sealed bearings, drain paths, powder coat or anodizing, and hardware that will not seize after a winter of road salt.

Fitment, mounting, and safe use across platforms

Measuring the opening is step one. Clear the door latch plastics, trim, and wheel wells. Height dictates what fits on top of the tray, like a fridge with lid clearance. Width should allow a gloved hand at the sides, preventing skin pinch and easing cleaning. If bikes or long totes ride the tray, check swing arc at the doors and be sure handlebars or lids clear seals and hinges.

Mounting must connect to structure, not just thin floor skin. Backing plates, nutserts, or factory anchor points spread loads and protect the floor. In vans, confirm subfloor thickness and avoid fuel lines or high voltage components on EV platforms. In pickup beds, landing pads should land near ribs or hard points. In enclosed trailers, reinforce under the deck to handle the lever arm created when a loaded tray extends.

Balance matters. A heavy tray packed with tools or water can shift weight behind the axle. Keep dense items forward and low, use tie downs, and verify you remain within payload and axle ratings. If you run rough roads, consider bump stops on the tray frame to control lateral wiggle and reduce rattle against stops.

Noise control is part engineering and part upkeep. Rubber bumpers at end stops, tight latch engagement, and shims at mounting points tame vibration. Periodic checks on bolt torque and latch alignment keep the system quiet. For lubrication, dry film or graphite products resist dust buildup better than greasy sprays. Clean grit from slide races, especially after beach sand or desert silty trails.

Use cases shape the layout:

• Camp kitchen trays carry stoves, utensils, and a pantry box with a wind shield that clips on the tray edge.
• Fridge slides need full lid clearance and a lock at both positions, plus a strap path that does not interfere with cables.
• Moto and tool trays should include front chocks, modular brackets, and a non slip deck to keep steel boxes from skating.
• First responder or contractor trays benefit from labeled dividers and lighting, so gear is findable at night.

Budget ranges vary by size, load rating, and finishes. Lighter consumer trays may be sufficient for lifestyle cargo, while commercial or expedition builds often justify heavy steel slides, custom frames, and corrosion resistant hardware. Choose the system that fits your duty cycle, not just the lightest price on a spec sheet.

Ergonomics and safety details

Set the tray height for comfortable reach. Waist high is efficient for cooking and tool access, while lower decks help with tall loads. Handles should allow a two hand pull with gloves and keep fingers away from pinch zones. Always lock the tray before loading or unloading and try to keep one hand on the deck when parked on a slope.

Maintenance and longevity

Inspect fasteners, latches, and tie down points each season. Replace worn bumpers and deck mats before they damage frames or cargo. If your routes include regular water crossings or winter brine, rinse, dry, and re lube before the next trip. Thoughtful care turns a tray into a decade long asset rather than a one season experiment.

Accessibility and teamwork

Slide out gear trays make shared rigs easier. Family trips, trail crews, and camera teams benefit when everyone can reach the same labeled bins at the door. Good trays turn the doorway into a workbench with a predictable layout, speeding up both launch and pack down.

Bringing it together with a professional install

A well chosen tray is only as good as its integration. Mounting, wiring for fridge or lighting, tie down planning, and rattle control separate a slick idea from a daily joy. If you want the tray to feel native to the vehicle, a custom upfit ensures the frame matches your use case and payload, not just generic brackets.

OZK Customs designs and installs slide out gear trays as part of complete custom builds and partial upfits for vans, trucks, and towable platforms. Our team integrates trays with flooring, power systems, lighting, and storage so every pull is smooth, quiet, and secure. Whether you need a kitchen platform, a dual fridge and pantry setup, or a commercial tool deck with labeled cubbies, we shape the tray around your real world workflow. Tell us what you carry, where you drive, and how you camp, and we will build a solution that works for years.

Strong finishes, sealed hardware, and thoughtful details matter. We fabricate brackets, add L track or E track patterns, and set lock positions that match your gear. The end result is a pull out system that keeps weight in check, respects payload limits, and turns every stop into a simple reach and go moment.

Ready to turn your cargo chaos into a smooth, one pull workflow. Connect with our team and we will blueprint a slide out gear tray that matches your rig, your routes, and your goals.

• Start with layout planning and load targets
• Choose materials, slides, and tie downs for your use case
• Integrate lighting, power, and rattle control the right way

Strong builds start with good questions. We are here to answer them and deliver a system that feels factory clean and field proven.

Ready to turn your cargo chaos into a smooth, one pull workflow. OZK Customs designs and installs slide out gear trays that match your payload, layout, and adventure. Tell us how you travel, and we will build a quiet, locked, load rated tray that works every mile. Start your custom upfit today.

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