Mounting a Water Tank Holder on Your UTE: How to Do It Properly?

Your trips to nature, camping activities, or work duties require a reliable water supply. Driving a UTE means you have enough room in the rear tray for loading enormous amounts of fresh water. Many will install water tank holders over the rear bed and always have enough drinkable water wherever they go.

If you’re about to mount a water tank holder, you will need the essential items to do it, aside from the water tank alone. The first thing to do when you’re planning to add this item to your UTE is to order the water tank and the holder separately. When they arrive and are ready for mounting, you must connect all the dots to have the combination work.

Why Every UTE Needs a Water Tank Holder?

A water tank holder is more than just an accessory; it’s a necessity for anyone taking their vehicle on extended trips. Whether you’re camping in remote Australian bushland, heading out for 4WD adventures, or using your UTE for work in Brisbane or beyond, a steady water supply is critical. Modern tray water tank systems are designed to suit your needs, fitting neatly between wheel arches or along the headboard without taking up unnecessary space. 

With a water holder, you can store various sizes of poly or stainless steel tanks, attach a 12v water pump, and even connect portable shower or dispenser units for easy access to the water. This upgrade ensures safe storage, food-grade quality, and the durability required for offroad use.

7-Step Guide to Properly Mounting a Water Holder Tank on Your UTE

In this blog post, we will highlight the few essential steps to mounting the water tank holder and the tank itself. If you’re skilled enough, follow these six steps to do it, but if you don’t feel experienced enough, you can always come to our shop and ask the pros to do it for you. Follow up and see what these steps are.

1. Prepare the Required Tools

Before doing anything, ensure that the UTE has the capacity to withhold the weight of the water tank. Although the holder is not extremely heavy, the water may add significant weight to your truck, so check if it can hold. Look for specialized aluminium tool boxes for caravans and UTEs that fit your needs.

Then, have the required tools by your side. The holder comes with a kit of tools, so that should be just enough for the basic things, but you should also have a drill, wrenches, and screwdrivers next to you. If you have all these things, you’re ready to start working.

2. Select the Location for Installing and Clean the Area

While the rear bed is broad, the water tank holder might take the entire space if you don’t install it perfectly. Instead of wasting the area, measure it right and place it, trying to leave room for other tools and items on the side.

Have this in mind when ordering the tank and the holder, too. Based on these dimensions, know where you will mount it. When ready, clean the area and prepare it for the next step. Never work on dirty areas. Clean even the dust, as they might cause trouble while you’re working.

3. Measure Precisely and Do the Drilling

It’s crucial to do a precise measuring because one centimetre off and the entire holder will not be possible to mount. Read the manual and mark the points where the holes must go. Once you’re ready, start drilling.

Do it carefully. You don’t want to make holes that are deeper than needed. The vehicle’s body is not too thick, so drill steadily and do not go too deep and damage some of the other parts.

4. Get Help to Load the Holder onto the Bed

The water tank holder might be lightweight enough to pick it up and place it over the bed, but the tank is usually more robust and tough to handle. You will need a friend to help if you want to do the job perfectly. Smaller items might be easy to handle, but bigger ones require additional help.

5. Secure the Water Tank Holder

Once the drills are there, it’s time to place the water tank holder and secure it. Align the holes of the holder with the ones you drilled on the bed and apply the screws. You can use the battery drill or the hand screwdriver to lock everything in place.

Do this for every hole and see if there’s something else you must do according to the manual. When you finish all the steps, the holder should be secured, and you’re ready for the next step - mounting the water tank.

6. Mount the Water Tank and Connect It

Every water tank is different, so you must read the manual before doing anything. The tank might also need some drilling and connecting, but be careful when doing this, so you don’t damage the tank and have the water leak outside of it.

If the tank is designed for use while applied to the holder, you must connect other items, too. You might want to look at our canopy accessories that will be helpful for this need. When everything’s connected, you can load it with water.

7. Take it for a Test Drive

When you finish your work, and the water tank seems ready for use, you should take it for a spin and check if it is ok. Don’t drive too fast, and don’t go too far. Drive around the block and see how it acts when you apply the brakes and accelerate. If everything seems great, you’re ready for a longer trip.

Secure Your Water Supply the Smart Way

When you install ute water tanks with the right fitment, you’re making your vehicle more functional and adventure-ready. Tanks made from tough poly or stainless steel can withstand harsh conditions, whether mounted on the tray, tub, or even the roof. With a filler cap, breather, hose kits, and optional filter systems, these water tanks come ready for heavy duty use and provide quick and easy access to clean water. 

From portable solutions to large litre tank options, the range of water tanks available in Australia ensures you’ll always find one to suit your needs. Having the proper installation and accessories turns your UTE into a reliable companion for camping, work, or offroad adventures.

FAQs

Can a water tank holder be installed without drilling into the UTE tray?

Some portable or compact water tanks are designed for quick and easy installation without drilling, using straps or brackets that attach to the wheel arches or headboard. However, for heavy duty fitment and larger litre tanks, drilling is the safest way to ensure stability during offroad driving.

Is it legal to carry a water tank on my UTE in all regions?

In most parts of Australia, carrying a water tank on your vehicle is legal as long as the fitment doesn’t exceed weight limits or block visibility. Always check with your local transport centre to confirm specific regulations, especially if you’re installing a large tray water tank or roof-mounted option.

How do I choose the right size water tank for my UTE?

The right size depends on your trips and how much water you’ll need. For extended trips or offroad adventures, a larger litre tank with a 12v water pump and dispenser may suit your needs best. For short outings, a smaller food-grade polyethylene tank in various sizes can provide enough water without adding too much weight.

Is it safe to drink water from a tank stored on a UTE?

Yes, as long as the tank is food-grade and designed for drinking water. Many manufacturers use polyethylene or stainless steel materials that are safe for storage. Adding a filter or portable shower kit can also improve water quality, ensuring safe hydration wherever your adventure takes you.