Navara D40: budget drawer and canopy layout guide
Building drawers or a sleeping platform in a Nissan Navara D40 on a budget? Here are the real ute tub measurements we've got on record, a rough ply cost in NZD and AUD, and some simple layout ideas that work in this vehicle. Measure your own before you cut. Liners, trims and model years all change the numbers.
Ute tub dimensions
| Tub floor length | 1511 mm |
|---|---|
| Width between wheel arches | 1130 mm |
| Max floor width | 1560 mm |
| Tub depth | 457 mm |
| Tailgate opening width | 1432 mm |
| Wheel arch length | 900 mm |
| Arch distance from front bulkhead | 0 mm |
| Arch height above floor | 200 mm |
| Variant: RX/ST dual cab (2010 sheet) | tub length 1513 mm, tub max width 1550 mm, width between arches 1134 mm, tub depth 454 mm, tailgate opening width 1435 mm |
| Variant: King cab | tub length 1865 mm, tub max width 1560 mm, width between arches 1135 mm, tub depth 454 mm, tailgate opening width 1435 mm |
| Payload | not yet measured |
| Kerb weight | not yet measured |
Notes from our sources: Some figures here are low confidence (single owner measurement or unverified source).
"Not yet measured" means we haven't found a trustworthy source. We don't guess.
Cheapest ply cost estimate
A basic twin drawer unit sized to this ute tub would be about 1110 mm wide (arch width minus 20 mm clearance) and 1200 mm long, 300 mm tall. That works out to roughly 3 sheets of 12 mm ply for the carcass and drawer boxes, plus 1 sheet of 18 mm (17 mm in AU) for the top.
| Market | Cheapest ply we found | Ply cost |
|---|---|---|
| NZ | Bunnings NZ Tigerply 12mm NZ$57.50/sheet, Bunnings NZ Tigerply 18mm NZ$89.90/sheet | about NZ$262 |
| AU | Bunnings AU CUSTOMply 12mm A$46.00/sheet, Bunnings AU 17mm non-structural (in-store only) A$71.40/sheet | about A$209 |
This is ply only: drawer runners, screws, glue, carpet and hinges are extra. Prices are 2400×1200 non-structural sheets, checked 15 Oct 2026, and shelf prices vary by store. The sheet count includes about 15% for offcuts and mistakes.
Budget layout ideas
- A twin drawer unit across the tub floor between the arches, roughly 250–300 mm tall so a canopy still has room above it.
- A fridge slide on one side and a single wide drawer on the other is the classic canopy layout.
- Use the arch-top shelves beside the drawers for water, a battery box or tie-down points.
- Ute payloads disappear fast. Add up the drawers, fridge, water and canopy before you buy anything heavy.
Help fill the gaps: measure your rig
Common questions
What size is the Navara D40 ute tub?
From our sourced data: tub floor length 1511 mm, 1130 mm between the wheel arches. Always measure your own vehicle before cutting, as tubs, trims and liners vary.
How much does it cost to build DIY drawers for a Navara D40?
Roughly NZ$262 or A$209 in ply for a basic twin drawer unit (3× 12 mm sheets plus 1× 18/17 mm), using the cheapest non-structural sheets at Bunnings in Oct 2026. Runners and hardware are extra.
Will a standard drawer unit fit in a Navara D40?
A unit up to about 1110 mm wide fits between the arches with some clearance. Wider units need to sit above arch height.