JOURNEY FOR A 130DC 2100mm TRAY IN NSW

[stace70]

Well put the deposit on a 130DC a few weeks ago. Got a ARB Bullbar, winch, snorkel, long range fuel tank and dual batteries already organised to go....but the tray is another story.
One of the biggest selling points was that guys had 2.1m (Bully 130), 2.2m (PC3) and 2.25m(SLT) trays. I am wanting to put a quad on longways (need at least a 1950 width for wheelbase and deefy will go 1835ish wide so has to go long).

Now to source a Tray Builder for the 2100x1835 tray. 4 very reputable Tray builders said we can not do that length. WHY??? Because the 2007 Onwards Defender Converters Manual states that "Maximum rear overhang 1384 mm (From centre line of rear axle.)Subject to State and Territory requirements.
Preferred rear tray overhang for towing purposes and trailer coupling is 1200 mm." WTF!!!!

So how can trays longer than that be built. Deezilfither said 60% of wheelbase.....GOOGLE for my answer.

I found that by definition in Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 Compilation 3 that the Defender 130 is a Light Goods Vehicle.
That in "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 43/02 – Vehicle Configuration and Dimensions) 2006" .....+ calculations concerning 60% of wheelbase for overhang of 1935mm.

I have asked PC3 to measure the distance from centre rear axle to start of tray headboard. Surely it has to be bigger than 165....and it must be alot bigger becuase none of the pics of extended trays seem to have nearly 2m of overhang.

I have sent the above info to all 4 builders today and am awaiting replies.
Very frustrated...will keep all posted.

[austastar]

Hi, my tray top camper will be just over 2m wide on the back of a D130 cab chassis.
I'm not sure of your quad measurements, but does it matter that the tyres over hang the side of the tray a little?
I hope not, because mounting a spare tyre under the tray of a D130 leaves about 70 mm poking out the side.
cheers

[stace70]

Austastar,

have you any pics of your 2m wide tray.

Cheers Stace

[austastar]

Hi, the tray is normal 1830 wide, the camper over hangs the sides by about 130mm.
There are some pics on the forum here (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/85421-trying-get-my-head-round-things.html)
cheers

[deezilfither]

Stace 70.
What you have to really ask your self, what am I carrying in the back of the 130? Is it bulk or weight. A 4-wheeler 350-400kg,or 1 cubic mtr of dry sand [1602kg/cubic mtr]?
In Qld the std for overhang of tray from centreline of rear axle to rear of tray must be -No more- than 60% of wheelbase. Therefore maximum tray overhang legally allowed is for a 130 t/cab is 1935mm. If you were to do this you would have approx an 8'or 2.4mtr long tray!!

I have a 110[15yrs old] with a steel d/side tray and overall dimensions 2255mm L x 1920mm W. Overhang is 1335mm [50mm under the max spec] and forward of the rear axle is 920mm. GVM for this vehicle is 3050kg. My operating weight of this vehicle [weighed on a public weighbridge] is 2780kg.

I now have a 2010 130 T/cab in the shed that is being fitted with a H/D aluminum tray next week. I know what LR say in their book about max over hang 1384mm,ideal is 1200mm [for towing purposes]. I will not be fitting a towbar,so doesn't worry me.
The tray that I will be fitting is 7' x 6' or 2100mmL x 1800mmW.

The following measurements on the 130T/cab are only approximate,using a tape measure. I have allowed 55mm clearence between rear of cab and headboard. Tray is approx 520mm long from front of tray to centre line of rear axle and then approx 1580mm 'overhang''. I am 196mm or 8'' over the spec that LR state in their book,for overhang.

I am in no way concerned about this, as majority of weight in tray will be forward or over the rear axle. The tray builder will build the tray but there will be no 'come back' on the builder if there are issues down the track with the vehicle chassis. I don't expect any issues and happy to proceed with this tray size. I need this size tray to fit all the gear from the 110 defender,there is approx 800kg-900kg max in weight + tray weight [250kg] to go on the 130.

I know a fellow in Western Qld who has a 130 T/cab.He has had the chassis rail extended,approx 700mm[not sure of exact dimensions].
Therefore his wheelbase has increased accordingly.I have seen the vehicle and a brilliant conversion job done,the tray is massive.But he only carrys bikes/4wheelers etc not heavy items, only bulk.
Yes, people will go on about warranty being void etc. Thats an individual thing, some vehicles are modified to suit specific needs.
Its more how you use it or abuse the vehicle in question,thats likely to cause an adverse outcome. Will put photos up when vehicle completed[once I work out how to upload photos:D].

[pc3]

Wayne I measured from the centre if the rear wheel to start of tray was 57cm aprox is that what you wanted?
I also measured 77cm from the rear cross bar that the tow bar goes on to the end of my tray. My tray is 2.18m. I bought a 130 dc for the ability to have a decent tray and ground clearance, something jap dual cabs don't have lol.

[stace70]

Well it looks as though interstate I will have to go. Have now contacted 12 tray builders in NSW and every single one will not build past 50% of wheelbase. Upon asking each one about the RTA's Vehicle Standards Information Sheet 5 (Vehicle Dimensions) and the ADR's Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (Vehicle Modifications) which states 60% of wheelbase the unanimous reply was "50% is decided by the NSW Motor Body Builders". One even said "we even have the RTA want their vehicles to go to 60% and we refuse". :wallbash:

The journey continues....hassle is now to get the dealer to release the car without a blue slip to get it interstate. Thanks for all the help.

BTW anybody now of a tray builder in NSW who has built a longer tray for their 130DC?????

[roverrescue]

Stace,
Will one of your builders build a tray to your specs, and then you or mates or mechanic fit it?
Maybe another option is to buy a standard single cab fullsize tray (say like BOCAR) then take it to a fabricator/ welder who shortens and modifies it to the chassis on the 'fender.
If the law says 60% then you can legally register and insure it at 59.999% the wheelbase!
If you go the cusom path, can I suggest making the two long side dropsides as the ramps... make them out of say 50x5 Al round pipe (structural) with crossbracing at 25cm intervals then clad with chequer to keep the dirt in.

there will be a way!
Steve

[stace70]

Roverrescue,

interesting idea regarding the dropsides...awesome for the quad.....have you done this or know of someone who has???

Cheers Stace

[tas130]

Stace look up a place called overkill enginering. they use to be behind the tenpin bowls in hornsby. they do or at least did alot of custom work for comp trucks. i am sure if they are still about they would do it for you. the bloke that owns it is sam keck from memory.

[PBob]

You could try Complete steel at Mudgee. (Maybe you already have), They build trays and do different odd jobs as well. Talk to Andrew
0263 735445.:)

[roverrescue]

Stace,
the dropsides as ramps is just one of those ideas floating in my head.
One day once my current sides are completely pounded to death I will do this, but if I had a quad I would build em without a second thought...

S

[austastar]

Hi,
there was an item on New Inventors maybe last year, where the sides unhinged at the front, and pivoted around on the rear hinge to drop down and made ramps.
You did need room to pivot them though.
cheers