130 - The old tray vs tub

[Fubar]

I have my steel tray off and just undertaking chassis repairs due to the poor mount design. I need to modify my tray mounts to stop this happening again.

Which got me thinking about fitting a standard tub….it’s always good to challenge your beliefs. I’ve always believed a flat tray to be more practical.

However I see some benefits to the tub for the 130;
- Should stop mounts cracking
- Lighter overall solution.
- With a ‘full slide out HD roller tray’ fitted all heavy items only have to be lifted to tailgate height. Full eskies lifted to tray height (35”s etc) are a challenge. The wife will no longer struggle to get things in and out of the fridge.
- Lower centre of gravity loaded
- Quick an easy solution with a canopy easily knocked up to suit.
- Have a tailgate to sit on
- Will be tall enough to fit push bikes in


Main draw backs will be;
- Loss of load space (on the horizontal plane, pick up a bit in height)
- Side access is reduced,
- Potential dust ingress (could mitigate with vents)
- Spare tyre needs to be on swing away, inside tub or roof


Anyone who is a ‘Champion of the Tub’ care to weigh in here?

Thiinking about, it I'll probably bypass fixing my tray and just build a new one if I dont go the tub option.

[JDNSW]

Depends what you use it for. The main drawback of the tub is that it is harder to load from the side, especially with a forklift. I trace the general changeover from tubs to trays for all sorts of utes in Australia to the introduction of forklifts at places usch as rural supply and hardware stores starting about fifty years ago.

[Wicks89]

Love my tub but it is definitely less practical for commercial type loads as you would get on a pallet.
If you think 35"s are a pain with a flat tray they're a pain with the tub as well because you basically won't be able to reach anything from the side.
Slide out tray floor should mitigate it mostly. I find myself climbing into the tub a lot to get at stuff, I'm not particularly short either.
It's convenient to put assorted items in, and know they won't fall out. Good if you want to mount a bunch of toolboxes and have it semi-permanently set up for 4wheeling too.

The biggest frustration is that it's wider than the body and no one makes a flare kit to suit the HCPU.

Very very frustrating, I ended up grinding my terrafirma flares down with a Bench grinder so they matched front and rear.

[Fubar]

The pallet thing makes sense now you mention it....though for me anything palletised can go on the trailer.

I'll have a canopy fitted to a tray or tub 99.99% of the time.

[Zeros]

If you are planning to have a canopy on most of the time, go the tub.

All your benefits you list above outweigh side access IMO, especially lower centre of gravity. I would only go for a tray if I needed side access for forklifts.

+ the original tub is cool piece of design, consistent with the rest of the vehicle.

[MLD]

+ the original tub is cool piece of design, consistent with the rest of the vehicle.

i was waiting on someone raising the aesthetics of the tub. I love the look of the tubbed 130, classic in design. I am toying with changing my tray but, notwithstanding the aesthetic appeal, i would go with a commercial tray. Primarily for the functionality of a slide on canopy when desired, tray sides for carting wood or a Bunnings run and a canvas over frame for the dogs (i currently have roll up windows with fly screen on the sides for the dogs). the tub is a little over 1600mm deep. a modest tray is 1800mm, the extra is usable space

my fridge sits on the passenger side rear single seat. Unless you have a lockable hard side on the tray/tub, your valuables are exposed.

The general complaint about my tray design is it fits a 35" tyre under the tray, add to that 3" suspension and 35's which raises the deck to "old man groan" height for anything heavier than a box of air. Yet to wet out the tray on a river crossing, but for all other purposes its a massive compromise.

[Zeros]

i was waiting on someone raising the aesthetics of the tub. I love the look of the tubbed 130, classic in design. I am toying with changing my tray but, notwithstanding the aesthetic appeal, i would go with a commercial tray. Primarily for the functionality of a slide on canopy when desired, tray sides for carting wood or a Bunnings run and a canvas over frame for the dogs (i currently have roll up windows with fly screen on the sides for the dogs). the tub is a little over 1600mm deep. a modest tray is 1800mm, the extra is usable space

my fridge sits on the passenger side rear single seat. Unless you have a lockable hard side on the tray/tub, your valuables are exposed.

The general complaint about my tray design is it fits a 35" tyre under the tray, add to that 3" suspension and 35's which raises the deck to "old man groan" height for anything heavier than a box of air. Yet to wet out the tray on a river crossing, but for all other purposes its a massive compromise.

If you appreciate the classic design (form meets function) of Defender, I would advise returning to standard wheels and springs too! All probs solved. ...Pretty sure you can get a lockable canopy for the tub?

[weeds]

I’d go tray over tub.....tub looks the good but are a pain for general use.

[strangy]

I like the tub aesthetics,however, having had work utes with tubs and canopies, I would never have a tubby choice.
A regular wagon is better than a tub and canopy any day.
A lot of stuff becomes really hard to get to, particularly up front in the middle,
Dust and dirt are a feature of all tub canopy combos, no matter who makes them.
Like MLD my tray is quite high, I just find the tray so convenient plus need it for the slide on.
My 2 cents.

[MLD]

If you appreciate the classic design (form meets function) of Defender, I would advise returning to standard wheels and springs too! All probs solved. ...Pretty sure you can get a lockable canopy for the tub?

To revert to standard is pretty costly. Means changing out the C&P, undo the caster correction and radius arms etc.

or fit air bags. Drop it onto bump stops for camp and lift the relevant corner(s) to level off

[County4.4]

I've got a tray on mine, however I also have an aluminium canopy (with jack off legs)which is on 80% of the time. I love the canopy for all my tools and stuff for work and couldn't do without it. Built in drawers, lights, 12v distribution board, chargers, shelf etc..
But towards the end of each job I'm doing (Builder) I run around with just the tray on so I can do site cleans ups etc..
Best of both worlds with a 15min swap over.
Seems to go a bit faster without the canopy on as well!!!!

[Ranga]

I swapped my tub for a tray, mostly out of need to allow my Trayon camper. However, even without the camper, I'd still go for a tray. Like other comments, I think they're way more versatile, and probably going against the grain, but better looking also.

I've lifted mine just high enough to fit a 235/85R16 underneath in a 1800 x 1200 sliding drawer (along with tools, spares, camping gear, shovel, axe etc. This still gives me a full 1800 x 1800 surface to put stuff in/on. Also allows under-tray side tool boxes to be fitted..

Finally, I think a tray is easier to look after (particularly an alloy) - dirt and scratches look perfectly normal!

[NovaRover]

I just love the iconic look of the tub, I know there are many advantages with a tray, Im a builder and have a 2015 130 with a tub which has an original canopy, I love it, I love having a tailgate to sit on,I do a lot of surfing, kayaking and always need a place to sit to remove boots, booties etc. Im planning to do some world travel in the 130 and will be getting a aluminum canopy for the tub.

[NovaRover]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/03/115.jpg

[incisor]

I’d go tray over tub.....tub looks the good but are a pain for general use.

What he said

[Wicks89]

The OP mentioned a slide out tray bed, I think that's probably the prime setup for a tub and canopy arrangement but does anyone have any experience with the tray slides?

Know if they flog out?

[strangy]

The OP mentioned a slide out tray bed, I think that's probably the prime setup for a tub and canopy arrangement but does anyone have any experience with the tray slides?

Know if they flog out?

Yep, runners fill with dust and dirt then jam up and flog out.
If your not typically driving with associated dust, then they last much better.

[cjc_td5]

Can the tub tailgates be dust sealed at all?

[rick130]

Can the tub tailgates be dust sealed at all?Well they do have a gasket/seal all the way around but it is a Defender.....

[JDNSW]

I just love the iconic look of the tub,.......

I have difficulty with the number of people who use appearance to make decisions on what is, after all, a working vehicle. (Not just tray versus tub, we hear it all the time!)

If the tub suits your use more than the tray (or vice versa) - definitely go for it, but don't make this sort of decision on appearance!

[Ranga]

Yep, runners fill with dust and dirt then jam up and flog out.
If your not typically driving with associated dust, then they last much better.
I'm not a fan of store bought drawers slides either. Instead JBoot51 on here showed me the light, and I used roller bearings on 12M bolts inside unistrut on my under-tray drawer. A little bit more effort measuring, drilling, etc but they look very sturdy. Only had them on a couple of weeks, and only bitumen so far. They'll get their first test in the high country after Cooma.

[roverrescue]

From owning a couple of 130S
First off cracking mounts is a function of insufficient flex in the tray
Tub doesn’t crack mounts because it is loosey goosey
Just re-design your tray/mounts and voila!

Tray trumps tub for mine cause of space gained
I have 80l of water 80l of Diesel a spare plus a tool drawer that swallows enough tools and spares for me.... and that still leaves 1800x1800 tray space.
Plonk that in your tub and it will be half full?

Steve

[rick130]

I preferred the tub as I was working out of it daily and it has a lower working height compared to a tray.

When you are lifting 60kg+ items weekly and 20-30kg items multiple times/day in and out by yourself it makes a difference.

[Zeros]

Here's a tub for you:

- Defender 130 Tub - Melbourne (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-and-external-accessories-for-sale/258920-defender-130-tub-melbourne.html)

[Fubar]

Crisis of Faith over...gave myself an uppercut and came up with a game plan.

I'm going to knock up an intermediate frame that sits between the chassis and tray or canopy. The base of the frame will be built to tailored to the haphazard 'x,y & z' nature of the factory mounting points and the top will be flat with 4 or 6 evenly spaced, and level, mount points. The frame will be 200-250mm high and house a 'Trundle' style tray that is drawn from the rear of the truck.... the moving bits will be all tucked inside panels (no dust water or mud exposure) and a double seal at the business end on closing.

Plenty of rubber will be used between the intermediate frame and the chassis, I'll go easy on the bolts and incorporate some clamps.....on top I might just use 4 gearbox mounts to support a tray or canopy. Over the top of the pull out tray/drawer I might slip in a neat little pull out table 'Drifter' style that makes for a handy workbench in lieu of a tail gate.

With a drawer permanently fitted I'll always have a spot for all the tools/recovery kit etc that need to be in the truck.....the front of the frame adjacent the rear of the cab can house a AGM, or maybe two. This is a great spot, as has been mentioned previously in this thread as the weight is as low as I can get it.

This way I can, with minimum fuss, chuck my tray back on after the engine goes in...I was not looking forward to the job of modify that tray to stop it cracking mounts any further. Once the Defender is mobile again I can commence in earnest on another alloy canopy and have a standardised mount system to build too.

Some quick measurements after work indicate a drawer 1600x750x200mm internal is probably doable....and no doubt has been done before. Time for some serious Defender Google stalking!

Thanks for the thoughts, advice and opinions.

nb I agree the tubs on a 130 do look better than a tray.

[Nick S]

Here's a tub for you:

- Defender 130 Tub - Melbourne (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-and-external-accessories-for-sale/258920-defender-130-tub-melbourne.html)

Sorry, sold it this afternoon
Nick

[Mark130]

Sounds pretty similar to mine.
My drawer is 990 wide (internal) 200 high, and 1220 long. Mine is shorter because I have the 200l fuel tank behind it.
Using the Teflon slides means you can make that drawer as big (long) as you want without any issues.
I have a lid on my drawer so its 99.9% dust proof. The lid is in one piece so it's a bit awkward (heavy) to access. I'd do that differently and make that 2 pieces.
The up side of my strong lid is that I can use it for anything, table, chair, step to get on roof (but 2 pieces would be just as strong).
I also decided to extend my tray chassis 400 mm past the end of the Defender steel work.
I caded it up to ensure I wasn't intruding on departure angle, and I just don't put anything heavy in that area. The reason I did that was so I could sleep in the back if I had to.
No problems with that idea in the bush, but that extra couple of hundred mm is a pain around the suburbs parking etc, and again I'd do that differently and keep the chassis shorter and make the tray longer if I wanted. A good way to ensure nothing heavy goes in that area.


I'm also an admirer of the tub. No doubt it is a thing of beauty. I was eyeing off Nick's tray and thinking about pulling my heavy duty back off and replacing with a tub just for general use. If I did I'd no doubt have to spend a couple of grand getting a roof rack, and making a lockable space, some where to put the spare, so I'm not sure what I'll do.
Let me know if you want any more photos. The photos weren't really relevant to your fuel tank post so I didn't give you much detail.
Cheers
Mark

[BlackD90]

Is anyone selling a rear tub and canvas canopy?

[juddy]

Theres been a few on gum tree for $4000. Prices seem to have gone up even in the UK.

[BlackD90]

Cheers mate. i tried searching and nothing came up. all good.

I have to sell my 90 first for the 130.

cheers

[Danjeffery]

I went from a tub to putting a tray on. IMO a much better option. Not worried about damaging the tray off road like a tub. Work wise the tray is much more user friendly. I had a secure lockable canopy on the tub. But restricted me putting bigger things in.
Now have a Triple M steel tray with a torneau cover, the tray bolts together so they say allows enough flex to not crack mounts. An under tray draw is just about the best thing I’ve added. (Just don’t only rely on the T handle lock to hold it closed off road). And a jack off tool setup.

35” tyres will scrub the guard on a tub.

[caylieanddavid]

I went from a tub to putting a tray on. IMO a much better option. Not worried about damaging the tray off road like a tub. Work wise the tray is much more user friendly. I had a secure lockable canopy on the tub. But restricted me putting bigger things in.
Now have a Triple M steel tray with a torneau cover, the tray bolts together so they say allows enough flex to not crack mounts. An under tray draw is just about the best thing I’ve added. (Just don’t only rely on the T handle lock to hold it closed off road). And a jack off tool setup.

35” tyres will scrub the guard on a tub.

Dan,

Sounds like a good set up. Do you remember which make of draw you used as I want to add one under my tray.

David J

[Danjeffery]

Dan,

Sounds like a good set up. Do you remember which make of draw you used as I want to add one under my tray.

David J

Draw is made by AMA. But they’re all pretty similar. Made out of Aluminium. But they can hold a heap so keep that in mind. I reckon mine added about 130kg.

[sdt463]

Like every one else I prefer the look of the tub but find the tray a lot more convenient. apart from the side access below my tray I carry the spare wheel, a 125 liter second tank and 60 liters of water.
Dave

[Esmac]

I bloody love my tub.

I fit 2 drawers in mine with my fridge, tent, annex, 60L water, second battery, tool box, shovel, highlift jack and an entire slide out kitchen below the height of the sides. Then I have my canopy on top with mattress. no way I would be able to use the kitchen or fridge if it was mounted to a tray.

I also have 35's and a few inches of lift which wouldnt help.


Really depends on what you are using it for like others have said. When the canopy and drawers arent in etc I just lift heavy stiff into the back at the tailgate end and light stuff over the sides.


Stu.

[BlackD90]

what did you do with your tub mate??

is it for sale?


I went from a tub to putting a tray on. IMO a much better option. Not worried about damaging the tray off road like a tub. Work wise the tray is much more user friendly. I had a secure lockable canopy on the tub. But restricted me putting bigger things in.
Now have a Triple M steel tray with a torneau cover, the tray bolts together so they say allows enough flex to not crack mounts. An under tray draw is just about the best thing I’ve added. (Just don’t only rely on the T handle lock to hold it closed off road). And a jack off tool setup.

35” tyres will scrub the guard on a tub.

[Danjeffery]

what did you do with your tub mate??

is it for sale?

Sold it a few years back.

[BlackD90]

sweet mate, cheers


Sold it a few years back.

[ntguy]

Would be good if we can some pictures of draws etc.

I have seen the commercial made draws have a zipped up canvas or heavy duty cover. you just unzip it to get into tray

[Fubar]

Sounds pretty similar to mine.
My drawer is 990 wide (internal) 200 high, and 1220 long. Mine is shorter because I have the 200l fuel tank behind it.
Using the Teflon slides means you can make that drawer as big (long) as you want without any issues.
I have a lid on my drawer so its 99.9% dust proof. The lid is in one piece so it's a bit awkward (heavy) to access. I'd do that differently and make that 2 pieces.
The up side of my strong lid is that I can use it for anything, table, chair, step to get on roof (but 2 pieces would be just as strong).
I also decided to extend my tray chassis 400 mm past the end of the Defender steel work.
I caded it up to ensure I wasn't intruding on departure angle, and I just don't put anything heavy in that area. The reason I did that was so I could sleep in the back if I had to.
No problems with that idea in the bush, but that extra couple of hundred mm is a pain around the suburbs parking etc, and again I'd do that differently and keep the chassis shorter and make the tray longer if I wanted. A good way to ensure nothing heavy goes in that area.


I'm also an admirer of the tub. No doubt it is a thing of beauty. I was eyeing off Nick's tray and thinking about pulling my heavy duty back off and replacing with a tub just for general use. If I did I'd no doubt have to spend a couple of grand getting a roof rack, and making a lockable space, some where to put the spare, so I'm not sure what I'll do.
Let me know if you want any more photos. The photos weren't really relevant to your fuel tank post so I didn't give you much detail.
Cheers
Mark

Thanks Mark,

I get it now with the tank...I was talking to having it under the seats in the back row.

What you have is exactly what I'm after. I too have a longer tray (2000mm) which makes for a fantastic nights sleep when the weather turns to crap or you pull in to camp late at night. I have laboured over shortening it to make it more user frieandly on tights tracks or built up areas. I am kicking stones around right now with a shorter hard shell full time canopy design that allows me to sleep in it cross wise.

I'm interested in the teflon slide arrangement that you have....did you source the slides or craft them up yourself. Seems like a good simple solution....I did a similar thing using plastic strips on 12mm marine ply drawers in my slide on camper, with a light spray of silicone you would be hard pressed to believe they are not on rollers.

[Ranga]

Do you have trouble opening the drawer with the Teflon when the vehicle is flexed, or does sand/grit cause any issues?

[Mark130]

Do you have trouble opening the drawer with the Teflon when the vehicle is flexed, or does sand/grit cause any issues?

If I've been doing a lot of gravel driving I can get small rocks etc thrown up and there's a couple of places they can get down and be a bit of a pain.
But it only takes a couple of minutes to clear and I've never been motivated enough to make up a rubber skirt for it.
No problems with sand although it's been a while. A regular dab of graphite powder makes a big difference, and opening it once or twice a day to ensure there's not too much crap building up on it. .

I haven't noticed a problem opening while flexed but I don't think I've ever tried it under real flex. My tray is so solid I can't imagine that being a problem
I've got to pull it down and fit some rubber mounts. That's more likely to be the problem I'd have.

[Ranga]

I've finally posted a thread with my drawer.

Under Tray Drawer (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/260148-under-tray-drawer.html)

I'm also yet to see how it performs under flex, but given there's a bit of play in the unistrut, I'm hoping it would be fine.