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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Perth, STRAYA
    Posts
    2

    Default Tipping Alloy Tray Trailer Build

    Hi Guys,

    Long time stalker, first time poster

    I have recently acquired an 8x6 alloy tray from a 70 series cruiser that I am looking at building a trailer. I think it will make a perfect all rounder for carrying dirtbikes / quads / mulch / firewood / gardening trailer etc.

    I was thinking it would be handy to build it as a tipper - does anyone have any designs / sketches?

    Was thinking it would need 2x frames, one for the tray to bolt to that would tip down onto another frame with guides etc.

    Still not sure on what type of ram to be looking at:

    12v ram - I am thinking most people would not have power to their trailer plug, neverlone rated to power a 12v hydraulic ram
    Air ram - Wondering whether this could be acheived with a 4x4 150psi 150lpm air compressor - easiest option for any one looking to borrow the trailer
    Manual - most versitile but a pain in the ass - to be honest though for the amount of times the tipper function would be used its the most practical (and cheapest)

    Any help would be most appreciated

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Hi shodown, welcome to a fantastic forum.
    You would definitely need 2 frames, to achieve the tipping action, a simple bull bag (exhaust jack) works great, provided you have a good solid exhaust system. These units are designed to lift a vehicle, so it will be more than sufficient, and they go up about a metre. An air compressor that you are proposing to use, would take a fair amount of air to operate an air ram IMO.
    Are you looking at making it a tandem axle or a single axle? What sort of wheels Car wheels, 4X4?
    Make your pivot point just behind the rear spring hanger. Remember the height will be quite high to load quads etc if you're planning on riding them up there.

    Any help would be most appreciated [/QUOTE]

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Ballarat
    Age
    65
    Posts
    3,103

    Default

    Hi shodown
    welcome to the forum
    Kryn
    is the pivot point behind the rear spring hanger to counterbalance the lift?
    I was thinking that with an exhaust jack, if the load slipped to the back during the lift there would be the possibility that the tipping action could be a bit 'all of a sudden' as the bag won't be attached to the tipping tray.
    All the tippers I have built/repaired/ rebuilt have been of the 8 cubic metre kind with the hinges at the very rear.

    Shodown
    There is only one rule on this forum , "Pictures or it didn't happen" and good luck with the project.

    Phil

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Northen Rivers NSW
    Age
    57
    Posts
    131

    Default 12v winch

    hi

    I would go with a 12v winch off the a frame to raise it. There are a few of these designs at hire places.

    The question is do you REALLY need it. A lot of added weight and complexity. And the bloody thing will rattle.

    have fun


  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Rockhampton, QLD
    Age
    68
    Posts
    454

    Default

    Welcome to the forum.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    The first two options I would discount would be the air ram - underpowered and unsafe due to the fact that air is compressible and therefore the tray will be bouncy when tipping and may even self tip as the load is reduced during tipping operations, next is the exhaust bag tipper. You used to see a lot of these but don't anymore. There are reasons for this.
    That leaves you with the hydraulic and manual winch options. Hydraulics are convenient, powerful and reliable, but are expensive. Manual is comparatively cheap, safe (provided a winch with power in and out capability is used, do not use a boatwinch), but does require elbow grease.
    If the hydraulic optionis used, the power pack could be run via a suitably sized anderson plug connected to the tow vehicles battery, thus tying the trailer to tipping only on suitably equipped vehicles, or a battery that is charged from the tow vehicle couldbe utilised.
    Aluminium ute trays are not the most desirable of trays and such a trailer may have limited resale value for the cost and work involved.
    If it were me building a tipping trailer, I think I would start from scratch.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    QLD
    Posts
    735

    Default

    I've got a Triple M built hydraulic tipper Landcruiser. Can post some piccys of the set-up if thats any help.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    [QUOTE=Steamwhisperer Kryn
    is the pivot point behind the rear spring hanger to counterbalance the lift?
    I was thinking that with an exhaust jack, if the load slipped to the back during the lift there would be the possibility that the tipping action could be a bit 'all of a sudden' as the bag won't be attached to the tipping tray.
    Phil[/QUOTE]
    Hi Phil, the idea of having the pivot point is to help counterbalance the load. There is a possibility of the load tipping all of a sudden by using the exhaust jack, but with a hand winch being utilised to limit the unloading and also to assist to pull it back down.
    Kryn
    Last edited by KBs PensNmore; 19th Sep 2015 at 11:59 PM. Reason: To minimise quote

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Ballarat
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    65
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    3,103

    Default

    Got it.
    Thanks Kryn

    Phil

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Lower Lakes SA
    Age
    58
    Posts
    2,607

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    ... exhaust bag tipper. You used to see a lot of these but don't anymore. There are reasons for this.
    Mind expanding on this Karl?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    The exhaust bag tippers that once were quite prevalent had borderline tipping angles and the load would often hang up in the tray and require the vehicle to jolt the load out. I also seem to recall that there may have been a few legality issues as regulations changed. There is of course no way to prevent uncontrolled lowering of the tray in the event of a failure like is provided by a well designed hydraulic tipping system.
    We had one at work that we converted into a rubbish skip that we dropped on the work truck when it was full and took to the tip. It worked reasonably well in that role.
    I haven't seen an exhaust bag tipper for well over 15 years and google revealed no currently marketed units. I would say that the advent of affordable 12 and 24V hydraulic packs and telescopic rams were the final nail in their coffin.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Hi Bryan,
    If you are ever down this way AJS tree and stump removals, have a 75 series land cruiser with an exhaust tipper for emptying out the mulch that gets thrown in the back of it.
    Had it home a couple of times to drop the mulch.
    Kryn

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    I did a wee bit of research into the subject and exhaust bag tippers fail to comply with AS 1418.8 which requires among other things, that a device is fitted that ensures a controlled rate of descent in the event of hose failure. By their very nature, exhaust bags are as prone to bag failure as hose failure.
    Having said that, there are a lot of non compliant hydraulic tippers still being built. The CBS valve for a typical ute, light truck or trailer would cost well under $300, so being compliant is not massively cost prohibitive.
    Interestingly, the good old Edbro front mount hoists such as the 2,3 and 4 LNC series, dating from the '60's or thereabouts were compliant, while many later hoist systems are not.
    For a winch type tipping trailer to comply, it would probably need a ratchet system similar to a hydraulic car hoist.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Perth, STRAYA
    Posts
    2

    Default

    Hi All,

    Thanks for the feedback guys.

    Ali versus steel:
    Yes, I would have preferred to use a steel tray, however good quality trays are few and far between and I cannot really be bother with the ongoing maintenance. This is also my first build, so I am anticipating making and learning from mistakes - and perhaps improve on the design in subsequent builds. Who knows, if I can get hold of a decently priced truck tray I may look at going bigger.

    Height:
    Yep, seen how high they can be, but it wont be much different to loading onto the back of a 4x4

    Rattles:
    Yep, looking at having guides for the top frame to slide down into with locking pins to keep it locked down - will line with rubber to keep noise to a minimum.

    Lifting:
    I thought of exhaust jack, but I'd prefer hydraulic as i wouldn't want it overtipping / sudden movement with the weight of the load etc. I think I may go the 12v RAM way and use a portable battery pack - e.g. have a dual battery / jerry can mount on the front of the trailer

    Cost:
    As long as I cut even on the build when I sell it (and looking at Perth's over-inflated trailer prices) I don't think I will have any problems.

    Extras:
    Single axle to keep the weight down and easier offroad
    Looking at 6 stud 4x4 (use the same rims as on the vehicle), same track as my 4x4
    Looking at potentially mounting spare and water tanks underneath

    Dont worry, will document and photo everything as I go

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lebrina
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    I think you've definitely made the right decision in going for a hydraulic setup. Just remember to fit a CBS valve in order to be compliant.
    As far as locking pins to hold the tray down, my honest advice is not to go there. One day you will forget to remove them and the hoist will do serious damage to your tray when it lifts. If rattles are a concern for you, then I would suggest some spring loaded latches similar to those fitted to Mitsubishi (Fuso) and Isuzu factory tippers.
    I would suggest contacting someone like http://www.goughtransport.com.au/index for supply of your tipping kit.

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