Thread: F250 ute-tub trailer build

Your lighting and reflector requirements are the same Australia wide, and are outlined in the Vehicle Standards Bulletin #1, including number plate lights.

As for your side reflectors, you need one in the middle third, one within a metre of the rear, and one within three metres of the front of the coupling. However, if any of these overlap, one reflector can do any or all locations. (Your trailer has to be over 9 metres long for some part of the middle third not to be within three metres of the front. And if the trailer is less than 3 metres, there'll be a point that the middle third will also overlap the rear 1 metre.)

Ths VSB1 also outlines the rear overhang requirements, and under no circumstances can the rear overhang be greater than the front. But if you do have a ute-tub from a space-cap or dual-cab (these are usually why they're shorter in front of the wheels), then you can still turn one into a trailer, you just have to build a chassis that has an area in front of the tub for a big tool box and your spare tyre. But they're not ideal for carrying heavy loads as you're adding all the weight behing the wheels, and the trailer will want to swap ends with you as you drive.

Thanks Yonnee...

It seems that when your working on something you seem to notice things that you've never noticed before. Like all the other trailers on the road...every time I see one, I do a quick scan for under or over axles, reflectors, lights, braking hitches etc etc...I'm surprised at what's driving around on our roads, some rather dodgy trailers getting around.

On the other hand I'm pretty stoked at how nicely (and fully compliant) mine is. Not a bad first effort.

Hope the rego goes without a hitch (no pun intended)

Little update.
Did my weigh bridge exercise and got my trailer inspected on Friday just gone.

Firstly I knew the trailer was going to be fairly heavy, as it's not a light-weight. I've built it to be strong, 45mm square axle, slimeline bearings, 109Q 31" duelers, Disc brake hubs, 100x50 drawbar etc etc.These things all add to the weight. In anycase the weighbridge doesn't lie and we're up at 450kgs

Basically I realize that brakes are part of my future. Was always going to be the case, but the assessor was very impressed with my build, easily carry 1500kgs he says.

The only item he "picked" on in lieu of the discussion about getting it re-registered for brakes at some stage far down the track is the saftey chain. I have fitted some Bunnings galv chain...it's fairly heavy, I put two lenghts on, even though one would do....but essentially all chain is not created equally....I realize this...but didn't realize I need a specifice type of graded chain...we have a company down here called "Sling Rig" which sells all that type of rigging and stuff...so the grinder and welder have to come out for a quick exercise. Basically because of the potential of the trailer my assessor wanted me to sort the saftey chains.

I've got my paperwork for the rego office ready to pick up so I can go down and collect and pay for 12months rego and plate fee etc. I have to show that the chain is changed and that the compliance plate has been fitted...and it's all good.

I've had a lot of fun, designing, planning fabricating and wiring everything myself, great deal of personal satisfaction, and with a fairly unique and very capable trailer as an outcome.

Yeah, there's an Australian Standard that the chain has to comply with. And the chain has to be stamped as such, every fourth link.

It even has to attached a certain way. A continuous weld around at least half the link, but allowing the next link free movement.

Originally Posted by NEWBIEDAN

Little update.
Did my weigh bridge exercise and got my trailer inspected on Friday just gone.

Firstly I knew the trailer was going to be fairly heavy, as it's not a light-weight. I've built it to be strong, 45mm square axle, slimeline bearings, 109Q 31" duelers, Disc brake hubs, 100x50 drawbar etc etc.These things all add to the weight. In anycase the weighbridge doesn't lie and we're up at 450kgs

You should build one out of a BA Falcon tub. My old BA Falcon tub trailer/camper weighed between 400 and 450kg. I can't remember the exact figure, but it didn't have a chassis as heavy as yours.

I plan on making another trailer/camper out of an FG ute tub. Hopefully depending on the $$$ it will be a little different to those already out there.

Just an update, the trailer has been finished and licenced for a while now, but havent really had much of an opportunity to use it....that was until the weekend just gone. Ended up moving a variety of stuff. I couldn't be more happy. I tows like you don't know it's there, gobbles up furniture or wood. Totally chuffed

Great effort there, looks great

Cheers

UglyDan

Hi guys, apologies for the super old thread dig and also apologies if I am meant to introduce myself somewhere. I've just scored a tub just like above for free, in great knick with some add-ons and plan to make a trailer out of it.

Have had a great read through the thread and have found it very useful. Just wanted to share my build and figured I could add it in here if that was ok?

I plan to tow it behind my 2020 SsangYong musso. They are similar in dimensions so should be a good match!

Cheers

Nic

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