OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kenneth S (222) on November 21, 2011, 07:35:04 am
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I recently came across this Horse Trailer which a few years back had an argument with a fallen tree. A failed project by the previous owner I have picked it up for a very good price and my Summer project is to turn it into what the Americans commonly call a 'Toy Hauler'. If anyone has done anything like this or knows someone in the business who might be a good resource for me to contact, please feel free to contact me with suggestions or info. Otherwise, my target for it's maiden voyage is the first Heaven round 2012.
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Interior.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Relaxing.jpg)
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Ya need a whip to get ya workers working ;) ;D.
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If you had less toys you'd only need the ute.
Seriously, looks like a fun project, good luck with the outcome.
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should be a head turner in the pits next year ken...
just make sure u have nice secure spot for the can of chain lube matey... ;D
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this forums "Bahnzy" made a custom made toy hauler from scratch, there may be a thread on here somewhere. it has all a lot of thought put into it.
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Sheeee-ite! . . . it will will carry a gross or to of beer. . . . . TOPS!
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great pick up and what a worthwhile project.
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Excellent.. KJ222 8) 8)
The bottom photo is the best trailer we ever bought..remembered when it was just a shell like the above and the bits we've added over the time. :P
The mesh panel inserts are very well utilized idea from bro-in-law.
We thought about insulation,but opted for the pure oz wool doona's instead. ;D
Removable bed assembled..home away from home.
Our next purchase for the trailer will probably be a wall table inserted next to the BBQ, externally they are an enclosed drop down style.
Enjoy !!
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r259/vmx247/mess.jpg)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r259/vmx247/sleeptime.jpg)
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Ah the possibilities........
However I can just hear my wife's response when I told her I picked up a real cheap trailer to fix up and she saw that in the driveway!
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Thanks guys for the encouragement. Graeme, all he needs to get him going is the promise of an Ogalo burger! Andrew, thanks for the help, I don't think my chain would have made it without it. VMX247, your trailer looks great. I have added the mesh panels to the project plan, Thanks!
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Are they hammocks hanging from the roof? ::)
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Now 247, if a Kiwi had sung the praises of a NZ wool doona someone would probably have made a sheep joke!
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I see from the carton of Carlton Dry that the personnel training regime is not being neglected. ;D
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Have a good think about weight distribution.
If you keep the bikes all the way to the rear the main weight looks like it may be too far rear of the axles.
Too much rearward weight bias will cause the trailer to sway at speeds.
And of course too far forward will be too much load on the tow vehicle.
Just been reading in the paper about a lot of camper vans not being built right and some hapless tourists getting caught with a swaying beasts
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You've got time to read the paper?
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Geoff is on the money referencing axle and tow ball loads. When I built my trailer which is;
5.5 x 2 x 2 in the shell & 6.7 x 2.3 x 2.3 in its extremities I couldn’t get and clear and accurate information from the experts because a bike hauler, by its nature, will never be loaded and weighted the same time twice over. My trailer takes 6 bikes which on any given day can be between 600 kg and 700 kg. Add another 200+ kilo for fuel, gear and the usual junk that you carry and it not unreasonable to have a payload of 1000 kg’s. For a car trailer this is easy because they distribute the weight over 4 contact points, much like a horse trailer. Caravans are well thought out (usually) and it’s easy to set loading. By the way I have seen so many caravans “converted” to bike transporters and they become an instant pig to tow because they upset the weighted points within the chassis.
I notice that your axles are set back well beyond the centre line which is o/k but the extra area that has been added to the front will mean that weight can be stored in that area which was not originally engineered into the design which will seriously affect the download on the tow ball. I note that you have a Navara which has a 3000 kg braked towing capacity (if it’s a 2.5 STX) with a staggered 300 kg download according to the rear axle capacity so you shouldn’t have to many issues, but if you want to use a Commodore or Falcon, forget it, they simply won’t be able to cope.
For what it’s worth, my advice is;
Engineer your bike mounting points and location of miscellaneous items such as toolboxes, pit tents etc then adjust your axle and ball download points accordingly.
Unless you have a specific need, don’t line the inside of the trailer above the 1200 mm point as it its unnecessary weight in a place that you don’t need it, i.e. making it top heavy.
If the trailer is nothing more than a bike hauler, my experience is that you have little need for sinks, fridges, lounges, etc
Provide for plenty of ventilation as hot muddy bikes in a cold trailer created plenty of condensation.
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agree-bikes only at the back,,with all else under the bed up front !!
swappin out on the bitumen isnt fun :(
We also take the fuel out overnight while camped up - smell and safety. 8)
cheers A
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Thanks to everyone, especially Bahnzy for all the detailed info, it confirms my main concern, weight and weight distribution. The bikes are going to go across the back, only up to 3, so I plan to build the basic people comforts in the front and middle to balance out that weight. I'll have to keep things lean though to keep under my target weight limit of 2 tonne fully loaded. I also plan to make the water storage tank portable and put it in the back of the ute to save trailer weight of a couple of hundred kilos.
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Agree with everyones info about weight distribution etc.
Just a couple of things I did to my trailer to make life a bit easier:
- mesh lined most of the walls (you'll have to remove that sheet lining already in there)
- if you make the rear tail gate/ramp the whole height of the trailer it might get a bit heavy (and long?), maybe put a swinging door for the top third or convert to barn doors?
- i assume it's got electric brakes, if not convert it, it makes a huge difference
- a few U bolts attached to the frame can also be useful tie down points
- some interior lights with a battery in a battery box with an external plug for easy recharge (photo of mine below - before I mesh lined it)
- some of those flush fitting tie down points like those below (I just happened to be looking for a few more for my trailer)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Pair-Recessed-Tie-Down-Rings-Suit-Truck-Ute-/120581027852?pt=AU_product_Trailer_Parts&hash=item1c1330780c (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Pair-Recessed-Tie-Down-Rings-Suit-Truck-Ute-/120581027852?pt=AU_product_Trailer_Parts&hash=item1c1330780c)
(http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo330/bishboy/Miscellaneous/trailer4.jpg)
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Agree with everyones info about weight distribution etc.
Just a couple of things I did to my trailer to make life a bit easier:
- mesh lined most of the walls (you'll have to remove that sheet lining already in there)
- if you make the rear tail gate/ramp the whole height of the trailer it might get a bit heavy (and long?), maybe put a swinging door for the top third or convert to barn doors?
- i assume it's got electric brakes, if not convert it, it makes a huge difference
- a few U bolts attached to the frame can also be useful tie down points
- some interior lights with a battery in a battery box with an external plug for easy recharge (photo of mine below - before I mesh lined it)
- some of those flush fitting tie down points like those below (I just happened to be looking for a few more for my trailer)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Pair-Recessed-Tie-Down-Rings-Suit-Truck-Ute-/120581027852?pt=AU_product_Trailer_Parts&hash=item1c1330780c (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Pair-Recessed-Tie-Down-Rings-Suit-Truck-Ute-/120581027852?pt=AU_product_Trailer_Parts&hash=item1c1330780c)
(http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo330/bishboy/Miscellaneous/trailer4.jpg)
Hi Bishboy,
Thanks for the suggestions.
We have almost ripped out all the inner linings back to the outer shell and I plan to make the inside basic and light. The trailer has a tail gate which is a ramp for the horses and the original designers have done exactly what you suggest, it only comes up about 1.4 mtrs. Only problem is the top hatch got lost along the way. I was thinking of making one up out of aluminium 40mm square tube and security mesh to keep the weight down.
Good call about the U-bolts and Tie Down Points, that's going straight to the project plan.
As well as lights, I'm going to have a fridge & hot water system, so I am going one step further and putting in a solar panel and battery for the 12v power system. I have luckily found an off road buff who has introduced me to a relatively low cost power system(< $700) which is a self charging solar system & battery having the extra advantage of utilizing the excess alternator charge of the tow vehicle to do the initial charge up on the way to the race meeting and then solar power to keep it topped up. If it all works as well as he says he has his working, it will be amazing.
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any progress pics 8)
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going the other way - I have to agree - I towed a big bike trailer to the Nats in SA this year. It was excellently built and towed well but bloody hell it was heavy for a Commodore. Even though it fitted in with the weight restrictions etc (probably went close to 1.5t) and we had trailer brakes the fuel consumption went through the roof. I only need a bike hauler now as I get to so few meets ;D - so was looking at a light weight but good quality 2 rail trailer where I could install a sotrage box the length of the trailer in the middle for jerry cans, quick shades etc. However the only ones I have seen so far are too lightweight - want a decent set of wheels for towing long distances at highway speeds for a start. Any recommendations.
Sorry for the thread hijack!
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any progress pics 8)
Hi VMX247, Progress is good. I have been working on it all afternoon today and have nearly finished the frame. This shot was taken about 2 weeks ago when I had just tacked the new nose in place, I'll post more next week. Next step is to get the wiring all sorted before I sheet it. Cheers
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/TrailerLeft.jpg)
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going the other way - I have to agree - I towed a big bike trailer to the Nats in SA this year. It was excellently built and towed well but bloody hell it was heavy for a Commodore. Even though it fitted in with the weight restrictions etc (probably went close to 1.5t) and we had trailer brakes the fuel consumption went through the roof. I only need a bike hauler now as I get to so few meets ;D - so was looking at a light weight but good quality 2 rail trailer where I could install a sotrage box the length of the trailer in the middle for jerry cans, quick shades etc. However the only ones I have seen so far are too lightweight - want a decent set of wheels for towing long distances at highway speeds for a start. Any recommendations.
Sorry for the thread hijack!
No problem Rossvickicampbell, your comment is welcome. Have you considered a box trailer? I have had both and I find a box trailer much more practical and versatile than a bike trailer with the added benefit of having it there for those odd jobs. It tows effortlessly and is very stable at 110 to 120kph. A couple of pieces of angle tack welded in the right places and you have a trailer that holds the bikes as well as a channel bike trailer. They are still quite light but also sturdy because of there design. Once I have this project on the road, I will be selling my 8x5 box trailer I bought new a year ago.
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how many bikes fit the 8x5 and what price is it for sale for
jim
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how many bikes fit the 8x5 and what price is it for sale for
jim
Hi Jim, it Fits 3 bikes comfortably but you could cram another 2 loaded in the opposite direction if you didn't mind them sitting together. 3 is ideal though and that leaves plenty of room for your bike stands, a ramp, gas, fold up chairs and a tool box. I want to hang on to it until I have this big thing registered though, hopefully some time in Feb. As it is a rebuild, I don't know what objections the RTA will come up with. I'll PM you when I am ready. Here is the eBay link for the place I bought it. This is the exact trailer.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-8X5-HEAVY-DUTY-BOX-TRAILER-12-MONTHS-REGO-/320816411541?pt=AU_Trailers&hash=item4ab225f395#ht_619wt_881
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Hi
Be careful ending your trailer so far up the draw bar as you won't be able to turn your car without it hitting the back of car. Also watch it isn't to heavy at the tow point.
As long as the GVM of trailer is under 4500kg you will have no problem with rego. You can get guide lines for trailers under 4500kg from the RTA. You mainly need reflectors and lights in the right places. You will only need to get a blue slip and away you go. I built the fifth wheeler trailer you may have seen at the Heaven events.
Cheers Neil.
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Hi
Be careful ending your trailer so far up the draw bar as you won't be able to turn your car without it hitting the back of car. Also watch it isn't to heavy at the tow point.
As long as the GVM of trailer is under 4500kg you will have no problem with rego. You can get guide lines for trailers under 4500kg from the RTA. You mainly need reflectors and lights in the right places. You will only need to get a blue slip and away you go. I built the fifth wheeler trailer you may have seen at the Heaven events.
Cheers Neil.
Hi Neil, thanks for your comments. I'd love to see photos of your trailer if you have any. All is OK with the distance, I have the rear of the car clearing the nose by about 100mm at full lock. The weight distribution is looking good, the unit seems to be weighted centrally over the dual axles or maybe slightly more towards the rear at this point and seems to need more weight at the front to balance out the bike weights. I was speaking to a horse trailer seller this week and they feel sure the original unit before it was damaged was a gooseneck which would explain this. Most of the reflectors and lights on the main body are still there and operational so I'm looking good there. I have also downloaded all the design guidelines from the RTA and as far as I can see all complies.
Xmas Cheers
KJ
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Hey Ross, I've had a 10x5 box trailer for 15 years that I modded with a few extras, 3 jerry can holders on the L/H side (incase of sideswipe....ka-boom), 3 20ltr water containers on the R/H side, big toolbox on the drawbar and a small one on each side at the rear.....its done more miles than a Greyhound bus and not just by me, tows great....probably because of the lenght....carry's all the gear and 3 bikes comfortably (can squeeze 5 if you need) and is a great backup for going to the landscappers/dump etc. The secret to longlivity of trailers (lets face it, most stay out in the weather) is get it galvinised and/or sealed and painted by a professional (no pun intended but trailer most builders have not got a clue about correct paint/sealing procedures and a quick coat of "hammertone" or "jam" at the end is all they get.....cost is allways a factor aswell....old mate doesnt want to pay for a top job). Hey KJ, your trailers looking great....does have that old greyhound bus look too ;D....remember the old Detriot Deisel 2 stoke running on full noise everywhere with clouds of smoke bellowing out the exhausts.LOL.
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Here are some of when I was building it. Can,t seem to find any of it finished. Will take some soon of it
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/fastesthead/DSC01861.jpg)
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/fastesthead/DSC02328.jpg)
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/fastesthead/DSC02365.jpg)
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/fastesthead/DSC02366.jpg)
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Nice. Looks Excellent! I am imagining something like this makes the organisational part of a race weekend a lot easier and the accommodation more comfortable. Is that how you have found it?
KJ
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Yes it works a treat. Great if the weather is bad to.
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Even the South Aust locals where impressed........ ;D
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r259/vmx247/chicken.jpg)
Whats the saying.... "Happy Wife, Happy Life" ;) ;D
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What this ... you even take the chooks with you ???
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Here's one of finished rig taken today.
(http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n542/fastesthead/PC240002.jpg)
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Mate that looks great! Looks the goods, clean, functional, comfortable and well built. Any tips as to where I can get any of the following at the right price, apart from eBay?
Brake Controller
Windows (prefer sliders)
12 Volt water heater/pump
Water Tanks
Solar Panel
LED lighting
12 Volt Fridge
Combination Stove Top/Gas Cooker
Shade Awning - Like yours
Pole Dancing Pole
Any tips would be much appreciated
KJ
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All states trailer spares for Brake stuff.(www.astss.com.au)
Windows and doors Camec (www.camec.com.au)
Water tank, awning etc Barnses caravans
Nearly every thing you need Barnses or Camec.
Pole dancing pole www.thepussycatpole.com.au
Sides are Alupanel from sign sheet distributers
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All states trailer spares for Brake stuff.(www.astss.com.au)
Windows and doors Camec (www.camec.com.au)
Water tank, awning etc Barnses caravans
Nearly every thing you need Barnses or Camec.
Pole dancing pole www.thepussycatpole.com.au
Sides are Alupanel from sign sheet distributers
Pole dancing pole www.thepussycatpole.com.au eh! Very good. You're a wealth of information! ;D
Thanks a heap, I'll check them out.
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Head we can recomend your pole supplier as we use those at the Klub Kevlar mermaid Bar
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Progress Pics. Been working on it today. Frame is almost complete. Measurements are within 1mm tolerance and all is square. So far so good.
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/TrailerFront.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/TrailerRightFront.jpg)
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Progress Pics. After many hours doing all the fiddly detail bits on the frame, the fun part has begun. They way it is beginning to look, ASIO will want to rent it as a control center for covert operations. Or it could be mistaken as a carriage for the Steam Train.
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1031-1.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1362.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1363.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1366.jpg)
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And more with my little buddy helping me...
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1402.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1403.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1406.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1408.jpg)
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Looking the part Kenny! When's the checka plate getting tacked on? Or you popping it on? And how's that mig welder treating you?
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On the main straight now with the checkered flag in sight!
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1478.jpg)
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Armoured excellance.... some nice yellow,gold and blue and a BIG "S" down the sides and she's done :P ;D
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Armoured excellance.... some nice yellow,gold and blue and a BIG "S" down the sides and she's done :P ;D
Hey VMX247, 'Armoured Excellence' I like that, it has a good ring to it. I am guessing you mean Suzuki but the Gold has thrown me. Am I missing something obvious? :-\ I was thinking of calling it 'The Dream Machine' as in 'The Power of Dreams'. I'm a Honda man through and through in case it wasn't obvious. ;D My little guy loves his Green Mean machines so he wants to call it 'The Mean Dream Machine'. At the moment I just want to call it 'Finished'. While it has been an enjoyable project, 9 months is long enough and its time to enjoy it.
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The S is for Steam ;D ;D ;D I guess ;)
"The Dream Steam Machine" maybe 8)
"The Power of Dreams Steam" even :P
Did you get that new radiator yet?
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YES! "The Steam Float" :D :D :D
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Otherwise, my target for it's maiden voyage is the first Heaven round 2012.
Voyage?
Voyage?
well whack a flu through the turret for that cooker you reckon you are putting in it and call it "Steamboat".
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1478.jpg)
There is no mention of Fridge ??? or allocated space for lubrication esky ::)
WTF do you intend to hang onto if the boat don't float ???
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Ah yes, funny boys, I set myself up for that one didn't I? ;D
Yes Monty, I bought a new all aluminium set to match the Steam Float. They look very trick and shiny.
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Otherwise, my target for it's maiden voyage is the first Heaven round 2012.
Voyage?
Voyage?
well whack a flu through the turret for that cooker you reckon you are putting in it and call it "Steamboat".
There is no mention of Fridge ??? or allocated space for lubrication esky ::)
WTF do you intend to hang onto if the boat don't float ???
I am not going to shake this steam thing too easy am I? :D Yes Mick it is all planned, fridge, lounge, satellite dish, TV.....it might be 5 years time before I get it done but it is planned.
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I am not going to shake this steam thing too easy am I? :D
[/quote]
Well you have been building and cultivating the Image for so many meetings that it is becoming a bit like OLD faithful in Yellowstone National Park :P ;D
You may have notice I have mastered increasing font size and bolding just today ;D
Glad to hear the new radiators are all under control ;)
Have to say that when the trailer is finished it will give Ted and his rig a bit of trailer envy ;D it needs a BBQ
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I reckon the "Steam Float" may also need a set of oversized radiators :D :D :D
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Don't you listen to any of there jealous nonsense Kenneth KJ Swan, even the yanks die to have something like this to take too event. ;D
Whatever stickers you put on her sides, she'll look the best....Go For It 8)
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I am not going to shake this steam thing too easy am I? :D
It could be a hell of a lot worse Ken :P It is not like you flipped it on the start-line or fell of it on the way to scrutineering ::)
:D Yes Mick it is all planned, fridge, lounge, satellite dish, TV.....it might be 5 years time before I get it done but it is planned.
Unreal Ken, sounds like you better get a mat and a door-bell as well ;D
Beside the entrance door there? Is that one of those of those servery opening awning thingies where we will be able to buy a burger, hot dog or a steamed dim Sim. You are an asset to the club Ken. Bring on the opening Gala ;D
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I am not going to shake this steam thing too easy am I? :D
It could be a hell of a lot worse Ken :P It is not like you flipped it on the start-line or fell of it on the way to scrutineering ::)
:D Yes Mick it is all planned, fridge, lounge, satellite dish, TV.....it might be 5 years time before I get it done but it is planned.
Unreal Ken, sounds like you better get a mat and a door-bell as well ;D
Beside the entrance door there? Is that one of those of those servery opening awning thingies where we will be able to buy a burger, hot dog or a steamed dim Sim. You are an asset to the club Ken. Bring on the opening Gala ;D
Was that you who did the start line flip out? Mick you are a legend!! Give me time, I'm only just warming up, I might very well end up joining you in some start line antics ;D
Already have the mat, it says "Welcome to Honda Riders only" looking for a doorbell that has a sexy sultry female voice, cry out "Honda Riders are big an tough" when you press it, but there aren't many on eBay. Funny you should ask about the "servery opening awning thingy", that is exactly what it is. The trailer is going to double as an event merchandise trailer for my business and possibly to sell food at events as well. I am going to have to get a guard dog or a guard snake or something though for race meetings, as I have already heard rumblings from a committee member who rides half a dozen Montessas and at times looks like the creature from the black lagoon, but I'm not mentioning who that is, about commandeering it to become the committee race headquarters :-\
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No Mick did the lets crash spectacularly while wheeling the bike to the scrutineers line ;D ;D
Which goes with a heap of other memorable moments buy various luminaries like - let’s look like a mud monster behind the start line :D, let’s blow our Monty up and throw a hissy fit :-[, let's flip at the start line and run behind our bike for 25m (recorded in full colour - and no not me ;D), let’s sleep through sign on - scrutineering - riders brief and practice (again not me - YET)::).
What about lets drive our fifth wheel camper around the track at 9:30pm :o, Lets set fire to our 125 KTM and then start the next race with the smouldering remains :-[.
You mentioned the snake thing. Who have you been talking to :-[ The Perry Team said they would never mention that again :o ;D
God we get some laughs
The race control thing sound perrrrrrrrrrrfect!!! ;D
MONTESSAS >:( Do you have Hondddas :D
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No Mick did the lets crash spectacularly while wheeling the bike to the scrutineers line ;D ;D
Which goes with a heap of other memorable moments buy various luminaries like - let’s look like a mud monster behind the start line :D, let’s blow our Monty up and throw a hissy fit :-[, let's flip at the start line and run behind our bike for 25m (recorded in full colour - and no not me ;D), let’s sleep through sign on - scrutineering - riders brief and practice (again not me - YET)::).
What about lets drive our fifth wheel camper around the track at 9:30pm :o, Lets set fire to our 125 KTM and then start the next race with the smouldering remains :-[.
You mentioned the snake thing. Who have you been talking to :-[ The Perry Team said they would never mention that again :o ;D
God we get some laughs
The race control thing sound perrrrrrrrrrrfect!!! ;D
MONTESSAS >:( Do you have Hondddas :D
Don't get me started on bad spelling Monty ;D
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After spending every spare hour I could eek out over the last 9 months, well over 400 hours, no access to a guillotine so all panels were hand cut with a circular saw fitted with a metal cutting blade and finished by hand with a bastard file and wet n dry, all rivets popped by hand with my $12 Bunnings special pop rivet gun (who needs front brake hand strength training when you have 500+ rivets to hand pop!), a project made to a standard, not a deadline, over engineered to be handed down through the generations, I am almost ready to smash a bottle of something over its bow, christen it and put this thing on the road (oh, and fit out the interior of course, but that can happen in due course)
Although the current suggestions of 'the Steam Float or Boat' , 'the Steam Machine', 'the Voyager' are very clever and amusing, I am looking for a name even better than those. One that has oomph. A name that inspires. Something that has the same ring as 'the Titanic' but not with a similar demise I hope.
So with in-trepidation, I open this task up to the creative juices of this forum and ask for your suggestions. Be Kind!!
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Heaven’s Steam Engine ::)
Heaven or Burst ;D
Caution Steam within :D
or my favourite
Heaven's Cappuccino Machine 8)
Sorry Kenneth you did leave the door open or more correctly the inside line open for a block pass ;D ;D :P
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'Kenneth's Caboose' - it has the steam train connection and it is almost the correct name for the use of the trailer.
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;D
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What about "The Sauna" .. still keeping with the steam theme?
or
The Swan Express (you know Orient Express .. Swan express)
or
The Swanneth
or
The Swan Lander (Lunar Lander)
or
The Swanken
or
The Kenswan
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What about "The Sauna" ..
Weight loss and be downsized to a Solarium ;D
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Classic-retro-bike-trailer-unique-/190712533318?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item2c675a5146
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Ha Ha Ha!!! More like the "BAT" Trailer ;D ;D ;D
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i like swanlander,it's aluminum,just like the moonlander & sunlander,you banana benders should identify with that ;D, :P
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Well, we took the new beast for a test run last weekend and all went well. There is still plenty to do but we are on the road and it is now usable.
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1711_zpsa145f3ca.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1728_zpsd010e109.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1727_zps2226e661.jpg)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc468/24HourMerchMan/Trailer/IMG_1731_zps6f79be1e.jpg)
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Swanlander sounds good to me. Almost a production model name there. :D
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MegaTardis..... :)
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Kenneth.... ;D....did you do your homework on the download (loaded) like we discussed early on in the thread? The D40 RX will handle 3000 kg (I'm guessing its a 4x4) and 300 kg on the ball as long as you drop 200 kg from your GVM figure. I have a D40 ST-X 550 and a trailer not that different to yours in size, but significantly different in the placement of the trailer axles and I struggle to not exceed the vehicles tyre rating with gear in the tub. Not sure what the NSW RTA is like, but down here in VIC they check these sort of figures via mobile weigh bridges and there is zero tolerance at inspection.
In the end what was your final tare?.......and gross & download on the trailer when loaded?
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I`ll have a Pie and Chips thanks Mate! ::) ::) :D Looks like a good thing Kenneth.
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Kenneth.... ;D....did you do your homework on the download (loaded) like we discussed early on in the thread? The D40 RX will handle 3000 kg (I'm guessing its a 4x4) and 300 kg on the ball as long as you drop 200 kg from your GVM figure. I have a D40 ST-X 550 and a trailer not that different to yours in size, but significantly different in the placement of the trailer axles and I struggle to not exceed the vehicles tyre rating with gear in the tub. Not sure what the NSW RTA is like, but down here in VIC they check these sort of figures via mobile weigh bridges and there is zero tolerance at inspection.
In the end what was your final tare?.......and gross & download on the trailer when loaded?
Hi Bahnzy,
Yes mate I did and your comments helped thanks. My RX is rated 2000Kg even though the tow bar is rated 3000Kg. Must have something to do with it being a 2 wheel drive, not 4. This made me very weight conscious with my design. The original frame I started with was 1280Kg. I kept the build all aluminium to keep the weight down and because I like aluminium and the final shell as you see it now ended up at 1560Kg. I have registered it with a GVM of 1999Kg so I have 439Kg to play with for the fit out and load. I am going to keep the fit out modular and build all the frame work out of aluminium so I can tailor the load to keep it under 2000Kg. When I had it weighed I checked the weight on the bar and it came in right in the 10-15% range at 180Kg. On it's first trip last weekend with 2 bikes in the back and all the gear in the front it towed very nicely and on the Freeway cruised at 100Km without much effort. Slow up the hills though. The 4 x 12" electric brakes are amazing, way over engineered for the trailer as it is now so I can stop it on a dime. Interestingly, the original trailer had a rating of 6000Kg to carry 5 horses and the axles are rated at 3000Kg each so I have plenty of scope in the future if I change tow vehicle.
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I`ll have a Pie and Chips thanks Mate! ::) ::) :D Looks like a good thing Kenneth.
Now that is "gold" :D :D :D :D :D
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Kenneth.... ;D....did you do your homework on the download (loaded) like we discussed early on in the thread? The D40 RX will handle 3000 kg (I'm guessing its a 4x4) and 300 kg on the ball as long as you drop 200 kg from your GVM figure. I have a D40 ST-X 550 and a trailer not that different to yours in size, but significantly different in the placement of the trailer axles and I struggle to not exceed the vehicles tyre rating with gear in the tub. Not sure what the NSW RTA is like, but down here in VIC they check these sort of figures via mobile weigh bridges and there is zero tolerance at inspection.
In the end what was your final tare?.......and gross & download on the trailer when loaded?
Well here is a challenge for ya's what does a horse weigh???
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My RX is rated 2000Kg even though the tow bar is rated 3000Kg.
Correct 2WD is rated at 2000 kg's and the 4x4 at 3000 kg's, the point to remember is that the download also varies between 4x2 & 4x4.
For a 2WD dual cab your calculation is as follows.
Download @ 70kg - No reduction of GVM
Download @ 100kg - Reduced loaded vehicle mass below GVM by 40kg
Download @ 150kg - Reduced loaded vehicle mass below GVM by 110kg
Download @ 200kg - Reduced loaded vehicle mass below GVM by 180kg
When I had it weighed I checked the weight on the bar and it came in right in the 10-15% range at 180Kg.
With this in mind, you must reduce your payload from 960kg to 800kg (calculated by GVM @ 2860kg minus AT/Tare @ 1899kg = 960kg)
So if you have a towbar and other accessories that weigh (eg) 50 kg then you are down to 750 kg. If the passengers are the Aussie family of mum/dad & 2.5 kids then you will have to take away another 240 kg's leaving you with a carrying capacity of no greater than 510 kg's.
The key point to remenber is that you only have 20kg's to move on the download and that can dissapear in a heartbeat with an extra few goodies snuck in through the front door. ;)
Well here is a challenge for ya's what does a horse weigh???
Most trailer manafactures work on 550 kg The reality is that its not unusal for a larger breed to come in at 800+ kg's
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Mine has been knicknamed the "hotdog van" , dont know why ???
From across the pits at most race meetings i get....
- Hotdog with mustard and cheese
- Pie with sauce and don't be a tightarse with the sauce!
- Minimum of chips and a can of coke.
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii489/Darley04/hotdog.jpg)
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You are more of a Mr Whippy Rodney ;)