Ute tub trailer - thoughts and ideas wanted

bernbo · 30-12-2016, 09:56 AM

Hello all,
My conundrum; I don't have a ute, I have a territory and a falcon, which is fine until i need to go to the dump, pick up something big or travel with the two kids and the dog. My second kid was born six weeks ago so haven't done much of anything yet.
I have been thinking about getting a ute for ages but I do a share of child transport so it's out of the question. My idea was to get or make a ute tub trailer, preferably an FG tub with the hard top, as I have all the benefits of the ute, plus we can travel or camp with it and not worry about things getting wet or stolen like they may in a box trailer with canvas canopy. Plus it looks cool and has more space than a standard box trailer. What's everyone's thoughts on this and has anyone ever made or owned one? Thanks in advance.
Bernie.

Yellow_Festiva · 30-12-2016, 10:38 AM

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is the weight of the unit.

I think you can go to 750kg's total without brakes?

Most regular trailers are around the 200-250kg weight, meaning that you can put in around 1/2 ton into it. My 8x5 sits at 240kg.

What would a tub weigh once it's made into a trailer? I have no clue, but I'm guessing more than 250kg seeing as the hardware you are using (tub / axle / springs) is engineered for far more strength than a drag behind trailer?

Having said that, I guess you will have the hardware in place to rig up some sort of brake system should you use a tub? Just depends on if you have the mechanical know how to do the work?

commodorenutt · 30-12-2016, 10:49 AM

Get a trailer place to make you up a basic frame (like a cut-down caravan chassis) to suit the FG tub's mounts, so it's all self-contained and plated (legally) before you pick it up.

This will end up with the lightest possible unladen weight, and a smooth run through the first rego with the authorities.

chevypower · 30-12-2016, 11:47 AM

I don't care for them, I think trailers are meant to be tough and robust, not pretty. But that's just me. So I would just go for a small enclosed cargo trailer.

Tonz · 30-12-2016, 11:47 AM

One of the Ford clubs in South Oz have several. I know cause I sold or rather gave my tub to them. Have no idea who they are now but wait something will pop up.

Powdered Toast Man · 30-12-2016, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

So I would just go for a small enclosed cargo trailer.

This would be my thoughts too. You could more likely get something designed and made to suit your exact load/usage requirements. Unless you feel it must look like a ute tub no matter what.

I know a guy at work with an F250 has a spare F250 tub he is going to make into a trailer. But then an Effy has a much bigger towing capacity than a Falcon or Terry.

bernbo · 30-12-2016, 12:09 PM

Looking at:
https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/.../vsb_01_b.aspx
If the trailer ends up being say 500kg, it wouldn't be able to carry a big load if classed as a very light trailer. If I go the next class up, Light trailer ATM750kg-4500kg, I would need front facing marker lights and only surge brakes if ATM is less than 2000kg, which would give me a handy payload if I use 1.2 to 1.5T axles. Budget always plays a part and considering all enclosed box trailers cost over 2Grand new and don't offer the flexibility I am thinking the ute tub would still be in front. There are tubs on ebay for $400 or even cheaper for ranger tubs. I was going to check the wreckers to see what they can offer.

**Giant Cranium** · 30-12-2016, 12:18 PM

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11248405

**Raptor** · 30-12-2016, 12:45 PM

There was an FG tub trailer for sale here; http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11444474
It needed a much wider track in my opinion.

Also see this show n shine thread for tub trailers; http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11248405

.

**GasoLane** · 30-12-2016, 12:56 PM

Or the Panel van option................

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11459292

bernbo · 30-12-2016, 01:03 PM

Thank you Giant Cranium for the link. Looks like a lot of people just go the very light trailer route and like with a 300kg payload. Maybe I'm over thinking it; do I really need it to be able to through a pallet of turf or gravel i.e. an everything possible type of deal? Or will 300kg be enough?

Big_Red · 30-12-2016, 01:23 PM

You wont get much gravel for 300kg.

Do FG have floors in them? Ba/ba/au all had the plastic tub liner as the floor. Although they are pretty tough and rated to 750kg (?) payload. This could help you with weight saving. I havent had to lift a falcon tub but a ranger tub which is all steel normally takes 4 blokes plus one to line up some stands when removing.

commodorenutt · 30-12-2016, 01:29 PM

FG are a plastic liner like the BA/BF.

bernbo · 30-12-2016, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

There was an FG tub trailer for sale here; http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11444474
It needed a much wider track in my opinion.

Also see this show n shine thread for tub trailers; http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11248405

.

Thanks Raptor, I just replied on his thread to see if still available. I'm in North Queensland which is a bugger on everything, either you pay freight on the complete item, freight on the parts or you pay hugely through the nose to buy local.

**Giant Cranium** · 30-12-2016, 01:51 PM

What about a normal trailer like this

the top is removable. Will be a much more versatile trailer

bernbo · 30-12-2016, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Cranium

What about a normal trailer like this image the top is removable. Will be a much more versatile trailer

Brand new Australian made $3750 locally priced

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/towns...se-/1133690042

I was hoping to not spend more the two thousand on the build or sourcing one.

Thanks for looking though. It had crossed my mind, but tradie trailers have a hard life so second hand ones are usually pretty sad.

**MercurySilver** · 31-12-2016, 07:30 PM

Don't skimp on wheel bearings

.:4:. · 31-12-2016, 07:57 PM

Re greasable bearings are the go. Pump them up with a grease gun when they start to look like they're getting low and happy days. Not sure how they go with alloy wheels fitted, and I'm not sure of the load rating of factory falcon alloys.

bernbo · 31-12-2016, 08:44 PM

I'd have to check but aren't the factory alloys rated at least 750kg each?

Pis-ton broke · 31-12-2016, 08:47 PM

just get a box trailer and be done with it. towing over 750kgs you will need electric brakes. tubs might looked pretty , but who gives a poo what your trailer looks like. functionality is number one. and my my ba ute has no factory try downs welded in the corners and a crap plastic liner, what and embarrassment! and pos. ute back.i,m totaly pee,d off with ford for doing this.

yeah, a canopy is not going to stop thieves.

bernbo · 31-12-2016, 09:47 PM

One of its main job will be to visit the inlaws fifteen hundred kays away. The territory will be filled with the kids, the luggage area will have the dog as six weeks in the kennel or with a house sitter is expensive. Have to take cots and prams and all that stuff so a pod on the roof is not realy an option. I am assuming a ute tub with the hard top locks up pretty well vs the sliding windows on canopy, hence why its probably a better option.

LG17 · 01-01-2017, 07:39 AM

Probably a stupid question but is there a reason why the standard rear suspension isn't utilised when building a tub trailer eg. BA/BF 1 tonner?

lra · 01-01-2017, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LG17

Probably a stupid question but is there a reason why the standard rear suspension isn't utilised when building a tub trailer eg. BA/BF 1 tonner?

Not a stupid question. Also why can't the whole lot from the ute rear window back be used as it it only sticky-taped and super-glued to the cab.
With an A frame, the carrying capacity would be the same.

Pis-ton broke · 01-01-2017, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LG17

Probably a stupid question but is there a reason why the standard rear suspension isn't utilised when building a tub trailer eg. BA/BF 1 tonner?

i thought that is what they did. but a bit extra weight that way. huntsman trailer parts in victoria stock all size axles

LG17 · 01-01-2017, 10:34 AM

My thoughts were that way you get a 1 tonne rated trailer so you can carry the heavy stuff legally. Hell, you even get brakes!

commodorenutt · 01-01-2017, 10:51 AM

Additional weight, rotating mass you don't want, chassis structure that needs to be (safely) joined to a drawbar, which will need to be engineered.
Just all-round simpler to put a standard design trailer frame under it.

Weight is the biggest factor though - every kg extra on the chassis is a kg less that it can carry.

xtremerus · 01-01-2017, 03:05 PM

You can make the tub-trailer one tonne rated with appropriate springs AND put brakes on it.
In NSW, all trailers are limited to 750kg if they don't have brakes.
My tub-trailer weighs 360kg. I didn't get brakes on it.

bernbo · 01-01-2017, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtremerus

You can make the tub-trailer one tonne rated with appropriate springs AND put brakes on it.
In NSW, all trailers are limited to 750kg if they don't have brakes.
My tub-trailer weighs 360kg. I didn't get brakes on it.

What tub is your trailer based on?

xtremerus · 02-01-2017, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernbo

What tub is your trailer based on?

FG Octane
It is in that show and shine thread for tub-trailers

Quote:

Made this with the tub I had after I couldn't get just a cab/chassis of the FG XR6T

bernbo · 06-01-2017, 02:43 PM

Did you make it all yourself or did you get a third party?