I am about to fit a swing out alluminium utility box on the rear of the Hiace. This is to hold the tools, spare gas cylinder, tent pegs, stove, awning etc. Adds 300 mm to the vehicle length, and withing the overhang limit. It actually wont be holding a lot of weight. Just want to get these items out of the van.

Will I need redreflectors on it ?
Regards
Mike

you wont need reflectors on it Mike but just be sure that you can see all the original tail lights including number plate light from the same angle as before keep all things similar to original and easily seen and the coppers will leave you alone just watch the metal fatigue factor when using aluminium in a weight bearing arrangement and reinforce as needed, aluminium is not regarded as a weight bearing material unless it is aircraft grade

Thanks for the info Dave. Much appreciated.

All the rear lights and number plate are visible over the top of the box.  Also visible from various low angles when viewed from the rear

I'm mounting it on a light RHS steel subframe gate, and in the stowed position it is also well supported underneath.

Regards
Mike and Ellie

sounds good mate, what I do, and it sounds a bit silly but it does work, is to step back about 20 yards from the rear of the vehicle, place a milk crate there and have a seat, this represent roughly the driving height of the copper thats following you just make sure all can be seen through his eyes or he will get you!! a box on the back will be a god send, space is at a premium in our camper

Thats a good test method Dave. 

I have not got the Ally Box as yet, but I will definately use your Milk Crate technology to test it's position before I start drilling and bolting.

Regards
Mike and Ellie

P.S. Just remembered I had made a mock up box from ply wood to see that what I  needed to fit into the dimensions, actually would fit.
Offered it up just now and did the Milk Crate eyeballing test on it.  All is looking good.

-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 13th of August 2009 03:14:05 PM

all sounds good to me, great times ahead

Road Transport inspectors are a mean mob.....you know.that pajeros have a huge taillight area..which isnt allowed to be used in Aust cause the spare tyre is mounted on the rear door...covering one tail light if viewed at a certain angle.....so they removed all the wiring...and all you got now is break light top rear window and small ones in rear bumper

Dave