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.
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
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
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
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
