Mn Ute tub to aluminium tray conversions

[arternune]

I have a 2010 MY11 MN GLX-R dual cab auto. I am interested to know if anyone has converted their dual cab ute to a flat bed tray. I want to mount a slide on camper such as a "carry me camper" or a "tommy Camper". I am aware of the bent chassis issue and the importance of keeping the weight down and forward. These campers weigh about 350kg dry weight.
What is the weight difference between a factory tub with ARB canopy vs an aluminium tray?

[srb]

I've helped a mate swap tub for alloy tray and can say the weight is similar. However the fiberglass canopies on top would definitely make the tubs heavier than just an alloy tray.

I used to have a slide-on camper on my extra cab triton, fully loaded with fuel, water and camping gear I was 40kgs over my rear axle load limit but only just under my 2.93t max GVM.. My camper was only 280kg dry.
I really don't know how people get away with putting slide-on camper on dual cabs, they must be completely oblivious to their rear axle loading. Not to mention how poorly they must handle when doing rough outback tracks.

My advice would be to get a 300mm chassis extension and a custom alloy tray from a reputable company, made as light and as strong as possible. Many people that have campers on dual cabs eventually do this.

On my extra cab I have a generic alloy tray from Obrian trays. The main part of the alloy tray is fairly well built but let down by the weak steel sub frame thats mounted to the chassis, also it was poorly installed by O'Briens and there were no nylon or rubber pads seperating the frame to the chassis, this caused a major problem to my chassis mounts as by the time I had gone halfway around Australia they had cracked through and had to be welded up and reinforced. Very costly doing those sorts of repairs on the road.

Good luck.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

[tomdej]

Our MN 2011 Triton had the tub removed, the chassis was extended 500mm, and an alloy TipTop tray fitted.

The chassis extension was done by Specialised Vehicles in Orangeville NSW. The chassis extension included an engineer's certificate to allow registration of the modified vehicle.

Disadvantages are, the cost, an increased turning circle and slightly worse ramp over.

Advantages are good weight balance front and back, much reduced chance of bending the chassis, weight on the front wheels so there is better steering control compared to standard loaded dual cabs.

The Triton standard wheelbase is 3000mm, while most other utes are 3200mm. On other utes they often get a 300mm extension resulting in a 3500mm wheelbase. Our ute with its 500mm extension now has a 3500mm wheelbase.

Happy to provide info on the chassis extension or the camper.

[arternune]

Thanks for that information.
My dilemma is whether to keep and modify this car and spend some money on it or trade it for something like a Mazda BT50 Supercab which is $39,990 drive away. I have been offered $13,500 as a trade in. My car has only done 125,000km and only 57,000 km on this engine. it has a lot of accessories on it such as ARB bullbar, electric winch, snorkel, towbar etc etc so putting a tray and camper on it may put me over my GVM.
My Triton has had a lot of problems in the 8 years that I have owned it including being on its third engine. There has also been automatic gearbox issues. Everything has been fixed under warranty and I still really like the car. Spending a lot of money on it though may be a bad move. The 10 year drivetrain warranty will expire in 18 months time.
Tomdej, I would like to see and hear details of your camper and chassis extension.