Hi all, the other day at The Caves another Hino owner was showing me his, and he has a lockable metal cage built at the back for more storage. As the Hinos have a rear motor and the bonnet swings upward, the cage was designed to pivot from the back bumper and swing out to one side, thus giving access to open the bonnet. Great idea, I think!
My question is 1. Could I store my 2 x 9kg gas bottles in it, (gas fitter and compliance allowed)?
2. Does anyone know what type of tradesman I need to get one made?
Shift any welding shop should be able to knock one up for you, shop around if you can because some really know how to charge. I would maybe concerned about the heat of the enginearound the gas bottles and also the risk if someone were to rear end you, but it cant hurt to look into it.
Cheers Andrew
In Qld your not allowed to carry fuel on the back of a vehicle , van or motorhome ,( Gerry Cans) so I would definitely say no Gas Bottles. If you get rear ended you might end up at your destination quicker than expected.:)
Australian Standard LP Gas Installations for Caravans and Boats.
2.4 Location of LP Gas Cylinders,
2.4.3 Mounting and Stowage .
LP Gas Cylinders and all high pressure piping shall be located in a position which is protected from impact and minimizes the risk of LP Gas entering the interior of the caravan or boat.
Straight from the book.
From a strict legal point of view (in Victoria) no fuel is allowed to be carried in a vehicle apart from the in the manufacturer's fitted fuel tank or approved after market fuel tank. In other words no jerry cans, gas bottles etc. This of course raises certain objections such as "...but my 4WD comes with jerry can holders.." The manufacturer will tell you that (depending on the various State regs) that the jerry cans are for carrying water. Plods in Victoria have long realised that drivers are motoring around with a myriad of technically unroadworthy items on their (even brand new) cars and exercise a little discretion. However, as someone else pointed out, there could a slight problem with a rear end collision. Furthermore, if you get into a serious bingle (particularly a fatal God forbid), then the Coroner will want to know every small detail. I've had to send cars involved in fatals to a technical section (a sort of forensic mechanic) where everything is scrutinised even down to the boiling point of the brake fluid. Plus, the Insurance boys (in my experience) love to find a way to negate or reduce a claim when damage is caused/furthered by 'add ons'.
