Hi,
I have a couple of trailer questions please for those of you with windsurfing trailers or road rule experts:

I was wondering if the nose cone extensions that some windsurfing trailers have that are built over the drawbar are legal in Aus / WA and are there any downsides to having them? They only seem to exist on the homemade trailers hence I was wondering if there is a downside to them.

Is the aluminium checker plate good for a windsurf trailer or does it get too hot in the sun?
Cheers,
Holgs

I can only offer a little help here by showing a picture of a camper trailer that incorporates a nose cone.

The cone sits on the drawbar but does not overly protrude or get in the way. As far as I know, there are no problems registering these in QLD. The nose cone on this unit provides better streamlining and a lot of extra space to store things in.

Checkerplate is strong and aluminium is light. I think that some form of insulation would be necessary otherwise it would be far too hot. Aluminium is a very good conductor of heat and cold. I think that checkerplate is best used on areas that are walked on (because it is strong) and places where you want protection from stone chipping and other impacts. For some reason, it is 'cool' to use checkerplate extensively but I think this is overkill and just done for show. Other materials, including sheet metal and non-metallic materials such as fibreglass, may be better suited, possibly cheaper.

These are just my thoughts. something for you to consider in your project. All the best with it.

Consider laminated Alloy composite products as they come n colours are shiny and will off some insulation va checker plate.

Select to expand quote

holgs said..

I was wondering if the nose cone extensions that some windsurfing trailers have that are built over the drawbar are legal in Aus / WA and are there any downsides to having them? They only seem to exist on the homemade trailers hence I was wondering if there is a downside to them.

I bought my trailer off a guy in NSW registered and now registered in Qld, I assume that makes it legal.

I don't have checker plate on mine so can't help you there.

Nose cones are good as they let you fit in long sails/masts etc. Just need to be aware of weight distribution when loading your gear inside, so you don't overload your towbar.

As BSN101 said above, composite alloy panel works well and comes in stacks of colours. Mine has checker-plate strips around the edges which gives a nice finish. Heres a link to a supplier a few guys here have used - www.misterplywood.com.au/Products/Aluminium-Panels

Slightly off topic but don't make the nose too long. In full tight turn it can touch the rear window of the car.

Select to expand quote

I was wondering if the nose cone extensions that some windsurfing trailers have that are built over the drawbar are legal in Aus / WA and are there any downsides to having them? They only seem to exist on the homemade trailers hence I was wondering if there is a downside to them.

The guidelines for trailers here has no mention of anything over the drawbar and nothing prohibiting them. They are pretty loose standards, more about safety and lighting than anything else.

The downsides to them for normal trailers is normally no one needs them and they upset the load distribution if you are carting things. They would also be awkward to shovel stuff out of, but you could do it if you wanted... just watch the ball weight on the towbar.

Select to expand quote

Mark _australia said..
Slightly off topic but don't make the nose too long. In full tight turn it can touch the rear window of the car.

Or when going through a steep dip!

Select to expand quote

holgs said..
Hi,
I have a couple of trailer questions please for those of you with windsurfing trailers or road rule experts:

I was wondering if the nose cone extensions that some windsurfing trailers have that are built over the drawbar are legal in Aus / WA and are there any downsides to having them? They only seem to exist on the homemade trailers hence I was wondering if there is a downside to them.

Is the aluminium checker plate good for a windsurf trailer or does it get too hot in the sun?
Cheers,
Holgs

Aluminium checker plate is a dud It corrodes cracks, and makes the steel bits of your trailer rust due to galvanic action .Alupanel or Alucobond or other brand name Aluminium/plastic cladding is cheap, lightweight, plenty of colours easy to cut easy to replace if it does get a ding and (as a sheet) is bloody strong. Glued riveted or 3m style VHB (very high bond) double sided tape holds it to gather well.
Build a simple strong sub base trailer draw bar axel assemblies etc etc and build a box on top - super easy to get a handsome result.

Wow. Thanks so much everyone for the great advice. Nice looking trailers there BSN & James !!
So the consensus seems to be that nose cones are legal and a good idea as long as they aren't too long and you only put light things in them.
Interesting comment Peterowen regarding the alu checker plate. I didn't expect corrosion to be a problem. Thanks for that tip.

Slightly off topic but don't make the nose too long. In full tight turn it can touch the rear window of the car.

Plus 1 for composite alloy panel, it's very cheap and looks good
Chequer plate is ok if used the right way
Clad frame in composite alloy panel, then glue chequer plate over the top in stone chip risk areas, (top shelf finish is polished stainless sheet in lieu of chequer plate)

You can buy a couple of year old trailer like mine for the same as the cost to build it

Select to expand quote

sailquik said..

Mark _australia said..
Slightly off topic but don't make the nose too long. In full tight turn it can touch the rear window of the car.

Or when going through a steep dip!

Sounds like we both speak from experience

Here's another version with a nose cone, but still a significant length of draw-bar. It come out this way as the chassis was longer than I really needed.

I built this using fibreglass foam sandwich construction. I managed to keep the tare weight (chassis + box) to 180kg, so when loaded is about 300kg.