3mm aluminium chipbox???

[mattplace]

I have just bought an iveco tipper and the steel back is so heavy!

 

I am going to build a snazzy looking tipper body which will hopefully last for years. I have searched the internet for inspiration and i really like the look of the cabstar below.

 

Does anyone have a chipbox made of 3mm aluminium sheet? If so, how does it stand up to day to day use?

 

My only concern is throwing logs in might dent the body from the inside. No matter how careful i am, theres always going to be one log which bounces off another and will hit the sides!

 

The cabstar looks like its lined with ply so that could be an option but weight is a big issue.

 

From my calculations, i could build this style box with 3mm aluminium sheet, all the fittings, a roof, and a tailgate and it will weigh around 155kgs (excluding the floor and tipping gear).

 

If i was to use alloy planking, it would be around 220kgs and 14mm GRP would be about 250 kgs.

 

Any advice or experience would be greatfully received as i'm planning to order everything this week!

[simonm]

Ive got 3mm alloy sheet on my transit chip box and it works fine. So far i havent dented it! If you put enough support behind the sheet it should be fine

[mattplace]

Have you got any pics?

 

The way i'm designing it should hopefully mean it won't need many strengtheners. I found a bit of 3mm ally sheet in my barn earlier and threw a log at it.... didn't leave a mark!

 

it was only about 600mmx600mm but was surprisingly strong!

[BTS]

i got some 3mm aluminium sheet had the edges folded and pop riveted ply into it, it has turned out well and has not dented yet on the back of landrover 130

[benedmonds]

We did our iveco and LR 130 in 3mm ali. You need to line with thin ply, we just glued some on. The unpainted section above the cab of the iveco was not lined and the chip is starting to dent it.

[Mesterh]

The nissan looks nice.

 

Do you have any costs on the 3mm alu and the sizes?

[mattplace]

Thanks for all the replies. Think i'm going to go ahead with it! I'll keep you posted with the progress!

 

benedmunds - I've bought a similar iveco crew cab but 3.5t! Hence the need for it to go on a diet! The steel dropsides on the tipper at the moment must weigh 60kgs each!

[mattplace]

The nissan looks nice.

 

Do you have any costs on the 3mm alu and the sizes?

 

 

I've got a cost off aalco.co.uk. They are a massive company and have been the cheapest for aluminium when i have used them in the past.

 

For a 3000mm x 1500mm x 3mm sheet, its £116 + vat. The sheet weighs 36kg.

[Mesterh]

Cheers for the info.

 

Good luck with the project.

[benedmonds]

I bought a similar iveco crew cab but 3.5t! Hence the need for it to go on a diet! The steel dropsides on the tipper at the moment must weigh 60kgs each!

 

Fully loaded with chip and tools ours weighed in at 6,650KG. I don't think you can ever be legal with a 3.5 tonner.