Weight does matter!

Before you purchase any vehicle it is really important to take the time to sit down and list ALL the items you intend to carry or fit to the vehicle. Not paying enough attention to weight limits is one of the most common problems that Tosca encounters. That one tonne ute might be cheap but is it adequate for your needs? How much have you budgeted for future mechanical repairs? Overloading a vehicle is illegal and increases the chance of damaging a vehicle and having an accident. It can also impact on insurance claims.

A vehicle’s load capacity refers to absolutely everything you put in the vehicle AND anything you intend to tow. Assuming you won’t be driving on the moon…..it all weighs something; the body itself, what you pack in it, fuel tanks, toolboxes, bull bars, additional lighting, the driver, passengers etc

The load must also be distributed evenly and properly secured – it might make access marginally easier but maybe it’s not a good idea to have all your steel fittings stored in lockers on the driver’s side.

Average weights of some things you might want to carry/fit to your vehicle

(Please note: these weights are intended as a rough guide only. You MUST consider your individual circumstances when calculating the total weight of your loaded vehicle)

Steel tray: 175-290kg
Aluminium tray: 110-180kg
Underbody drawer: 120kg
Compressor (Renegade 2.5HP Twin Compressor 76L): 60kg
Generator (Powerchief 5.5 KVA petrol): 78kg
Concrete cutter: 50-180kg
Long range fuel tank (95L full): 140kg
Coffee machine: 10-80kg
Engel 21L portable fridge: 18kg

It is imperative that you select a vehicle that will legally and safely carry all your gear. We highly recommend slightly over-sizing your vehicle to allow for a future expansion of carrying capacity.

Underbody Drawers

Ever seen a man stop in his tracks and stare longingly at the back of a ute? Chances are he's lusting after an underbody drawer.

This ultimate lockable spacesaver holds toolkits, straps, racks, parts bins and all manner of other necessities, leaving the tray free for load carrying - no more swearing at that pesky electrical tape rolling around in the back, or having to fish occy straps out from behind the driver's seat (while you offer tantalising glimpses of your plumber's crack to the world).

These nifty drawers make use of that wasted space between the tray and the chassis of your vehicle. They can be purchased in a range of sizes (with a mounting kit) or can be custom made.

Depending on your vehicle type, most drawers can be fitted in a day. Fitting the drawers can be a tricky job which may require removal of the whole tray body. We therefore recommend that you have these fitted by Tosca. However, if you have the necessary skills, tools and equipment then you may be able to fit these yourself.

Tosca is happy to answer any questions you may have – contact details are on our website www.tosca.net.au

Bash Plates

One of Tosca’s most popular products is the bash plates we make to fit the Nissan Pathfinder R51. One disaster and you’ll never venture out without steel bash plates again!

We have designed bash plates to protect the fuel tank, intercooler, sump, transfer case and the transmission. The plates are made out of 3mm etch primed or galvanized steel. The etch primed plates can be painted (usually black).

Bash plates are easy to fit. All the front plates (including the transfer case) are designed to bolt straight into the existing holes and we include longer bolts for this purpose. The only plate that requires a bit of professional assistance is the fuel tank plate. An additional hole needs to be drilled and tapped into the vehicle to accommodate this plate. This is a relatively simple job but some people who aren’t confident doing this have had their normal mechanics do this for them when getting the vehicle serviced. Mechanics have all the equipment required to fit the plate and a hoist to lift up the vehicle (which is easier than lying on the ground to fit them).

Watch this space: we’re currently working on a full set to fit the Nissan Navara (the Pathfinder intercooler and sump plates will actually bolt straight on to the Navara without any mods required)

Welcome

Tosca Industries has been designing and building specialised canopies, toolboxes and vehicle bodies since 1986. We are a family business employing skilled local tradespeople to manufacture high quality custom products.

Bodies That Turn Heads

We've started this blog so we can share some of our ideas and products that can make your mobile workplace, trailer or weekend escape vehicle the envy of all your friends.