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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.