THE VEHICLE
Is the vehicle suited to the job?Vehicle capacity, dimensions and manufacturer requirements create the foundation for everything that follows.
BUILD KNOWLEDGE
SO, YOU'RE PLANNING YOUR NEXT BUILD.
START WITH WHAT YOU NEED THE VEHICLE TO DO.
Choosing a tray and canopy is only one part of planning a complete vehicle.
Before deciding on size, storage or accessories, it helps to understand the vehicle underneath the build, what it needs to carry, how it will be used and what may change in the future.
Those decisions influence more than the layout. They can affect vehicle mass, axle loading, dimensions, towing and how practical the finished vehicle is to live with.
This guide explains the considerations we look at when developing and specifying a GWorks setup.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE THE BUILD
START WITH THE COMPLETE JOB.
THE BODY
How should the rear of the vehicle be built?Tray and canopy systems and integrated service bodies solve the same problem in different ways.
THE LOAD
What will the finished vehicle carry?People, water, electrical, tools, recovery equipment and touring gear all become part of the operating vehicle.
THE FUTURE
What happens when your needs change?The vehicle may change, the equipment may change and the way you use the build may change with it.
CHOOSING THE BODY SYSTEM
TRAY + CANOPY OR SERVICE BODY?
GWorks has manufactured both approaches. That experience gave us the opportunity to assess how each system performed within our own product range, not only in weight, but in structure, flexibility and long term usability.
THE STRUCTURE UNDERNEATH MATTERS
A SERVICE BODY STILL NEEDS A PROPER FOUNDATION.
Removing the traditional tray does not remove the need to properly support the body above the chassis.
For the GWorks service body we developed, our approach to long term durability included a properly considered structural foundation and subframe. The body, its support structure and its connection to the vehicle all formed part of the system.
THE FOUNDATION IS PART OF THE BUILD TOO.
OUR GWORKS PRODUCT COMPARISON
WHEN WE COMPARED THE TWO SYSTEMS, WE LOOKED BEYOND THE BODY ITSELF.
INTEGRATED BODY
- Service body
- Structural foundation
- Subframe
- Vehicle mounting system
VS
MODULAR SYSTEM
- Vehicle specific tray platform
- Tray structure
- Removable canopy
- Vehicle mounting system
GWORKS INTERNAL PRODUCT COMPARISON
~30–40 KG
APPROXIMATE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO GWORKS SOLUTIONS ASSESSED
When we compared our GWorks service body design with our GWorks tray and canopy solution, the overall weight difference was approximately 30 to 40 kg. In the context of the complete vehicle, that relatively small difference changed what mattered most in our decision.
This figure relates specifically to the GWorks service body and GWorks tray and canopy solutions we assessed. It is not a general weight comparison of service bodies across the market.
WHY GWORKS CHOOSE TRAY + CANOPY
THE TRAY IS DESIGNED AROUND THE VEHICLE.
THE CANOPY IS CONFIGURED AROUND YOU.
For the vehicles and customers we build for, this architecture gives us the balance of vehicle specific engineering, modularity and long term usability we want from a GWorks system.
THE NEXT PART OF THE PICTURE
WHATEVER YOU BUILD, THE VEHICLE STILL HAS TO CARRY IT.
The body system is only the beginning. Once people, equipment, water, accessories and towing are considered, the complete vehicle becomes the focus.
START WITH GVM ↓START WITH THE BASICS
WHAT ACTUALLY IS GVM?
THE FIRST STEP IS UNDERSTANDING WHAT COUNTS.
GVM stands for Gross Vehicle Mass.
Put simply, it is the maximum permitted mass of the vehicle when loaded, subject to the vehicle's applicable specifications and approvals.
GVM gives us the overall mass limit to work within. To understand it properly, we first need to understand what contributes to the vehicle's mass.
WHAT COUNTS?
THE COMPLETE VEHICLE.
01
VEHICLE
+
The vehicle you start with.
02
BUILD
+
Tray, canopy and fitted equipment.
03
PEOPLE
+
Drivers and passengers.
04
LOAD
=
Water, accessories, tools and gear.
TOTAL
ACTUAL VEHICLE MASS
What the complete vehicle weighs.
GVM
Gross Vehicle Mass is the maximum permitted mass of the loaded vehicle, subject to the vehicle's applicable specifications and approvals.
GVM
THE OVERALL LIMIT
Gross Vehicle Mass is the maximum permitted mass of the loaded vehicle, subject to the vehicle's applicable specifications and approvals.
PAYLOAD
THE CAPACITY YOU USE
Payload is the capacity available for the body, accessories, occupants and load. The actual capacity available depends on the vehicle's starting mass and configuration.
A SIMPLE EXAMPLE
HOW PAYLOAD GETS USED.
These figures are deliberately illustrative. The purpose is to show the relationship between the vehicle's mass and its GVM, not to represent a particular model.
ILLUSTRATIVE GVM
3,500 kg
−
EXAMPLE VEHICLE MASS
2,300 kg
=
APPROX. CAPACITY BEFORE REACHING GVM
1,200 kg
This simplified example does not mean 1,200 kg can simply be added anywhere on the vehicle. Other vehicle limits and the position of the load also need to be considered.
NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT PART
UNDER GVM? GREAT.
BUT THAT'S NOT THE WHOLE PICTURE.
GVM tells us the overall mass limit. The next step is understanding what happens as a real build comes together.
We will start with the factory vehicle, remove what comes off, then add the tray, canopy, operating load and towing.
SEE HOW A TYPICAL BUILD COMES TOGETHER ↓General educational information only. Vehicle mass, payload and applicable limits vary by vehicle, variant, configuration, accessories and approvals. Illustrative figures shown above are not specifications for a particular vehicle.
BUILD KNOWLEDGE
IS YOUR VEHICLE CAPABLE OF THE BUILD YOU WANT?
Now that we understand GVM, let's put it into context. Step through this illustrative example to see how the vehicle changes as the factory tub comes off, the GWorks tray and canopy go on, and real world load and towing are added.
LET’S BUILD ONE.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Every vehicle is different. Talk to the GWorks team about your vehicle and intended use.
STEP 01
THE VEHICLE
A typical dual cab
We start with the factory vehicle. This gives us the baseline before the tray, canopy, load and towing are considered.
EXAMPLE VEHICLE
DUAL CAB 4X4 • ILLUSTRATIVE
FRONT AXLE
WHEELBASE
REAR AXLE
VEHICLE CAPACITY
Start with the vehicle
WHAT CHANGES
Nothing yet
KEY IDEA
Know the foundation
THERE'S MORE TO CONSIDER THAN GVM
THE KEY AREAS TO KEEP IN MIND
Being under GVM does not automatically mean every other vehicle limit has been satisfied.
◒
VEHICLE CAPACITY
GVM and available payload are important, but they are only part of the complete vehicle picture.
↔
LOAD POSITION
Individual axle limits also apply. Where weight is positioned can affect how heavily each axle is loaded.
⌁
DIMENSIONS
Tray length, canopy size, rear overhang and overall vehicle dimensions all need to be considered.
◉
TOWING
Tow ball load is carried by the vehicle. A large touring setup and trailer should be considered together.
NOW YOU’VE SEEN THE COMPLETE PICTURE.
SO, WHAT DOES GWORKS DO WITH ALL OF THIS?
Understanding the considerations is one thing. Building a platform around them is another.
This is where the work behind a GWorks platform begins.
Educational example only. This content does not provide engineering certification, legal advice or confirmation that a particular vehicle or modification complies with applicable requirements. Vehicle specifications, accessories, modifications and operating loads vary.
THE WORK BEHIND THE BUILD
WE DON'T START WITH THE TRAY. WE START WITH THE VEHICLE.
UNDERSTAND THE VEHICLE FIRST. THEN DESIGN AROUND IT.
Before developing a GWorks platform for a vehicle, we first work to understand the vehicle itself.
We review available manufacturer body builder information and vehicle specifications, together with relevant vehicle standards, modification guidance, dimensional requirements and road transport requirements.
That research becomes the foundation for the platform we develop.
BEFORE WE BUILD
WE DO THE HOMEWORK.
Developing a platform is more than making something that physically bolts to a chassis. We look at the vehicle, the manufacturer's available guidance and the requirements that can influence the completed build.
MANUFACTURER GUIDANCE
We review available body builder information and mounting guidance to understand the considerations specific to the vehicle platform.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Wheelbase, GVM, axle capacities, dimensions and other specifications help define the vehicle platform we are designing around.
VEHICLE & TRANSPORT GUIDANCE
We consider relevant vehicle standards, modification guidance and transport requirements that can affect dimensions, rear overhang and the completed vehicle.
GWORKS PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
We bring that information together when developing the mounting platform and tray system for each supported vehicle.
MANUFACTURER
+
VEHICLE
+
REQUIREMENTS
→
GWORKS VEHICLE PLATFORM
THE FOUNDATION
DESIGNED AROUND THE VEHICLE IT SITS ON.
We do not approach every chassis as though it is the same vehicle with different mounting holes. Each GWorks platform is developed around the characteristics and requirements of the vehicle it is intended to fit.
But developing the vehicle platform is only the beginning. The finished build still needs to make sense for what that individual vehicle is being asked to carry and do.
VEHICLE SPECIFIC FOUNDATION
BUT THAT'S ONLY THE FOUNDATION
THE SAME VEHICLE CAN HAVE VERY DIFFERENT JOBS.
Two customers can start with the same vehicle and the same GWorks platform, then ask completely different things of the finished vehicle.
BUILD A
WEEKEND TOURING
- 012 passengers
- 02Smaller canopy
- 03Moderate water capacity
- 04Basic electrical setup
- 05Camping gear
- 06Little or no substantial towing
SAME VEHICLE
≠
SAME DEMANDS
BUILD B
EXTENDED TOURING + TOWING
- 01More passengers
- 02Larger canopy
- 03Additional water
- 04Larger electrical system
- 05Fridge, pantry, recovery gear and storage
- 06Caravan, boat or substantial trailer
THE PLATFORM CAN BE RIGHT.
THE BUILD STILL NEEDS TO BE RIGHT.
What the vehicle carries, where that load is positioned and what it tows can change the demands placed on the completed vehicle.WHY WE ASK QUESTIONS
WE WANT TO KNOW MORE THAN YOUR MAKE AND MODEL.
We're not asking these questions to make buying a tray and canopy complicated. We're asking because the answers help us understand what the finished vehicle is actually being asked to do.
WHAT DO YOU CARRY?
Tools, touring gear, recovery equipment, spares and everyday load all contribute to the finished setup.
WHO TRAVELS WITH YOU?
Passengers are part of the vehicle's operating load too, so how the vehicle is normally used matters.
WATER & ELECTRICAL?
Water, batteries, inverters, fridges and other equipment can add meaningful permanent and operating load.
HOW DO YOU USE IT?
A work vehicle, weekend setup and extended touring vehicle can require very different solutions.
DO YOU TOW?
If a caravan, boat or trailer is part of the plan, we want to understand that before recommending the build.
THE MORE WE UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE JOB, THE BETTER WE CAN SPECIFY THE BUILD.
THE GWORKS APPROACH
BUILT AROUND THE VEHICLE.
DESIGNED TO MOVE WITH YOU.
We develop each GWorks tray platform around the vehicle using available manufacturer body builder guidance. The core tray system is designed to transfer, while components such as toolbox configurations and infill panels are developed specifically for the vehicle they sit on.
That vehicle specific approach is what gives the finished build its clean, integrated look from front to back. Change vehicles later and the core system can move with you, with the surrounding components configured to suit the new platform.
THE DETAILS CHANGE. THE GWORKS SYSTEM MOVES WITH YOU.
VEHICLE SPECIFIC WHERE IT MATTERS. FLEXIBLE WHERE IT COUNTS. TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR BUILD →General educational information only. Vehicle specifications and requirements vary by model, variant, year, jurisdiction, modification and intended use. Final vehicle suitability and compliance depend on the complete vehicle and build.