Modify a cargo barrier

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:29
ThreadID: 55447 Views:5389 Replies:10 FollowUps:18
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I got some draws the other day, which are now bolted down and rock solid.
Was having a look around the shed and have found a cargo barrier from a VN Commodore wagon I used to have.
I am confident that I can make a safe Half barrier out of it, to bolt to the draws ect.
I was wondering if there is any legal/insurance issues here??
as I guess it would not meet the standards (what ever they are) of the original full barrier.
My thoughts it still has to be safer than nothing at all.

Any ideas???

Cheers Stefan
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Reply By: mfewster - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:35

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:35
Interesting question. I have seen plenty of cargo barriers second hand at dirt cheap prices compared to new items and couldn't see why they couldn't be modified a bit to go into another vehicle. Looking forwards to responses to this thread.
AnswerID: 292174

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:38

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:38
I wanted to modify a Milford barrier and contacted them about it.
The answer was the same as with towbars, legally you cant.

But I guess its up to you. If you are happy doing it do it.
As you say it could be better than nothing.

Just hope it doesnt figure in an insurance claim.
AnswerID: 292175

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:54

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:54
'I wanted to modify a Milford barrier and contacted them about it.
The answer was the same as with towbars, legally you cant.'

I would expect that answer from someone with a vested interest in selling you a new one!! LOL

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557534

Reply By: Member - John - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:50

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 20:50
You can modify it to suit your needs. No need to worry about legalities as when you modify it, you negate the original manufactures warranty etc...... Only the original has to qualify, not your modified one.
John and Jan

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AnswerID: 292181

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:00

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:00
So there is no Australian standard or rating I have to abide by?

IE what bolts to use ect?

Will have a bit of a google and look around

Cheers Stefan
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Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:08

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:08
from the milford website

'Question: “What about if I wish to modify or install a secondhand cargo barrier?”
Answer: “The cargo barrier is designed and tested under strict compliance and high impact conditions, therefore in order to maintain the desired performance of the Cargo Barrier, strict adherence to the recommendations of the Australian Standard and our installation instructions is essential. Under no condition do we recommend modification of the product or the use of alternative anchorage points — to do so will void the warranty & rated capacity.
Where a Cargo Barrier is modified or a secondhand barrier which is damaged or has an unknown history is fitted, then the rated capacity plaque must be removed and replaced with a non-rated capacity tag by the installer. Failure to remove the rating plaque in these circumstances will result in the product liability transferring from the manufacturer to the retailer / installer of the product.'
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:46

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:46
You can buy just the Milford mounting kit for $79 from TJM
Well worth it to get the correct paltes bolts etc
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Reply By: mechpete - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:02

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:02
don,t panic about I,ve modified a VT cargo barier to suit my GQ
and made it bolt to the original seat belt ancher points ,its not compulsary to have one
mechpete
AnswerID: 292186

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:09

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:09
No panic here, just wondering what others have done ect....or if anyone has more legal info on the subject

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557546

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:14

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:14
forgot to add....Not compulsary but very desirable in mine and your opinion, as you added one to your GQ. Just don't want my daughters head to be the first resistance to any load shift in an accident.

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557549

Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Friday, Mar 14, 2008 at 20:36

Friday, Mar 14, 2008 at 20:36
Milford do not and have never mounted their cargo barriers to the seat belt mounts. Seat belt mounts are for seat belts only and should never be used for mounting a cargo barrier.
Get the genuine Milford kit and mount it as it was designed to be mounted.
Regards Andrew.
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Reply By: On Patrol (East Coast) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:07

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:07
G'day mate
Maybe the insurance co. has more to say on this subject than anyone else could.

They are the ones that could give you hassles if something goes wrong at some stage. As you say though something is better than nothing IF it's done securely and safely.

You don't want to endanger your precious cargo now, do you?
Colin.
AnswerID: 292191

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:12

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:12
Zip ties and glue are safe are thay not?? LOL

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557548

Follow Up By: On Patrol (East Coast) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:17

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:17
By your standards I would say fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ha Ha Ha

Just for that "rustic look" try and include some fence wire in there somewhere, BUGGER.
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Follow Up By: On Patrol (East Coast) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:21

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:21
Hey Stefan,
don't include Boldjack in this project as it would soon turn into something bigger than "the Snowy Hydro Scheme" LOL

Sorry Bert!!!

Colin.
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FollowupID: 557553

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:23

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:23
ouch ;)

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FollowupID: 557554

Follow Up By: BoldJack ( Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:24

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:24
If you want something done properly, come and see me. No job too big or too small :-)
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Follow Up By: BoldJack ( Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:27

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:27
I have a full range of zip ties, fencing wire and duct tape .
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FollowupID: 557595

Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:52

Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:52
Hey BoldJack
I thought you'd be out of zip ties, fencing wire & duct tape by now...
Used them all up to keep Jacqueline going !!

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Follow Up By: On Patrol (East Coast) - Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 16:23

Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 16:23
OHHHH Dave, you can be a Bittttch sometimes.
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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:32

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:32
Stefan,

A modified barrier is better than none at all.

Wayne
AnswerID: 292200

Follow Up By: mfewster - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 22:09

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 22:09
That's what I reckon. A barrier is not a compulsory item. It protects passengers against stuff running forwards, so anything you put in to block movement must be better than leaving it without a barrier. A bit of commonsense re where and how you mount the thing should be pretty right. If it is a little smaller than the one designed for your vehicle, what the heck. just don't put small items around the edge.
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FollowupID: 557561

Reply By: Fragle_Rock (VIC) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:35

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 21:35
As far as insurance is concerned, a cargo barrier is considered as an accessory, not a modification. Modifications are items that impact upon a vehicles performance/handling characteristics eg rims sizes, engine modifications, suspensions mods etc. A cargo barrier does not affect how a vehicle performs or handles.

Obviously accessories such as cargo barriers, radios, roof racks impact upon a vehicles value if it is written off due to an accident or stolen and not recovered, that is why it is still important to list them on your policy. If you modify a barrier worst case scenario in the event of a total loss may be that the $$ value for that accessory is not included.

I had a troopy and didn't have any hesitation modifying my barrier to fit a set of draws in.

Cheers
AnswerID: 292201

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 19:58

Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 19:58
thanks for your input.

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557753

Reply By: BoldJack ( Penrith NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:32

Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 at 23:32
If I don't get it right, I might have to adjust it to fit the Jack instead ! ;-)
AnswerID: 292231

Reply By: MrBitchi (QLD) - Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:57

Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 08:57
IMO you're on the money when you say "any barrier is better than none. As for the legality of it, all approved cargo barriers have a placard affixed which states their rating. If you modify the barrier then it no longer complies with the stated rating. Short answer, remove the placard. That way it's no longer a "rated" safety barrier so no one can sue you or the manufacturer about it. Would be the same as hanging a cargo net behind the back seat, would probably stop most things but if something got past it, well that's life... or not :-(

Can't see any issues with insurance having a none rated barrier as they aren't compulsory.
AnswerID: 292263

Follow Up By: stefan P (Penrith NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 20:03

Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008 at 20:03
Didn't think there would be any issues but sometimes there are little rules hidden away that only come to light when the shyte hits the fan. Just checking! LOL

Cheers Stefan
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FollowupID: 557757

Reply By: Member - 120scruiser (NSW) - Friday, Mar 14, 2008 at 16:24

Friday, Mar 14, 2008 at 16:24
I have modified two in two different vehicles. I modified an 80 series barrier when I put in the drawers and then I modified a hiace barrier to go into my 120 Prado. Both worked with no probs in fact the 80 series one is still in there at 350 k and still no prob. I am about to do another one in my new 80.
AnswerID: 292681

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