We recently had the absolute pleasure of undertaking a pretty special project run by Transafe WA. iNSTRUCKTA is a dedicated Road Transport Industry safety truck designed to tour the state, teaching drivers and future drivers how to share the road safely with heavy vehicles.
As advocates for road safety and big road users ourselves—and one of the few businesses in WA with the capability to complete the works— it was a no-brainer and an honour to get involved in the project. It’s a project we’re sure will make our WA roads a safer place for everyone.
The truck is essentially a giant simulator with 10 seats in the trailer, where people hook-in to a virtual reality training program to learn about Overtaking Trucks, Turning Trucks, Cutting-in and Blind Spots.
The truck also has living quarters for the operators, enabling them to tour the state and deliver the program to remote parts of WA. Our role in the project was to turn an empty semi trailer into a state-of-the-art VR experience, with complete living quarters, water and an off grid electrical system to run the whole thing for extended periods.
The Plan
Before commencing any project, be it a minor improvement on a caravan, a caravan repair, a complete retrofit, brand new build or something bespoke like this; we take the time to plan it out extensively. Our job in the project was to offer a complete solution including designing the interior living quarters and support systems. The trailer arrived as an empty shell, with literally nothing inside. The shell of the semi trailer was there, but no walls, no floor—nothing.
With only weeks to get the fit out completed ahead of the launch, the planning part was crucial to ensure everything went smoothly and quickly without complications or back-tracking. Part of why we were selected for the project was our ability to undertake it, including the size of our workshop being able to accommodate the trailer, and the diverse skills and experience of our team.
The trailer was delivered to us on the 17th of October (2022) and our part in the project was finished on the 28th of November. To get a project of this scale knocked out in such a timeframe required a full team with varying skill sets. Our in-house team of sheet-metal fabricators, carpenters, low voltage specialists, sparkies and cabinet makers did a stellar job and ensured that the work to be completed by the next supplier (painter) happened on time.
Interior Fit Out – Living Quarters
The living quarters were an important part of this project. We needed to ensure that the operators would be able to travel and live in comfort, so they could focus on delivering crucial training throughout remote communities and schools.
To this end, we designed and built living quarters using our proven, high quality methods and materials, designed with everything we know about great caravans in mind. The living quarters have everything two people need for an extended trip.
We opted for a twin-bunk layout, with each bunk bed having built-in storage, lighting and 240v and 12v power. The living quarters have a spacious bathroom, with separated toilet and shower.
The kitchenette was fitted out with a generous sink space, microwave and sizable fridge/freezer and loaded with storage. With maximum space being the goal, we’re satisfied with how much we managed to fit in without it feeling cramped.
Finally, to make sure the team would be comfortable no matter where or when they travelled, we fitted out the trailer with a quality Dometic air-conditioning unit to keep them cool.
Interior Fit Out – VR Main Floor
The interior of the iNSTRUCKTA trailer was delivered to us completely bare. It had frames and exterior walls, but that was it. We designed and fit out the entire thing with quality, appropriate insulation, internal cladding and durable checker plate flooring.
We installed the real truck seats at the correct height and fully functioning. The fitout also included a wall-shelving structure designed to house and power the program’s iPads and VR headsets.
The design needed to be conscious of the fact that the trailer had extending sides, which added an extra layer of complexity to the build. Our team nailed this challenge, and from the inside you’d be hard pressed to notice (except for the extra space!).
While the living quarters are cooled with a caravan-spec Dometic air conditioning unit, for the main function area we opted for a 240v Mitsubishi system.
Support Systems – Plumbing and Power
This build has two distinct functions; housing the crew and offering the experience. Given the size of the trailer, running the required cabling and plumbing wasn’t an afternoon’s job. Everything had to be planned out and installed early in the project, to prevent back-tracking later.
Our team of highly experienced low-voltage specialists and qualified electricians knocked it out of the park. From every thru-hole properly grommeted to the appropriate equipment choices the power system is functional and effective.
The living quarters are supplied power by two 200ah lithium batteries and an ePro Combi system featuring a 3000w inverter and 120ah battery charger.
The rest of the trailer has hidden or discrete cabling supplying power to the projectors, tablets and powerpoints throughout.
The water system in the trailer includes fresh, grey and black water tanks and a full hot water system supplying both the shower and sink. Everything works seamlessly, and has been designed to be durable and long-lasting without compromising on functionality.
Building Transafe WA’s iNSTRUCKTA trailer was a pleasure, and we’re proud to have become a Silver Sponsor for the event. We’re passionate about sharing the message of road safety, so if you get the chance—check out iNSTRUCKTA in person!
Got a project of your own in mind?
At RV Solutions, we’re fully equipped to tackle projects as small as caravan servicing through to projects the size of iNSTRUCKTA! Our Rockingham showroom has some of Australia’s best offroad caravans ready for adventure and our repair and build workshop is the biggest in WA; filled with world class tradesmen ready to make your dreams a reality.
Come down, or call us today!
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