Challenges
Working with Expedition Systems means we're constantly working on interesting challenges.
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Managing Chassis Flex – Expedition truck chassis are deliberately designed to twist over uneven terrain, preserving traction. A conventional rigidly mounted tray or canopy would absorb these torsional loads, resulting in cracked panels, broken welds, and structural failures.
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Protecting Sensitive Systems – Expedition modules often carry plumbing, electrical wiring, cabinetry, and appliances. These systems are vulnerable to distortion and misalignment if chassis flex is transferred into the body.
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Safety and Stability – Without a controlled mounting system, unpredictable load paths can occur, raising rollover risk, stressing the box at random points, and compromising vehicle handling.
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Varied Customer Demands – Beyond the mounting system, Expedition Systems builds are highly customised — from canopies and fit-outs to roof racks and mine trailers — requiring tailored engineering support for each project.
Solution
Quantech Design really appreciate the innovative collaboration with Expedition Systems. Through our partnership, we've delivered a range of market-leading products and solutions.
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4-Point Pivoting Subframe – At the heart of Expedition Systems’ tray and canopy platform is a Quantech-engineered 4-point subframe mounting system. By creating two pivot axes (front and rear), the system decouples chassis flex from the body, allowing the chassis to twist independently while keeping the tray or canopy rigid. This protects structural integrity and ensures predictable load paths.
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Preserving Living Quarters – With the 4-point system, sensitive onboard systems such as plumbing, wiring, and cabinetry are shielded from distortion. This prevents leaks, premature component failure, and costly repairs, while extending service life.
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Improved Stability – By maintaining a consistent centre of gravity and distributing forces through predictable pivots, the 4-point mount enhances stability on steep or uneven slopes and reduces rollover risk.
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Custom Tray & Canopy Systems – Building on the subframe foundation, Quantech supported Expedition Systems in designing tailored canopies, fit-outs, and accessories, including spare wheel carriers and jerry can holders for specialist platforms like 6x6 converted Land Cruisers.
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Roof Rack & Trailer Engineering – Other projects included a bolt-together NPS roof rack that integrated scrub bars and lighting while meeting strict load limits, and a 4.5 m mine-spec trailer with drawbar certification to ADR 62/02 using FEA analysis.
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Engineering Rigor – Across all projects, Quantech applied advanced CAD, FEA validation, and iterative design refinement to balance Expedition Systems’ goals of strength, weight efficiency, manufacturability, and distinctive styling.
Results
The collaboration between Quantech Design and Expedition Systems has enabled the development of a product line that is both innovative and proven in extreme conditions.
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Signature 4-Point Mounting System – Expedition Systems’ trays and canopies now incorporate a subframe solution that protects the body from chassis flex, preserves living quarters, and ensures controlled, predictable load transfer.
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Durability & Reliability – The 4-point system eliminates stress fractures and weld failures, significantly improving long-term performance in harsh off-road conditions.
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Enhanced Safety – Controlled pivoting reduces rollover risk and improves vehicle handling on steep or uneven ground.
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Certified Engineering – Mine-spec trailers and other specialist products were certified through ADR-compliant analysis and reporting, giving customers confidence in compliance and safety.
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Differentiated Products – With engineering-led innovation like the pivoting subframe and bolt-together roof racks, Expedition Systems has set itself apart in the Australian off-road and industrial market.
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Strong Partnership – The ongoing collaboration has allowed Expedition Systems to bring bold, high-end designs to market with engineering certainty and compliance backing.
Expedition Systems is a Western Australian manufacturer specialising in heavy-duty aluminium trays, canopies, and accessories for off-road and commercial vehicles. Their products are known for blending rugged strength with practical functionality, catering to customers who demand reliability in some of the toughest environments in Australia. From touring vehicles to mine-spec builds, Expedition Systems has built a reputation for premium quality and innovation.
Quantech Design has partnered with Expedition Systems across a number of projects, supporting their design and certification needs while helping them bring distinctive, high-performance products to market.
