FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to modular trailers. In particular, the invention relates to a modular storage kit and a cage superstructure for a trailer. To further elucidate the field of the invention, the modular storage kit includes a trailer, mountable rail attachments, mountable bins, a modular quick release roof rack on a fold-up lift kit to be assembled as an inflatable water craft, multiple roof top tent attachments, and a cage superstructure which is mounted to the trailer and acts as base for the modular trailer system. The cage superstructure, which enables the modular trailer system, is a further aspect of the invention, as it is free standing and removable from the trailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Users of recreational trailers and caravans often have specific requirements for their needs, with users wishing to transport anything from a tent to camping accessories to motorcycles, quad bikes, bicycles, camping equipment etc.

Similarly, trailers of service providers can be designed for a specific service to be provided, such as trailers equipped for plumbing services or electrical services, the trailers having the relevant tools and equipment which enable users to provide such services.

The inventor is aware of existing trailers and caravans, especially those for the outdoor market. However, users of trailers in the outdoor market most often have unique requirements, including specific requirements for the layout of recreational trailers.

The trailers that are on the market today have very limited customization possibilities. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a trailer that is highly customizable yet very robust. The inventor aims to address this need with this invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular storage kit which includes a load platform which defines a predetermined grid of standard module dimensions; and a plurality of utility modules which are removably mountable to the load platform within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions, the modular storage kit allowing assembly of multiple arrangements of the plurality of utility modules within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions.

The predetermined grid of standard module dimensions may provide a grid of horizontal and vertical units on the load platform. The grid of horizontal and vertical units may include any one or more of: rectangular units, cuboid units or the like.

The plurality of utility modules may be mountable adjacent to one another within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions to form a two- dimensional grid. The plurality of utility modules may be further mountable on top of one other within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions to form a three-dimensional grid.

In the embodiment where the plurality of utility modules is mountable in a three-dimensional grid, one or more of the plurality of utility modules may include connectors for connecting a first utility module to one or more abutting utility modules having matched connectors. The connectors may be in the form of any one or more of: clips, quick release pins, sliding joints, bolts, interconnecting rails, brackets or the like.

The plurality of utility modules may be shaped and dimensioned to fit within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions.

In one embodiment, the plurality of utility modules may have rectangular footprints with a length that matches a width of the load platform, or a fraction of the width of the load platform. For example, where the load platform has a width of 1.3m, the length of a rectangular unit may be 1.3m or may be 0.65m.

The plurality of utility modules may be shaped and dimensioned to fit together to cover a top surface area of the load platform.

One or more of the plurality of utility modules mountable onto the top surface area of the load platform may define a second load platform on a top surface area of the one or more of the plurality of utility modules. A top side of the one or more utility modules may include connectors for connecting further utility modules onto the second load platform within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions to form a three-dimensional grid. The connectors may be in the form of any one or more of: clips, split pins, sliding joints, bolts, interconnecting rails, brackets or the like.

The predetermined grid of standard module dimensions may be defined such that when a plurality of utility modules is mounted onto any one or both of the load platform and the second load platform, a void is defined between the plurality of utility modules, into which a container may be fitted. For example, the container may be in the form of a liquid tank for water or fuel may be shaped and dimensioned to fit into the void between the plurality of utility modules.

The load platform may include mounting formations onto which the plurality of utility modules may be mounted. In particular, the mounting formations may be in the form of any one or combination of: a grid of mounting railings, a grid of fasteners, a grid of mounting apertures, or the like, onto which the plurality of utility modules having matched mounting formations may be mounted. In an embodiment where the mounting formations are in the form of a grid of mounting railings, the grid of mounting railings may include a plurality of three extrusion rails which are manufactured with extrusion dies.

The mounting formations may cover more than 80% of a top surface area of the load platform. The mounting formations may be provided as separate modular units which fit together on the load platform, such that a user can customise the mounting formations. In one embodiment, where the mounting formations are in the form of a grid of mounting railings, the plurality of utility modules may be mountable to the grid of mounting railings by locking pins which are inserted into a gulley of each mounting railing. Alternatively, the plurality of utility modules may be mountable to the mounting formations by any one or more of: quick release pins, bolts and nuts, split pins or the like.

The mounting formations may be manufactured of aluminium, stainless steel or the like.

The plurality of utility modules may be modular, shaped and dimensioned to fit into the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions. At least one utility module may be in the form of a bin.

The modular storage kit may include a cage superstructure which is defined by a frame having at least two vertically extendable supports. The cage superstructure may define the two-dimensional - or three-dimensional grid, in which at least one of the plurality of utility modules may be received. In use, the cage superstructure may be removably fastened atop the load platform to receive at least one of the plurality of utility modules therein. The frame of the cage superstructure may define compartments for each utility module to be received therein. The cage superstructure may include a sliding arrangement arranged on the frame within each compartment, in use to allow for the sliding of utility modules in and out of the compartments of the frame.

The cage superstructure may further include an adjustable cage portion by which the frame may be vertically adjustable to increase a volume of a portion of the cage superstructure. The adjustable cage portion may be positioned to a rear end of the cage superstructure, in use above a rear end of the load platform. In use, the adjustable cage portion may be vertically adjustable to accommodate a vehicle in the form of a motorbike, four-wheeler or the like. The adjustable cage portion may include vertically extendable arms attached to the frame and fastening means to fix the vertically extendable arms at an extended configuration. The cage superstructure may further include a cage sliding arrangement which includes sliding rails such that in use, the cage superstructure with utility modules mounted therein can be slid off from the load platform completely. Advantageously, this allows use of the load platform as separate from the cage superstructure and utility modules.

The removed cage superstructure with utility modules may be supported by the at least two vertically extendable supports which extend downwards to support the cage superstructure with utility modules as a freestanding unit. One or more of the at least two vertically extendable supports may include jockey wheels at the base of the vertically extending support to allow movement of the cage superstructure with utility modules when removed from the load platform. Advantageously, the at least two vertically extendable supports may provide further support for the load platform when one or more tent modules are used in conjunction therewith.

In one embodiment, the cage superstructure may include four vertically extendable supports without jockey wheels and four vertically extendable supports with jockey wheels.

When the cage superstructure with utility modules is not used as a freestanding unit, the frame of the cage superstructure may be removably fastened to the load platform by any one or more of: bolts, split pins, quick-release pins, nuts and bolts or the like.

The plurality of utility modules may be selected from one or more of: a kitchen module, a cooling module, a workstation module, a tent module, a rooftop tent module, a boat module, a table module, a seating module, a storage module and the like. The plurality of utility modules may be mountable to any one or more of: the grid of mounting formations on the load platform, the cage superstructure, one another, or the like. The plurality of utility modules may be stackable on top of one another or adjacent to one another. The tent module may be mountable onto any one or both of: the second load platform and a roof rack. The tent module may be dimensioned to define a base of a tent. The tent module may have a top opening which, when opened provides access to a tent. The tent module may have a top closure, which may define a side or an extended base of the tent. In this embodiment, the tent module may include inflatable sections to provide a rigid structure for the tent. Advantageously, this eliminates a need for separate rigid structural components, such as poles.

In a preferred embodiment, the modular storage kit may include two tent modules which in use are positioned opening towards opposed ends of the load platform. In this embodiment, the modular storage kit further includes additional tent components which can be assembled in conjunction with the tent modules to increase a number of tent rooms or volume of the tents. For example, the additional tent components may include tent poles, sheets, pegs or the like.

In an embodiment where the tent module is mountable to the second load platform, a roof rack may be mountable above the tent module to the cage superstructure.

One or more utility modules of the plurality of utility modules may include an outer housing and an inner mounting formation onto which an accessory may be mounted. The accessory may be in the form of a stove, a fridge and/or freezer, a microwave, a kettle, a toaster, a gas bottle or the like. The inner mounting formation may be mounted onto the outer housing by sliding means such that in use, a user can slide the inner mounting formation out from the outer housing to access the accessory in the utility module. The sliding means may be in the form of rollers, a slide channel with guides or the like. The outer housing may have one or more access doors permitting access to the accessory mounted onto the inner mounting formation.

In one embodiment, the plurality of utility modules may be manufactured from a synthetic material selected from plastic, carbon fibre, aluminium, stainless steel or the like. The plurality of utility modules may be moulded, such as injection moulded or rotation moulded (roto-moulded). The plurality of utility modules may have walls that are laid up in layers, such as carbon fibre, fibre glass, or the like. The walls of one or more utility modules may include a composite structure with an insulating foam core sandwiched between two panels for insulation.

One or more of the plurality of utility modules may include reinforced corner strengtheners mounted on corners of that utility module.

The plurality of utility modules may include one or more access doors permitting access to contents of the plurality of utility modules when the modular storage kit is assembled.

The modular storage kit may include modular railings which, when fitted to sides of the load platform, enclose the plurality of utility modules within in the load platform at least partially. The modular railings may be fitted to the load platform by means of any one or more of: clips, quick-release pins, bolts and nuts or the like. In particular, the modular railings may be fitted to the grid of mounting formations connected to the load platform. The modular railings may further include railing connectors which are connectable to the plurality of utility modules to provide further stability to the modular storage kit when assembled.

The modular storage kit may include a roof rack which is mountable onto any one or both of: the second load platform and the cage superstructure, to provide additional mounting formations for mounting additional utility modules or the like. The roof rack may be removable and may define a superstructure of an inflatable rubber boat. In this embodiment, the modular storage kit may include any one or more of: an outboard motor, a sailing kit or the like. The roof rack may further be mountable to a vehicle for use as a traditional roof rack apart from the modular storage kit.

In an embodiment where the roof rack is mountable to the cage superstructure, the roof rack may be pivotably mounted such that the roof rack can pivot along a length of the roof rack upwards to provide a vertical backing. In use, the vertical backing may be positioned at an operatively rear side of an assembled tent from a tent module mounted atop the cage superstructure. Advantageously, the pivotable mounting of the roof rack allows for the opening of the tent module(s) without the removal of the roof rack. The modular storage kit may further include a cage cover which fits over at least a portion of the cage superstructure. In use, the cage cover may cover a vehicle stored in the adjustable cage portion in its extended configuration.

The load platform may be in the form of any one of: a trailer load bed, a roof rack, a motor vehicle load bed or the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the modular storage kit is assembled as follows: a cage superstructure is mounted atop a load platform which is in the form of a trailer; two front utility modules in the form of bins are placed adjacent each other at an operatively front end of the trailer, extending across the width of the trailer; two rear utility modules also in the form of bins are placed adjacent each other at an operatively rear end of the trailer, extending lengthwise toward the front two utility modules; a void is defined between the front two utility modules and the two rear utility modules in which water tanks are receivable; two tent modules are mounted atop the cage superstructure facing opposing ends of the trailer and a roof rack is mounted to the cage superstructure above the tent modules.

In the embodiment in which the load platform is in the form of a trailer load bed, the modular storage kit may include a trailer. The trailer may be an off-road trailer. The off-road trailer may include heavy-duty suspension. The off-road trailer may include a spare wheel support bar at an operatively rear end of the off-road trailer. The off-road trailer may further include a nose cone at operatively front end of the off road trailer.

The off-road trailer may include a loading ramp for use to move a load onto the trailer load bed.

The off-road trailer may further include additional accessories including any one or more of: a side step, a stepping plate, a mud guard, a spare wheel attachment for under the off-road trailer, a spare wheel attachment for the rear of the off-road trailer, an outboard motor carrier attachment and the like. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cage superstructure for a trailer which includes a frame which is removably mountable to the trailer, the frame having predefined module receiving zones in which modular storage units can be received; and a plurality of extendable legs connected to the frame, such that when the frame is removed from the trailer, the plurality of extendable legs may be extended downwards from the frame to support it, to allow the trailer to be used separately from the cage superstructure, and when the frame is mounted to the trailer, the plurality of extendable legs may be retracted upwards towards the frame, to allow the trailer to move the cage superstructure with the modular storage kits for transportation thereof.

The cage superstructure may further include at least one extendable module receiving zone which forms part of the frame and by which a volume of a portion of the frame can be increased. The at least one extendable module receiving zone may be extendable operatively upwards to increase the volume of the frame vertically such that a taller object may be transported therein. For example, the taller object may be a vehicle, a motorcycle, a four-wheeler or the like.

The frame may include an outer frame and inner compartments which may define the module receiving zones.

The plurality of extendable legs may include any one or both of stationary legs and wheeled legs. The wheeled legs may include jockey wheels.

The cage superstructure may include a power housing in which an electrical power supply unit or the like may be stored. The power housing may be positioned centrally on the frame.

The cage superstructure may further include at least one hinged roof rack which is adjustable between an upright position for when in use and a flat position for when not in use. In one embodiment, the frame may be comprised of two parts which are detachable from one another to provide two smaller self-standing cage superstructures.

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIGURE(S)

In the figure(s):

Figure 1 shows a side view of an assembled modular storage kit, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows various views of the load platform of Figure 1 , including a three- dimensional view in Figure 2.1, a top view in Figure 2.2, a side view in Figure 2.3, a rear end view in Figure 2.4 and a front end view Figure 2.5;

Figure 3 shows various views of an example of a utility module of Figure 1, including a three-dimensional view in Figure 3.1 with the access door open, a side view in Figure 3.2 with the access door open and an end view in Figure 3.3 with the access door closed;

Figure 4 shows the cage superstructure of Figure 1 in further detail, including a three-dimensional view in Figure 4.1 , a side view in Figure 4.2, a bottom view in Figure 4.3 and a rear view in Figure 4.4;

Figure 5 shows a tent module of Figure 1 in further detail, including a three- dimensional view in Figure 5.1, a side view in Figure 5.2 and an end view in Figure 5.3;

Figure 6 shows modular side railings fitted to the load platform of Figure 2, including a three-dimensional view in Figure 6.1 , a side view in Figure 6.2, a front view in Figure 6.3 and a side view of the modular side railings alone in Figure 6.4;

Figure 7 shows another example of an inflatable rubber boat of which a roof rack of the modular storage kit forms the superstructure or deck, including a top view of the roof rack in Figure 7.1, a top view of a sailing kit provided with roof rack in Figure 7.2, a rear elevated view of the inflatable rubber boat as assembled in Figure 7.3, a front elevated view of the inflatable rubber boat on a load platform in Figure 7.4 and a three-dimensional view of the inflatable rubber boat with mast and sail in Figure 7.5; Figure 8 shows two examples of the modular storage kit as assembled in different configurations but with tents assembled, including a side view in which an adjustable cage portion is extended to accommodate a four-wheeler in Figure 8.1 and a motorbike in Figure 8.2;

Figure 9 shows another example of the load platform of Figure 2, including a three-dimensional view of the load platform in Figure 9.1 and a three-dimensional view of the same load platform with modular side railings fitted in Figure 9.2;

Figure 10 shows another example of the cage superstructure of Figure 4 in three-dimensional view and indicating the power housing;

Figure 11 shows a single tent module in use in Figure 11.1 and two tent modules in use in Figure 11.2;

Figure 12 shows a side view of the modular storage kit in use in Figure 12.1, a side view of removing the load platform from thereunder in Figure 12.2 such that the cage superstructure is free-standing, and a three-dimensional view of the free standing cage superstructure in Figure 12.3;

Figure 13 shows an example of a 12-sleeper tent set up over the modular storage kit in use, including a rear view if Figure 13.1 , a rear elevated view in Figure 13.2, a front view in Figure 13.3, a front elevated view in Figure 13.4 and a rear view in Figure 13.5; and

Figure 14 shows various connectors and mounting formations, including exploded views of quick-release rails, brackets and pins in Figures 14.1 and 14.2, a side view of bolt and nut connectors with rails in Figure 14.3, and three-dimensional views of various examples of extruded rails in Figures 14.4 to 14.6.

In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 refers to a modular storage kit. The kit (10) includes a load platform (12) and a plurality of utility modules (14) which are mountable to the load platform (12). Detail of the load platform (12) is shown in Figure 3 and detail of an example of a utility module (14) is shown in Figure 3. The load platform (12) defines a predetermined grid of standard module dimensions (not shown). The plurality of utility modules (14) are mountable to the load platform (12) within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions such that multiple arrangements of the plurality of utility modules (14) within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions can be assembled in accordance with a user's requirements.

The predetermined grid of standard module dimensions provides a grid of horizontal units and vertical units on the load platform (12). The rectangular cuboid shaped units are dimensioned to fit within the standard horizontal - and vertical grid dimensions. In this example, two rectangular cuboid units positioned at an operatively front end of the load platform (12) have lengths that match a width of the load platform (12) - approximately 0.65m. Two further rectangular cuboid units, positioned to an operatively rear end of the load platform (12), have a length which matches a portion of the length of the load platform (12) - approximately 1,3m. These four rectangular cuboid units are shaped and dimensioned to fit together to cover a top surface area of the load platform (12) entirely.

The plurality of utility modules (14) is mountable adjacent to one another within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions to form a two- dimensional grid, as well as on top of one other within the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions to form a three-dimensional grid (not shown). To this end, a top side of each utility module (14) defines a second load platform and has connectors for connecting further utility modules (14) onto the second load platform within the three-dimensional grid.

The predetermined grid of standard module dimensions includes mounting formations (16) onto which the plurality of utility modules (14) can be mounted. In this example, the mounting formations (16) are in the form of mounting railings onto which the plurality of utility modules (14) having matched formations can be mounted. As shown, the mounting railings (16) cover approximately 90% of the top surface area of the load platform (12) and in this example, the mounting railings (16) include a plurality of three extrusion rails which are manufactured by extrusion (shown in Figure 14). In use, the plurality of utility modules (14) are mounted to the mounting railings (16) by quick-release pins which are inserted into a gulley of the mounting railings (16).

For a more secure mounting, the plurality of utility modules (14) can be bolted to the mounting railings (16) (not shown).

The utility module (14) shown in Figure 3 can be retrofitted as any one of seven utility modules (not shown in detail), each of which is modular and is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the predetermined grid of standard module dimensions. In this example, the utility model can be configured as any one of seven utility modules which includes a kitchen module, a cooling module, a table and seating module, a storage module, two rooftop tent modules and a boat module.

Other examples of equipment which can be mounted to the mounting railings (16) in quick-release fashion include more of more of a fuel can, a solar panel, a gas bottle, a spade, an axe, a bicycle, rescue tracks, awning mount and similar outdoor equipment.

As best shown in Figure 4, the modular storage kit (10) includes a cage superstructure (18) which provides both the two-dimensional and three-dimensional grids. The cage superstructure (18) itself is defined by a frame (20) having eight vertically extendable supports (22) and a sliding arrangement (24) therein. As shown in Figure 1, the cage superstructure (18) is mounted atop the load platform (12) to receive four of the plurality of utility modules (14) therein. The frame (20) of the cage superstructure (18) includes compartments in which each utility module is receivable. The sliding arrangement (24), which is positioned on the frame (20), allows a user to slide the utility modules (14) in and out of the compartments of the frame (20).

The sliding arrangement (24) includes sliding rails which in use allows the cage superstructure (18) with utility modules (14) therein to be slid off from the load platform (12) completely. The removed cage superstructure (18) with utility modules (14) is supported by the eight vertically extendable supports (22) which extend downwards to support the cage superstructure (18) with utility modules (14) as a freestanding unit, thus allowing a user to make use of the load platform (12) for other purposes. As shown, four of the eight vertically extendable supports (22.1) include jockey wheels at the base of the vertically extending supports which allows movement of the cage superstructure (18) with utility modules (14) when removed from the load platform (12). The other four vertically extendable supports (22.2) are without wheels.

The cage superstructure (18) further includes an adjustable cage portion by which the frame (20) is vertically adjustable to increase the volume of a portion of the cage superstructure (18). In this example, the adjustable cage portion is positioned to a rear end of the cage superstructure (18), operatively above a rear end of the load platform (12). As shown, in use the adjustable cage portion is vertically adjusted until a motorbike or four-wheeler fits therein (see Figure 8). The adjustable cage portion includes vertically extendable arms which are attached to the frame, as well as fastening means to fix the vertically extendable arms at an extended configuration.

As best shown in Figure 10, the cage superstructure (18) also includes a power housing in which an electrical power supply unit is stored. As shown, the power housing is positioned centrally on the frame. Referring to the same figure, the cage superstructure (18) further includes a plurality of hinged roof racks which are adjustable between an upright position for when in use and a flat position for when not in use.

In Figures 11 and 12, the cage superstructure with utility modules is shown as a free-standing unit, including where the tent module(s) is in use.

When the cage superstructure (18) with utility modules (14) is not used as a freestanding unit, the frame of the cage superstructure (18) is removably fastened to the load platform (12) by locking pins.

Both the kitchen module and the cooling module (not shown) include an outer housing and an inner mounting formation onto which an accessory can be mounted. The inner mounting formation is mounted onto the outer housing by sliding means in the form of rollers such that in use, a user can slide the inner mounting formation out from the outer housing to access the accessory in the respective utility module. In particular, the kitchen module has a stove mounting onto which a gas or electrical cooking hob is mounted and the cooling module has a fridge and freezer mounting onto which a small fridge and freezer combination is mounted.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the plurality of utility modules (14) are manufactured from aluminium to prevent corrosion, and include reinforced corners (14.1 ) mounted on corners of the utility modules. The plurality of utility modules include access doors (14.2) permitting access to contents of the plurality of utility modules when the modular storage kit (10) is assembled.

Figure 5 shows a tent module (14) of which two can be mounted onto a top of the cage superstructure (18). Each tent module (14) is dimensioned to define a base of a tent. Each tent module (14) has a top opening, which when opened provides access to the tent, and a top closure, which defines a side of the tent. In this example, each tent module includes inflatable sections which provide a rigid structure for the tent, thus eliminating a need for separate rigid structural components (e.g. tent poles).

The modular storage kit (10) further includes additional tent components (not specifically indicated) which can be assembled in conjunction with the tent modules (14) to increase a number of tent rooms or volume of the tents. For example, the additional tent components include tent poles, sheets and pegs which allow the tent modules (14) provided with the modular storage kit (10) to sleep up to 12 individuals (see Figure 13).

In this example, as shown in Figure 6, the modular storage kit (10) further includes modular railings (26) which, when fitted to sides of the load platform (12), enclose the load platform (12) on all sides. The modular railings (26) are fitted to the load platform (12) within the predetermined grid by means of bolts through the mounting formations.

In this example, the utility modules (14) do not have connectors for connecting each utility module (14) to adjacent utility modules having matched connectors. Instead, connectors are provided on the cage superstructure (18) for fastening each utility module (14) to the frame (20) of the superstructure (18). These connectors are in the form of quick-release pins. The predetermined grid of standard module dimensions is further defined such that when a plurality of utility modules (14) are installed onto the load platform (12), a void is defined between the plurality of utility modules (14), into which other modules may be fitted. In this example, liquid tanks for water or fuel can fit into the voids between the plurality of utility modules (not shown).

As indicated in Figure 1 , the modular storage kit (10) also includes a roof rack (28) which is mountable onto the cage superstructure (18) to provide additional mounting formations for mounting additional utility modules. In particular, as the tent module is mounted to the second load platform, the roof rack (28) is mounted above the tent module to the cage superstructure (18).

The roof rack (28) is pivotably mounted such that it can pivot along its length upwards to provide a vertical backing which is positioned at one side of an assembled tent from a tent module (14). This set up allows for the opening of the tent modules (14) without the removal of the roof rack (28) from the cage superstructure (18).

The roof rack (28) is removable and defines a superstructure of an inflatable rubber boat when removed from the load platform (12). Figure 7 shows this best, including in use. The inflatable rubber boat is a catamaran comprised of two inflatable pontoons mounted on either side of the roof rack superstructure ("deck"). The inflatable rubber boat is approximately 5-7 meters in length. The roof rack superstructure with mounting formations allows various boating attachments to be mounted to the deck. In particular, one or two outboard motors can be mounted to the mounting formations on a rear end of the deck between the pontoons. Advantageously, if only one outboard motor of less than 5-horsepower is mounted, a user need not obtain a skipper's licence nor any vessel certification in South Africa. Alternatively, a sailing mast with coupled sail can be mounted to a central portion of the deck (see Figure 7.5).

When removed, the roof rack (28) can also be mounted to a vehicle for use as a traditional roof rack apart from the modular storage kit (10) (not shown). In one example the modular storage kit (10) can be assembled as follows: a cage superstructure (18) is mounted atop a load platform (12) in the form of a trailer; two front utility modules (14) in the form of bins are placed adjacent each other at an operatively front end of the trailer (12), extending across the width of the trailer (12); two rear utility modules (14) also in the form of bins are placed adjacent each other at an operatively rear end of the trailer (12), extending lengthwise toward the front two utility modules (14); a void is defined between the front two utility modules (14) and the rear two utility modules (14) into which water tanks are receivable; two tent modules (14) are mounted atop the cage superstructure (18) facing opposing ends of the trailer (12); and a roof rack (28) is mounted to the cage superstructure (18) above the tent modules (14).

The load platform (12), shown in Figures 1 and 6 is in the form of an off road trailer load bed which includes a spare wheel support bar (30) at an operatively rear end of the trailer, as well as a nose cone (32), at an operatively front end of the off-road trailer (12). Although not shown, the off-road trailer (12) further includes a loading ramp for use to move a load onto the trailer load bed.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the off-road trailer (12) further includes additional accessories: a side step (34) on either side of the off-road trailer (12), mud guards (36) around wheels on the off-road trailer (12) and a spare wheel attachment (38) underneath the off-road trailer (12).

The inventor is of the opinion that the invention provides a modular storage kit and a trailer having a modular storage kit which can be assembled in accordance with each particular user's requirements, and which is robust, thus providing a highly customizable off-road trailer. The inventor is further of the opinion that the invention provides a cage superstructure for a trailer which in unique, equally robust and which allows for easy customization of an off-road trailer.