3-44 BUILDING & MOUNTING THE STRUCTURES E UROCARGO Euro 4/5 Making van bodies 3.10 Making van bodies For the connection to the chassis frame of the vehicle, it is possible to make a structure composed of longitudinal and transverse structural elements (see Figure 3.16). For the longitudinal structural elements there can be dimensions in the order of those indicated in Table 3.4. When, for making the flooring, cross members are used set at a distance no greater than 700 mm apart, appropriately connected so as to form a sufficiently rigid structure (self-bearing), it might not be necessary to use the longitudinal structural elements.
To assure the cross members the necessary stability and avoid the vehicle chassis frame excessive stiffening toward the front, bear in mind the precautions indicated in the above paragraph 3.3. 3.11 Tippable decks Using tippable decks, both rear and three-sided, generally submits the chassis frame to considerable stresses. It is as a result firstly necessary to choose the vehicle to use exactly from among those intended for this use. Below we give the prescriptions to observe for these embodiments divided between heavy duty and light use; Table 3.5and Table 3.6give theapproximate minimumdimensions of the main structural elements of the subframe with which the vehicles must be equipped.
Likewise, all the prescriptions required by the national regulations must be respected. The bodybuilder must verify the stability of the vehicle during the tipping operations, following the added structure. - The subframe must be: suited for the type of vehicle and the actual conditions of use, with appropriately sized structural members and cross members, stiffened toward the rear with boxing and cross diagonals (see Figure 3.7 and Figure 3.8).
For fastening to the chassis frame of the vehicle, there must be flexible connections (brackets) at the front, while at the rear there must be rigid connections (plates) (see Figure 3.14), to provide the added structure with a greater contribution to the rigidity of the whole assembly. It is possible to use omega brackets on vehicles that are originally equipped with them. In addition it will be necessary to bear in mind that: - The pivot for the rear tipping must be located on the subframe; its positioning will have to be as close as possible to the rear support of the rear suspension.
So as not to jeopardize the stability of the vehicle in the phase of tipping andso asnot toexcessive- ly increase the stress on the chassis frame, it is recommended to respect the distances indicated in Figure 3.17,between thetipping pivot and the spring rear support or bogie centreline. If this were not possible, in limiting exceeding these distances as much as possible, it is necessary to use larger structural elements for the subframe than the normal ones, making provision for further stiffening at the rear. In particular cases requiring long box-bodies for greater volumes, it is advisable to use longer wheelbases instead of making longer overhangs.
- Special care must be taken in positioning the lifting device both for the purposes of the necessary sturdiness of the supports and for those of exactly and conveniently positioning the connections; in any case it is recommended to position it in front of the centre of gravity of the box-body assembly plus payload in order to reduce the extent of the localized load. Making van bodies Base - January 2008 Print 603.93.431