CHASSIS MODIFICATIONS 2-40 E URO C ARGO E URO 4 - 5 2.10.5.1 Towing cross member in lowered and forward positions (short coupling) Vehicles designed to tow central axle trailers for which a final cross member located in a lowered and forward position (next to the rear suspension rear mountings or air springs) is evisaged, do not require particular chassis reinforcing devices. For the subframe, the runner profile dimensions indicated for the different types of equipmen t (e.g. see Table 3.6 standard bodies) will be sufficient.
The bodybuilder will accurately work out the size and position of the chassis connection structure (see items 2.3 and 2.10.4)and make use of a suitable cross member and an appropriate towing hook. The tow hook position will be such to permit any movement between tractor and trailer drawbar according to the various conditions of use, to comply with the required safety margins and the standards and legal regulations in force (where applicable). In these cases the standard underrun bar cannot be used, and the bodybuilder will investigate the possible permitted changes from specifications orthe specificsolutions to adopt (e.g. underrun bar of the tilt type).
2.10.5.2 Reinforcement of Standard Rear Cross Member When it is necessary to reinforce the standard cross member and when original cross members are not available, the bodybuilder will provide suitable reinforcements for which he shall be responsible. These reinforcements may consist of C-sections mounted on the inside of the cross member. Care must be taken to ensure that the connections between the cross member and the side members are also reinforced following the procedures recommended below, whenever stronger enforcements are required:
1) The mounting of a channel section on the inside of the cross member and joining it to the vertical web of the side member or to the following cross member of the chassis, if it is situated in close proximity, in compliance with the procedures illustrated in Figure 2.17. Figure 2.17 91459 1 Original cross member 2 Reinforcing rail 3 Connecting angle pieces or plates Installing a Towing Device Base - July 2006 Revi - June 2007 Print 603.93.431