Quote:
Originally Posted by BamZipPow
Items I have some questions about... 
When you have to use chains
Lift access points for tire replacement
Ease of belly pan section removal in the event of collisions/impacts |
Hey BZP -
This is a concept vehicle. As you know, concept vehicles are not the same as production vehicles. They have some limitations. Many concept vehicles are "trailer queens" where they travel to and from shows inside van trailers or on top of flatbed or lowboy trailers. The Walmart Peterbilt Class 8 concept truck from a couple of years ago comes to mind as a prime example of a trailer queen. This Walmart Peterbilt truck never has been, and never will be, roadworthy. And they spent a ship-load of money building it.
I will drive this new truck throughout the U.S. next year. So it's not a trailer queen.
Chains will never work on this new truck. That being said, I drove my own truck as an owner operator based in Denver for years and years, and never once chained-up. I can't recall missing any pick-ups or deliveries for lack of chains. And although we will ballast the trailer to have a normal GVW, I will have the luxury of waiting out storms, with planning, to make sure that no venues are missed. We won't be delivering freight.
With our 4 axle Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS) anything short of running over an IED would not be cause for a tire replacement. ATIS is not a run-flat system. But it is a run-to-the-truck-stop-to-get-the-tire-repaired-while-it's-leaking system. Changing tires will not be a problem as there are small cutouts in the bellypan for the spring perch U-bolts.
The bellypan bolts on custom hangers that we built. So after removing a few of those fasteners, it can be removed. That being said, bellypans are not really practical for non-concept Class 8 trucks. But a bellypan on the tractor only was extremely helpful in lowering Cd during our CFD simulations. And the goal of the new truck is to become the ultimate Ecomodder vehicle.