What is considered a truck chassis?

08 Apr.,2024

 

If it’s time to invest in a new work truck, it’s important to do your research and determine exactly what you need in a vehicle before purchasing one. As we’ve said before, choosing the right truck for your business is a big decision; remember, an efficient truck can significantly impact your earnings. Whether you’re in the construction business, or in landscaping, chances are your company vehicle is necessary to ensure your business can run smoothly on a daily basis. Explore the information and truck terminology below to better understand what you should look for in your next work truck.

What is a Chassis?

A chassis, or a cab and chassis describe parts of the body style of your truck. Most work trucks do not come with a truck bed or flatbed manufactured onto the vehicle. End user flexibility is increased by leaving off the truck bed. Upfitters complete the vehicle to the specification of the buyer. This would include not only the bed/box but also items like plows, cranes, etc. So, a chassis is like a blank canvas. You get to add whatever truck body works for you industry.

Understanding Payload

Payload refers to the objects and amount of weight that a truck is hauling. An important calculation related to payload is a vehicle’s gross weight rating. According to “How Payload Works,” gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of an entire vehicle when it’s packed up and ready to go — that includes the weight of the vehicle itself, all of the necessary fluids for operation (gasoline, diesel, oil and so on) and any cargo, passengers and tools.

If you’re in an industry that requires you to consistently haul heavy materials, it’s important to understand the GVWR your job requires of a work truck. Truck manufacturers list the GVWR on the side of the vehicle door, within the owns manual or on their official website.

Keep in mind that consistently overloaded trucks can cause issues like premature tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and downtime due to engine or transmission repair (Automotive Fleet, 2016) as well as the risk of DOT fines.

Truck Body Types

Although many of our truck bodies can handle a range of applications for your industry – from farming needs to hauling various large equipment – each body specializes in a specific use. Explore basic information below on our platform truck bodies, dump truck bodies and service bodies:

Platform Body

  • Efficiently and safely transport large bulk materials and equipment to and from your job sites.
  • Ideal for contractors, landscapers and a variety of other hands-on trades.
  • Numerous available upgrade options to customize for your specific needs (such as floor materials, etc.)

Explore additional information on our Platform Bodies today »

Dump Body

  • Typically used in construction, landscape, and demolition fields of work.
  • DuraMag Smooth Side & HD Models are designed for heavier commercial use. The DuraMag Eco Dump Body is a light-duty body that’s an affordable option for residential or light commercial use.

Explore additional information on our Dump Bodies today »

Service Body

  • 6 Premium roll-up safety designed doors— “Most Heavily Water-Resistant Door on the Market”
  • Extreme duty .625 interlocking extruded flooring and continuous-Weld HD fender flairs
  • Sand-blasted Preparation for Powder Coating (Not Inferior Wash/Zinc Phosphate)
  • DuraMag Standard Service Bodies include 6 Swing Doors

Explore additional information on our Service Bodies today »

Are you or your company currently in the process of spec’ing out a new work truck or work van? If so, give us a call and our team can walk you through the best fit for your business. Our factory is open Monday–Friday at (207) 660-4700. We’re more than happy to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you invest in your next work vehicle.

Summary

Before committing to a new work truck for your business, understand how you’ll be using the truck on a daily basis and what specific needs you require from a vehicle. To get started, review basic information around a cab and chassis and hauling payload. Next, explore various truck body types. Choosing the right truck body for your business directly impacts the productivity of your company. If you have any questions, please give our experienced team a call.

Sources: Wikipedia, How Stuff Works, Automotive Fleet, DuraMag

The chassis is what determines the size of a commercial vehicle. Operating a large vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility and a classification designating how it should be safely operated. Keep reading to learn how your vehicle is classified according to its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Overview of Truck Chassis Classifications

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) measures the vehicle’s curb weight combined with the weight of its cargo, fuel, passengers and any accessories. Manufacturers label vehicles based on their GVWR because of the government guidelines regulating public road safety standards. The manufacturer of your vehicle is required to clearly specify the GVWR, and this number is usually visible on the placard located in your driver-side door.

The GVWR is an important factor in roadway safety because a light-duty truck carrying two passengers drives very differently from a heavy-duty truck hauling thousands of pounds in products. This is why the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle is used instead of the weight of a vehicle without consideration for its payload capacity. The GVWR determines how much weight a vehicle in its respective class can safely transport.

Why Do Classifications Matter?

The vehicle’s GVWR can determine many factors about driving a vehicle, such as whether you will require a commercial driving license (CDL). Operating a commercial truck might also require specific permits or stops at weigh stations. It’s important to understand how the classification system works as an industry professional.

The weight classification of your vehicle will determine:

1. What Kind of License You Need

When you drive a big truck that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you will require the appropriate license. To drive a vehicle below the commercial weight classification, you can use your regular license, but otherwise, you will have to go through the application process for a CDL. This involves completing testing and registering your license. What’s important is that some commercial drivers can work without a CDL.

2. What Class Your Vehicle Is

If you need to get a CDL, your vehicle will be registered as one of three classes:

  • Class A: Vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds when hauling 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B: Vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds when towing another vehicle or vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C: Vehicles transporting passengers, hazardous materials or other special cargo.

3. What Permits Are Required

A CDL is a first step toward complying with the government standards for operating a large commercial vehicle, but you might also have to get permits. If you’re transporting hazardous wastes or working under another special circumstance, make sure you know all the requirements for your permits.

3. What the DOT Regulations Are

Vehicles that weigh more than 10,001 pounds must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regardless of whether you need a CDL. You have to have a DOT number for your commercial truck, which should be visible on either side.

4. If Weigh Station Stops Are Required

You are required to use weight stations if your vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds. The majority of commercial trucks surpass this limit, so make sure you know if you have to stop.

5. Where You Should Take Your Vehicle for Service

Some auto repair shops lack the tools and equipment required for working on a higher-class vehicle. When you arrange for maintenance or other services, make sure you provide the proper class and other relevant information about your vehicle so the technician knows if they can perform the work. They might also need to make sure they have enough room for your truck.

6. If You Should Abide by Hours-of-Service Laws

If your vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds, you will need to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Hours of Service regulation. This law intends to prevent commercial drivers from working too many hours, which can lead to drowsiness on the road.

Classification Categories and Typical Body Applications

If you’re wondering what the three main classifications for trucks are, they fit into the following categories:

1. Light Duty

Light-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 1, 2 and 3. Class 3 vehicles are sometimes considered medium duty. Most non-commercial pickups are light duty.

  • Class 1: Vehicles with a GVWR of 6,000 pounds or less.
  • Class 2: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 6,001 and 10,000 pounds.
  • Class 3: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 10,001 and 16,000 pounds.

2. Medium Duty

Medium-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 4, 5 and 6. Many commercial vehicles are considered medium duty, but you will also find several full-sized trucks in this class that are built for non-commercial use.

  • Class 4: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 14,001 and 16,000 pounds. This class includes passenger vans, certain pickup trucks, box trucks and walk-in delivery trucks.
  • Class 5: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 16,001 and 19,500 pounds. This class includes large walk-in delivery trucks and bucket trucks.
  • Class 6: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 19,501 and 26,000 pounds. This class includes single-axle trucks, rack trucks, school buses and beverage trucks. Some vehicles in this class require a CDL depending on the weight and hauling capacity.

3. Heavy Duty

Heavy-duty trucks are categorized as Classes 7 and 8. Drivers must have a CDL to operate a vehicle from either of the heavy duty classes.

  • Class 7: Vehicles with a GVWR of between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds may have three axles or more. These vehicles are often owned by the local government and include street sweepers and garbage trucks. Small semi trucks and furniture trucks also fit into this category.
  • Class 8: The weight limit of the largest vehicles with GVWRs of greater than 33,001 pounds is determined by case. Some vehicles in this class are considered to be beyond heavy duty. The heaviest vehicles on the road are big rigs, dump trucks and cement trucks.

Shop New and Used Trucks

Find a Commercial Truck

If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned truck to use commercially, Custom Truck can help. We have several new commercial truck models available right now. We also have accessories for new trucks that you can order for your work vehicle or fleet. Contact Custom Truck for more information about our products.

What is considered a truck chassis?

Truck Chassis Classifications