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Frame modifications

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by m16ty, Feb 14, 2017.

  1. Feb 14, 2017 #1
    m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    All my life, we've been lengthening and shortening frames on various trucks for different applications. We've never had a problem with one of our frame mods and never been questioned by a officer about it. I wonder though, if you really got down to it, if it's legal. I think, if the modification is done right, it's not really noticeable to a inspector, which my be the reason we've never been questioned.

    Years ago, it was quite common for most truck frames to be modified at some point in it's life and rear "cut-offs" were common. If somebody wanted to change their rear ratio or their suspension or rears were worn out, they would just get a cut-off from a wrecked truck and weld it on.
     
    m16ty, Feb 14, 2017
    m16ty, Feb 14, 2017
    #1
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  3. Feb 14, 2017 #2
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Begs the question - just because everyone does it - is it right?

    I suppose the only test it would have to pass is a visual DOT inspection?

    Plenty of businesses that do it that may/should know - but after all, it's just an extension that can be made stronger than the original piece if done correctly.
     
    blairandgretchen, Feb 14, 2017
    blairandgretchen, Feb 14, 2017
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  4. Feb 15, 2017 #3
    m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    Most larger businesses that do frame mods have authorization from the FMCSA to perform such mods and will add a sticker in the door jam stating as much when they do a mod.

    We've passed visual inspections by the DOT on a 379 that was shortened between the tandems and the cab. We didn't point it out though so I doubt the inspector even saw it. The only indication something has been done is a frame insert on the inside, spanning the splice. The splice on the outside is ground smooth and I can point it out because I know where it is but it would almost impossible to find in a standard roadside inspection.
     
    m16ty, Feb 15, 2017
    m16ty, Feb 15, 2017
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  5. Feb 15, 2017 #4
    Chasingthesky

    Chasingthesky Heavy Load Member

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    Its legal if done to manufacturer specs

    393.201 Frames.
    (a) The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken.

    (b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.

    (c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.

    (d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

    (e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer.

    [53 FR 49402, Dec. 7, 1988, as amended at 70 FR 48055, Aug. 15, 2005]
     
    Chasingthesky, Feb 15, 2017
    Chasingthesky, Feb 15, 2017
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  7. Feb 15, 2017 #5
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    NO! the FMCSA doesn't authorize anyone to do frame mods, the sticker is a result of them being an upfitter which anyone can be, they have to register with the state as a business and then follow the guidelines for modifications by the manufacturer. This does not include a things like frames but it includes altering the GVW of the vehicle.

    Once a mod is done, they can apply a sticker on the vehicle that says they modified the gvw of the truck - that's all it is about - and it states who they are.

    The dot will look for fatigue or damage to the frame, obvious stuff. Like cracking around bolt holes and so on, they don't really care about anything else.
     
    Ridgeline, Feb 15, 2017
    Ridgeline, Feb 15, 2017
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