Frame strenghtening:

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Russian Rabbit, Jan 25, 2018.

  1. Russian Rabbit

    Russian Rabbit Road Train Member

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    How would you increase GVWR or strength of the frame of a truck?

    i know springs and brakes have something to do with it, but i'm talking about just the frame for now.


    Example truck's GVWR is 33,000 and we want to go to 52,000.


    2) Also, is there anything that can be done to an aluminum frame to strengthen it/keep it from cracking?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Well you've got all kinds of components that have to work together. Tires, axles, suspension and frame. I don't know if you can simply just swap out 40k rears and suspension with 46k rears and suspension and throw a pair of insert rails in and roll with it or if the manufacturer would have to re-rate the truck.
     
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  4. pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

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    Increasing the frame strengh can be done with new rails, inserts or double frame.
    Aluminum frames can be strenghted by removing the aluminum and install new steel rails. I have seen steel inserts in an aluminum rail but its just asking for long term corrosion issues.
    At the end of the day, it doesnt matter what your truck has, its what the sticker on the door says it can haul. To get someone to certify your truck for a higher gvwr would take quite a bit if anyone would even consider doing so. Sounds like you just need a different heavier built truck for what you want to do with it.
     
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  5. Russian Rabbit

    Russian Rabbit Road Train Member

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    To be more specific, we want a 3/4 ton pickup to be able to carry a 4000lb slide in camper and then tow maybe a 3500 lb trailer.

    In this case, GM 3/4 ton crewcabs have the same frame as 1-ton crewcabs, so based on the GVWR ratings of the 1-ton,(which is 10,500 lbs) i think the 3/4 ton's frame itself should be ok, although the owner does not think so, thus my question.

    i understand that springs, brakes and especially gearing/engine have a lot to do with it, but right now my question/concern is only pertaining to the frame.

    i know the easy answer might be to get another truck, but let's just say theoretically we have to work with this truck.

    What, specifically, can be done to strengthen this frame?
     
  6. Russian Rabbit

    Russian Rabbit Road Train Member

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  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i think on pick up trucks, you can "box in" the frame rails. that is, to add steel to the side of the rail that is open. if i can find some pics, i will post them. BRB
     
  8. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    ok here, you can see the outside, AND inside of the frame. notice how you do not see inside the frame, as it is "boxed in"

    [​IMG]

    in this pic, you can see inside the rails, as the inside is open. the front area is boxed in, the rear section is not

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    4000lb camper on a 3/4 ton......

    Only proper advise is buy a differnt truck.. that is a recipe for a law suit if you get into an accident. This is not 1974 anymore. You need a F450 for that size camper.
     
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  10. Russian Rabbit

    Russian Rabbit Road Train Member

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    i'm not a ford customer----it would be a silverado 3500HD or sierra 3500HD. But i understand your point.....
     
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