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INTRODUCTION
PRELIMINAR STUDIES AND CONSIDERATIONS
MOUNTING AND CONSTRUCTION
4.7
When a trailer is added to the vehicle, this needs to be done by means of a coupling
device adapted to the rear of the chassis frame.
It is not possible to install a towing hook or similar in a normal rearmost cross mem-
ber of the chassis frame. For this purpose, a drawbar cross-member needs to be
installed in accordance with Directive 94/20/EC and ECE-R 55. This element must be
suitably reinforced.
For semi-trailers a coupling device should be installed on the tractor chassis frame.
This is commonly known as the fifth wheel.
In every case, the Body Builder must ensure that there is enough space to properly
manoeuver the trailer once the body has been assembled on the chassis frame of
the vehicle. In addition the minimum free distances for the correct operation of the
coupling device and its easy and safe maintenance should be taken into account.
Likewise, adequate freedom of movement shall be ensured in brake lines, electrical
wires, etc., even when the maximum rotation of the vehicle occurs. Proper brackets
should be provided, to meet this function.
- Every drawbar cross member supplied by HMC complies with the standard.
- If the Body Builder installs a coupling device from another provider, this should
- It must also comply with the specific regulations for each country.
The size of the coupling device is determined with respect to the value D, which rep-
resents the theoretical horizontal force between the drive vehicle and the trailer.
Considering stability, the trailer may be loaded only when the tractor vehicle is
also loaded. Otherwise, a situation of instability can happen while driving, which
could make the driver lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
To calculate value D go to
- If removable coupling devices are installed, a manual for the vehicle user shall
- Free access to the spare wheel must be possible, even when the trailer and
V1.0, February 2015
POWER TAKE-OFF
Coupling device adaptations
NOTICE
likewise comply with the directives and standards.
WARNING
NOTICE
NOTICE
be provided along with the vehicle documents.
vehicle are fully loaded.
Body Builder Manual Part II, Specific Book LCV
MAINTENANCE AND DAMAGE PREVENTION
ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
Appendix "Calculations".
WORK ON BASIC VEHICLE
APPENDIX
97
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