Box Van Construction and Features

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary construction material for the body of a Box Van?

Wooden planks

Composite construction with sheet metal (correct)

Plastic moulding

Aluminium panels

What feature characterizes Panel Vans intended for door-to-door deliveries?

Steel pressing with large doors at the rear (correct)

Composite body construction

Small doors located at the front

Four steering road wheels

Which type of vehicle typically uses weight to increase tire adhesion?

Box Vans

Rigid types with eight wheels (correct)

Panel Vans

Tractors with short chassis

In which configuration are the steering road wheels designed for optimal turning in eight-wheeled rigid vehicles?

They must be interlined for true rolling motion Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of articulated vehicles?

The engine and transmission are built into a short chassis Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is predominantly used in Panel Vans?

Integrated construction Signup and view all the answers

What type of van includes options for using shutters instead of doors?

Box van Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT associated with Box Vans?

Separate cabin from the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of articulated trailers compared to rigid trailers?

They have a smaller turning circle, allowing for better maneuverability in tight spaces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common limitation when using articulated trailers on uneven ground?

Free movement of the coupling is restricted. Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction does a draw bar trailer closely resemble?

A four-wheeled rigid vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

How does the steering mechanism of a draw bar trailer function?

The front wheels of the trailer are towed and steered by the drawing vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What specialized feature allows some semi-trailers to function as draw bar trailers?

A converter dooly. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the handling of draw bar trailers?

They do not exhibit swing out of the headboard when cornering. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of suspension can be found in draw bar trailers?

Air suspension. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the load capacity of larger draw bar trailers?

They are designed for loads exceeding 30.5 tons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Box Van

Capacities range from 1.5 tons to 5 tons, including cabin modification.
Composite construction with a framing and sheet metal panels.
Joints are covered with aluminum molding.
Designed for limited movement of the vehicle.
Features two rear doors hinged to corner pillars, with optional shutters sliding into the body.
Framing is typically 7/8 inches, covered with steel sheets for a smooth appearance.

Panel Vans

Light commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) up to 3.5 tons, popular for tradesmen.
Steel pressing bodies with large rear doors for easy loading/unloading.
Primarily of integral construction, often with chassis cab arrangements.
Types include tipper, drop sides, and box vans.

Rigid Types

Six Wheeled:
- Consist of two steering road wheels and either four driving wheels or a combination of driving and free-running wheels on a dead axle.
Eight Wheeled:
- Similar driving wheel arrangement to six-wheeled vehicles but equipped with four-wheel steering.
- Steering wheel interlining ensures true rolling motion while negotiating corners.
- Utilizes load weight to enhance the adhesion of the driving wheels.

Articulated Type

Features a short chassis with integrated engine and transmission, equipped with a strong towing and swiveling attachment.
Typically has four or six wheels, with some acting as driving wheels.
Advantages:
- Greater maneuverability and smaller turning radius due to articulation.
- Trailer can be detached for separate loading/unloading.
Disadvantages:
- Limited free movement of the coupling makes it unsuitable for uneven ground.
- Potential instability on side slopes.

Draw Bar Trailers

Constructed similarly to a four-wheeled rigid vehicle, but lacks its own power unit and transmission.
Towed and steered by a drawing vehicle through a draw bar connection.
Commonly paired with four-wheeled rigid vehicles, but can also operate with six and eight-wheeled vehicles.
Variety of trailer types, including flat platform, sided body, vans, or skeletal designs.
Size and capacity can reach up to approximately 30.5 tons; larger models require more axles.
Suspension options include conventional semi-elliptic springs, rubber, or air systems.
Draw-bar trailers often easier to handle than semi-trailers despite overall combined length.

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Description

Explore the various construction features and specifications of box vans, including their capacity and body design. This quiz covers the composite construction, door placements, and modifications available in box van bodies. Test your knowledge of box van characteristics and applications.