Hmmm. Looks like the competition is trying to keep up....

[SnoKing]

I stand corrected, but I wouldn't spend $130,000.00 on an aluminum frame class 8 truck.

Well it was a twin screw day cab with 350 8V71 with 13 speed roadranger that only weighed 15K. Tanker trailer was 8500 gals and weighed only 10K. Load of gas had it under 77K. could not load it full of diesel and stay under 80K.

SNOKING

 

[Wayne M.]

I don't know how well alum will last in the "treated roads" in wintertime...

 

[jgillott]

I don't know how well alum will last in the "treated roads" in wintertime...

Wouldn't it be nice if it worked out well. I'm personally hoping that it is successful for them and that the others follow down that road. I'd love to not have to worry about rust like we do now.

 

[RVTRKN]

I still think they won't hold up, you don't have a lot room to beef up the frame. And as it twists and torque stress works on it, it will loosen any rivet and would have to have inspections on annual basis or a schedule to inspect for cracks as we'll. If you CNC a frame out of aluminum they will be more expensive and modification of any type, to include clamping devices to it, would void any warranty.

 

[RVTRKN]

Wouldn't it be nice if it worked out well. I'm personally hoping that it is successful for them and that the others follow down that road. I'd love to not have to worry about rust like we do now.

I don't live in a snow belt State, but the frame isn't the issue of rot, it's the doors and panels that rust first.

 

[jgillott]

I don't live in a snow belt State, but the frame isn't the issue of rot, it's the doors and panels that rust first.

I agree. The body is usually long gone before the frame, but given enough time, everything will rust on the vehicles around here with this salt/brine useage.

 

[MattandLana]

... but given enough time, everything will rust ...

Well yes, but in practical terms aluminium won't rust in our lifetimes.

On the whole strength thing, isn't it just a question of engineering? The equivalent component in aluminium will be thicker-walled than the steel component to get the same strength, but still lighter?

 

[mpaulson]

Aluminum is basically exactly 1/3 the weight of steel. Aluminum is more brittle and will crack much sooner from flexing and or bending and would not like the flexing that the frame could endure in real heavy service. Could they engineer it to be stiff enough, yes, but it also cost about double the price as well and there would be at least double the material there to accomplish the strength requirement so that would make the frame about 4 times the cost of steel. As well Aluminum doesn't hold up as well for cold service like for those of us up here that live in igloos ya know.

 

[RVTRKN]

mpaulson, thanks for clearing up the difference, you posted what I was thinking, but had a hard time putting in words. That is my point exactly, I've been in CNC shops that only machine aluminum for aircraft parts and these machines are as big as the shop itself and are computerized. They are very precise and when tested/measured its all robotics. But aircraft have to go through very expensive and thorough inspections every year, imagine if DOT got involved with aluminum safety inspections like we have to go through smog on vehicles now.

 

[Dl5treez]

Aluminum is a much understood material by many. There are some giant heavily loaded things made from aluminum.

The hood thing is legit, though. I helped a lady install wiper blades on a Ford Expedition and ended up with a $800 body shop bill to replace the aluminum hood that I imprinted with my elbows.

 

[Wayne M.]

I don't live in a snow belt State, but the frame isn't the issue of rot, it's the doors and panels that rust first.

Well, let me tell ya. Toyota has a crisis on their hands with Tacoma frames rotting out and failing. It's due to the anti icing we apply to the roads. I did witness a huge stack of chassis out back of a Toyota shop. That's what led me to find this out.
On the aluminum structure, I wonder how Featherlite does it? They put out some beautiful stuff and obviously holds up.

 

[jhenderson]

Well, let me tell ya. Toyota has a crisis on their hands with Tacoma frames rotting out and failing. It's due to the anti icing we apply to the roads. I did witness a huge stack of chassis out back of a Toyota shop. That's what led me to find this out.
On the aluminum structure, I wonder how Featherlite does it? They put out some beautiful stuff and obviously holds up.

That's the case with many new 18 wheeler flatbeds also. What you need to do is look at the depth of the frame . It's almost twice the size. Also look at the crown built into the trailer frame. Twice the arch. Now translate that to a truck frame. $$$$

 

[Too Tall]

I agree aluminum would probably be cost prohibitive and too bulky to make a frame out of it. However, most motorcycles have aluminum frame. Flexing is not always bad. (yes I know, it's not apples and apples). Motogp race motorcycles fight to save 5 to 10 lbs of weight. Every lb saved is more speed and power. It's not as simple in a truck.

I can't see an aluminum or composite frame in a truck in my lifetime however. Imagine the fuel savings.

 

[Wayne M.]

That's the case with many new 18 wheeler flatbeds also. What you need to do is look at the depth of the frame . It's almost twice the size. Also look at the crown built into the trailer frame. Twice the arch. Now translate that to a truck frame. $$$$

Yes. I see the crown on some trailers. They look like a small bridge.

 

[Wayne M.]

This just in. http://http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/08/the-2017-ram-1500-is-coming
Dig the tailgate drawing.