3.1 Selecting the chassis

3.1 Selecting the chassis

When planning attachments, bodies, equipment or modification work, the selected vehicle must be checked to verify whether it fulfills the necessary requirements.

In order to ensure safe operation of the vehicle, it is essential to choose the chassis and equipment carefully in accordance with the intended use. Along with the selection of the correct vehicle version, the required series and special equipment such as • Wheelbase • Engine/gearbox • Power take-offs • Axle ratio • Position of the center of gravity • Legal registration requirements (e.g. underride guard) • Permissible and technical gross vehicle and axle weights should be taken into consideration and be appropriate for the intended use.

Observe the Model. The axle weight designation or the load capacity of the tires has only limited relevance to the gross weight of the vehicle.

i The non-availability of a vehicle version may be an indication that the vehicle is not suitable for the intended application.

3.2 Vehicle modifications

a Risk of accident

Do not carry out any modifications to major assemblies (steering, brake system etc.). Any modifications to the steering and the brake system may result in these systems malfunctioning and ultimately failing. The driver could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Alterations to the basic vehicle are permitted only within the framework of the procedures described in this body/equipment mounting directive.

The vehicles must still comply with federal, state, and local regulations and codes after modifications have been carried out.

The body or equipment manufacturer must apply an Intermediate or Final Stage Manufacturer's Label and inform the officially recognized approval authority or inspector of any modifications to the chassis when the vehicle is inspected. Following all work on the brake system, i.e. even if merely disassembling parts, a complete check (operation, effectiveness and visibility) of the entire brake system must be performed.