Open Source Truck Conceptual Design

Mark

I am not sure where I found the higher price. But I think I was on the Ford site. The one you found is much more reasonable.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-MZ73

Here is an interesting company that offers entire chassis: https://fatfender.com/pages/ffgchassis

I would think we need to find a way to greatly simplify their concept. Semi trucks are typically built on straight "C" rails for a frame. I would think we should be able to build a truck on a similar frame.

MJ Sez

I think opensourcing a chassis would be a good first step.

This can readily be made with weldments (possibly) but studying an industry standard design would be a good first step.

I think the multiple power cube idea would work if we use high flow power cube with a final drive of a high performance hydraulic motor whether we use standard differential and mechanical drive, or hydraulic drive. It would be a construction set as always.

I like space frames, so the best solution would actually be a space frame (multiple short rods/tubes) in terms of weight to performance ratios. If members are CNC cut, this could be kitted.

Chassis starts at $18k.

We should just get one from a junk yard and study that, no? What is the advantage of a $18k frame if we can get it from trash for a fraction - is there a real advantage? Just bust out the torch and quickie saw, and we can have a clean chassis.

How to teach Chat to design a frame that can be cnc cut? See start here - [1].

This may be a completely doable route, where we get cut files automatically from Chat.

Frame is only around 10% of curb weight - dirt cheap! [2]