Frame: Service Precautions

Minimizing Frame Service Description

Frame service is minimized or eliminated by minimizing the concentration of stress in small areas of the frame.


Use the vehicles for only the purposes for which the vehicles were designed.

* Do not overload the vehicle.
* Load the vehicle evenly. Avoid localized loads.
* Do not operate the vehicle on extremely rough terrain.
* Take into account the forces placed on the frame when choosing a frame for a new vehicle, or when reinforcing the frame.


Follow the recommended practices when repairing a frame, or when mounting a body or equipment on a frame

* Avoid sudden changes in the section modulus.
* Do not drill holes in the frame rail flanges.
* Space the holes in the web section of a rail at 13 mm (0.5 in) from one another.
* Use the existing holes whenever possible.
* Do not cut the holes with a torch.
* Do not overheat the frame rails.
* Avoid welding on the flanges.
* Do not allow 4 or more holes to exist on the same vertical line of the web.
* Place the holes a distance of 2 times the material thickness from the edge of the reinforcement.