1.15 Load Distribution
1.15.1 Load Distribution
CAUTIONS:
Do not exceed the axle plated weights.
Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight.
NOTE:
Overloading of the vehicle could result in
unacceptable ground clearance.
NOTE:
The center of mass of the payload should
be located within the wheelbase of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Avoid one-sided load distribution.
NOTE:
Uneven load distribution could result in
unacceptable handling and braking
characteristics.
For further information please contact your local
National Sales Company representative, or Local
Ford Dealer. If they are unable to help you then
please contact the Vehicle Converter Advisory
Service at [email protected]
1.15.2 Center of Gravity Position
The position of the center of gravity is changed
when masses are added or removed from the
vehicle. This may influence the steering
characteristics, handling behavior and the brake
performance.
Lateral Position
It is important to keep the Center of Gravity
laterally within given limits.
Lateral Center of Gravity is determined by the
vertical wheel forces difference right (front right
mass added to rear right mass) to left (front left
mass added to rear left mass).
WARNING: The difference right to left
must not exceed 4% (absolute
difference right to left / total weight in
per cent).
Vertical Position - Center of Gravity
Height
The Center of Gravity Height of the vehicle is
determined by the mass of the base delivered
vehicle and the added and removed masses. In
physics this relation is described by the Steiner’s
theorem.
The Center of Gravity Height influences axle
weights while braking. Center of Gravity height
influences roll stability. Safety systems will work
properly in the given boundaries.
WARNINGS:
If the vertical center of gravity (CG
v
) is
less than 800mm and no modifications
have been made to the components of
the braking system, suspension, wheels
and tires the converted vehicle complies
with ECE 13-H, ANNEX 9 standard.
If the Center of Gravity (CG
v
) of the
converted vehicle is above 800mm, Ford
Motor Company makes no representation
as to conformity with this standard.
1.15.3 Center of Gravity Height Test
Procedure
Measurement
In order to check the center of gravity height the
following described method is proposed.
For this test four scales are required. The test is
possible with two scales but this requires more
preparation and it results in lower accuracy.
Initially the vehicle weights needs to be measured
in a horizontal position. Afterwards the front is
lifted and weights measured again. The higher it
is lifted the more accurate the results will be. The
height is restricted by different possible touch
conditions, between vehicle parts and roof, ground
and environment.
In order to improve measurements following
preparations need to be done:
•
Fix wheel travel, for example: solid shocks, or
spring fixes.
•
Increase tire pressure to maximum allowed
value.
•
Remove all fluids, or fill tanks completely.
•
It is important to remove all load, for example
moving items, from the car or it should be
properly fixed.
•
Doors should be closed.
Before measuring the vehicle the engine must be
switched off, after lifting it should be rolled freely
in order to release tension in the tire and
suspension.
Calculation
In order to estimate the resulting Center of Gravity
(CG
v
) the axle load needs to be measured twice.
First one is in the horizontal plane and the second
measurement is after the front is lifted. To get a
consistent result this test should be done 3 times
independently with different heights.
To improve accuracy the test is done additionally
the other way around, where the rear end is lifted.
Date of Publication: 04/2012
FORD
TRANSIT CUSTOM
2012.75
1 G
ener
al Inf
orma
tion
31
