SOME SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING APPARATUS CONVERSIONS
BY WILLIAM C. PETERS
Before attempting such a conversion as that described here, contact the original chassis manufacturer to ensure that the proposed work will not adversely affect the operational safety of the chassis.
Some factors to be considered are the following:
Will the cutting and drilling of the frame rails to remount components adversely affect their structural integrity?
Will the fully loaded weight distribution between the front and rear wheels be within the limits set by the chassis manufacturer? (NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, indicates: “The distribution of weight between the front and rear wheels should be a major consideration, as improper design will seriously affect the handling characteristics of the vehicle.”)
Does the suspension need to be adjusted to more closely match the lighter gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
Will the height of the fully loaded vehicle`s center of gravity exceed the chassis manufacturer`s maximum limit?
Will the shorter wheelbase adversely affect the driveline angles?
Are industry standards for the installation of electrical and air brake systems being followed by personnel who are knowledgeable in the field?
Only after you have addressed these concerns should you undertake work on a conversion. n
WILLIAM C. PETERS is a battalion chief, supervisor of apparatus, and a 23-year veteran of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. He is a member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Apparatus and the Fire Engineering editorial advisory board. Peters is the author of Fire Apparatus Purchasing Handbook (Fire Engineering Books, 1994), two chapters on apparatus in The Fire Chief`s Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering Books, 1995), the booklet Final Farewell to a Fallen Firefighter: A Basic Fire Department Funeral Protocol, and the video Factory Inspections of New Fire Apparatus (Fire Engineering, 1998).
