body-on-frame
Truck's structural design
Body-on-frame is a vehicle construction method where the body mounts on a separate structural frame, like a house on a foundation.
This older design predominates in trucks and SUVs because the rigid frame handles heavy loads and towing stress.
The alternative, unibody construction, integrates body and frame into one unit—lighter and more fuel-efficient, but less rugged.
Heavy freight vehicle
- pickupSmall open-bed truck
- SUVRugged passenger vehicle
- 4x4All-wheel-drive truck
- off-roadUnpaved driving territory
heavy-duty · full-size · commercial · van · bus · Jeep · F-150 · Tacoma
Structural support base
- crossmembersLateral frame reinforcements
- railsGuiding metal bars
- longitudinalAlong the longer dimension
- subframeSupporting frame beneath another
welding · bolting · fabrication · steel · mounting · bracing · reinforcement · stiffness
Pulling another vehicle along
- payloadCarried freight or charge
- durabilityResistance to wear
- articulationClear vocal expression
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
flex · ruggedness · load-bearing · hauling · utility · torque · recovery
Vehicle for hire
- bedFurniture for slumber
- separationState of being apart
- interchangeableAble to replace another
- conversionAct of changing states
customization · aftermarket · flatbed · camper · upfitting
Of lasting excellence
- vintageQuality from past eras
- restorationReturning something to condition
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- time-honoredRespected due to age
original · old-school · coachbuilt · woody
truck
Heavy freight vehicle
off-road · heavy-duty · full-size · commercial · van · bus · Jeep · F-150 · Tacoma
chassis
Structural support base
- crossmembersLateral frame reinforcements
- railsGuiding metal bars
- longitudinalAlong the longer dimension
subframe · welding · bolting · fabrication · steel · mounting · bracing · reinforcement · stiffness · torsional
towing
Pulling another vehicle along
- payloadCarried freight or charge
- durabilityResistance to wear
- articulationClear vocal expression
clearance · flex · ruggedness · load-bearing · hauling · utility · torque · recovery
cab
Vehicle for hire
- bedFurniture for slumber
- separationState of being apart
- interchangeableAble to replace another
conversion · customization · aftermarket · flatbed · camper · upfitting
classic
Of lasting excellence
- vintageQuality from past eras
- restorationReturning something to condition
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
time-honored · original · old-school · coachbuilt · woody