Utilizing aluminum cabs and bodies on trucks can increase the safety, dependability, and cost-effectiveness of a fleet. Given their unique properties, aluminum transportation materials continue to emerge as the material of choice for the industry.
About 60% of the cabs use aluminum. Years ago, aluminum was the preferred choice because of corrosion resistance, yet over time, the steel protection systems improved dramatically. Now, aluminum bodies are motivated by weight reduction. Continual motivations to reduce overall vehicle weight in on-highway vehicle applications lead to more haulage capability as well as aesthetic and performance benefits.
Here are the aluminum truck body advantages:
1. Fuel Savings
Aluminium weighs approximately 2.71 g / cm3, ie. one third of the weight of steel. This makes both transport of payload more efficient, while at the same time you get more efficient fuel consumption. For electric trucks, the low weight will have even more say in the utilization of battery capacity. Even though aluminum is more expensive upfront, you’ll recoup the difference at the pump for years to come. This can be a deciding factor for contractors who travel to jobsites in other ies and states every day.
2. Increased Payload and Efficiency
Another advantage of aluminum’s light weight, if you have an aluminum body, you can have more payload. An aluminum body can weigh between 30% to 50% less than a steel body. As a result, you can haul more and work more efficiently with aluminum.
3. Less Body Maintenance
Due to the thin oxide layer on the aluminum surface, the metal has a natural protection against corrosion. Further surface treatment, such as painting or anodizing, can also enhance the natural corrosion-free properties. This gives you less maintenance, which means fewer costs and more time for your core business. Once again, opting for an aluminum body saves you money in the long run – just another way aluminum makes up for the higher initial price tag. Cracks in the paint on a steel body is a cause for alarm as corrosion can start forming — for an aluminum body, it’s no big deal.
4. An Option for Lighter Trucks
Coming back to the lighter overall weight, aluminum truck bodies are an option for smaller commercial trucks that can’t use steel bodies. Depending on the truck you’re looking to upfit, this can make aluminum bodies the ONLY choice. For example, you can upfit a ¾ ton truck with an aluminum body, but due to weight concerns you most likely would not want to use a steel truck body.
5. Higher Resale Value
Since aluminum bodies are resistant to the corrosion that undermines a used steel body’s value, aluminum bodies have a much higher resale value on the used market. When you need to upgrade, you’ll be able to recoup part of your initial investment.
6. Heat-Treated Aluminum Advantages
To offer these advantages, a truck should be made from heat-treated 6,000 series aluminum. This type of aluminum has been shown to be every bit as tough as its steel counterpart. At the same time, its lighter weight and rust resistance simply cannot be matched by steel. Since aluminum offers numerous cost and maintenance savings, perhaps it is time for more truck manufacturers to begin considering it.
Source:
https://kimsen.vn/aluminum-truck-bodies-vs-steel-truck-bodies-ne110.html
https://hytrans.no/en/hvorfor-din-lastebil-fortjener-pabygg-i-aluminium/
Edited by May Jiang from MAT Aluminum
Post time: Jun-17-2023
