SUV Frame

There are two main types of frame adapted by SUVs, ladder frame and unibody. Before choosing a SUV, we should something about them. Ladder frame is very popular in the past, then more cars using a unibody construction.

The ladder frame design is simple and looks like a ladder. It consists merely of two symmetrical rails, or beams, and crossmembers. The front and rear suspension systems are connected to the wheels, while the assembly part of the engine, transmission, the body are fixed on the rigid frame. The ladder frame has continuous rails through the entire body structure. Therefore, chassis is with high strength and good resistance to bump. Even four wheels load discontinuity, it is borne by the frame, not transmitted to the body, and so the body does not easily distort. The disadvantage is that the design offers poor resistance to torsion or warping and body is relatively bulky, massive, high centroid. In general, the ladder frame has good stability and security. SUVs which focus on off-road capability will prefer it.

The unibody design is that the frame and body are constructed as a single unit. The engine, transmission, front and rear suspension and other components are fitted to the vehicle body, body load to the wheels through the suspension system. Body load is transmitted to the wheels by the suspension system.

Unibody SUVs with light weight drive smoothly in straight road. Currently selling SUV models are mainly urban types. The body structure is mostly oriented to comfort consideration. With further enhancing the vehicle manufacturing process, now unibody strength and torsional resistance have also been greatly improved. It can guarantee a comfortable city driving, and also combine off-road performance.