Roll Cage

[rypett]

With this thread back alive...I'm wondering what people are thinking (or knowing) about the roll over safety of the new fiberglass version of the SMB that looks like it might be come out soon. Thoughts on putting a roll cage on that?

[derJack]

Originally Posted by rypett

With this thread back alive...I'm wondering what people are thinking (or knowing) about the roll over safety of the new fiberglass version of the SMB that looks like it might be come out soon. Thoughts on putting a roll cage on that?

Actually the material has nothing to do with strength!
So you can make steal stronger than alloy or the other way around and composite materials can also be very strong, as we all know from Formula 1 e.g.
BUT it depends on how it´s done! More material does mean more weight but does not necessarily lead to more strength!
I doubt that SMB will invest very much development into rollover scenarios, as this will not make any profit for this company.

Finally my opinion is that there will be no difference in this thread concern regarding between a steel body and the new SMB fiberglass ones. If you dont´t flex the body offroad - what probably 80% will not do- you wont feel a difference, I guess, also in the long term.
If you want to go offroading and flexing your suspension you will always have issues. An open letter frame like the Ford have, will always flex against the body- this will always lead to a compromise.

[GAR]

Originally Posted by UJOINT

My next van is gonna have a full cage, but it will be a purpose built rig that will be terribly impractical.

Anyone making a pre-fabricated weld together cage for a cargo van? Anyone want to? I weld, but do not own a tube bender, yet.

Gar

[WeldTecDesigns]

Like this? HEHE

[GAR]

Originally Posted by WeldTecDesigns

Like this? HEHE

Ha!
Very nice. Yes, something like that. What would the cost of a kit like that be?

Gar

[WeldTecDesigns]

When we were done it looked like this.....