UFO Chassis pics

[Cruzer]

While coming back the Pacific Northwest recently we pulled into a rest area in Chamberlain, SD for lunch. A few minutes later a flatbed semi pulls in alongside of us with this big yellow RV chassis strapped to it. I recoignized this as Workhorse's UFO chassis and assumed that it was on it's way to the Rally in Redmond, OR.

So, for the benefit of those who haven't seen this new chassis yet, I grabbed my camera and snapped some pictures, paying particular detail to the various components that make up this unique chassis.

The chassis was show quality (the yellow painted frame rails were a giveaway ) and had an aluminum guardrail setup over a glass or Lexan floor that gives visitors the opportunity to walk over the unit and see down through the clear floor to view it's various features.

I've posted these pics along with some commentary on my website at www.RVcruzer.com/UFO.htm. Just click on this link and take a tour. It's an impressive chassis.

[Cruzer]

While coming back the Pacific Northwest recently we pulled into a rest area in Chamberlain, SD for lunch. A few minutes later a flatbed semi pulls in alongside of us with this big yellow RV chassis strapped to it. I recoignized this as Workhorse's UFO chassis and assumed that it was on it's way to the Rally in Redmond, OR.

So, for the benefit of those who haven't seen this new chassis yet, I grabbed my camera and snapped some pictures, paying particular detail to the various components that make up this unique chassis.

The chassis was show quality (the yellow painted frame rails were a giveaway ) and had an aluminum guardrail setup over a glass or Lexan floor that gives visitors the opportunity to walk over the unit and see down through the clear floor to view it's various features.

I've posted these pics along with some commentary on my website at www.RVcruzer.com/UFO.htm. Just click on this link and take a tour. It's an impressive chassis.

[Bill Davis]

At last. After all these years, we finally have a picture of a UFO.

[DonavonP]

Nice job - Thank you!!

Good looking web site too.

[Mutha]

Mark, thanks for the great photos!

Glenn

[Petro]

Mark;

Those pictures are great. Thanks so much for taking the time to share them with us.

Don

[JCM]

Also thanks for the pictures and posting.

[Tom N]

You're the man!!



Keep that digital camera or even your cellphone camera handy guys.

-Tom

[DriVer]

I am most pleased with your photo essay Mark.

[Bagman57]

Ditto DriVer, Mark has it all together! Chuck.

[Full-Timers]

I am wondering how it sounds with such a short exhaust and no tailpipes. How will they keep the PCM and TCM cool if it is in a basement compartment? Only one leaf in the front springs and no "like air"� springs? I guess it's because less weight with the engine in the rear. Still using the Bilsteins? How about some Konis? Nice pictures Cruser.

[max49]

Is that oil pan hanging low enough to be susceptable to dragging or hitting something.
I know these MH's are easy enough to drag the back end if we're not careful.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Full-Timers:
I am wondering how it sounds with such a short exhaust and no tailpipes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Unremarkably the UFO as it sits in the picture when started at idle is fairly quiet. On the assembly line is was difficult to hear the engine running when it was initially started. The exhaust system as it is presented to the OEM gives "them" the option to either come straight out of the back of the vehicle or through a pair of 90 degree bent tail pipes that exit out of the sides.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">How will they keep the PCM and TCM cool if it is in a basement compartment? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's not a problem. Most rear diesel pusher electronics computers are also located in side compartments as well.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Only one leaf in the front springs and no "like air"� springs? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The front springs are proprietary Hendrickson mono-leaf units. The axle and the leaf springs do not interact as much as on the front gas Stabil-Ride suspension. There is a rubber bumper visible just behind the shock absorbers on the bottom of the rail. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> I guess it's because less weight with the engine in the rear. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The UFO has a 9500 GAWR(F) rating much more so than any front gas unit.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Still using the Bilsteins? How about some Konis? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The alternative on this unit at the OEM level would have been Sachs shocks like we see on the FRED which most people will tell you do not perform as well as Bilsteins. Koni has not yet engineered a shock for the UFO - I asked.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by max49:
Is that oil pan hanging low enough to be susceptible to dragging or hitting something. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Max, What you are alluding to is what is called "Departure Angle"(DA). The DA on the UFO is more than a rear diesel pusher. What I mean by this is that the drivetrain components offer more clearance between the bottom of the tire on the road surface and the lowest point on any mechanical equipment aft of the rear tires. This is best viewed from the side and is expressed in degrees. The line is drawn from the tire patch to the bottom of the bumper.

There is no immediate concern that is aggravated by the UFO's DA than any other rear engine powered RV in fact there's less concern.