Suspension system and body for large dump trucks

A very large vehicle, comprising:

• a main frame which includes longitudinally extending spaced frame members, and having a forward section carrying front wheels and a transverse member extending between the forward section of the spaced frame members and substantially secured thereto and a rear section carrying rear wheels;
• a load carrying body including (a) a floor reinforced by strengthening beams such that a majority of said strengthening beams extend longitudinally of said body, (b) side walls and (c) an end wall defining a load carrying region;
• and
• wherein said body is always supported by said main frame only at transversely spaced rear support points mounted on said spaced frame members and at transversely spaced forward support points bearing on said spaced frame members at or near points of securement of the transverse member to said spaced frame members;
• wherein there are no transverse beams provided on the underside of the body between the rear support points and the forward support points.

A large vehicle comprising:

• a substantially rigid main frame including:
• (1) longitudinally extending spaced frame members having,
• (a) a forward section carrying front wheels, a transverse member extends between the spaced frame members and is substantially secured thereto, and
• (b) a rear section carrying rear wheels, and
• (2) a body including,
• (i) a floor reinforced by strengthening beams such that a majority of said strengthening beams extend longitudinally of said body,
• (ii) side walls, and
• (iii) an end wall defining a load carrying region,
• wherein said body is always supported by said main frame only at transversely spaced rear support points mounted on said spaced frame members and transversely spaced forward support points bearing on said main frame at or near the points of securement of the transverse member to said spaced frame members, wherein no transverse beams, under the floor of the body between the rear support points and the forward support points, are provided.