ORLANDO – Commercial cabs and chassis are affordable alternatives to custom fire apparatus that can serve fire departments well, if firefighters follow some simple guidelines that will make new rigs safe.
Two apparatus manufacturing experts, Rich Demski, commercial chassis product manager for Pierce Manufacturing and Bruce Nalesnik, chassis sales engineer for KME Fire Apparatus, gave a lecture titled “Modifying Commercial Chassis,” at the Fire Department Safety Officers Association apparatus symposium on Monday.
“Commercial chassis can be very viable for fire apparatus,” Demski said. “They are a cost saving method for meeting your needs.” He added commercial cabs and chassis can be up to half the cost of custom cabs and chassis.
Fire departments need to be mindful of the liability and limitations commercial cabs and chassis present however, said Nalesnik, noting that some commercial chassis lend themselves more easily to fire apparatus then others.
International cabs and chassis are most user friendly for apparatus builders, Nalesnik said, noting that they’re already compliant with National Fire Protection Association apparatus standards without any additional work from the apparatus builder.
Demski said the Ford F550 cabs and chassis are also very good platforms for fire apparatus with Ford sharing engineering and design information with apparatus builders as well as technical expertise.
Freightliners are also common for fire apparatus and have the same width as apparatus bodies, Demski said.
Kenworth has been reaching out to the fire market and recently introduced a crew cab configuration for extra seating which “is a little pricey” Nalesnik said, but available for those who want it.
Less common, but still seen in the fire service are Dodge heavy trucks which are good for special service vehicles, but don’t have some of the common and needed components for fire apparatus, Nalesnik said.
Mack, Western Star and Peterbilt are also used by the fire service, but to a very limited extent for various reasons, he said.
Virtually all commercial cabs and chassis require some modifications by apparatus builders, the experts said, the amount, however, can vary.
Nalesnik said moving batteries and sometimes air brake driers, are very common modifications.
Front bumper modifications for front suctions, preconnected hose, winches, turrets and sirens are also very common, he said, noting that sometimes the modifications can become a little extreme. Angles of approach and length should be considered when front bumpers are modified.
It’s also very common for commercial cabs and chassis to have tread plates and steps added, Nalesnik said.
There are even some cab modifications that can be done by the apparatus manufacturer for departments who might want cabinets in extended cab areas with access from the outside, he said.
The key is, however, to make sure each and every modification does not affect the integrity of the truck or violate the original apparatus manufacturers specifications, especially when it comes to things like center of gravity, tire pressure, body integrity and safety features, Nalesnik said.
All-wheel drive can also be added to many commercial cabs and chassis, however, the headlights might need to be relocated to be compliant with apparatus and vehicle standards, the experts said.
The key to any modifications is to make sure the work done on the cabs and chassis is safe, compliant and is approved by the original manufacturer, they said.
New apparatus must have appropriately labeling and documentations that testify the work done by the apparatus builder does not interfere with the integrity of the cab and chassis, Nalesnik said.
If there’s any questions, it’s perfectly acceptable to require the builder to test the modifications to make sure they meet NFPA standards, Nalesnik said.
It’s also important not to go too overboard with modifications that can drive up costs and compromise safety, the experts said.
“Try not to get overly custom,” Nalesnik advised.
With some thoughtful planning, judicious modifications, Demski said commercial cabs and chassis offer a lot to the end user.
Demski pointed out that commercial cabs and chassis use virtually the same components as custom cabs and chassis, like engines, transmissions, suspensions and warrantees are backed by the component manufacturer, not the apparatus builder or dealer.
“Commercial cabs and chassis offer a lower initial cost,” Demski said, noting that they sometimes are easier to service, offer forward engine design for better wheel cutting and unobstructed access in the front. “And they are cheaper to re-chassis.”
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Ed Ballam
Ed Ballam served as associate editor for Firehouse. He is the assistant chief of the Haverhill Corner, N.H. Fire Department, and a National Registered EMT. He is also a Deputy Forest Fire Warden for the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. Professionally, he's been a journalist for over 35 years working for a variety of publications, including employment as managing editor of a national fire service trade journal for more than a decade.
