The invention relates to an emergency vehicle (1) designed as a heavy truck, comprising a vehicle body (2) having an underbody assembly (9), a roof assembly (10) and at least one longitudinal wall (11, 12). Furthermore, a central longitudinal beam (8) is provided that is disposed in a manner extending in vehicle longitudinal direction. The central longitudinal beam (8) is joined directly and securely to the vehicle body (2), wherein it forms an integral constituent of the underbody assembly (9) of the vehicle body (2).

A center upper frame connection for a space frame can comprise a center boss; a rearward mounting surface facing rearward; a rearward angular center upper frame tube connection boss oriented downward and rearward; a vertical center upper frame tube connection boss oriented downward; a forward angular center upper frame tube connection boss oriented forward and downward; and a forward angular mounting surface facing forward and upward. The rearward mounting surface can fixedly attach a center upper horizontal frame connection, the rearward angular center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach a first elongate support structure, the vertical center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach a second elongate support structure, the forward angular center upper frame tube connection boss can fixedly attach to a third elongate support structure, and the forward angular mounting surface can fixedly attach a center upper frame nodal connection.

A front upper frame connection casting can comprise a vertical front upper frame connection boss oriented in a first downward direction and configured to weldably attach to a first elongate support member; a rearward angular front upper frame connection boss oriented in a second downward direction and configured to weldably attach to a second elongate support member different from the first elongate support member; and a center cast section castably attached to the vertical front upper frame connection boss and the rearward angular front upper frame connection boss. The center cast section can have a top surface configured to weldably attach to a front upper body support and frame connection fabrication of a space frame of a rear haul truck.

An assembly for assisting in lifting a tailgate includes an elongated housing extending along a predetermined length, a spring anchored at one end at a first end of the housing, and a connector having a first end affixed to the opposite end of the spring and extending through the housing. In one embodiment, at least three rollers are provided for engaging the connector. The rollers may be arranged in a variety of configurations to maintain the connector and spring in a generally centered location within the housing. In another embodiment, at least two vertically aligned guides are provided. A vehicle for integrating the foregoing assemblies is also provided.

Disclosed is a reinforcing member for improving durability of a structure which receives an external force. The reinforcing member includes a reinforcing portion for improving the durability of the structure and a restricting portion which is fixed, in position, to the structure while restricting a shift in position of the reinforcing portion such that the reinforcing portion is located in a predetermined position on the basis of the structure.

Disclosed is a reinforcing member for improving durability of a structure which receives an external force. The reinforcing member includes a reinforcing portion for improving the durability of the structure and a restricting portion which is fixed, in position, to the structure while restricting a shift in position of the reinforcing portion such that the reinforcing portion is located in a predetermined position on the basis of the structure.

The invention is directed to a cargo drawer for a pickup truck. The drawer which rolls outward from the rear end of the truck on a pair of rails in much the same manner as a desk drawer, and is designed to be sturdy and reliable, for use in any challenging environment. The drawer may be locked in place at any position along the rails. One or more handles are provided near the rear edge of the drawer, with a lever which may be pressed to release the lock. The drawer further provides a pair of folding or telescoping legs at the rear corners, to support the drawer in a fully extended position.

The invention is directed to a cargo drawer for a pickup truck. The drawer which rolls outward from the rear end of the truck on a pair of rails in much the same manner as a desk drawer, and is designed to be sturdy and reliable, for use in any challenging environment. The drawer may be locked in place at any position along the rails. One or more handles are provided near the rear edge of the drawer, with a lever which may be pressed to release the lock. The drawer further provides a pair of folding or telescoping legs at the rear corners, to support the drawer in a fully extended position.

An automotive vehicle includes a body having floorboards positioned along the base of the vehicle body and extending from a front end of the vehicle to a rear end of the vehicle along an uninterrupted path. The path may be accessed by a front opening in the body or a rear opening in the body. A pass through door may provide selective access to a front trunk along the uninterrupted path through the vehicle dash board. In an embodiment the vehicle may include a reconfigurable rear cab comprising a plurality of removably connected components configurable between at least a first and second arrangement.

A vehicle tailgate assembly primarily for pick-up trucks comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base. A tailgate door is rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms. The door comprises a transverse upper section rotationally joined to a transverse lower section at a rotational joint, preferably a hinge. A releasable locking mechanism is located adjacent the rotational joint to releasably hold the upper section in relation to the lower section at selected orientations. An additional locking mechanism may selectively hold the lower section and/or the upper section to the support arms. The tailgate may also be provided with an extendible tailgate which may be rotated interiorly and exteriorly of the plane of the upper section. An extendible handle may also be provided to support user entry and exit from a cargo hold of the truck.