A subframe for a motor vehicle axle optimized for stiffness and weight is provided. Such a subframe may comprise a base member, a cross member, and a stiffening element. The base member may have an upper shell, a lower shell connected to the upper shell, and a connecting point formed on one of the shells for a pendulum bearing of a pendulum bar. The cross member may extend in a transverse direction, be attached to the base member, and have mounts for longitudinal members of the motor vehicle. The stiffening element may be connected to at least one shell in a region of the connecting point. Also described is a production method for a subframe.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to passenger or cargo vans. Features include the structure and assembly process using a framing structure which defines and supports a rearward compartment. In certain embodiments, the framing structure can be formed as modular subpanels which can be easily assembled while also providing superior strength and weight characteristics. In certain embodiments, specialized joints are arranged to connect the subpanels. Exterior shell portions and optionally windows can be mounted to the framing structure to form a rearward compartment.

A method of assembling a recreational vehicle includes providing a structural panel for installation in the recreational vehicle, which has a surface and a readable image in or internal to the structural panel, with the readable image being located at or near a location on the surface of the structural panel for installing a component at the location. The readable image has to-be-installed component information about the component to be installed at the location and is readable at the surface of the structural panel. The method further includes reading the readable image to determine the to-be-installed component information about the component that is to be installed at the location on the surface of the structural panel.

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a vehicle body and at least one sensor assembly that is supported on the vehicle body. The at least one sensor assembly is configured to detect an external object and includes a housing portion and a sensor that is supported within the housing portion such that the sensor is oriented at a fixed (e.g., downward) angle.

An easily attachable and removable self-contained slide in storage, safety and warning light chassis assembly for use by the traffic control industry and others is described. The chassis assembly includes a bed portion that is built to slide into a pickup truck bed. Associated removable jacks can be used to raise and support the chassis while a truck is backed up under it, or where the jacks include castors, the assembly is rolled into the truck. Additionally, a safety platform portion is included on the rear portion of the chassis assembly, so that when installed it is disposed behind the bed of the truck for use in the placement and pickup of traffic control devises. The chassis assembly can be mounted securely to the factory hitch of truck as well as additional locations in the bed.

Presented are fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite components for vehicle body structures, methods for making/using such components, and motor vehicles equipped with such components. A vehicle body structure includes one or more elongated support rails (e.g., a pair of lateral roof rails) each with an inner contoured rail panel joined to an outer contoured rail panel to define an internal rail cavity. One or more elongated support pillars (e.g., front, side, and/or back vehicle pillars) adjoin the support rail(s) and each includes an inner contoured pillar panel joined to an outer contoured pillar panel to define an internal pillar cavity coupled to the internal rail cavity. One or both contoured pillar panels and one or both contoured rail panels is/are formed, in whole or in part, from an FRP material. A structural reinforcement insert may be located inside the adjoined pillar and rail, filling a discrete region within the internal cavities.

A frame for a personal electric vehicle includes (a) a chassis floorpan extending axially between a front and a rear and laterally between opposite sides, the floorpan having a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the floor to a raised peripheral edge of the floorpan; and (b) a safety cage mounted to the chassis floorpan and comprising a plurality of interconnected tubular members defining an occupant interior. The tubular members include a plurality of pillars spaced apart from each other along the peripheral edge and fixed against the sidewall for securing the safety cage to the chassis floorpan.

Various disclosed embodiments include structures and methods for improving assembly of vehicle doors. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle door includes a first door inner structure having an angled wedge bearing surface and configured to receive a first removable attachment mechanism and a second door inner structure configured to receive a second removable attachment mechanism. The door includes a door outer structure having an outer panel coupled to an attachment structure, the attachment structure having an angled wedge bearing surface and having a bearing surface, the bearing surface configured to receive the second removable attachment mechanism, the second bearing surface being configured to abut an inner surface of the second door inner structure. The door includes an adjustment wedge which allows for positioning of the door panel relative to the body side of the vehicle.

An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a bracket system having a first portion fixed to a vehicle panel and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion for adjustment purposes. At least one first fastener holds the first and second portions together prior to assembly of the vehicle panel to a pillar. The at least one first fastener is loosened to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the pillar. At least one second fastener secures the second portion to the pillar subsequent to adjustment, and the at least one first fastener is tightened subsequent to adjustment to hold the vehicle panel in a desired position relative to the pillar.

A lift gate door having hinges installed for predetermined positioning into a vehicle. And a method of attaching a lift gate door to a vehicle while maintain proper tolerances. A first fixture holds a set of hinges in predetermined locations which correspond to assembly locations on a vehicle body. Hinges are temporarily attached to the fixture corresponding to the proper vehicle location. A second fixture holds the lift gate in a position which is a final installation position for attaching the lift gate to a vehicle. Self-adjusting moveable fastening nuts are provided in a set of holes in a hinge plate fastening area of the lift gate. The first fixture is moved into aligned orientation with the second feature and the hinges are attached to the lift gate with the fastener. The hinge is aligned in the proper installation orientation for maintaining the lift gate to vehicle gap in proper tolerances when the lift gate door with hinges is installed on the final vehicle.