Heavy Duty Truck Chassis Having Rear Mounted Fuel Tank

Abstract

A heavy-duty truck chassis has a frame assembly having a first rail spaced from a second rail to define a gap therebetween. A front axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a front portion of the frame assembly. A rear axle is supported by the frame assembly and is positioned proximate a rear portion of the frame assembly. A fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly and positioned in the gap and behind the rear axle.

1 . A heavy-duty truck chassis comprising:
 a frame assembly having a first rail spaced from a second rail to define a gap therebetween;   a front axle supported by the frame assembly and positioned proximate a front portion of the frame assembly;   a rear axle supported by the frame assembly and positioned proximate a rear portion of the frame assembly;   a fuel tank supported by the frame assembly and positioned in the gap and behind the rear axle.   
     
     
         2 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly by a support structure having redundant features. 
     
     
         3 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank is a molded member and has contours to accommodate structures of the chassis while maximizing tank volume. 
     
     
         4 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank is positioned within the first rail and the second rail. 
     
     
         5 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly by a support member connected to the fuel tank and the first rail and the second rail. 
     
     
         6 . The truck chassis of  claim 5  wherein the support member comprises a first member positioned at a front portion of the fuel tank and a second member extending over a top portion of the fuel tank. 
     
     
         7 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank has an inlet and the first rail has an opening positioned proximate the inlet, wherein a supply conduit passes through the opening and is in communication with the inlet. 
     
     
         8 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the rear axle comprises a pair of rear axles, the fuel tank positioned behind the both rear axles. 
     
     
         9 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  further comprising a tag axle, the fuel tank being positioned between the rear axle and the tag axle. 
     
     
         10 . The truck chassis of  claim 1  wherein the fuel tank is supported by the frame assembly by lateral support members connected to and extending between the first rail and the second rail, the lateral support members including a front support member supporting a front location of the fuel tank and a rear support member supporting a rear location of the fuel tank.