Has ATW ever built a pop-top camper that is passenger worthy. Or should I say a pop top that can withstand a roll-over with passengers inside?
Hi Leon,
To be passenger worthy here, our main authority is quite strict on seat belt mounting and to a lesser extent, seating but "roll over" protection is something that we have to provide on the buses always and if you go over 18 passengers "roll over protection" reaches a whole new level involving actual destructive testing. In other words providing a 2 metre long slice of the vehicle (chassis included with a percentage of the total weight, engine, diffs, etc.) and flipping it over on a test bed which simulates an actual roll over. Then we have foam cutouts of passengers with pins protruding which are measured to see if the frame has momentarily made contact. Really expensive and time consuming but hey, we are talking about personal safety and it has to be proven not just speculated on.
So as a result most of our larger motorhomes have been designed and built utilising the same test data as for the buses. I only know of one of our motorhomes that has actually rolled over. It went over down a rocky gully. The FG cab sustained alot of damage but the composite camper section, other than the roof rack and the spare wheel racks, was virtually unscathed. Everydoor still opened and the only glass that broke in the rear was in the entry door and that was resting on a bolder. So I guess that's a bit of a testimony.
Pop-tops however are a little different and that was what you asked about. Obviously by not having a "fixed" roof the integrity is comprimised to a certain extent so if passenger seating is required then best practice is to have this as close to the cab as possible so that in any event the cab would provide some roll over protection. Again the seatbelt mounting is one of the main concerns but don't go thinking composite construction isn't up to it. Afterall it's what they make crash helmets out of and if laid up correctly can be extremely tough.
Are there any sway bars planned?
Hi Mick , Thought something must have happened. No sway bars planned. We're trialing an in-cab air adjustment system on the shocks which should negate this. Not as easy as it sounds. Trying to source valves and gauges that will be suitable. All the air bag in-cab kits are too low. Had planned to "T" in some poly-airs for instant shock control but the pressures weren't compatable. Let you know how we get on.
BTW Next time you're down I'll take you over to the guy who makes the shocks for us and show you his race buggy. He's just up the street. Mid mounted 700hp+, 6speed auto transaxle with a detroit locker in it, 28" of wheel travel and active suspension. Saw it drive off the semi trailer with no ramps!!! Suspension's set up so when it gets airborne it stays level rather than let the rear flick up as you go over a bump. I know you'll appreciate the engineering. Good to hear from you. Regards John.
