Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a lower level, an intermediate level, and two lateral sides subject to static and dynamic loads. At least one lateral side comprises a reinforcing truss mounted between the lower and intermediate levels for supporting the static and dynamic loads. The truss includes an upper longitudinal beam mounted at the intermediate level of the chassis; a lower longitudinal beam mounted at the lower level, spaced from and parallel to the upper longitudinal beam; and at least two connecting members extending perpendicularly between the upper and lower longitudinal beams. The connecting members cooperate with the upper and lower beams to define at least one bay having an outline substantially in registry with the outline of the at least one storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a lower level, an intermediate level, and two lateral sides subject to static and dynamic loads. At least one lateral side comprises a reinforcing truss mounted between the lower and intermediate levels for supporting the static and dynamic loads. The truss includes an upper longitudinal beam mounted at the intermediate level of the chassis; a lower longitudinal beam mounted at the lower level, spaced from and parallel to the upper longitudinal beam; and at least two connecting members extending perpendicularly between the upper and lower longitudinal beams. The connecting members cooperate with the upper and lower beams to define at least one bay having an outline substantially in registry with the outline of the at least one storage compartment.

Abstract: A window construction for vehicles such as motor coaches is disclosed which includes a window panel that overlaps on the exterior of the vehicle body at least one of the edge portions defining the window opening. In particular, the window includes a window panel which is mounted to the vehicle body and on the exterior thereof at least partly covers the edges of the vehicle body which define the window opening, especially the window jams. Mounting the window panel flush with an exterior surface of the vehicle body facilitates insulation and sealing of the window and allows placement of draft seals between the exterior surface of the vehicle body and the panel so that they do not protrude into the window opening. The hardware used to fasten the window panel to the vehicle body is affixed to the panel in a marginal portion which extends beyond the window opening so that the hardware does not protrude substantially into the window opening and into the field of view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronized rack and pinion system for extendable rooms for recreational vehicles. In particular, the invention provides a drive system for use in extending and retracting an extendable room on a vehicle frame. The drive system includes at least one pair of parallel rack and pinion systems operatively connected between the vehicle frame and the extendable room, with each pair of parallel rack and pinion systems synchronized through respective drive shafts. The system is operable between a closed position where the extendable room is retracted with respect to the vehicle frame and an open position where the extendable room is extended with respect to the vehicle frame.