Caelan said:
@Sydney
It’s about meeting specific size and weight rules. Small trucks just don’t hit the mark under current regulations. I’ll find a simple explanation for everyone.
Here’s a video that explains it: https://youtu.be/azI3nqrHEXM?si=cE3Zkz3Lj5gM5SQj
Caelan said:
@Sydney
It’s about meeting specific size and weight rules. Small trucks just don’t hit the mark under current regulations. I’ll find a simple explanation for everyone.
It’s actually based on the gross weight, not wheelbase and engine size. No one wants a tiny 6000lb Ranger.
@Niko
True, I had to rewatch the video to double-check the details!
@Sydney
Basically, they need to make the trucks big enough to justify the low mpg. It’s the opposite of what the EPA intended.
@Sydney
Are you familiar with the Ford Maverick? Ford can barely keep up with the demand for it.
Zack said:
@Sydney
Are you familiar with the Ford Maverick? Ford can barely keep up with the demand for it.
Check out what u/No_Pension_5065 said above.
@Sydney
Yep, US automakers pushed for these emissions rules because it meant more money in their pockets.
@Sydney
But… what about the Maverick?
Mikayla said:
@Sydney
But… what about the Maverick?
The Maverick gets by because its main model is a hybrid, which is essentially an SUV with a bed. Real small trucks face a different set of rules under emissions laws.
@Ellison
Got it. Why can’t a body-on-frame (BoF) vehicle do the same with fuel efficiency?
Mikayla said:
@Ellison
Got it. Why can’t a body-on-frame (BoF) vehicle do the same with fuel efficiency?
Unibody designs are more aerodynamic underneath.
BoF vehicles have to bear all weight in the frame while keeping the cab strong enough for flips, which makes them heavier.
You can more easily place a battery in a unibody without frame issues.
BoF is flexible, which is why they’re more common in trucks—it’s easier to modify for different loads and uses.
@Ellison
Makes sense, thanks for the breakdown!
@Ellison
Appreciate the detailed info!
Mikayla said:
@Ellison
Got it. Why can’t a body-on-frame (BoF) vehicle do the same with fuel efficiency?
SUVs are often body-on-frame too, so they get to skip some regulations.
Mikayla said:
@Ellison
Got it. Why can’t a body-on-frame (BoF) vehicle do the same with fuel efficiency?
SUVs are often body-on-frame too, so they get to skip some regulations.
Most modern SUVs are actually unibody; only the biggest ones like the Expedition or Tahoe stick with BoF.
Mikayla said:
@Ellison
Got it. Why can’t a body-on-frame (BoF) vehicle do the same with fuel efficiency?
SUVs are often body-on-frame too, so they get to skip some regulations.
Yep, BoF SUVs used to be everywhere—Bronco, Durango, etc. Now maybe just the Expedition or Sequoia?
@Riley
My old ‘92 Tracker was BoF.
@Ellison
Funny enough, it actually has a higher payload than a Tacoma.
Lenox said:
@Ellison
Funny enough, it actually has a higher payload than a Tacoma.
It depends on the trim, though. Some Tacomas are more off-road-focused, which affects payload capacity.
@Ellison
The F-150 is BoF, hybrid, and has a decent-sized engine.