Extension of GAZel - advantages, hazards and cost of work

The GAZ-3302 and its successor to the "Business" series are perhaps the most popular small-capacity trucks in the Russian market. The main advantages of this machine are the simplicity of construction and the low cost of maintenance. And even if someone scolds GAZelle for its frequent breakdown, then from the financial point of view, to change, for example, the clutch disk, will be much cheaper than on the same "Sprinter". However, she also has a drawback - sometimes without a 4-meter body in the transportation of large-sized building materials simply can not do. In this case, the extension of the frame helps.

GAZelle and its long-range modifications

Recently, four-meter GAZels began to appear more and more often from the conveyor of the Gorky Automobile Plant. And this applies not only to the model 3302, but also all the others, such as "Farmer", "Business" and many others. But at this Gorky plant did not stop - the production of special long cars is handled by their closest partner - the company "Chaika-Service". True, this is not done serially and only at the request of the car owner.

How does the extension of GAZel come about?

It is impossible to do this with your own hands - the frame design is changed only by professionals on specialized equipment. And the process is as follows:

1. Employees calculate the size of the existing frame when performing a non-standard construction.
2. There is directly lengthening the body of GAZelle. With the help of special tools make a notch on the frame 2, after removing the box, cardan shaft and other components from the car.
3. Two long steel channels are inserted in the incision site and fixed with bolts.
4. A new longer cardan shaft is installed, as well as a cargo platform corresponding to the size of the frame.

How much does the service cost?

Depending on how much the customer wants to extend the GAZel, this procedure can cost from 20 to 40 thousand rubles. At the same time for an additional fee, specialists on site can perform its reinforcement and installation of a new, longer body. It can be either a tent platform or a manufactured insulated van or refrigerator. By the way, for about such a price it is possible to purchase and install a sleeping bag for GAZel on the service, which will allow the driver to transport goods to longer routes and distances.

Dimensions of the cargo platform

Thanks to such modernization as the extension of GAZel, you will eventually get a full-length truck with a body length of 4, 4.2, 5, 6 and more meters. With such dimensions it is possible to transport almost any cargo - steel pipes, galvanized profiles or foam. In terms of cubature elongated GAZels contain up to 20-35 (and more) m ³ different products.

What are the benefits?

As for the advantages, we have already noted that with a 4-6-meter body the car can transport more goods, which means that the total profit from transportation increases almost 2-2.5 times. This is the main reason why many "gazelists" extend their cars to 4-6 meters.

disadvantages

There is also a downside to the coin. Among the main disadvantages is the low carrying capacity of the machine. So, the lengthening of GAZel makes it more vulnerable to overloading. And if the 3-meter version of it still somehow can pull 2 tons on itself, then in the case of a 4-meter risk of cracking on the frame increases by 10-15 times. In addition to this - the installation of methane cylinders or other HBO, which also increases the design of the car and, accordingly, increases the load on the frame. In the technical passport of some 4-meter GAZel, the maximum payload is 1100 kilograms against 1500 at 3 meters. Five- and six-meter modifications raise even less cargo. On average, the GAZelle's lengthening reduces its useful payload by 300-800 kilograms. In addition, it is necessary to note the significant load on the engine and the rear axle - when overloaded, both can completely fail. So it turns out that it is possible to carry only light furniture, polystyrene foam and long wood and steel structures with a total mass of not more than 1.1 tons. Otherwise it is necessary to strengthen the frame. But this does not always have to be done either. Firstly, it considerably burdens the design of the car, and secondly, the load on the ICE increases, and subsequently we get an increased fuel consumption.

Conclusion

What conclusion should be drawn from this? Based on all of the above, the extension of GAZel is required only when it really is needed. If you do not have an extreme need for frequent transportation of oversized cargo, the frame should no longer be made - this will only increase the load on the engine components and on the frame itself. The best option is to extend the GAZelle from the 3-meter body to 4-4.2-meter. To make a 6-meter "sausage" is simply not practical, for you can carry only one styrofoam in it. So it is more appropriate in some cases to think about buying a larger car.