Thor Forums

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Vehicles these days are designed to absorb the energy of the crash (saving the passengers but not necessarily preventing damage as gmc alluded to above).

Look closely at the picture Chance provided of the frame. You can see the frame behind the bumper flanges looks more like an accordion than straight frame.

That's correct Jamie. My old E-Series van is built the same way with the front section of the frame rail formed like an "accordion" to make it deform easier at the very front. Even so, there is a very strong-looking bumper that bolts to the very front of frame to help transfer impact loads back to vehicle (same as in Class Cs).

Without a bumper across the front, if you hit a tree or pole in very center between frame rails, it would push radiator and engine back too easily in my opinion. Of course, most motorhomes are not know for being built for safety.