There are two types of frame designs drivers will find on vehicles made in the US: Body-On-Frame and Unibody frames. A unibody design involves manufacturing the frame and body of the vehicle as a single unit, while a body-on-frame design involves mounting the body of the car to the chassis that carries the powertrain. Most modern vehicles are manufactured with a unibody design due to their higher safety ratings and fuel-economy savings, but some vehicles still use body-on-frame for their added capability and cheaper repair costs. Learn more about the differences between body-on-frame vs. unibody designs with Eli’s Collision Repair below, then learn how to find a good collision repair center if you’ve been in an accident in Santa Monica.
Body-On-Frame vs. Unibody Design
There are many differences between body-on-frame vs. unibody design. A body-on-frame design is constructed in two parts: the body and the chassis. This design is the original design for US vehicles, dating all the way back to the first models ever produced on an assembly line. Because body-on-frame vehicles have separate parts, they are cheaper to repair and can easily adjust to off-road terrain. Additionally, body-on-frame vehicles have a heavier towing capacity due to their sturdy foundation.
By comparison, unibody frames have the chassis and body of the vehicle manufactured as a single unit. Unibody frame designs came to the US market in the 1930s, and quickly became the preferred choice for manufacturers due to their higher safety ratings, lighter design, and the efficiencies that came with construction. Because unibody frames are lighter than body-on-frame designs, they offer better fuel economy and are easier to drive on Beverly Hills roads. Most unibody SUVs handle as smoothly as sedans. Their single-unit design also means that manufacturers could implement “crumple zones” in the frame. These crumple zones absorb the impact from a collision, which results in fewer injuries and fatalities in the event of a collision.
The majority of modern vehicles on Mid-Wilshire roads are built with unibody frames, but vehicles that pre-date the 2000s or heavy-duty vehicles may have a body-on-frame design instead. The type of vehicle frame that’s right for you will depend on your needs. If you want a safer vehicle with higher fuel economy, then a unibody frame design will benefit you. However, if you need a tougher model with cheaper repairs, then a body-on-frame design will suit you better.
Body-On-Frame Pros and Cons
While body-on-frame vehicles are slowly being replaced by unibody designs, there are a number of benefits that come with its two-part construction. The most noticeable benefit is their off-road capability. Since body-on-frame designs are two parts, they are able to withstand the twisting forces of off-road or uneven terrain better than unibody designs. Additionally, they are often mounted higher than unibody vehicles, making it easier to go over certain terrain and avoid dirt, mud, and snow. Due to their sturdy foundations, body-on-frame designs are also ideal for pulling heavy trailer capacities or payloads. Finally, body-on-frame designs are often cheaper to repair as well. Since the body and chassis are separate, you can replace one or the other if it’s damaged, as opposed to replacing/repairing the whole frame on a unibody vehicle.
With all their benefits though, there are some drawbacks that are important to consider when purchasing a body-on-frame model. Body-on-frame vehicles are often very heavy, which cuts into their fuel economy ratings. Their higher stature, stiff torsion flexing, and high centers of gravity make them more difficult to drive on South Bay roads and they’re more prone to rollovers. Another significant drawback to body-on-frame designs is their safety ratings. If you’re wondering if a body-on-frame design is safer than a unibody design, the answer is no. Body-on-frame vehicles lack crumple zones, which can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities in collisions.
Unibody Frame Pros & Cons
Unibody frames are the preferred frame design for many manufacturers in the modern age. In addition to offering higher fuel economy ratings due to their lighter designs, they also have significantly higher safety ratings thanks to their crumple zones. Crumple zones are areas designed to crumple and absorb kinetic energy during a crash, so the driver and passengers don’t absorb it instead. Additionally, unibody frames are cheaper to manufacture, which leads to more savings for customers. Unibody frames also offer a more enjoyable ride due to their low centers of gravity and easy handling on West LA roads.
With all their advantages, however, unibody frames are not perfect. Their single-unit design means they are resistant to twisting forces, which makes towing and going off-road more difficult. The largest disadvantage of unibody designs is their repair costs. If there’s damage to a single part of a unibody frame, by consequence, the entire frame is damaged. This can lead to high repair costs for a consumer, and often results in the entire vehicle being written off and totaled instead of repaired.
Have Your Vehicle Repaired at Eli’s Collision Repair
If your vehicle has suffered damage to its frame, bring it to one of our Eli’s Collision Repair centers to have it inspected and restored to its previous condition. You can get a free estimate online or contact our team to discuss your specific concerns. We have over 40 years of experience repairing and restoring vehicles, and we hold a number of manufacturer, private, and federal qualifications. V-sit us today and get back on California roads!