Superlite- in a truck? Yep, the new Superlite Moab is a real Superlite, weighing in at just 3750 lbs. While that sounds more like a Buick (the Buick LaCrosse actually does weigh slightly more than the Moab), by off-road truck standards, the Moab is pretty light. For example, the typical Trophy Truck weighs around 5000 to 6000 lbs. all up. A Pro-2 truck has a nominal minimum of around 3800 lbs. Even the popular Ford Raptor, many of which see off-road duty, weighs in at a portly 6100 lbs or so- and has the handicap of that big old iron engine up front as well. So the Moab is really pretty light, compared to the alternatives. Thats because of careful engineering at the beginning, and strict attention to computer models that allow Superlite to optimize by adding weight where it adds strength in the right places, and leaving it out where it just adds mass. Which leads to the next, related topic- what is the weight distribution of the Moab? In an off-road truck, you want a rearward bias so that the driven wheels can get better traction. While many trucks struggle to get even a 50-50 distribution, the Moab starts out with only 44.5% of its weight on the front, and 54.5% on the rear- just about ideal, and slightly better than the rules allow for a Pro-2 truck. A typical Trophy Truck runs about 60% front bias, far from optimal but a result of a front engine and requirements for a driver and passenger. The Raptor is similar with 56% of its weight on the front. Summing it up, the Moab has much less weight than comparables, and a better weight distribution, while maintaining incredible strength in the chassis design. The Superlite Moab. Who knew it would be a real Superlite?
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:27:41 +0000