(3) Securely fasten the item in place. In the following order, stack the bolt, a flat washer, the OVE item, the cab, or
compartment panel, a flat washer, and a nut. To this stack, add appropriate spacers-i.e. sections of pipe, etc through
insulation, floor mats, and other soft material to give the necessary solid fastening to mount. Don't rely on sheet metal
screws to mount items securely. Sheet metal screws don't withstand shock and vibration, except in light usage, such as
passenger cars. The use of a prevailing torque lock nut on each mounting bolt is excellent means of insurance to install
the OVE item only once, and not keep reinstalling the mount, on a continuous basis, as the mount fasteners loosen and
are lost.
(4) For vehicles with Roll-Over-Protection (ROPS) and Falling-Object-Protection (FOPS), do not drill mounting holes
in any structural members. Instead, use wrap around brackets and similar devices for installing the OVE items, without
the need to weaken these protective members.
5.
Exterior OVE item installation guidance:
As was recommended with in-cab and in-compartment OVE item mounting, make a trial installation using the actual item
or a cardboard mock-up. Then think out the following points:
Check the position for
-protection from weathering, snow and ice damage, and road splash damage,
-possible front end, rear end, and side-swipe damage (must not extend beyond the vehicle),
-hazardous use by people as a handhold or step,
-structural rigidity of the proposed mounting members (position items as close to the center of the vehicle as
practical; adding extra weight to cantilever members results in fatigue failures),
-access to people who are standing on the ground when practical (climbing is dangerous, especially with one hand
holding the OVE item).
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