Kenworth has enhanced the class-6 T270 and class-7 T370 with new frame packaging options: fuel tanks mounted between the frame rails behind the rear axle plus a narrower battery box.

Together they’re part of a focused program that opens up more options for medium-duty customers with complex body installations such as utilities, fire and street maintenance departments, towing operators, and hydronic service providers.

The new packaging options could also reduce the amount of custom work body builders have to do, resulting in a potential reduction in the cost of installation, says Kenworth.

The new battery box, which is 6 in. narrower than the standard one, frees up space on the left-hand side for body installations and for a small DEF tank to be mounted under the cab. With this option, the air tanks are now located on the back of the cab rather than the standard placement below the battery box, which can still accommodate two or three batteries.

A matching narrow tool box is also available for the right side of the T270 and T370, and can be combined with a fuel tank pulled forward to lessen the effect on the back of the cab. In this case, the DEF tank is mounted behind a right-hand narrow tool box.

The new steel rectangular fuel tanks, mounted between the frame rails behind the rear axle, are available in 45- and 70-gal capacities. They feature temporary fuel fillers, which body builders can relocate in many different ways to accommodate various bodies and equipment. The tanks can also be equipped with auxiliary supply tubes for customers using generators or other apparatus. Because the tanks are supported by welded-steel crossmembers, they can be used with or without frame inserts.

While the narrower battery box and the rear between-the-frame-rail-mounted fuel tanks can be ordered separately depending on the fleet or truck operator’s needs,  they’re designed to work in tandem to clear as much frame space as possible.