A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The
chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a
delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely
planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational
axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly
compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support
supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel
support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the
wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the
rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a
recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.