Vehicle having a removable panel assembly

A vehicle is disclosed, comprising a frame, a driver seat connected to the frame, a plurality of ground engaging members operatively connected to the frame, a motor operatively connected to at least one of the wheels, the motor being disposed rearward of the driver seat, and a panel assembly connected to the frame, the motor being accessible to a user when the panel assembly is removed, the panel assembly including a cargo platform, a left side panel connected to a left side of the cargo platform, and a right side panel connected to a right side of the cargo platform, the panel assembly and a portion of the frame being selectively removable from the vehicle as a unit. In some implementations, the portion of the frame includes a cross-member disposed under the cargo platform, and a left and right leg extending therefrom.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to vehicles having removable panel assemblies.

BACKGROUND

There exist various types of vehicles used mainly in off-road conditions. One such type is the side-by-side off-road vehicle. The name “side-by-side” refers to the seating arrangement of the vehicle in which the driver and a passenger are seated side-by-side. Some side-by-side off-road vehicles also have a second row of seats to accommodate one or more additional passengers. These vehicles typically have an open cockpit, a roll cage and a rear mounted engine.

These rear mounted engines are covered by a collection of panels or cowlings and portions of the frame, generally including a cargo platform. In order for a user to access the engine for maintenance or repair, the panels, the frame portions, and the cargo platform often need to be removed. This involves unbolting each component from its surrounding components and from the frame, which can be quite time consuming.

Thus there is a desire for a vehicle with panels and portions of the frame which allow for convenient access to a rear mounted engine.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a vehicle comprising a frame; a driver seat connected to the frame; a plurality of ground engaging members operatively connected to the frame; a motor operatively connected to at least one of the wheels, the motor being disposed rearward of the driver seat; and a panel assembly connected to the frame, the motor being accessible to a user when the panel assembly is removed, the panel assembly including at least a cargo platform, a left side panel connected to a left side of the cargo platform, and a right side panel connected to a right side of the cargo platform, the panel assembly and a portion of the frame being selectively removable from the vehicle as a unit.

In some implementations of the present technology, the portion of the frame comprises a cross-member disposed under the cargo platform; a left leg, a first end of the left leg being connecting to a roll cage of the vehicle, a second end of the left leg being connected to a left end of the cross-member, the left leg passing through the left side panel; and a right leg, a first end of the right leg being connecting to the roll cage of the vehicle, a second end of the right leg being connected to a right end of the cross-member, the right leg passing through the right side panel.

In some implementations of the present technology, the left leg extends upward and forward from the second end of the left leg to the first end of the left leg; and the right leg extends upward and forward from the second end of the right leg to the first end of the right leg.

In some implementations of the present technology, the panel assembly further comprises a rear facia panel connected to the cargo platform.

In some implementations of the present technology, the rear facia panel extends below the cargo platform and is disposed rearward of the motor.

In some implementations of the present technology, at least two ground engaging members of the plurality of ground engaging members are a rear left wheel and a rear right wheel; a top portion of the rear left wheel is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the left side panel and a left end of the rear facia panel; and a top portion of the rear right wheel is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the right side panel and a right end of the rear facia panel.

In some implementations of the present technology, the left and right side panels are generally L-shaped.

In some implementations of the present technology, the left and right side panels extend vertically higher than a top surface of the cargo platform.

In some implementations of the present technology, the cargo platform is selectively separable from the left and right side panels.

In some implementations of the present technology, when the panel assembly is connected to the vehicle, the motor is under the cargo platform and laterally between the left and right side panels.

In some implementations of the present technology, the vehicle further comprises a right door connected to the frame and a left door connected to the frame and the right side panel connects to the frame near a hinge of the right door and the left side panel connected to the frame near a hinge of the left door.

In some implementations of the present technology, the left side panel is a first left side panel; and the right side panel is a first right side panel; the vehicle further comprising a second left side panel connected to a left side of the frame and extending at least in part forward of the first left side panel; a first left fastener connecting a forward end of the first left side panel to the frame; a second left fastener connecting the forward end of the first left side panel to the second left side panel; a second right side panel connected to a right side of the frame and extending at least in part forward of the first right side panel; a first right fastener connecting a forward end of the first right side panel to the frame; and a second right fastener connecting the forward end of the first right side panel to the second right side panel.

In some implementations of the present technology, the frame comprises a front frame portion; a central frame portion connected to the front frame portion and being disposed rearward of the front frame portion; and a rear frame portion connected to the central frame portion and being disposed rearward of the central frame portion; wherein the motor is mounted to the rear frame portion; and the panel assembly partially surrounds the rear frame portion when the panel assembly is connected to the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method of accessing a motor of a vehicle having a frame. The method comprising disconnecting a panel assembly from the vehicle, the panel assembly including a cargo platform, a left side panel connected to a left side of the cargo platform, and a right side panel connected to a right side of the cargo platform, the panel assembly selectively covering the motor, the motor being disposed rearward of a driver seat of the vehicle, the panel assembly being removable without separation of the left and right side panels from the cargo platform; disconnecting a portion of the frame from a remainder of the frame; and withdrawing the panel assembly and the portion of the frame as a unit away from the vehicle for exposing the motor.

In some implementations of the present technology, disconnecting the panel assembly from the vehicle includes removing at least a first fastener connecting the left side panel to the frame; and removing at least a second fastener connecting the right side panel to the frame.

In some implementations of the present technology, the portion of the frame comprises a cross-member disposed under the cargo platform, a left leg connected to a left end of the cross-member, the left leg passing through the left side panel, and a right leg connected to a right end of the cross-member, the right leg passing through the right side panel, and the disconnecting the portion of the frame from the remainder of the frame comprises disconnecting an end of the left leg from a remainder of the frame, and disconnecting an end of the right leg from the remainder of the frame.

In some implementations of the present technology, the disconnecting the end of the left leg from the remainder of the frame comprises disconnecting the end of the left leg from a roll cage of the frame and the disconnecting the end of the right leg from the remainder of the frame comprises disconnecting the end of the right leg from the roll cage of the frame.

In some implementations of the present technology, the panel assembly further comprises a rear facia panel connected to the cargo platform; and the disconnecting a panel assembly from the vehicle includes disconnecting the rear facia panel from the frame.

For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearward, upwardly, downwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by a driver of the vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or sub-assemblies of the vehicle, separately from the vehicle should be understood as they would be understood when these components or sub-assemblies are mounted to the vehicle, unless specified otherwise in this application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology will be described with respect to a four-wheel off-road vehicle10having two side-by-side seats and a steering wheel. However, it is contemplated that some aspects of the present technology may apply to other types of vehicles such as, but not limited to, off-road vehicles having a handlebar and a straddle seat (i.e. an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)), off-road vehicles having ground engaging members other than wheels, and off-road vehicles having more or less than four wheels, as well as on-road vehicles with rear-mounted engines and motors.

The general features of the off-road vehicle10will be described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 6. The vehicle10has a frame12, two front wheels14connected to a front of the frame12by front suspension assemblies16and two rear wheels18connected to the frame12by rear suspension assemblies20.

The frame12defines a central cockpit area22inside which are disposed a driver seat24and a passenger seat26. In the present implementation, the driver seat24is disposed on the left side of the vehicle10and the passenger seat26is disposed on the right side of the vehicle10. However, it is contemplated that the driver seat24could be disposed on the right side of the vehicle10and that the passenger seat26could be disposed on the left side of the vehicle10. A steering wheel28is disposed in front of the driver seat24. The steering wheel28is used to turn the front wheels14to steer the vehicle10. Various displays and gauges29are disposed above the steering wheel28to provide information to the driver regarding the operating conditions of the vehicle10. Examples of displays and gauges29include, but are not limited to, a speedometer, a tachometer, a fuel gauge, a transmission position display, and an oil temperature gauge.

A motor30, more specifically an engine30, is connected to the frame12in a rear portion of the vehicle10, as can be best seen inFIG. 6. The engine30is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT)32disposed on a left side of the engine30. The CVT32is operatively connected to a transaxle34to transmit torque from the engine30to the transaxle34. The transaxle34is disposed behind the engine30. The transaxle34is operatively connected to the front and rear wheels14,18to propel the vehicle10. A fuel tank36is suspended from the frame12in front of the passenger seat26. The fuel tank36is disposed above the floor of the cockpit area22of the vehicle10. A filler neck35that is selectively closed by a cap38extends upward, rightward and rearward from a top, right and rear portion of the fuel tank36. A radiator616is connected to the front portion of the frame102and the bumper frame assembly179. The radiator616is used to cool engine coolant used to cool the engine30. The engine30is a combustion engine30, but it is contemplated that in some implementations the engine30could be replaced by another type of motor, including but not limited to, an electric motor and a hybrid electric-combustion motor system.

Various body panels are connected to the frame12of the vehicle10. These panels help protect the internal components of the vehicle10and provide some of the aesthetic features of the vehicle10. Front panels40are connected to a front of the frame12. The front panels40are disposed forward of the front suspension assemblies16and laterally between the front wheels14. The front panels40define two apertures inside which the headlights42of the vehicle10are disposed. A cover44extends generally horizontally reward from a top of the front panels40. The cover44defines an aperture45through which tops of the front suspension assemblies16protrude as will be described in greater detail below. Front fenders46are disposed rearward of the front panels40on each side of the vehicle10. Each front fender46is disposed in part above and in part behind of its corresponding front wheel14. Lower panels48extend along the bottom of the frame12between the front and rear wheels14,18.

As can be seen inFIG. 2for the left lower panel48, each lower panel48has a front end disposed under the bottom portion of its corresponding front fender46and extends rearward therefrom. A generally L-shaped panel49is disposed behind the rear end of each lower panel48. Generally L-shaped rear panels50, also referred to herein as rear fenders50, extend upward and then rearward from the rear, upper ends of the L-shaped panels49. The rear fenders50, specifically a right rear panel50and a left rear panel50, define a cargo space56therebetween behind the seats24,26, including a cargo platform58. A rear panel62, also referred to as the rear facia62, is disposed laterally between the rear wheels18, extending generally downward from the cargo platform58. A separation panel60extends laterally and is disposed longitudinally between the seats24,26and the cargo platform58. The rear fenders50, the cargo platform58, and the rear facia62will be described in more detail below.

On each side of the vehicle10, the front fender46, the lower panel48, the L-shaped panel49and the rear fender50define a passage52through which a driver or passenger can enter or exit the vehicle10. Each side of the vehicle10is provided with a door54that selectively closes an upper portion of the corresponding passage52. Each door54has two hinges55(shown schematically inFIG. 2) at a rear thereof, connected to brackets92(FIGS. 7 and 8) connected to the member148. It is contemplated that each door54could be connected to the frame12via a single hinge. Each door54is selectively connected at a front thereof to a frame element94via a releasable latch (not shown) provided in the door54. It is contemplated that each door54could be hinged at a front thereof and latched at a rear thereof.

Turning now toFIGS. 6 to 8, portions the frame12of the vehicle10will be described in more detail. The frame12has a central portion100, a front portion102and a rear portion104. As their names suggest, the front portion102is disposed in front of the central portion100and the rear portion104is disposed behind the central portion100. The central portion100defines the cockpit area22in which the seats24,26are disposed. The central portion100also defines a roll cage106. The front suspension assemblies16are connected to the central and front portions100,102of the frame12. The engine30, the CVT32and the transaxle34are supported by the rear portion104of the frame12. The rear suspension assemblies20are connected to the central and rear portions100,104of the frame12.

The roll cage106is connected at its front to the brackets132and at its rear to the brackets153. Legs162are connected to and extend upward and forward from the brackets153. The upper ends of the legs162are received in and connected to connectors164. Legs166are connected to and extend upward and rearward from the brackets132. The upper ends of the legs166are received in and connected to the connectors164. As best seen inFIG. 8, the legs166are bent near their center points. Brackets167are provided at the bend in the legs166. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, legs172connect to the connectors164and extend rearward, downward and laterally inward therefrom. The legs172will be described in more detail below.

Sections of the central portion100of the frame12will now be described. The central portion100has a laterally extending bottom member108. Rear members140extend upward and rearward from the ends of the bottom member108. Side members148are connected to the upper portion of the rear members140. From the rear members140, the side members148extend downward and forward and connect to the rear ends of side members142.

Sections of the rear portion104of the frame12will now be described. The rear portion104has two bottom members208connecting to and extending rearward and laterally inward from the rear of the bottom member108of the central portion100of the frame12. Two members218are connected to the rear ends of the members208. From the members208, the members218extend upward, forward and laterally outward. A mounting bracket206extends from the members218for added structural rigidity. Two members222are connected to the top ends of the members218. Each member222includes a bracket223to which the cargo platform58is fastened via a cross-member225(FIG. 8). A laterally extending member220is connected to the rear ends of the members222. The member220is disposed rearward of the members218and lower than the top ends of the members218as can be seen inFIG. 8. The two members222are connected near the ends of the member220. From the member220, the members222extend forward, upward and laterally outward.

The frame12is made from a plurality of hollow cylindrical steel members and steel brackets that are welded to each other. It is contemplated that at least some of the hollow cylindrical members could be replaced by other types of members such as solid cylindrical members, hollow tubes having a cross-section other than circular, and beams, for example. It is also contemplated that the members and brackets could be made of another type of metal, such as aluminum for example. It is also contemplated that at least some of the members and brackets could be made of a non-metallic material, such as composite materials or plastics for example. It is also contemplated that at least some of the members and brackets could be joined to each other by means other than welding, such as by fastening and bonding for example. It is also contemplated that two or more of the members and brackets described below could be cast or otherwise formed as a single component. It is also contemplated that the frame12could have more or less members and brackets than described below depending on the type of materials used, the required strength and rigidity of the frame12and the weight of the components attached to the frame12for example.

A panel assembly300and portions of the frame12will now be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 12. The panel assembly300is made up of the left fender50, the right fender50, and the cargo platform58. The panel assembly300partially surrounds the rear frame portion104when the panel assembly300is connected to the vehicle10. Portions of the frame12pass through and support the panel assembly300, as will be described in more detail below.

Each rear fender50is disposed in part above and in part forward of its corresponding rear wheel18. The rear fenders50define apertures at the rear thereof to receive the brake lights64of the vehicle10. The brake lights64are operatively connected to an electrical system (not shown) of the vehicle10via electrical connections65(shown schematically inFIG. 12) that must be disconnected when the fenders50are removed, as will be described below. It is contemplated that the brake lights64could be replaced with reflectors or that reflectors could be provided in addition to the brake lights64. Each fender50is fastened to the frame12near the hinges55of the door54at a point141by a fastener303(seeFIG. 10) received through an aperture302defined in the fender50. It is contemplated that each fender50could be selectively connected to the frame12at more or less points. In some implementations, each fender50could be replaced by two fenders, a top fender50′ connected to a bottom fender50″, as shown inFIG. 12. In such an implementation, the aperture302is used to connect the fender50′ to the frame12, while the fender50″ is connected to fender50′ via five apertures304with fasteners305, the apertures304and fasteners305being illustrated inFIG. 10.

The cargo platform58is fastened to, and extends horizontally between, the brackets223via the cross-member225. The cargo platform58is fastened to the cross-member225by four fasteners227, received in four apertures226(illustrated inFIG. 11). Portions of the fenders50extend vertically higher than a top surface of the cargo platform58to define the cargo space56, as mentioned above. It is contemplated that more or less of the fenders50may extend higher than the cargo platform58. The cargo platform58is bolted to the fenders50by bolts151(seeFIG. 9for example). It is contemplated that fasteners other than the bolts151could be used. The panels50are selectively removable from the cargo platform58, but as will be described below, do not need to be separated from the cargo platform58in order to be removed from the vehicle10. It is contemplated that the panels50,58could be connected by many means, selectively removable or not, including, but not limited to, plastic snap connections, rivets and spot welds. The cargo platform58has a plurality of apertures such that the cargo platform58can act as an attachments base to receive anchors such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,875,830, issued Nov. 4, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, in order to secure various items in the cargo space56. It is contemplated that hooks or loops could be provided instead of or in addition to the apertures in the cargo platform58. It is also contemplated that the cargo platform58could not be provided with any attachment features.

Portions of the frame12pass through and support the panel assembly300, as can best be seen inFIGS. 9 through 11. The legs172selectively connect to the brackets164of the roll cage106at their front ends and extend generally rearward and downward therefrom, as shown inFIG. 1and schematically inFIG. 8. Each leg172passes through its corresponding rear fender50and connects at its rear end to a cross-member181disposed under the cargo platform58. By being connected to the frame12via the legs172, the cross-member181provides support for the cargo platform58, as well as for additional loads which may be placed thereon.

As is illustrated schematically inFIGS. 5 and 12, the engine30is disposed generally below the cargo platform58and between the rear fenders50. As such, in order for a user to access the engine30, the fenders50, the cargo platform58, and the corresponding portions of the frame12must be removed. By the present technology, the panel assembly300and the corresponding portions of the frame12are selectively removable as a unit (the unit being shown inFIG. 9), such that the user does not need to disconnect and separate each portion of the assembly300, the legs172, and the cross-member181individually.

Another panel assembly300′ and portions of the frame12are illustrated inFIG. 13. The panel assembly300′ is made up of the left fender50, the right fender50, the cargo platform58and the rear facia62. The legs172and the cross-member181pass through and support the panel assembly300′ in the same way as described with respect to the panel assembly300.

The rear facia62is disposed laterally between the rear wheels18behind the cargo platform58. The rear facia62is selectively fastened to the cargo platform58by fasteners (not shown) on a top side and is fastened through two apertures63on a lower end of the facia62(FIG. 4) to two apertures221of the member220of the frame12(FIG. 8). As can be seen fromFIG. 2, the rear facia62extends rearward such that a top portion of the rear left wheel18is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the left fender50and a left end of the rear facia62and a top portion of the rear right wheel18is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the right fender50and a right end of the rear facia62.

In the implementation illustrated inFIG. 13with panel assembly300′, the user can access the engine30by removing the fenders50, the cargo platform58, the corresponding portions of the frame12and the rear facia62as a unit. By the present technology, the panel assembly300′ and the corresponding portions of the frame12are selectively removable as a unit such that the user does not need to disconnect and separate each portion of the assembly300′, the legs172, and the cross-member181.

A method400of accessing the engine30of the vehicle10using the panel assemblies300,300′ will now be described with respect toFIGS. 8 to 14. A schematic flowchart of the method400is illustrated inFIG. 14. As mentioned above, the panel assemblies300,300′ are selectively removable as a unit, such that the user is not required to separate and remove each rear panel component50,58, and/or62individually. The description of the method400below will generally refer to the panel assembly300, but applies similarly to the panel assembly300′.

Specifically, the method400begins by disconnecting the panel assembly300from the vehicle10at step410. The disconnecting at step410includes removing the fastener connecting the left fender50to the frame12through the aperture302at step412and removing the fastener connecting the right fender50to the frame12through the aperture302at step414. It is contemplated that there may be more or less fasteners connecting the fenders50to the frame12and the method400would be adapted to disconnect the fenders50from all the connection points to the frame12. The electrical connections65, found just forward of and leading to the brake lights64, must also be disconnected in order to remove the panel assembly300from the vehicle10. It is contemplated that in some implementations the fenders50could be provided with reflectors such that no disconnection of electrical contacts would be needed.

Similarly, the four fasteners227connecting the cargo platform58to the cross-member225are removed in order to disconnect the panel assembly300from the vehicle10at step410. It is contemplated that there may be more or less fasteners connecting the cargo platform58to the frame12and the method400would be adapted to disconnect the cargo platform58from all the connection points to the frame12. For the panel assembly300, the disconnecting at step410the panel assembly300includes disconnecting the rear facia62from the cargo platform58. For the panel assembly300′, disconnecting at step410the panel assembly300′ further includes disconnecting the rear facia62from the frame12at step416. It should be noted that at no point in the method400are the fenders50or the rear facia62disconnected from the cargo platform58.

Next, the method400continues with disconnecting at step450the portion of the frame12from a remainder of the frame12. Specifically, the front end of the left leg172is disconnected from the left bracket164on the roll cage106of the frame12at step452and the front end of the right leg172is disconnected from the right bracket164on the roll cage106of the frame12at step454. In disconnecting the legs172, attention should be paid to prevent the panel assembly300from fall, as it is no longer supported on the vehicle10. As the cross-member181is connected to the frame12via the left leg172and the right leg172, there are no further steps necessary to disconnect the portion of the frame12from the remainder of the frame12.

Finally, the method400concludes with withdrawing at step470the panel assembly300and the portion of the frame12as a unit away from the vehicle10in order to expose the engine30and allow the user to access the engine30and the surrounding components. It should be noted that the method400has not required the panel and frame components to be separated from each other, and the panel assemblies300,300′ and the corresponding portions of the frame12require little work to provide the user access to the engine30.

It is contemplated that the method400could include additional or different steps, either to perform additional functions and/or to perform the steps described above. Additionally, the steps410,412,414,416,450,452, and454could be performed in an assortment of different sequences, depending on for example user preferences, and is not limited to the order set forth in the explanation above.

The vehicle10and method400implemented in accordance with some non-limiting implementations of the present technology can be represented as presented in the following numbered clauses.

CLAUSE 1: A vehicle (10) comprising: a frame (12); a driver seat (24) connected to the frame (12); a plurality of ground engaging members (14,18) operatively connected to the frame (12); a motor (30) operatively connected to at least one of the ground engaging members (14,18), the motor (30) being disposed rearward of the driver seat (24); and a panel assembly (300,300′) connected to the frame (12), the motor (30) being accessible to a user when the panel assembly (300,300′) is removed, the panel assembly (300,300′) including at least: a cargo platform (58), a left side panel (50) connected to a left side of the cargo platform (58), and a right side panel (50) connected to a right side of the cargo platform (58), the panel assembly (300,300′) and a portion of the frame (12) being selectively removable from the vehicle (10) as a unit.

CLAUSE 2: The vehicle (10) of clause 1, wherein the portion of the frame (12) comprises: a cross-member (181) disposed under the cargo platform (58); a left leg (172), a first end of the left leg (172) being connected to a roll cage (106) of the vehicle (10), a second end of the left leg (172) being connected to a left end of the cross-member (181), the left leg (172) passing through the left side panel (50); and a right leg (172), a first end of the right leg (172) being connected to the roll cage (106) of the vehicle (10), a second end of the right leg (172) being connected to a right end of the cross-member (181), the right leg (172) passing through the right side panel (50).

CLAUSE 3: The vehicle (10) of clause 2, wherein: the left leg (172) extends upward and forward from the second end of the left leg (172) to the first end of the left leg (172); and the right leg (172) extends upward and forward from the second end of the right leg (172) to the first end of the right leg (172).

CLAUSE 4. The vehicle (10) of clause 1, wherein the panel assembly (300,300′) further comprises a rear facia panel (62) connected to the cargo platform (58).

CLAUSE 5: The vehicle (10) of clause 4, wherein the rear facia panel (62) extends below the cargo platform (58) and is disposed rearward of the motor (30).

CLAUSE 6: The vehicle (10) of clause 4, wherein: at least two ground engaging members (18) of the plurality of ground engaging members (14,18) are a rear left wheel (18) and a rear right wheel (18); a top portion of the rear left wheel (18) is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the left side panel (50) (50) and a left end of the rear facia panel (62); and a top portion of the rear right wheel (18) is disposed longitudinally between a portion of the right side panel (50) and a right end of the rear facia panel (62).

CLAUSE 7: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the left and right side panels (50) are generally L-shaped.

CLAUSE 8: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the left and right side panels (50) extend vertically higher than a top surface of the cargo platform (58).

CLAUSE 9: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the cargo platform (58) is selectively separable from the left and right side panels (50).

CLAUSE 10: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein, when the panel assembly (300,300′) is connected to the vehicle (10), the motor (30) is under the cargo platform (58) and laterally between the left and right side panels (50).

CLAUSE 11: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising: a right door (54) connected to the frame (12); and a left door (54) connected to the frame (12); and wherein: the right side panel (50) connects to the frame (12) near a hinge (55) of the right door (54); and the left side panel (50) connected to the frame (12) near a hinge (55) of the left door (54).

CLAUSE 12: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein: the left side panel (50) is a first left side panel (50′); and the right side panel (50) is a first right side panel (50′); the vehicle (10) further comprising: a second left side panel (50″) connected to a left side of the frame (12) and extending at least in part forward of the first left side panel (50′); a first left fastener connecting a forward end of the first left side panel (50′) to the frame (12); a second left fastener connecting the first left side panel (50′) to the second left side panel (50″); a second right side panel (50″) connected to a right side of the frame (12) and extending at least in part forward of the first right side panel (50′); a first right fastener connecting a forward end of the first right side panel (50′) to the frame (12); and a second right fastener connecting the first right side panel (50′) to the second right side panel (50″).

CLAUSE 13: The vehicle (10) of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the frame (12) comprises: a front frame portion (102); a central frame portion (100) connected to the front frame portion (102) and being disposed rearward of the front frame portion (102); and a rear frame portion (104) connected to the central frame portion (100) and being disposed rearward of the central frame portion (100); and wherein: the motor (30) is mounted to the rear frame portion (104); and the panel assembly (300,300′) partially surrounds the rear frame portion (104) when the panel assembly (300,300′) is connected to the vehicle (10).

CLAUSE 14: A method of accessing a motor (30) of a vehicle (10) having a frame (12), the method comprising: disconnecting a panel assembly (300,300′) from the vehicle (10), the panel assembly (300,300′) including: a cargo platform (58), a left side panel (50) connected to a left side of the cargo platform (58), and a right side panel (50) connected to a right side of the cargo platform (58), the panel assembly (300,300′) selectively covering the motor (30), the motor (30) being disposed rearward of a driver seat (24) of the vehicle (10), the panel assembly (300,300′) being removable without separation of the left and right side panels (50) from the cargo platform (58); disconnecting a portion of the frame (12) from a remainder of the frame (12); and withdrawing the panel assembly (300,300′) and the portion of the frame (12) as a unit away from the vehicle (10) for exposing the motor (30).

CLAUSE 15: The method of clause 14, wherein disconnecting the panel assembly (300,300′) from the vehicle (10) includes: removing at least a first fastener connecting the left side panel (50) to the frame (12); and removing at least a second fastener connecting the right side panel (50) to the frame (12).

CLAUSE 16: The method of clause 14, wherein: the portion of the frame (12) comprises: a cross-member (181) disposed under the cargo platform (58), a left leg (172) connected to a left end of the cross-member (181), the left leg (172) passing through the left side panel (50), and a right leg (172) connected to a right end of the cross-member (181), the right leg (172) passing through the right side panel (50), and the disconnecting the portion of the frame (12) from the remainder of the frame (12) comprises: disconnecting an end of the left leg (172) from a remainder of the frame (12), and disconnecting an end of the right leg (172) from the remainder of the frame (12).

CLAUSE 17: The method of clause 16, wherein: the disconnecting the end of the left leg (172) from the remainder of the frame (12) comprises disconnecting the end of the left leg (172) from a roll cage (106) of the frame (12); and the disconnecting the end of the right leg (172) from the remainder of the frame (12) comprises disconnecting the end of the right leg (172) from the roll cage (106) of the frame (12).

CLAUSE 18: The method of clause 14, wherein: the panel assembly (300,300′) further comprises a rear facia panel (62) connected to the cargo platform (58); and the disconnecting the panel assembly (300,300′) from the vehicle (10) includes disconnecting the rear facia panel (62) from the frame (12).