Term Explanation Technical data
Ground clearance This is the vertical distance between the
level ground and the lowest part on the
vehicle.
Front: maximum 8.6 inches
(214 mm).
Rear: maximum 10.4 inches
(261 mm).
Fording depth in
standing water
Distance between the point on the ground
that touches the tire and the engine air
intake duct.
Maximum 20 inches (500 mm).
Gradient angle The number of feet (meters) in altitude
gained when traveling 100 ft (30.48 m) is
given as a percentage or in degrees
⇒ fig. 281 A.
Information on the maximum slope the
vehicle can climb unassisted (depends on
road surface and engine power).
Maximum permissible 31 degrees
(corresponds to 60 %).
Lateral angle
(vehicle slope)
The maximum angle the vehicle may be
driven across terrain without the vehicle
rolling over (depends on height of center
of gravity) B.
Maximum permissible
35 degrees.
Breakover angle Maximum permitted angle given in
degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed
can clear a ramp without the underbody of
the vehicle scraping the ramp
Maximum 20 degrees.
Approach/departure
angle
Transition from horizontal plane to a slope,
or from a slope to flat ground.
Maximum angle in degrees the vehicle can
be driven at low speed along an
embankment without the bumper or
underbody scraping.
Front: maximum 25 degrees.
Rear: maximum 26 degrees.
Fall line This is the vertical drop route.
Articulation Articulation capability of the vehicle while driving on one side over an object.
.WARNING
Never exceed the recommended maximum values in the above table. Exceeding these values
will result in serious personal injury and/or damage to your vehicle.
x All values listed above are for ideal conditions and assume firm, even surfaces that are
dry and not slippery.
x Off-road conditions will always be less than ideal. Always reduce the maximum values
listed in the table above to allow an adequate margin of safety between the ideal maximum
value and your vehicle's actual off-road situation.
Useful off-road driving equipment
.
