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 trav-
eling 100 ft (30.48 m) is
given as a percentage or in
degrees ⇒ fig. 310 A.
Information on the maximum
slope the vehicle can climb
unassisted (depends on
road surface and engine
power).
Maximum permissible
31 degrees (corre-
sponds 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 gravi-
ty) ⇒ fig. 310 B.
Maximum permissible
35 degrees.
Breakover angle Maximum permitted angle
given in degrees that a vehi-
cle driven at low speed can
clear a ramp without the
underbody of the vehicle
scraping the ramp
Maximum
20 degrees.
Term Explanation Technical data
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 em-
bankment without the
bumper or underbody scrap-
ing.
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
