Jeep's Trail Rated Badge
Jeep's Trail Rated Badge
If you are an off-roader, you’ve probably seen the "Trail Rated" badge on a Jeep and have wondered what it indicates. Frankly, does it really designate anything significant or is it just a cute badge? Well, the Trail Rated designation means that a vehicle has passed various off-road-related tests and it is awarded by a special group at Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company. Here's more about Jeep’s Trail Rated designation.
Why a special designation?
Since the 1940s, Jeeps have been considered the most capable 4x4 vehicle one can buy. This is still true today but Jeep makes a lot of models and some are not really designed for diehard off-roading. Jeep, knowing that many of their customers are diehard off roaders, conceived of the Trail Rated designation to help identify the vehicles that have real off-road capability. To become Trail Rated, a vehicle is required to pass five rigorous tests.
Can you elaborate on the five rigorous tests?
Traction – Almost to be expected, the first test category involves "traction" since off-road driving requires a lot of it. Jeep tests their vehicles for tire grip in slippery conditions, such as those presented by rain, snow and ice.
Maneuverability - Driving on off-road trails requires high maneuverability. Jeeps that are given the Trail Ready badge are tested for their ability to maneuver well on trails with obstacles and rough terrain.
Fording – Some off-roaders really enjoy fording water on the trails. Jeeps with the Trail Rated badge are tested in different depths of water to ensure they can make it through without trouble. In general, Jeep vehicles are tested to be able to handle at least 20 inches of water and deeper with some models.
Articulation – Articulation refers to the movement of the suspension members underneath a vehicle. High articulation allows a vehicle to adjust to keep tires grounded while avoiding obstacles. This is an important criteria and Jeep is very through on this sort of testing.
Clearance - Ground clearance, the distance a vehicle is off the ground, is important so you don't bump chassis parts when traveling over rough trails. Jeeps that are Trail Rated are designed to keep the under carriage of the vehicle safely above obstacles.
Where is the Trail Rated testing done?
That’s a good question! First the company has all sorts of testing tracks near the factory. These are used for both the design and evaluation of all Jeep models. What’s important to know, is that after factory testing is completed, Jeep takes their vehicles out “into the wild.” In particular, Jeep travels to the actual Rubicon Trail in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Rubicon Trail is well known among fans as one of the toughest trails around and the engineers at Jeep rely on it to really test out their designs.
Contact the Jeep Experts at DCH Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Temecula, CA for all your Jeep needs!
At DCH Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, we have a sales staff with lots of experience with Jeep vehicles. Located in Temecula, CA, our staff would be more than happy to help you out, especially if one of those needs is “hitting the dirt.”
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