Axle articulation
The axle crossing is a measure of the ability of a landing gear of SUV , in uneven terrain, both axes to rotate against each other. The axle articulation is specified in millimeters and results from the maximum difference in the spring travel on the front and rear axles before a wheel loses contact with the ground.
A large axle articulation enables all four wheels to have constant contact with the ground up to a limit value. In many current off-road vehicles, independent wheel suspensions are installed, so that the length of the spring travel is advantageous for a high degree of axle articulation. Regardless of the chassis construction, off-road vehicles should allow a large axle articulation, because only this guarantees traction on all wheels without having to use aids ( differential lock , electronic traction control ).
Ramp Travel Index
The English term for a comparable measurement method is Ramp Travel Index (RTI) . This is measured on a ramp with a gradient between 15 and 30 degrees . The ramp is slowly driven up one side until one tire loses grip. The characteristics of the springs, shock absorbers and the type of wheel suspension are decisive for a high RTI value .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Measurement of the axle articulation ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (accessed on March 16, 2012)
- ↑ Explanation of the Ramp Travel Index on grahamcoster4x4.de ( Memento from July 6, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) (accessed on October 7, 2012)
