Let's Talk About Jeep's Trail Rated Badge
At Grogan's Towne, we speak "Off-Road"
If you are an off-road enthusiast, you may have seen the "Trail Rated" badge on new and used Jeep vehicles and have wondered who awards it, and what it means. As it turns out, the Trail Rated designation is awarded by Jeep themselves and it indicates that a particular Jeep vehicle has passed five rigorous off-road test categories. Here's the story.
Why a specific badge?
Since the early military days, Jeeps have been known for being the definitive four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you wanted a vehicle for 4x4 capability, there was one choice: Jeep. This is still true, of course, but today Jeep makes a very wide selection of models and some are not designed for intense off-roading. Jeep, knowing that is the case, developed the Trail Rated designation to identify the models that have extreme off-road capability.
What are the test categories?
The following are the five test categories that each model must successfully pass before receiving the Trail Rated badge.
Traction - First in the Trail Rated test program comes "traction" since off-road driving requires excellent traction. Jeep tests vehicles for traction in all kinds of weather, including rain and snow.
Water Fording - One of the biggest challenges for serious off-roaders is fording water. Jeeps with the Trail Rated badge are tested in different depths of water to ensure they can pass through without flooding electrical systems and overtaking air intakes that can stall other vehicles. In general, vehicles are tested to be able to handle at least 19 inches of water.
Maneuverability - Driving on challenging off-road trails requires excellent maneuverability. Jeeps that are given the Trail Ready badge are tested for their ability to avoid obstacles on trails and navigate rough terrain.
Articulation - High articulation allows the suspension on a vehicle to adjust with optimal flexibility to keep tires on the ground and move over obstacles. Poor articulation can cause damage underneath a vehicle when the suspension cannot flex enough.
Ground Clearance - A high ground clearance is important so you don't get hung up when traversing rough trails. Jeeps that are Trail Rated are designed to keep the underbelly safely above hazardous obstacles.
Where does Jeep do their testing?
The rigorous Trail Rated badge testing isn't conducted just anywhere. After factory tests, Jeep takes their vehicles out onto the famous Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The Rubicon is well known among fans of off-road driving as one of the roughest trails that an off-road vehicle can conquer anywhere.
Interested in a Trail Rated Jeep? Contact the Jeep Experts at Grogan's Towne CDJR of Toledo, OH
At Grogan's Towne, we have a sales staff with decades of experience with Jeep vehicles. Located in Toledo, our staff would be more than happy to help you out with any of your automotive needs.
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