All About Jeeps Trail Rated Badge
All About Jeep’s Trail Rated Badge
Akins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Winder, GA
If you are a serious off-roader, you have probably seen the “Trail Rated” badge adorning a Jeep or two at an off-roading event. Do you know exactly what this badge means, though? As it turns out, the Jeep “Trail Rated” designation is more than a pretty badge; it is only applied to Jeep vehicles that have passed a series of five rigorous off-road test categories. If a vehicle earns the Trail Rated badge, it means the vehicle possesses the best off-roading capability that Jeep is capable of.
Why the Trail Rated distinction?
Jeeps have been known for being the definitive four-wheel-drive vehicle since the beginning of the breed during WWII. Since then, if you wanted a vehicle for 4x4 capability, there was one choice: Jeep. This is still true today, but Jeep now makes a very wide selection of models and not all are off-road monsters. Jeep, knowing that is the case, developed the Trail Rated designation to identify the vehicles that have extreme off-road capability so enthusiasts know.
What are the test categories?
The following five test categories are the ones that each Jeep model must successfully pass before receiving the coveted Trail Rated designation.
Ground Clearance – A vehicle must have a high ground clearance to be a serious off-road machine. If you don’t have the necessary clearance, you can get hung up on rocks and other objects.
Traction – A vehicle develops traction through its 4x4 drive technology and tires. Both are tested by Jeep for capability in all kinds of weather, especially rain and snow.
Water Fording - One of the biggest challenges for serious off-roaders is fording water. Streams often pass over off-road trails and if a vehicle needs to get through, there’s going to be some fording going on. Jeep tests their vehicles to make sure can pass through water without flooding electrical systems and overtaking air intakes. In general, vehicles are tested to be able to handle at least 19 inches of water.
Articulation - High articulation allows the suspension on a vehicle to adjust angles regardless of trail conditions. Damage can occur underneath a vehicle when the suspension cannot flex enough.
Maneuverability - Driving on challenging off-road trails requires superb maneuverability. Jeeps that are given the Trail Ready badge are tested for their ability to avoid obstacles on an off-road trail and navigate rough terrain.
Where does Jeep test their vehicles?
The Trail Rated badge testing isn’t conducted just anywhere. After testing under factory conditions, Jeep takes their vehicles out onto the famous Rubicon Trail in California. The Rubicon is well known among fans of off-roading as one of the roughest trails that an off-road vehicle can traverse.
Interested in a Trail Rated Jeep? Contact the Jeep Experts at Akins CDJR
At Akins, we have a sales staff with decades of experience with Jeep vehicles. Located in Winder, GA, our staff would be happy to assist you with all of your automotive needs.
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