What is Jeep Trail Rated?
What is Jeep Trail Rated?
Written by Bedford CDJR
In Jeep's long history, they have been in a league of their own when it comes to off-road capability. And in 1994, Jeep engineers created a Trail Rated badge to go on the front quarter panel of the most off-road capable Jeep vehicles. These badges aren't handed out at random; they are earned. All Trail Rated vehicles must pass a daring test to push the vehicle to its limits in five different areas; water fording, articulation, traction, ground clearance, and maneuverability. Continue reading below to learn what exactly is behind every Jeep Trail Rated badge!
Why does Jeep do Trail Rated tests?
Jeep has been designing and redesigning its models for 80 years now in hopes of creating the perfect off-road vehicle. And when the world thinks they've done it, they take it to the next level! Jeep has made a name for itself in the off-roading community, and its vehicles are held to a high standard. And therein lies the answer to your question. Jeep created the Trail Rated program to meet and exceed the expectations of even the most hardened off-roaders and ensure that the vehicles are as capable as Jeep says they are.
What is tested in the Jeep Trail Rated program?
The Water Fording test is in place to see how much water your Jeep can drive through. For example, the all-new Wrangler can take on up to 30 inches of water thanks to a high-placed air intake and sealed electrical connections.
Articulation is tested to measure how far up or down the suspension travels to keep all four wheels on the ground. When it comes to off-roading, the more articulation, the better. Whether you're driving over deep potholes or crawling over rugged terrain, a Trail Rated Jeep will give you total confidence.
Traction is what keeps you from slipping on inclement road conditions. It is tested to push the limits of Jeep's world-renowned 4x4 systems. The 4x4 systems are tested to make sure that all four wheels keep you rolling in the right direction.
Ground Clearance is the distance between the bottom of your Jeep and the road or trail beneath it. Like articulation, more ground clearance means more off-road capability. Approach angles, breakover angles, and departure angles are all maximized for Trail Rated Jeep's to allow them to pass over rugged terrain other vehicles wouldn't dare.
Maneuverability is tested to make sure that the test subject can navigate its way through switchbacks and narrow trails without losing control. This test is passed with precise steering systems and meticulously crafted wheelbases.
Where do the Jeep Trail Rated Tests take place?
Jeep utilizes two locations to test the limits of their vehicles and go beyond them. The first test site is the rugged trails of Moab, Utah. Moab's terrain can make even the most experienced off-roaders quiver. The slick rocks and steep terrain make for the perfect place to test the vehicle's ground clearance, maneuverability, and traction. The trails of Moab don't have names like Hell's Revenge because they're easy! Mickey's Hot Tub is a buggy hole with an almost verticle incline as the only way out. You may never need to go up such a steep incline, but if it can do that, it can handle anything you throw at it. The Rubicon Trail is the second testing site. High in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the Rubicon Trail is subject to severe weather and constant traffic, which constantly changes the terrain, making no two Trail Rated tests alike.
Get a Trail Rated Jeep at Bedford CDJR
Not all drivers need a vehicle that can crawl over steep rock faces or drive through feet of water, but it gives you the confidence of knowing if it can do that, it can handle your everyday drives no matter the weather. If you're interested in finding a Jeep Trail Rated vehicle, come on down to Bedford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to explore your options. Right here on our website, you can find our full inventory, appraise your current vehicle for a trade-in, and apply for financing without leaving your couch!