If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you may have heard about the Trail Rated badge given to vehicles that can handle all types of terrain and trails. Many of the vehicles in the Jeep lineup have earned this impressive honor. Take a closer look at what makes an SUV qualify for the badge and how such a car handles even the toughest terrain.
All About the Trail Rated Badge
The Trail Rated badge is more than just a badge. It’s something that represents your Jeep’s ability to handle any type of challenge, whether you’re taking it out for an off-roading adventure or packing it full to head out on a campout in the mountains. When a Jeep bears the badge, it represents a commitment from the manufacturer that this model can help you discover what limits you have and keep going right on past them.
Grueling Tests in Five Categories
Before a Jeep becomes Trail Rated, it must pass a grueling test in five key categories. These categories are Traction, Water Fording, Maneuverability, Articulation, and Ground Clearance. In the Traction category, a vehicle must showcase its ability to handle unpredictable and harsh driving conditions.
Jeep uses Water Fording to gauge a vehicle’s ability to move through bodies of water that other vehicles simply can’t handle. To pass this test, a Jeep’s body openings and electrical connections are sealed up tight for protection. The car will also have an air intake that is positioned higher to prevent damage as it drives through deep puddles, streams, and creeks.
For a car to pass the Maneuverability test, it must be able to navigate around debris, dodge obstacles, and veer around tight gaps. Optimized wheelbases and precise steering make Trail Rated Jeep models more maneuverable in all driving situations.
Articulation is important when you’re off-roading and driving on more traditional roads, as it ensures that the wheels remain engaged and stable, even when a tire pulls away from the surface of the ground.
If your automobile aces the Ground Clearance test, it will safely navigate terrains without damaging the underbody. Before a Jeep can pass in this area, it must undergo testing in approach, breakover, and departure angle maximization.
The Importance of the Trail Rated Badge
For decades, Jeep has remained one of the top brands when it comes to making vehicles that handle rough terrain so well. The testing to earn a Trail Rated rating starts at the Jeep US-based headquarters and ends in some of the areas of the world that contain the most challenging terrain. The manufacturer wants to make sure that every Trail Rated Jeep can handle anything you may throw at it while striving for capabilities that transform the way people go off-roading.
As long as customers want to take their vehicles on adventures, Jeep will continue to make sure they have the right models to handle their every need.
Take one of these Trail Rated badge-winning Jeep vehicles for a test drive at Fremont Motors. You can choose from all the top models featuring Jeep’s powerful four-wheel-drive system and the latest features for comfort, style, and driving performance.
Image via Pixabay.com
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