Unibody AWD maximum (effective) ground clearance. Why does no one talk about it?
Like many of you that have purchased AWD vehicles, I thought minimum clearance was all that mattered. For most AWD vehicles, the minimum clearance is very close to the maximum clearance. Back 5 years ago, when I purchased my first AWD crossover, a SJ Forester XT , I quickly learned that the angle of approach, breakover and departure were very important. Minimum clearance determined how comfortably I could traverse a dirt road with he occasional rock, BUT I also learned that to overcome a larger rock, boulder or obstacle I had to line up my wheels with what I needed to drive over and the clearance of my front bumper (lined up at the wheels) and also my rocker clearance would determine if I could get passed the obstacle or not.
So... why does no one talk about this? Regarding AWD vehicles, It's never mentioned in any of the major YouTube channel like TFL and Driving Sports TV. Maybe it's because most vehicles they test typically have a front bumper with an air dam blocking the path of "effective" ground clearance. Whatever the case may be, modifying a crossover for "overlanding" has become a common thing, and THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT "MAXIMUM CLEARANCE" and how it could make the difference between getting somewhere and having to turn around.
How can you improve your vehicles maximum/effective clearance?
A lift kit or taller tires will increase the clearance at your rocker panel. In an unibody AWD, the rocker clearance will take 100% advantage of your lift kit.
Some platforms accept a taller lift with no noticeable change to driving dynamics. Other platforms have maxed out geometry that will greatly affect driving dynamics, so do your research before going down the path of increasing your maximum ground clearance.
The "rocker beam" is an integral part of your vehicles structure. Damaging it will effect structural integrity and safety. This is where real functional rock sliders becomes very valuable. Don't confuse: running boards, nerf bars, or side steps for "REAL FUNTIONAL ROCK SLIDERS". Because unibody AWD vehicles don't have a sturdy Frame like in a body on frame truck, real functional rock sliders have to be made a certain way to be effective.
***This video was made to bring awareness to Uni-body AWD maximum ground clearance. PLEASE SHARE AND MAKE AWARE. This overlanding community needs to know about this***
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Navigation:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Prototype Rock Sliders
05:31 Charo Gap (Don't Die!)
14:03 Stump Vs. Subaru Outback Wilderness (this is why you lift a crossover)
14:50 Beautiful Scenic B-roll footage
16:15 This is why I need rock sliders!
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