Inclinometers and Roll Over Problem in SUVs
Sue
I've noticed that a lot of the new SUV's come with inclinometers to
measure
the angle and avoid a rollover. I have an older model SUV, and I was
wondering if you could recommend an inclinometer I could install on my
dash
that would indicate when my vehicle was at a dangerous angle.
sgos...@riekerinc.com
Very good question. There are a few things to consider first when
considering installing an inclinometer into an SUV. It's safe to assume
that when going out 4 wheeling you are not going to try and roll the
vehicle - but it would be nice to see where the comfort zone really
resides with actual slope incline. First of all, the SUV manufacturer
usually does a considerable amount of testing for rollover conditions
and normally recommend a safe angle and dangerous maximum angles for
slope (up and down hill) and cross slope (side to side of hill). The
angle is indicated in either degrees or percent grade (Please note that
a 20º angle is not the same as 20% grade, close to 37% grade - keep
this in mind when reviewing the owner's manual for this specification).
At this point I should mention that eyes on the road are safer than
eyes on an inclinometer - alot of off roaders I talk with have used an
inclinometer in the past to preview the slope before hand: walk up the
hill and see the angle, it helps to have a basic idea of what a 15 or
20º slope actually feels like since it doesn't sound like it would be
steep, but it is.
Anyway, having an inclinometer as a visual guide can be handy in
certain situations. There are a few out on the market, some better than
others. This could be the construction of the tube, the ball used, the
fluid within the tube. If you do want to try this out, look for a
company that has an industry wide reputation for quality and will
provide an inclinometer that is accurate and reliable with ranges
similar to those specified by the SUV manufacturer. A ±30º to ±45º
range is typically sufficient, if you peg the ball to 30º you are
pushing the edge a bit. But again, this is only a quick visual guide,
when on a steep slope, it's best to keep looking ahead at the next
obsticle (a quick peek keep at the guage will you in the know).
Rieker Instrument Co has several models to choose from
http://www.riekerinc.com/ManualInclinometers.htm - in degrees and
percent grade (slope). Check them out.