On 6/9/2011 10:20 AM, Michael Watterson wrote:
> On 09/06/2011 13:53, Carl Denk wrote:
>   =20
>> I always am amazed at the video of a full size SUV that rear wheels are
>> sliding around, vehicle comes to perpendicular to movement and rolls
>> over, all with the front wheels pointed straight ahead.:(  Probably a
>> small quick correction would have been little more than a jolt for
>> passengers. Watching off road, rally, and dirt track oval racing can be
>> an education, on how to steer, but each vehicle is different. and that's
>> where the experimenting is needed.
>>     =20
> But SUVs have rubbish handling on slippy surfaces.
>   =20
I said a full size SUV, i.e. Ford Bronco, Expedition, not Escape; Chevy=20
Tahoe. A lot of vehicles are called SUV (Sport Utility vehicle), but=20
really are not very utility. Can't haul plywood, pull a 6000+ lb.=20
trailer, good ground clearance for the deep snow and rough terrain. They=20
are nothing more than a glorified passenger vehicle.
> 4WD is designed for slowly on a very uneven surface. It needs turned off
> on ice/wet
>   =20
Don't know where you found that. But I am amazed when it is snow/ice=20
slippery, the number of 4WD/AWL vehicles in 2WD mode.
> SUVs are very heavy
>   =20
Yes, our Bronco is 5300 lbs. empty, but does 18 mpg at 75 mph highway=20
easily. Enough power 5.8L SFI to loaf in Overdrive up and down hills,=20
yet easily maintain cruising speeds up the biggest slope.
> SUVs higher centre of gravity
>   =20
Not necessarily, all that weight above is in a heavy channel frame,=20
axles, suspension, and cast iron engine, located low. This is a true=20
SUV. Able to on dry pavement, suddenly (quickly) change lanes without=20
rolling over. Oversteers with back wheels sliding, just remember when=20
turning back, the wheels will try to slid the other direction, need a=20
little over correction of steering wheel to correct and be straight=20
travel. This is where the experimenting when able shows what is necessary.
> Unbalanced front to back vs 800cc to 1.6l car/hatchback due to big heavy
> engine.
>   =20
Bronco cap over the back weighs 600 lbs. about the same a engine
> Normal drivers / 100% normal road users are making a fashion statement.
>   =20
This is our 3rd Bronco, 155,000 miles, 135,000 miles, and this one=20
105,000 miles. No fashion statement. Good transportation in snow and=20
ice, carries 5 people in comfort, pull 7,000 lb. trailer, good off road=20
for camping out back, haul 4' x 8' plywood or 12' lumber without tying=20
down or on roof. It's strictly utility. Nothing else can do it on a 108"=20
wheelbase. I plan, when I get to the age (73 now) when no longer to do=20
things myself, and don't need to do those utility things, the SUV will=20
be gone. Lately most of the time it is a garage queen.
> You need experience more than advice. In a sudden emergency concious
> reaction time may be too slow.
>   =20
Practice staying conscious, plan ahead for emergencies. :)
> http://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/2010/02/why_does_the_gunslinger_=
who_draws_first_always_get_shot.php
>
>   =20
--=20
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