Ramp travel index

The axle articulation is a measure of the ability of a suspension of SUV, twisting on uneven terrain both axes against each other. The axle crossing is given in millimeters and is derived from the maximum difference of the spring travels on the front and rear axle, before a wheel loses contact with the ground.

A large wheel articulation allows up to a limit of the constant ground contact of all four wheels. In many current SUV independent suspensions are installed so that the length of the spring travel for high axle articulation is beneficial. Regardless of the chassis design to allow a large wheel articulation off-road vehicle, because the need to use only this ensures traction on all wheels without tools ( differential lock, electronic traction control ).

Ramp Travel Index

The English term a comparable measurement method is Ramp Travel Index ( RTI). This is measured on a ramp, the slope 15 to 30 degrees. The ramp is slow on one side as long as ascended until a tire loses traction. Crucial for a high RTI value is the nature of the springs, shock absorbers and the suspension type.