Tip over point

bluedog225 · 02-28-2010, 06:56 AM

Does anyone know the static, tip over point of a van, approximately?

I don't 4 wheel but got my van on a pretty good incline, sideways yesterday and thought I was going to mess up my new paint job (and my seat covers

).

I have about 75 lbs of Thule stuff on the roof, otherwise, just the SMB top. Is 10 degrees safe? 20? Just a rough rule of thumb so I can stay away from the danger zone.

Thanks

Tom

TwoVans · 02-28-2010, 08:12 AM

I asked Allen that on my first trip to SMB. Without hesitation he stated it was 30 degrees. I didn't ask how he knew.

yvrr · 02-28-2010, 08:33 AM

At the Sportsmobile Rally at Park City in July 2003 we had a chance to do just that (using one of Alan's vehicles):

It doesn't look like much from the outside but we sure felt like we were going to roll over from the inside or at least slide off of the driver's seat. But you can see that the van has a long way to go before it is going to roll. Our vans have about a 72" wide track. In the photo, I think the far tire is about 24" higher than the near one which results in a 18 degree angle. You'd need a 41" difference to get to 30 degrees. Now, if you needed to make a turn to the left in the above photo or your passenger side tire drops into a deep hole, then things might get a little more hairy....

**BroncoHauler** · 02-28-2010, 09:14 AM

A lot a variables including the smoothness of road, speed, tire pressure....but the typical seat-of-the-pants feeling is the vehicle you're in feels that it's much further tipped over than it really is. That said, I'm extra cautious with the van.

Herb

bettyford · 02-28-2010, 09:50 AM

I agree. That the pucker factor of the sphincter muscle is the best gauge of all, you just have to listen to it

Having said that I believe it's a lot further then I think but most time's im a big chicken and i go by the above.

Ron

Greg In Austin · 03-01-2010, 11:40 AM

Don't I remember one getting tipped into a ditch some time ago ? Do we have any learning from that?

**daveb** · 03-01-2010, 11:44 AM

I was also told 30 to 32 degrees depending on weight and how it is loaded. My inclinometer is set at 28 degrees before it sounds. That gives me a early warning to re-evaluate the situation. I have had it go off before and my spotter didn't see the hazard on one occasion...I did.

Greggd · 03-01-2010, 08:21 PM

I to have a Inclinometer and have had our Sportsmobile to 27degrees on only one occasion , I generally try not to make a practice of exceeding 20 degrees , but some times desire overcomes good sense .
Greggde

CJ · 03-02-2010, 05:45 PM

Inclinometers.......Lets talk about types kinds and manufacturers. Pictures of instalations would be cool to.

jage · 03-02-2010, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ

Inclinometers.......Lets talk about types kinds and manufacturers. Pictures of instalations would be cool to.

Gets nervous at 12.5º, Screams around 16º. Not sure it's useful for preventing rollover, but the flashy model and portability are worth it.