Copy fire trucks on service roads...clearance.

[mikEXpat]

I've learned forest fire trucks measure clearance in degrees from tire to bumper.

From http://www.ferrarafire.com/Apparatus/Wildland/Wildland.html

The Wildland III has a 159" wheelbase.

The Chevy Express extended has a 155" wheelbase.

I'm curious if these degrees of clearance are ideal and to what degree of lower clearance could you get by with.

I'd also like to throw in the use of air bags to reach those clearances when needed. Tire size also.

 

[RVTravel]

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/off-roading/off-roading1.htm

Those are approach and departure angles.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes, those degrees are approach and departure angles. you must also pay attention the ground clearance between the tires so you don't get high centered. most of your wild land fire trucks nowadays are 4x4. highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Here's an article and video about how long vehicles, specifically crew cab pickups (which are about the same as vans), are bad off-road. It's all about the geometry, with wheelbase being one of the biggies.

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/big-ass-trucks-arent-good-off-road-1786843483

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Here's an article and video about how long vehicles, specifically crew cab pickups (which are about the same as vans), are bad off-road. It's all about the geometry, with wheelbase being one of the biggies.

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/big-ass-trucks-arent-good-off-road-1786843483

One of the reasons 2 door Wranglers are so good.  Short wheel base allows them to get on and over most everything.

 

[masterplumber]

Well granted my crew cab can't go all of the places my CJ7 can, but they really aren't all that bad. My current truck is mostly a work truck so I don't push it to far, but my '95 Ford would go down roads that were mainly only used by atvs with careful driving. It's all about wheel placement and knowing where you corners are.