How steep is too steep? What to do when at the limit?

[Big Clint]

So what's the guideline on how steep is too steep? I don't just mean climbing or decending a hill, but also traversing the side of one.

This weekend I got sorta stuck on the side of one...sliding sideways a little as I tried to move forward...feeling like I was fortunate to have a passenger in the passenger seat...not able to really turn down the hill to correct until I moved a few feet forward so my rear tires wouldn't slide into a gulley. It really wouldn't have concerned me if I hadn't been sliding sideways too much, but it really got me thinking about the max sideways angle and not just going straight up/down a hill.

[Seir]

Ha! Had that same feeling and question this weekend. Had a hard left turn up the side of a small hill that was pretty easy on the way up BUT after running the loop and coming back to it, turning RIGHT and DOWN really gave me that uneasy feeling...

Of course, in the end, the Jeep had no problem and it was me that had the issue:dontknow2:

[Desert Fox]

It all comes with experience. How do you get experience, by making mistakes.
If you are smart, you will learn from other folks mistakes. Generally speaking, if you think you can run a steep up hill or down hill trail, you probably can. How do you know if you made a mistake? If you are going up hill, and all you can see out of the windshield is sky, You made a mistake. If you are going down a steep hill, and you suddenly realize that you are standing upright and your feet are on the firewall, don't step on the brake. Very gently, apply the hand brake, it only activates the rear brakes. If your passenger gets very quiet, turns white, barfs all over the windshield and then poops her pants - IT'S TOO STEEP. (That actually happened to me. It was a very long ride home) As to turning 90 degrees to the left or the right while going up a steep hill, DON'T! Even at my most stupid, I knew enough not to do that. If your JK has 35" tires and a 5 1/2" lift, your center of gravity has just moved up about a foot. That's more than enough to make you unstable on level ground and very unstable if you are at all off camber. Bottom line, if you can't see where the trail goes, what obstacles you will have to traverse or the overall condition of the trail, get out and walk the trail until you are satisfied one way or the other. Sort of a "go - no go" decision point. Don't let your balls over ride your brain.

[ranwitscissorz]

If your passenger gets very quiet, turns white, barfs all over the windshield and then poops her pants - IT'S TOO STEEP. (That actually happened to me. It was a very long ride home).

Wow, I kind of want to know, but at the same time I don't.

[TBJK]

It all comes with experience. How do you get experience, by making mistakes.
If you are smart, you will learn from other folks mistakes. Generally speaking, if you think you can run a steep up hill or down hill trail, you probably can. How do you know if you made a mistake? If you are going up hill, and all you can see out of the windshield is sky, You made a mistake. If you are going down a steep hill, and you suddenly realize that you are standing upright and your feet are on the firewall, don't step on the brake. Very gently, apply the hand brake, it only activates the rear brakes. If your passenger gets very quiet, turns white, barfs all over the windshield and then poops her pants - IT'S TOO STEEP. (That actually happened to me. It was a very long ride home) As to turning 90 degrees to the left or the right while going up a steep hill, DON'T! Even at my most stupid, I knew enough not to do that. If your JK has 35" tires and a 5 1/2" lift, your center of gravity has just moved up about a foot. That's more than enough to make you unstable on level ground and very unstable if you are at all off camber. Bottom line, if you can't see where the trail goes, what obstacles you will have to traverse or the overall condition of the trail, get out and walk the trail until you are satisfied one way or the other. Sort of a "go - no go" decision point. Don't let your balls over ride your brain.

Hope you had seat covers :D

[Brad2893]

Would truly test the effectiveness of the YES essentials lol

[Steve&2jc's]

Pick up one of those cheap magnetic angle finders and stick it somewhere flat where you can see it. IF I remember correctly jeep had it listed at 45 degrees sidehill and 60 degrees up or down for a stock vehicle. My tj with 6" lift on 35's started to get uncomfortable at 35 degrees sidehill and I have seen others go higher than that. The Jk's are wider and don't need as much lift to fit bigger tires so they should have a lower center of gravity and be more stable. I haven't taken the angle finder along on a ride yet so I don't know exactly but I'd say no more than 35 degrees for a lifted JK just for a personal comfort level. It may be more but that's enough for me. It always feels worse in the drivers seat than it looks from the outside.

[jeeperjkj]

I agree with most that's been said.

I'll have to respectfully disagree with the "nothing but sky" comment. I probably can't count on both hands and feet the number of times I went UP something that steep. As far as down goes, I hate going down hills. Downhill sucks. You can't see nothing 'cept straight out over the hood. Scary feeling... that's for sure.

Side hills are the ones that're the most dangerous. Harder to judge and harder to recover from if you get stuck in the middle of a precarious situation.

I think I will invest in the digital inclinometer that we were discussing a while back one day.

Might have to rig a portable model, too, so I could get out and measure difficult terrain if needed. Not sure how much time that'd add, but it'd probably only have to be done on the really hairy trail sections.

[jkkat]

With RubyDoo at her currect set-up, She has done 45 degree up, down and side hills. But also remember that is with her currect set-up running 4.5 off-set wheels and 35x12.50 tires and only minial lift.

[Sieran]

I know this does not look like much, but if you follow the mud tracks you can see how I slid. On my second time past this (with no one around) I tried it again with the same results (stupid street tires) and the Jeep managed to stand itself on two tires.

When you mentioned sliding sideways this came to mind. Your jeep may be able to handle a 45 degree slipe to the side, but if you start sliding sideways then find some grip... Well, that 45 degrees wont me much at that point.


http://sieran.simnets.com/gallery2/d/2871-2/DSC00366.JPG

[JKDoc]

This type of action prompted my purchase of a second set of wheels and tires for fun, kept road set up for daily driver duty. Nothin' but sky and standing on the firewall are no problem for the Jeep, you may need a spotter to point the right direction especially when you crest and begin going down the other side. Sideways is dictated for me by the pucker factor. I practice at home in ditches of soft dirt and go slow. Tippy on opposite corners is fine, tippy on the same side is not. Its's nice to be going slow enough and in a somewhat controlled setting where I can turn into the tip and bail out safely. Ditches work well because you can't roll far if you do start to tip and the other side of the ditch throws you right up on you other wheels when you turn into it.

[sandiasnow]

This climb looks way to steep when walking it or just to look at, but my JK went up no problem. The bad part is the spotter has to stand to the side cuz you can't see anything while going up! Scary as hell the first time, but now it's not that big of a deal.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm259/sandiasnow/Reo%20Puerco%206-1-08/DSC_0118.jpg

[Big Clint]

I would say verticle going up a hill doesn't scar me much. I've climbed steep enough to get the bottom few inches of my spare muddy.

Down the same hill does bother me a little more. It feels strange to be staring at a wall, thinking your front bumper should be dragging the ground, and then feel your tires continuing to move forward and level you out.

The side tipsy really bothers me. Last weekend's experience opened my eyes to new things. I really had not traversed the side of something before, and most of what I've done and watched has been straight up and down an obstacle.

Does the 60 degree climb account for putting a tire on a tree at the top of a hill? :rotflmao2:

[CAOKKIE]

I have never been into the hardcore but here is my take for whatever it is worth. You are never supposed to go into iffy terrain alone. Since you are not alone, do everything your experienced spotter says to the letter. He (or she) will have a much better perspective than you will behind the wheel.
Safe wheeling to ya.

[muddpuppy01]

side action is not something I would do unless absolutly needed for an emergency up and down butt checks tell you that

[mdantonio]

Hi Guy,
Second day of owning my JK I needed to find out what she'd do. At about 45 degrees on a side hill she showed me...she tipped onto the drivers side and I had to come-a-long her back on her wheels, turned her uphill and went home. No more guessing what side angle will pi$$ her off!! Received a couple of "brush-burns" to the door panel and side panel from some small trees but learned a lot about her (and my own) limitations. Enjoy her! Take care... Mike

[JK-KJ]

This is about the steepest hill I've climbed so far, it's short but steep...the Jeep handled it just fine and surprised the hell out of me. It looks a little worse from the bottom, sort of like a wall and not just a hill. Yeah, the side stuff is scary for sure but as far as up and down kinda hills it'll do better than you might think...

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n35/06liberty/Jeep%20JK/hillsteep.jpg

VIDEO HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_L5-lfj3aA

[Piginajeep]

when your on the lid, you'll know you went to far:wink:

[snippy]

...she tipped onto the drivers side and I had to come-a-long her back on her wheels, turned her uphill and went home. No more guessing what side angle will pi$$ her off!! Received a couple of "brush-burns" to the door panel and side panel from some small trees

That's it? Scratches? What happened to the mirror? No dents? Man, amazing.

[Big Clint]

That's it? Scratches? What happened to the mirror? No dents? Man, amazing.

x2 :what?:

[07JKX]

too steep is usually followed by segment a of crushing sounds, disorientation, people screaming, and then for some reason, all of your friends that are standing around you look like THEY are upside down:thinking:

[rubiconjack]

I would have to agree ... I went about halfway up a football field hill climb.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/4/6/b/event_3729323.jpeg

I almost peed my pants .. it was the first time attempting a hill .. least to say I backed down .... and got off that hill ... will not attempt again .. until I am in a much cheaper beater rig.

Heres afunny picture for laughs. I got stuck on a stump in themiddle of the mud field full of ruts. A stock tundra pulled me out! WOW Huh!? http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/e/6/event_3729190.jpeg

[Big Clint]

Mud can be 'interesting' as you see from my earlier post. Glad to see a Girl Jeeper posting up. Wish there were more.

[Rough_Country]

To steep or not is determined most by wheel base. I have always been told a Jeep Scrambler is the perfect wheel base for climbing/wheeling, but it seems the new 4 door jk is a close second if not better. We have yet to meet a hill our JK hasn't went up. WE'll keep trying to find one tho. As far as off-camber limits that can be offset by a wider track width, but if you want to learn your limits pick up a level gage. They are inexpensive and once you learn at what degree your shocks are fully extended you will know what degree is the stopping point. Here is a link to one.

4x4icon.com/offroad/lev-o-gage/index.htm

[Hellbilly]

too steep is usually followed by segment a of crushing sounds, disorientation, people screaming, and then for some reason, all of your friends that are standing around you look like THEY are upside down:thinking:

Yep! :thumbsup: That about sums it up :rotflmao2:

[mdantonio]

Snippy,
Hi! One of the small trees bent over by the Jeep propped the Jeep at the "A" post. I guess I drew a "get out of jail free" card. I do not intend to tempt fate again! As a matter of fact I bought a 2008 Polaris Ranger to do the "stupid stuff" with. I don't need it for my DD Ha Ha! Take care... Mike

[Ben]

Hey Clint, did you even know that you got on two wheels when we were coming out of that sand pit and you crossed the "hard spot?" Me and cody's jaw dropped and we said that mother f$#ker is crazy! I don't think you realized it, but you were on just driver side wheels... Wish teh camera had been in hand.

[Big Clint]

Hey Clint, did you even know that you got on two wheels when we were coming out of that sand pit and you crossed the "hard spot?" Me and cody's jaw dropped and we said that mother f$#ker is crazy! I don't think you realized it, but you were on just driver side wheels... Wish teh camera had been in hand.

:rotflmao2: I saw some post about "2 wheels" and was trying to figure it out. Was I really just on one side? I've tettered on opposite corners plenty, and I had to gun it once to get over a hill...was told afterwards that my passenger front tire was probably 6' off the ground...definately felt the bounce. That deep sand was fun. I wouldn't be surprised that I bounced or anything, but I have only once really felt out of control...AND that was on that trip on the sideways thing...what prompted me to start this thread.

As far as "that mother f$#ker is crazy"...well, maybe...I'm out there for fun and going to try most anything that won't result in obvious breakage.

[Ben]

Just in case you were worried, even though you were on two wheels, it wasn't that bad because there was no way of you going all the way over and your front wheels were already starting to send you the other way, but still, it looked cool, and I agree, the sand was super fun, and easier to clean than that mud was.

[TEEJ]

To steep or not is determined most by wheel base. I have always been told a Jeep Scrambler is the perfect wheel base for climbing/wheeling, but it seems the new 4 door jk is a close second if not better. We have yet to meet a hill our JK hasn't went up. WE'll keep trying to find one tho. As far as off-camber limits that can be offset by a wider track width, but if you want to learn your limits pick up a level gage. They are inexpensive and once you learn at what degree your shocks are fully extended you will know what degree is the stopping point. Here is a link to one.

4x4icon.com/offroad/lev-o-gage/index.htm


---------

Well, sure, the wheelbase is part of the equation..and so is the track width, but, the PRIMARY concept combines these into a stability rectangle.

The statement that when your shock is fully extended, you will then flip/you have to stop (Stopping point...) when the shock is extended...is simply not true.

Its very common to hang a tire (Fully droop one corner) on a trail, for example, I quickly culled a pic:

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q374/MBATF/Moab%20UT%202008/DSC02072.jpg

Obviously, one shock is fully extended...and, obviously, it had to GET to that point, so, it "Passed your stopping point".

There's other examples, but, hopefully, you'll see what I mean.

:D

The REAL issues are:

1) Where inside the jeep is your center of gravity...this will be a specific point in space, such as roughly at the radio knob on the dash, etc.

2) Where are the contact patches of your tires?

3) If you were to drop a theoretical plumb bob straight down from that COG point...would the spot below be within the rectangle formed by the 4 contact patches?

4) If the point below is outside of the rectangle, you will flip.

5) If the point is within the rectangle, you will not flip.

6) If you are in motion, and the momentum of that motion, (say when hitting a bump while side hilling, etc...) throws the bob outside of the rectangle, you can flip...if it doesn't you won't.

:D

That's pretty much it in a nut shell.

If your COG falls out of the rectangle, you flip.

Also - Remember, if you are off camber, the rectangle is narrower, as one side is tipped up - if going up/down a hill, the rectangle is shorter, etc.

So - once you get the hang of the rectangle concept...the rest comes naturally.

----------

BTW - I agree x 10000 - the people INSIDE the jeep ALWAYS feel like they are more likely to flip, than the people OUTSIDE the jeep.

And, people tend to over estimate the angle they're at...the gauges mentioned are a fun way to calibrate your "OH SHIIIIIT!!!! factors".

:D

[MBATF]

---------



http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q374/MBATF/Moab%20UT%202008/DSC02072.jpg






Hey!!! I am famous!!!! :ya::ya::ya:



Well anyways... if you have enough seat time behind the steering wheel and on the trails with enough obstacles. You will actually be more experienced and be able to listen/feel your rig's every movement. And by doing so, you will be able to get a very close idea when you are reaching your limit.


And that is the reason why you should always have an experienced spotter with you so you can learn what your body and rig is telling you.... Plus you can't always get out of your rig and check what you are at at the line you picked when there is a 6 ' + gap between the ground and your rig :D

[Mo-mud]

Both up and down here felt pretty close to too steep for me. Even though it doesnt look very steep, it was a high Pucker Factor for sure.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh284/kenrainer/6303-1.jpg
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh284/kenrainer/6304.jpg

[CIJeep]

You never fully know when too much is too much for by then it is far too late and you turtle.

Long shocks, springs, disco'd sway can be very deceiving and when you get into a certain bounce pattern you can flip over backwards.

Listen carefully to the spotters, and your pucker factor, especially the pucker factor.

I was once on a hill, near the top and further up than any motorcycle was capable of when I had to stop since I squarely hit a huge barrel cactus and there was simply no way around it.

Well I certainly was not going to back down the hill, it was far too long and far too steep and had I backed down it there would have been a point where I would start sliding then the front would come around and if it did and I hit a rock then I would have rolled to the bottom.

So I VERY carefully and slowly backed to a 90 deg sideways spot on the hill and then very carefully turned down the hill and kept it in 4lo all the way down. I felt very comfortable at that point. BUT! let me tell you, had I a passenger in the jeep they would have had to get out before I started the turn, I kept the drivers side up, I had no top, a full roll cage that may or not have lasted to the bottom of the hill, and I disconnected my seat belt, since when I was turning sideways, and watched for ANY large rock that might get into my path, I was leaning so far out the doorway that I could see all the lugs on my front rim. Trust me, had that Jeep rocked in the slightest I was going to bail out (hence no seat belt) and watch the thing roll down the hill and hope it wouldn't hit anyone.

I didn't have any pucker factor in this, I just used common sense, but I realized what could easily happen. My jeep had leaf springs all around so it was inherintly more stable that coils because of the coil "bounce" factor.

Most everything that was said here in this thread has merit, use it all. Don't endanger anyone other than yourself if you feel like stretching it out a bit, and only do what you can afford to repair if stuff happens.

[TEEJ]

You never fully know when too much is too much for by then it is far too late and you turtle.

Long shocks, springs, disco'd sway can be very deceiving and when you get into a certain bounce pattern you can flip over backwards.

Listen carefully to the spotters, and your pucker factor, especially the pucker factor.

I was once on a hill, near the top and further up than any motorcycle was capable of when I had to stop since I squarely hit a huge barrel cactus and there was simply no way around it.

Well I certainly was not going to back down the hill, it was far too long and far too steep and had I backed down it there would have been a point where I would start sliding then the front would come around and if it did and I hit a rock then I would have rolled to the bottom.

So I VERY carefully and slowly backed to a 90 deg sideways spot on the hill and then very carefully turned down the hill and kept it in 4lo all the way down. I felt very comfortable at that point. BUT! let me tell you, had I a passenger in the jeep they would have had to get out before I started the turn, I kept the drivers side up, I had no top, a full roll cage that may or not have lasted to the bottom of the hill, and I disconnected my seat belt, since when I was turning sideways, and watched for ANY large rock that might get into my path, I was leaning so far out the doorway that I could see all the lugs on my front rim. Trust me, had that Jeep rocked in the slightest I was going to bail out (hence no seat belt) and watch the thing roll down the hill and hope it wouldn't hit anyone.

I didn't have any pucker factor in this, I just used common sense, but I realized what could easily happen. My jeep had leaf springs all around so it was inherintly more stable that coils because of the coil "bounce" factor.

Most everything that was said here in this thread has merit, use it all. Don't endanger anyone other than yourself if you feel like stretching it out a bit, and only do what you can afford to repair if stuff happens.

LOL

Well, I seem to know before I roll if I might, so, I've been off roading since the 70's...and I have rolled exactly once...when I was 17.

:D

And it was a car.

:D


I've NOT rolled countless times though.

Mostly, if you gun it to the down hill side, steer into the tip, it corrects it, and gets you facing down hill again, etc.

Its funny you find the leaf springs more stable...my CJ and YJ were less stable than the TJ and JK.

The leaves tended to oscillate both up, and down, pushing/pulling the end of the truck up/down, etc. The shock had to damp both directions to stabilize the leaf pack.

The coils did push up, but didn't pull down, gravity took care of that.

My Xterra has leaves in back, and I had to add Revolver Shackles to get enough flex out of the pack, a I had to add about 5 leaves per side just to get it to support all of the equipment I have to haul off road for work, plus armor, etc.

Now it works great....even if it does have leaves instead of coils.

I think the leaves flex less, if that's what you mean by more stable, making the truck go up/down instead of the tires...I see what you mean.

[CIJeep]

I had extra heavy duty leafs as well as shocks, it wasn't the smoothest thing around :) but it was solid. I knew where is was at all times, had it lifted via normal means plus wheels and tires. CJ5's are a lot more narrow, and very short wheelbase so while you could high center it if you weren't watching, it wasn't likely. I don't think I ever had more than 15 lbs of air in my tires on or off the street. It was so light that I usually need 2 to 5 other jeeps chained to me to pull the heavyweights like blazers and toyota LC's out of mud, surf, n stuff. Yeah, I often wondered why I had a winch since I used it for other people all the time.

I do like the articulation of the JK, but it changes the style of driving just like the lousy DBW.
I have yet to try the sideways stance, and am still just in the play and get to know mode with the stock stuff, but sometimes the coils just seem to squishy for me and I'm debating different shocks. ( LOL, seems to me I had the same conflicts between driving Ford P/U's and Chevy's due to the spring/coil thing. Chevy's being just plain more comfortable. )

[Geeper4x4]

This is my vertical steepest so far. I don't have a gauge but the hitch clevis in the back was rubbing. I too like to use the ebrake downhill.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h112/old15bravo/IMG_3166.jpg

[ksk]

Climbing and decending steep slopes is ok, its when youre slanted sideways when it gets real dangerous when youre on the limit...never come down or up steep slopes sideways, always go directly up or down it....

JM2C

KSK

[sliverGstoneJK]

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=24187&limit=views

thats my jeep on a construction site hill all stock, couldnt make it up the side though.

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=24188&limit=recent

thats my jeep going up a diff part of that hill

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=30656&cat=500

another part of the hill trying to go up

ive also climbed the side of 355 all the way to where i could watch the traffic :D

[sliverGstoneJK]

sry about the pics not working copy paste and these are the pics,

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=24187&limit=views

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=24188&limit=recent

http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=30656&cat=500

[TEEJ]

I had extra heavy duty leafs as well as shocks, it wasn't the smoothest thing around :) but it was solid. I knew where is was at all times, had it lifted via normal means plus wheels and tires. CJ5's are a lot more narrow, and very short wheelbase so while you could high center it if you weren't watching, it wasn't likely. I don't think I ever had more than 15 lbs of air in my tires on or off the street. It was so light that I usually need 2 to 5 other jeeps chained to me to pull the heavyweights like blazers and toyota LC's out of mud, surf, n stuff. Yeah, I often wondered why I had a winch since I used it for other people all the time.

I do like the articulation of the JK, but it changes the style of driving just like the lousy DBW.
I have yet to try the sideways stance, and am still just in the play and get to know mode with the stock stuff, but sometimes the coils just seem to squishy for me and I'm debating different shocks. ( LOL, seems to me I had the same conflicts between driving Ford P/U's and Chevy's due to the spring/coil thing. Chevy's being just plain more comfortable. )

Yeah - I know what you mean...I prefer a stiffer more controlled ride, but, I crave being able to make the tires have ground pressure/articulation.

If you up the shock damping, especially the rebound valving to control the sprung weight movement, the squishiness is greatly reduced.

Off camber stuff is fun, but, the pucker factor is way up there. When I train new drivers, its like they rip out patches of seat upholstery with their clenched cheeks. :D

[J5627617123]

I think it is safe to say, that in most cases, the pucker factor is hit well before the too steep of angle is hit. I have had mine in upwards of 30 deg. And that was pretty spooky. I did a little sliding, and came a stop, and didt nt roll. It shocked me because I had felt as if I was past the limit of no return. I would have to guess that the angle is somewhere around 40 degrees or so.

[Big Clint]

This is my vertical steepest so far. I don't have a gauge but the hitch clevis in the back was rubbing. I too like to use the ebrake downhill.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h112/old15bravo/IMG_3166.jpg

Nice picture, but you've got some steeper stuff to try. I've gone straight up ridges that put the bottom 2 inches of my spare tire in the mud at the bottom, AND I never felt the pucker factor. I couldn't see a thing with my hardtop on, but just listened to my spotters.

[Ben]

Nice picture, but you've got some steeper stuff to try. I've gone straight up ridges that put the bottom 2 inches of my spare tire in the mud at the bottom, AND I never felt the pucker factor. I couldn't see a thing with my hardtop on, but just listened to my spotters.

I'll vouch for Big Clint I have witnessed the crazy kid go through a washout on just the driver side wheels. He could have been in a famous movie with Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer.

http://i35.tinypic.com/309oh0m.jpg

[maverick1701]

Nice picture, but you've got some steeper stuff to try. I've gone straight up ridges that put the bottom 2 inches of my spare tire in the mud at the bottom, AND I never felt the pucker factor. I couldn't see a thing with my hardtop on, but just listened to my spotters.



X2 on what big clint says...he really knows what he is talking about.
I have seen him is some high pucker-factor situations, I dont want to hear that you have been in worse situations. Just the other day I just happened snap this picture before it really got bad.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2jba6wh.jpg

somehow the dumbass cameramen missed clint and his JK...

[Ben]

Madness? No not madness.

THIS

IS

BIG CLINT!!!!!!!

http://i37.tinypic.com/25jjkmw.jpg

[maverick1701]

Madness? No not madness.

THIS

IS

BIG CLINT!!!!!!!

http://i37.tinypic.com/25jjkmw.jpg



i dont know who told you that was clint... I actually have the real picture before all of your fancy photoshop "magic"....

http://i34.tinypic.com/169q6b9.jpg

[superbee]

Usually how steep isn't the real question, but how stupid!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0KmA-Uxzg

[atomicmecha]

like the rest of you, going up and down doesnt bother me, i havent been on a hill yet where i felt i was going to topple over myself. now sideways... oh hell yeah i'm puckering up and leaving finger prints in the steering wheel.


my worst one sideways... taken at Casparis
http://lh4.ggpht.com/viperv303/SGcNndkzRyI/AAAAAAAAEMI/2zu2kOr0mAU/s800/P1030890.JPG

[simon]

here's a vert shot from this weekend.....

http://jk-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15646&stc=1&d=1226886077

[putnam dan]

don't also forget traction - slick mud hills are much more dangerous sideways than nice firm rock.

[Ben]

don't also forget traction - slick mud hills are much more dangerous sideways than nice firm rock.

but at least you are more likely to slide instead of cactching traction on the down hill side which could cause you to tip over. Both situations are dangerous.

[wgr]

I had once to back up a slippery grassy hill in reverse gear, cause felt it was much safer to be facing downhill in case of i lost my traction.
I was not too difficult to steer by using mirrors, all 3 of them and occasionally looking out of my side window.

[Ben]

I had once to back up a slippery grassy hill in reverse gear, cause felt it was much safer to be facing downhill in case of i lost my traction.
I was not too difficult to steer by using mirrors, all 3 of them and occasionally looking out of my side window.

Cool story Hansel. Are you that guy that posted the awesome pics of the jk and the toyota in Finland in some awesome low lying wet land trails with lots of mud and water?

[XJHammer]

when your on the lid, you'll know you went to far:wink:

I'm hoping not to be part of that club anytime soon.

[Ben]

I'm hoping not to be part of that club anytime soon.

any pics of your xj? I have a soft spot in my tender heart for xj's.

[S10x1000]

Both up and down here felt pretty close to too steep for me. Even though it doesnt look very steep, it was a high Pucker Factor for sure.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh284/kenrainer/6303-1.jpg
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh284/kenrainer/6304.jpg




Hey I've done that before.:clap:

[2climbbig]

you want to know how steep you can go... try free fall at Superlift ORP... I have seen jeeps teeter just by hitting there brakes... I thinks its around 69 degrees.

[RubyRed44]

In my experience you can usually go a lot steeper up and down things than you'd ever think, as long as you have traction. I always first test by rolling up and trying to crawl. If i can crawl I do a very small bump. If its feels stable still and I didnt get up then I just progressivly bump harder until I get up or feel like I'm gonna roll. On really steep stuff if you feel like your going to roll backwards throw it into neutral or reverse so you come back down on all fours.
Going down things I have stood my TJ up on its nose. I have slid down some stuff that is pretty much vertical. The key here is that when going down steep stuff you usually wont have as much traction as you'd like and you'll slide a bit. Make sure you DONT hit the brakes! if anything hit the gas slightly. Landing hard on all fours is always better than getting scared and slamming the brakes and rolling.
Before I go up something steep I quickly go through in my head what my reaction will be in a worse case scenario that way if it happen you are mentally prepared.

Sidehill always feels way worse than it looks. Usually take your spotters advise on if your good or not. If your not comfortable get out and look for yourself and you will see its not as bad as it feels. Also anyone who has a Rubicon, I always lock my sway bar when I see a pretty steep sidehill coming up. It keeps you much more stable.

Im pretty sure ive done every two wheel stand combo possible in my old TJ and still never rolled. You just need to take it slow at the start and get the feel for where your jeeps limit is. Dont be a puss but don't be an idiot at the same time.

[scottrock]

Dont be a puss but don't be an idiot at the same time.

Ah that fine line between bravery & stupidity :rotflmao2:

[Ben]

In my experience you can usually go a lot steeper up and down things than you'd ever think, as long as you have traction. I always first test by rolling up and trying to crawl. If i can crawl I do a very small bump. If its feels stable still and I didnt get up then I just progressivly bump harder until I get up or feel like I'm gonna roll. On really steep stuff if you feel like your going to roll backwards throw it into neutral or reverse so you come back down on all fours.
Going down things I have stood my TJ up on its nose. I have slid down some stuff that is pretty much vertical. The key here is that when going down steep stuff you usually wont have as much traction as you'd like and you'll slide a bit. Make sure you DONT hit the brakes! if anything hit the gas slightly. Landing hard on all fours is always better than getting scared and slamming the brakes and rolling.
Before I go up something steep I quickly go through in my head what my reaction will be in a worse case scenario that way if it happen you are mentally prepared.

Sidehill always feels way worse than it looks. Usually take your spotters advise on if your good or not. If your not comfortable get out and look for yourself and you will see its not as bad as it feels. Also anyone who has a Rubicon, I always lock my sway bar when I see a pretty steep sidehill coming up. It keeps you much more stable.

Im pretty sure ive done every two wheel stand combo possible in my old TJ and still never rolled. You just need to take it slow at the start and get the feel for where your jeeps limit is. Dont be a puss but don't be an idiot at the same time.


Good advice especially about thinking about what you will do in the worst case scenario. I always do that too.

[RedneckJeep]

Yall are just makin all this way too complex. Here's a littly ditty to help you remember......

"When I go up a hill and roll over my Jeep, that's when I know it was too frikkin steep."


:rotflmao2:

[hawgrider1200]

now that's funny right there, I don't care who ya are!!!!!!quote from Larry the Cable Guy

[Leonard Massi]

Glad I'm not the only one!! My JK doesn't look like this anymore. But I have had the same experience,only opposite, Gravity wanted me to go sideways. Hey why is it, "in pictures the hills never seem steep?"
http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=desktoppicturecopyyj9.jpg

[XJHammer]

any pics of your xj? I have a soft spot in my tender heart for xj's.

I'll have to find some for ya.

[allterrain]

A lot of good stuff has been shared here.
Traction is key and you can usually do a lot more than you think.
I have had the front tires come up before and that is a wild feeling. I just stopped, backed down, adjusted my line a little and tried again and popped over.

This is steep but was really not a challenge once you commit and keep your momentum going.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/1520/climb.jpg

[stlfan06]

So what's the guideline on how steep is too steep? I don't just mean climbing or decending a hill, but also traversing the side of one.

This weekend I got sorta stuck on the side of one...sliding sideways a little as I tried to move forward...feeling like I was fortunate to have a passenger in the passenger seat...not able to really turn down the hill to correct until I moved a few feet forward so my rear tires wouldn't slide into a gulley. It really wouldn't have concerned me if I hadn't been sliding sideways too much, but it really got me thinking about the max sideways angle and not just going straight up/down a hill.

When you unbuckle your seatbelt and hit your head on the roof! :rotflmao2: