Trail Ratings - What Do They Mean

[Nd4SpdSe]

I remember coming cross this when I first got my Xterra. I actually have it printed out but since then, the site had gone offline (ccx.smugmug.com) and the pictures linked form the other sites (http://naxc.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=77188" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; | http://www.4x4norcal.com/forum/index.php?topic=5.0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) With all the pictures we have, it would be a good idea, and possible, to reinstate some pictures, but done CNTC style!


This is a standard 10 point trail rating system modified slightly to apply to the type of trucks most of us use - Xterra, Frontier, Pathfinder etc. and not based on lifted SWB Jeeps with solid axles with no fear of body damage etc.

Trail conditions change, and something that is hard for one driver might be easy for another, even if they are driving the same vehicle. A rainstorm might make an easy trail impassable, or a hard one easy.

Rating trails is tough. Be aware that conditions can change and the experience level of the person doing the rating may be different from yours. While we've tried to make this system useful, take these or any rating methods with a grain of salt - use our ratings as guidelines only.
The vehicle recommendations are just that, some of the trucks shown do not have all the recommended modifications.


#1 - 2WD Easy

Graded dirt or gravel road

Vehicles: Any, including passenger cars, you can drive your wife's (or husband's) Accord on this one


#2 - 2WD Hard

Mostly graded dirt or gravel road, higher ground clearance likely to be handy, as are better approach and departure angles

Vehicles: 2WD pickups and SUV's, perfect for 2WD Xterras


#3 - 4WD Easy

Unimproved dirt road, 4wd and extra clearance may or may not be needed, street tires ok, good approach and departure angles are required, long wheel based pickups may have some difficulties

Vehicles: Any 4wd, high-clearance pickup trucks with 2wd, anything Subaru... 2WD Xterras likely can do this with a careful driver and good trail conditions (ie; dry, no snow or ice), though you may want to have a 4WD buddy with you and perhaps a tow strap


#4 - 4wd Easy +

4wd needed, some low range, suitable for novice drivers, street tires ok

Vehicles: Any 4wd, including stock SUVs, 4WD Xterra will have no problems


#5 - 4WD Moderate

4wd low range required, difficult terrain, some steep grades but no major rock obstacles, trail tires needed but stock suspension ok, challenge for novice drivers

Vehicles: Any modified 4wd, stock SUVs with trail tires, still not a problem for a stock Xterras, though it's suggested that you remove the stock step rails and install rock sliders. This is also the level that it becomes a good idea to take a buddy along.


#6 - 4WD Challenging

Difficult trail, with obstacles, can be done with a stock vehicle with a very experienced driver but not recommended. This is the limit of a stock SUV. Occasional off-camber situations, some steep grades, may be water crossings or sand hazards.

Vehicles: 31 inch tires or metric equivalent (which is what the stock X has), at least a mild lift (to at least stock X height, if you're a Cherokee or Explorer...), rear locker or limited slip recommended. This is where you must remove the step rails and if you don't have rock sliders, rocker panel damage is very likely. This is the level that it is suggested to have body armor (skid plates etc.). Remove mudflaps and the like, take appropriate recovery gear, extra food and water, and travel with another vehicle. use a spotter if needed over difficult sections.


#7 - 4WD Hard

Difficult trail. Grades and off-camber situations may exceed 25 degrees, water crossings 2 feet deep, lots of rock crawling, body damage possible.

Vehicles: Modified with lift, at least a LSD, (locker preferred), 31 inch tires or metric equivalent minimum. This is about the limit of what ca be done with a stock Xterra. Be well prepared and willing to accept the possibility of damage/delay. At least one vehicle should be equipped with a winch and someone know how to use it safely. Extended breather to the rear diff for water crossings recommended.


#8 - 4WD Hard +

Tough trail. Lots of rocks, grades and off-camber situations may exceed 30 degrees, winch may be needed. Body damage or equipment failures likely.

Vehicles: 2 to 4 inch lift, 33" tires, locker in rear, limited slip or locker in front, winch, extra gears.


#9 - 4WD Extreme

Very tough trail. Lots of rocks, grades and off-camber situations may exceed 30 degrees, winch may be needed. Body damage or equipment failures likely.

Vehicles: 4 inch lift or more, 35" or larger tires, lockers front and rear, winch, extra gears. It's not recommended for an Xterra or similar IFS vehicle.


#10 - Impossible

As the name says, this is impossible. It's usually not even a trail, it's either off the trail, and hence a no-no, or found somewhere where open areas for off-roading exist as an obstacle standing alone. It's the sort of thing that someone else will say "Try it, I bet you could make it", and yet have some reason why they themselves cannot attempt it at that exact moment. These should be avoided.

Vehicles: Someone else's... preferably someone you never want to talk to again, and can also run faster than...

[Bow_Tied]

Nice list.

Would I be right calling Minden hydroline a #4?