Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

The gauge will always be somewhat off unless you're on a side slope thats level front-to-back, so don't obsess over it. Its best to use it as an "oh sh*t" meter to keep out of trouble, i.e., be conservative. The exact max angle isn't a fixed figure; its very much different for a rig with two people and lunch cooler than for a heavily loaded rig with a load on the roof.

If you flop on your side, its an expensive "oh sh*t"; but if you keep rolling down the hill, I guarantee it'll spoil your day.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

You have to calibrate the "Tip O Meter" to compensate for any the lean in the truck. This should be done on level ground with equal air pressure in the tires.

They are fun to look at but usually when I'm in a bad side hill spot I forget to check the angle. I like having the side hill and up and down angle too.

Also the rollover angle will change with bumps, soft shocks, roof rack load, soft ground, low air pressure in the tires, blowing a bead or getting a flat on the down hill side. Not good.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

I dont know if anyone wants to know this anymore but 100% slope by definition is equal to 45 degrees. The formula to convert between percent and degrees is simple.

angle(degrees) = (180/pi)*arctan(%/100) therefore using this formula

degrees = (180/3.14)*arctan(40/100) = 21.80 degrees, and this is how much slope the H3 can handle.

incase anyone wants to use this formula there is no way to calculate it by hand, you need a scientific calculator. pi by definition is about 3.14, and arctan is tangent to the negative one power(or in other words inverse tangent). to use arctan just look for a button on your calc that says something like tan-1.

hope this helps someone.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Tiltmeters are a useful part of the overall equation.

The 22 degrees that GM says is the max is a fully loaded vehicle. Every conceivable capacity is at max and then you are off-road. That includeds whatever is the max capacity the roof will hold + max payload including all seats being filled with people, full tank of gas, etc.

I assure you that no one has been at 38 degrees and felt comfortable and felt like their rig had plenty more to go. 38%? Sure. At 35 degrees to the driver's side in my H2, the washer fluid starts to freely run out of the DS spray nozzle and onto the cowling and windshield if the washer fluid reservoir is full.

The Trail Duty tiltmeter is, so far, the most verstile mounting and most accurate meter on the market. It is utilized by the US Government, certain models are used on Nuclear Subs, in the construction biz, etc. The main reason is that the tubes are accurately bent each and every time and it has a very efficient dampening oil in it unlike any of the others. That means the little ball does bounce around and when you glance at it it is still.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

OWCH.....PAIN.......Brain Cramp!!!!!:eek: :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Thanks for the formula! And thanks for the mounting tips! Also thanks for pointing out that they indicate a full load with stuff uptop, I never run with anything up there (or haven't yet) so I am sure that drops my center of gravity a bit.

Perhaps velco would be better than 2 sided tape then I could adjust to 0 degrees when I am on flat and air down my tires for sand, but then again if I air down equally or close to are we back to the slim margin of error debate again.

Thanks for helping out a newbie, hope one day I have some informaition useful to someone!

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

do not worrie about not being flat . this has been argued over and over . these are made for sail boats , when sailing the vessel is pitching and yawing at the sametime and it is designed to still give an accurate reading just figure its acurrate to +/_ 5 degrees . you will be fine :D i know i have tested it to the Max :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Simple method for figuring out approach and side angle.

If beer is flowing out of the top of the can in the cup holder.

You have gone too far.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

had mine to 35 also and have the skid marks in my skivies to prove it ;) :p :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

3 degrees or so on the meter is not going to be very noticeable visually. 5 degrees is barely noticeable as it is the division marks.

Get your truck to a relatively flat surface like your garage (which have a very slight slope) and then mount it at 0 degrees. Don't worry about any adjustments from there on out.

You really don't care much about the point at which the truck will roll because you shouldn't be venturing very close to that. The gauge should reallly just be used more of a reference than anything else. When you start to get uncomfortable note where you are and if it says 15 degrees and it's mounted properly, then you know you're a weenie. ;) Seriously, you'll learn each time out that you aren't in that bad of a situation when you hear a bunch of people outside screaming and you show only 30 or so degrees.

30 degrees on loose, bumpy trails is way worse than 35 degrees on slick rock. So you have to have common sense as well and just keep everything relative.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

I'll take your word for it. :eek: :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Sewie i like that middle smiley guy :D LOL

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

There are two common mistakes made when getting a tiltmeter!

First and foremost--Thinking there is another tiltmeter worth getting other than the TrailDuty! :)

And Second--- Not getting "TWO" the first time, and having to re-order one! :)

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

that is with the can half full ;) ;) :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Doesn't matter... Any spilling of beer is not a good thing..:D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

Your faith in me is all the side slope advice you'll ever need.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

thanks Jesus and say hi to god for me :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

spillage = alcohol abuse ;) :D

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

NEOCON,

Your humor has always been good natured. You will do fine my son. Never stray.

Re: Side Slope Measuring Device?
 

jesus, you're cracking me up. but ted kennedy is still funnier.

did anybody post a link to this thing? http://www.savannajones.com/products/94050_02.htm

forward and side slopes + compass. if it had a hummer, it would be the cats rear