I think this company out of PA has gauges that cover many ranges, Rieker Instruments. They make inclinometers and tilt indicators.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TheGoodHummerMan:
Ric,

After all the discussion and reading the various viewpoints and opinions, I think I have changed my mind about how these gauges are basically useless... Just like you point out, they might provide interesting data when off-roading. Also, they would actually serve a useful purpose if, during a walk-about--- checking the trail ahead--- you could take the gauge out of the H2 and approximate the hill's slope BEFORE driving on it.

Personally, the gauges that show 0 to 45 degrees seem less useful than the gauges calibrated from 0 to 30 degrees. If you had the second gauge and the ball bearing goes off the scale, you could just say that it is "TOO" steep?

I think that the lower range of 0 to 30 would also make it easier to more accurately read what the slope actually is too...

Maybe I will use velcro to attach the gauge so I can remove it for gauging slopes while walking around?

Now I have to find out where the 0 to 30 degree gauge was available...

Ed <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

hum2,

I have the same gauges, they are more for the passengers then for me. putting one one the overhead console is mostly useless. placing it that high on the truck and that far forward makes the device woefully inaccurate. they are only useful if as close to the center of the truck in the vertical plane

unaslob

they do look fancy though

Una, actually that's not entirely true. The angle of the truck is the same throughout so as long as you have it mounted correctly to begin with, it really doesn't matter where you mount it.

It needs to be perfectly vertical in the vehicle, not leaning forward or aft and obviously needs to be level and at zero when the truck is on a flat surface.

Along these lines, I am picking up a line of gauges that are a little better than the lev-o-gauges. They will come with a special mounting bracket that will allow them to mount just about any where and let you keep it set correctly. I am going to be the distributor and hopefully will have some out in the stores by the first few months of next year.

You'll be able to mount these on top of the dash, on the windshield, on the face of the dash, etc.

I WANT ONE(or two)!!!!

Keep us posted, Paragon. I'd be interested in one also.

Here is a example picture. I should have better artwork later this week. The base of the mounting bracket has holes and can use bolts or 3M tape. It will move 180 degrees on the vertical so you can mount it just about anywhere and still get the gauge to be level and perfectly verticle. I'll keep you posted.

I like it. It'll be much better for mounting on the dash between the air vents.

I took one and mounted it in a few different places to give an idea of where it can go. Here is pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Write me down for at least one.

T

They're all smiling at Me!!!
What a happy Option!

Ric-H2

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RIC-H2:
They're all smiling at Me!!!
What a happy Option!

Ric-H2 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's smiling in degrees not percentages.

You may have it smile at you in percentages if you like!

I've mentioned these to Jason but haven't officially "hit" him up about selling them yet, but Trail Duty (http://www.trailduty.com) has them in stock now if you want one. If you do get one, I think you will be surprised at how low of an angle (as compared to it's true capabilities) the pucker factor kicks in and knowing that you have more tilt available before it is unsafe.

For instance, both the H1 and H2 specs say a 40% side slope. That is about 23 degrees or so. But that spec from Hummer is with a maximum payload on board and a large margin of safety. I'd be curious to know the max angle some have been in the H2.

I also use a Lev-O-Gauge and have safely traversed 40º. At that angle you have to be very careful. I feel the truck is very reliable at 35º easy. Anything above that, I get very cautious.

I agree that GM is being on the safe side.

Anyone try these? These are lit:

http://www.tiltmeter.com/page10.html

Nice link!!! Did you notice they have a digital version? Might be worth looking into.

You can get the lit and digital versions but obviously we only have the lit in a 25 degree model right now. The biggest problem with trying to bring these to the market is the fact that you can buy the cheapo lev-o-gauges for $10-$15 and it certainly cost at least that to even make these. The problem with them though is that they have to mount flat on a perfectly vertical surface in the vehicle to be accurate.

If you see any of those at tiltmeter.com that you feel you would like, let me know. We can custom make any of these or make a whole new line. R&B is the manufacturer that I am working with on the distribution.

About the digital ones, in many situations they are not good for a quick glance since they are not a visual reference.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by R2:
I also use a Lev-O-Gauge and have safely traversed 40º. At that angle you have to be very careful. I feel the truck is very reliable at 35º easy. Anything above that, I get very cautious.

I agree that GM is being on the safe side. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>So, if we were to put coloring in the numbers like yellow for a safety zone and red for a danger zone, what range of numbers do you think would be best or would you like it just all white?

Here is the rang I would recommend:

Red zone = rollover 38º - 45º
Yellow zone = reaching limits 30º - 37º
Green zone = safe 0º - 29º

Also keep in mind that I do not have any additional weight on the roof. No roof rack no accessories.

Hope this helps.

I agree Phill. Maybe the green zone should be 0º - 23º witch is the factory spec & the other zones should be labeled risky and travel at your own risk.

I did think about the liability and really feel that GM is under specing for the those same concerns.

What bothers me is that other new SUV's are specing their trucks with the proper lingo. Such as the LR3 45º ascend and descend & 35º side slope & 27" water fording. Why does GM choose to use percentages is very misleading and is a marketing ploy to show a high number. They know that 23º sounds very low compared to other trucks. That's why they use 40% knowing most people will misinterpret the number. Why can't they just list max specs so that we don't have to guess.

I can say with confidence that the H2, without additional weight on the roof, can safely traverse a 35º side slope on 37" tires @ 18psi.

I have one that came stock with one of my toys...(no comments please, I aready know, )...and if you are looking at it instead of the trail, then I should think you deserve to roll, not that I would ever want anyone to though!
I have never looked at mine at all when wheeling, just a gadget for the passengers to look at and go Oh sh*t that was steep. Your 6th sense will tell you much better whats safe and whats not.

40º is easy at a car show!

your drink might spill though

a 40 degree grade up or down is not the problem
it's the side slope that's the problem, i don't think my pucker factor could do that slope shown sideways