Slope/Tilt Guage

[Hum2]

Hey guys, I just bought a tilt gauge off E-bay and it is pretty good for the price.

I am buying a second to place on the side of the OH console for pitch. The pic shows placing one for roll on the back side of the OH console...great for those with a sunroof and the short OH console. I mounted mine for roll between the 2 front air vents...perfect.

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[Hum2]

Hey guys, I just bought a tilt gauge off E-bay and it is pretty good for the price.

I am buying a second to place on the side of the OH console for pitch. The pic shows placing one for roll on the back side of the OH console...great for those with a sunroof and the short OH console. I mounted mine for roll between the 2 front air vents...perfect.

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TBarrow]

I just bought the same one a 4 wheel parts for 8.95 It is made by Sun products and called a lev-o-gage

Black H2 Adventure Series+ all other options.

[Hum2]

TBarrow:

Please e-mail me where I can get one for $8.95.

I found a Marine shop that had them for $9.95 but they wanted 6.95 for shipping. The E-Bay one is $13.75 including shipping.

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TBarrow]

I bought mine at my local 4 wheel parts wholesalers store front for 8.95. I want to better understand what a true 40 degree side slope feels and looks like.

Black H2 Adventure Series+ all other options.

[Hum2]

Phil:

I stopped into all the Marine stores in Omaha.....in Omaha, limited resources here you know. West Marines website does not show them. The only other clinometer I have available locally is the "Jeep" one...nawwwww!, plus it has to mount on the front dash..ugly! I've seen the H1 unit as well, just is an ugly unit overall.


TBarrow:

Can you send me the information on the 4-wheel parts store so I can buy direct...none of our limited 4-wheel places here have a clue.

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[Hum2]

Phil:

West Marine e-mailed a response to my request. Their "master" catalog has the gage for $10.99 plus $5.95 shipping, still higher than the E-bay guy who sells them for $13.75 including shipping. The closest store to me is Milwaukee or Denver...8 hours away....NG.

Thanks for the info.

I will eventually mark my 2 gages with a line showing 60% vert slope, and 40% side slope...definitely not 40/60 degrees...ouch!

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TBarrow]

I did not realize there was a difference. 4 wheel parts wholesalers is located at www.4wheelparts.com (http://www.4wheelparts.com)
They do not have it on there website but in there stores. Call them at thyere 800 number and have them look it up for you. I could not find a marine store or any other at first.

This is a link to the manufacturer. They have a % slope also towards the bottom.
http://www.suncompany.net/IndustrialOEM/l-o-g/index.html

Black H2 Adventure Series+ all other options.

[This message was edited by TBarrow on 05-02-03 at 10:25 AM.]

[This message was edited by TBarrow on 05-02-03 at 10:28 AM.]

[MAC]

On a visit to a Los Angeles Wal-Mart store, I saw 8-10 different types in stock. My guess is they are generally used by RVs or trailers. I did not buy any because they all looked too "RV" or "trailer" styled. But prices were right, cheap. The one in Hum2's photo looks nice.

[DURAMAX TIM]

If u want to look real fancy get two of these digital levels ,also read in % of slope.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000225AL/104-2936179-2658355?v=glance&s=hi&n=553260&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&vi=pictures&img=14#more-pictures

[TheGoodHummerMan]

Inclinometers are cute, but of little practical value. When my H2 is on a 40% slope, the last thing I will be doing is watching the inclinometer... instead, I will be paying attention to where I am going to steer to keep from tipping the rest of way over.

But, maybe if your passenger isn't experiencing sufficiently distracting pucker power, they can enjoy watching the gauge? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Ed

[This message was edited by TheGoodHummerMan on 05-03-03 at 11:29 PM.]

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PhilD:
Yes and no. Many people do not know what a 40% slope feels like and want to stay within the safe working limits of the vehicle. Therefore a gauge which tells them the slope, is actually of great help and may well indeed prevent someone from rolling over.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Very good point PhilD, I hadn't thought of that. My experience with such analog gauges is that as you bounce around, the gauge flucuates so wildly that it is most difficult to get a reading, especially if you are turtling. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

But without a gauge, I might "think" that I was really pushing the envelope when only driving across a 30% slope... Maybe I will install the gauge just to check the accuracy of my "pucker". Who knows, maybe I've only been daring to take on those wicked 20% slopes? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

Have you exceeded the 40% mark with your H2 yet? After looking at the various Lev-o-gage models that Sun Company lists, I think I will opt for the Model 3 that reads up to 26 degrees. If I max that out, it will be more than ENOUGH for me, as my pucker gauge will quickly confirm? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Thanks for the heads up on the gauge...

Ed

[Hummer Man]

The best guages are oil filled and should not be disturbed by the "BUMPS & RATTLES". This guage on EBAY is quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2413126233&category=6773

I own one and it works very well. The most important thing to remember on a a side slope is don't be afraid at any moment to turn down hill if you feel you are over the limit of incline performance. Although turning into the fall or turning down hill seems unnatural for some it is often times the only way to save yourself from a role.

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hummer Man:
The best guages are oil filled and should not be disturbed by the "BUMPS & RATTLES".<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You be de Hummer Man! You can drive your Hummer on a wickedly steep slope, steering a path around obstacles and at the same time watch that little gauge mounted over your mirror? Wow, you're not just a genius --- you are super-human... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I have trouble chewing gum and using a winch at the same time...

Analog gauges are inherently difficult to "accurately" read. This "liquid filled" gauge that you tout is definitely no exception. Sitting still, can you tell exactly what degree of slope you are on? Okay, now, translate that into percentage of slope. Now drive forward. Hope that slope is smooth or else the liquid filled gauge WILL fluctuate.

IMHO by the time you realize that you have exceeded the maximum slope while intently studying your little gauge, you will usually be able to easily confirm it by the amount of roll-over damage to your vehicle...

FWIW, your last remark about using your "feelings" to determine when to ease off seems more sensible than reading that tiny gauge...

Off-roading sure is fun! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Ed

[Hummer Man]

As any good NAVY SEAL will tell you, your posistion in the universe is your 6th sense. You must always be aware of the grade before it becomes an issue. A diver never goes under and uses anything more then 75% of his air. Even in hostile missions the instruction is to never go below 25% before RTB - (return to base).

Any good Marine foll0ws the same code - Don't dispense all of your munitions. If a trail is that dangerous you must walk it first. On many trail rides we take baking soda and mark areas of concern or OIL -(OVER INCLINE LIMIT) then based on the drivers and spotters joint skill & experience we proceed.

The basic rule of the trail (AND POSTED AT THE MAIN GATE TO THE RUBICON - THIS NATIONS BEST TRAIL) Donot outdrive your experience!!

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hummer Man:
"As any good NAVY SEAL will tell you... do not outdrive your experience!!"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Took the liberty of editing your quote just a little, but your posting was really quite interesting, although unintelligible. How exactly do these comments relate to that silly little gauge? Are these gauges issued to all Navy Seals? What do Navy Seals have to do with 4-wheeling? Do you carry a gauge with you while walking the trail and marking the OIL's? Now that would make sense!

Does the "don't outdrive" basic rule "over-rule" the gauge? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Ed

Time for me to go back through Jim Allen's bible again...

[MAC]

There is a big open space valley area near my home, with dense forest, steep hills, running stream crossing the narrow dirt road. The boys say there is a lake at the bottom of the valley just above the golf course, I've yet to find a boy who actually been there, but all said some others have. After a mile, the dirt road dips down sharply, so much so that one cannot walk down but do it on all four. I tried the road a couple times, but both times turned back or backed up the road at that point. I have no idea what degrees that slope is, except it looks pretty scary. I would think a tilt or climb meter might help me out there.

[Hum2]

Gee...my whole idea for putting in a guage, (I will put one in for pitch and role) is for fun. I'm not going to try and roll the vehicle but it will be nice to see where my comfort zone really resides with actual inclination. I had one slope I got into (slid into due to being in sand) and was extremely uncomfortable, I thought for sure I was going to roll. The engineer in me said 40% but it felt like 100% (45 degrees. It would have been nice to know approx. (I didn't have my transit with me). I will have both installed be fore my next event May 24-25.

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[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? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

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

[MaLLHPPR]

I have to say you guys crack me up! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I guess you can say I am silent member. I read almost all the posts on this site. I've added a few of my own comments. Hey, I've just recently won a contest. I do have to say I've learned a lot about the H2 from everyone. I love mine.

I think the 2nd best part of this forum is the unintentional zinging of each other as well as the goofy stories. You guys make this site fun as well as interesting! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Thanks!

BTW, I'm not getting a gauge. Usually if we go 4 wheeling my husband drives and "I" am the gauge. (Somehow my side is always the one looking down hill-coincidence? I think not!)

Kim-

Lovin' every minute of my H2! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Sunset Orange, Lux pkge, air suspension, sunroof.

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MaLLHPPR:
I have to say you guys crack me up! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I think the 2nd best part of this forum is the unintentional zinging of each other as well as the goofy stories. You guys make this site fun as well as interesting! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kim,

If goofy stories crack you up, I have a million of em... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So where do you "stand" on the issue... For or against? You say you aren't going to get a gauge, but are you really sure? Don't make the same mistake I made and decide too quickly... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

I would imagine that the instant feedback that you offer to your husband while he is driving offroad --- with you acting in place of the gauge --- is superior! I know that screaming and fingernails digging in my arm always gets my attention... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Ed

[BKLYNH2]

Kim,
Of all the ridiculous posts on this site why did you choose this one as being too much? ( my words not yours, just the impression I got) If you think these guys are being a little to anal over their off roading why not just say " Hey boys suck it up and charge up that hill, or just put on this skirt and drive around it."

I think a gauge is useful for a while. I remember when I was little and just started skiing. Intermediate runs seemed like cliffs to me back then. In reality most expert slopes don't even come close to 45°/100% slope. It does however take a lot of experience to develop an inherent sense of slope. Sitting inside a vehicle I lose most of this peception, and even then it was never to the precision required to determine if it was within the tolerance of the vehicle. I agree that in most situations there are too many things to deal with to be reading a gauge up by the sunroof. So why not use that gauge in more controlled situations to develop a sense of where the H2 can go, and then on the trail you can rely on what feels comfortable.

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BKLYNH2:
"So why not use that gauge in more controlled situations to develop a sense of where the H2 can go, and then on the trail you can rely on what feels comfortable."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey BKLYNH2, better watch out who you're calling buttheads... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

But, speaking of butts, I think the BEST gauge is the good old reliable "PUCKER" gauge. My sphincter isn't calibrated in % of slope --- but it sure does report quite emphatically whenever the slope begins to get extreme. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Is that what you meant when you said "feels comfortable"?

Ed

[BKLYNH2]

Exactly!
Learn the ranges with a guage so you can let your "pucker" guide you on the trail. I hope thats the last time I talk about "pucker".

[Hum2]

Sounds like many of you need the gage whether think so or not, as you are definetly tilted...or is it cockeyed, or off balanced!?!? <GGG>

Ric

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[Hum2]

Here are my install pics:

1

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[Hum2]

2

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TheGoodHummerMan]

Hey Hum2 (Ric):

I saw an eBay site that has big fuzzy dice and real raccoon tails for sale --- if you want, I could send these url's to you... They might really accent those gauges perfectly... Both will give you pretty accurate indications of when you are on a slope... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Ed

[Hum2]

And you might get a space between Hummer and Man!

Sorry if the pics were too blury for you to see, but one was of the big fuzzy dice (roll) and the other, (pitch), real raccoon tails....forget your glasses?
Ric http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hum2:
And you might get a space between Hummer and Man!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What's wrong with fuzzy raccoon tails? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I take it all back! Please, just don't take my "Good" away... then I would just be the Hummer Man. Argggh! A fate worse than death? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

And here I thought the dice & tails comment scored a ten on the "humor" gauge...

Ed

[TheGoodHummerMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hum2:
"And you might get a space between Hummer and Man!"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What's wrong with fuzzy raccoon tails? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I take it all back! Please, just don't take my "Good" away... then I would just be the Hummer Man. Argggh! A fate worse than death? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

And here I thought the dice & tails comment scored a ten on the "humor" gauge...

Ed

Where DID I put my glasses???

[Hum2]

Ok Ed......no space between Hummer and Man for you!

And I'm sure Phil won't revoke your "TheGood"

Ric http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Glasses...what glasses?

OMAHOG/IHOG
Hum2@cox.net

[TonkaH2]

I put mine in to scare the passengers -but most newbies think it came with the H2, and everybody comments on it. Cost me $20 at 4-wheel parts, plus I added H2 graphics. [Please ignore the foam backed tape -it was already in place bfore I saw you could see the tape. Yuck. ] It would be completely worthless in reality -the ball/oil gauges are the only accurate ones -but I agree with previous posts - the stupidity of watching the gauge as you flip down the hill would be priceless.

Anyway, here's a pic:

-Jack
Yellow H2 adv. pkg.
Alaska to ??? June '03
www.sunspotnatural.com (http://www.sunspotnatural.com)

[chilichaz33]

Yep, your angles to %grade are pretty close. I found another inclinometer made by a company called Rieker, may be worth checking out. Has a nice look, and they have been around awhile.
I think you can buy direct, but they are also stocked at West Marine.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TBarrow:
I want to better understand what a true 40 degree side slope feels and looks like.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



You'll roll over!

A H2 cannot (safely) traverse a 40 degree side slope, it can traverse a 40% side slope.

A 40% or 60% slope is not the same as a 40 or 60 degree slope.

Percent slope is calculated as the altitude change for a horizontal distance divided by that same horizontal distance. IE: A 40% slope is one where it rises or falls 4 meters for every 10 meters traveled.

If I recall correctly, the equation to get slope % from angle in degrees is percent slope = tan(angle_in_radians ) * 100%. A 100% slope is only 45 degrees.

A 40% slope is 22 degrees.

A 60% slope is 31 degrees.

Do not confuse slope and angle, they are two different measurements, and disastrous results may occur if you confuse the two.

Ric, If you want, I'll pick one up at West Marine and mail it to you, just LMK. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

H

[chilichaz33]

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? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

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>

[unaslob]

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

[PARAGON]

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.

[DRTYFN]

I WANT ONE(or two)!!!!

[Texas Red]

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

[PARAGON]

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.

[DRTYFN]

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

[PARAGON]

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

[PARAGON]

Pic 2

[PARAGON]

Pic 3

[Fever]

Write me down for at least one.

T

[RIC-H0]

They're all smiling at Me!!!
What a happy Option! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ric-H2

[HummerLV]

<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! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ric-H2 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's smiling in degrees not percentages.

[PARAGON]

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

[PARAGON]

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.

[alecs wife]

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.

[Beastmaster]

Anyone try these? These are lit:

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

[alecs wife]

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

[PARAGON]

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.

[PARAGON]

<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?

[alecs wife]

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.

[alecs wife]

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.

[5spd]

I have one that came stock with one of my toys...(no comments please, I aready know, http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif)...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. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[mbdougl]

40º is easy at a car show!

[mbdougl]

your drink might spill though

[HummerLV]

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