(AMB 7006) High Center of Gravity Vehicles

Question 1

AMB 7006

What is the “Center of Gravity” for a vehicle?

Answer 1

It is the point of every vehicle at which an object’s mass is in equilibrium.

Question 2

AMB 7006

What is the “Center of Mass” for a vehicle?

Answer 2

It is the single point through which all of the forces affecting the vehicle act.

*This includes everything from braking and accelerating to turning.

Question 3

AMB 7006

Once a vehicle is moving, inertia __________.

Answer 3

Inertia will keep a vehicle’s center of gravity traveling in a straight line with constant velocity until a force acts on the vehicle to change it.

Question 4

AMB 7006

During a turn with speed, in a High CG Vehicle, what is important to remember?

Answer 4

As long as some weight remains on the inside tires, the vehicle will stay upright.

Question 5

AMB 7006

Which vehicles will experience weight shift the greatest while making a turn?

Answer 5

All vehicles with a higher Center of Mass.

Question 6

AMB 7006

The “Static Stability Factor is a ratio that can quantify a vehicle’s tendency to roll over. What is the formula computing the SSF?

Answer 6

Vehicle’s CG divided by half the distance between the center of the two front tires.

Vehicles CG / (0.5 the front wheel base) = SSF

Question 7

AMB 7006

The higher the SSF value, the _______________.

Answer 7

Less likely it is that the vehicle will roll over.

Question 8

AMB 7006

What is the ratings for the “Rollover Resistance Rating” system?

Answer 8

1 Star = Greater than 40% risk of rollover
2 Star = 30% - 40% risk of rollover
3 Star = 20% - 30% risk of rollover
4 Star = 10% - 20% risk of rollover
5 Star = Less than 10% risk of rollover

Question 9

AMB 7006

By wearing your seatbelt you can reduce your chance of being killed during a rollover by ______%.

Answer 9

75%

Question 10

AMB 7006

What are some driving conditions that can adversely affect the operation of a High CG Vehicle?

Answer 10

1. ) Weather (rain, ice, or snow)
2. ) High Winds
3. ) Road Conditions
4. ) Visibility

Question 11

AMB 7006

What is unique about the suspensions of High CG Vehicles that an officer should remember?

Answer 11

The suspensions of these vehicles are usually stiffer, making them less likely to recover safely from road obstacles.

Question 12

AMB 7006

How should an officer, driving a High CG Vehicle, compensate for the stiffer suspension when compensating for road conditions?

Answer 12

The officer compensates by slowing the vehicle.

Question 13

AMB 7006

High CG Vehicles tend to have more exaggerated ________ b/c of the vehicle’s physical size.

Answer 13

“Blind Spots”

Question 14

AMB 7006

High CG Vehicles are not typically designed for _________.

Answer 14

High speed driving.

Question 15

AMB 7006

There is a interesting phenomenon associated with SUV Operators. What is the phenomenon?

Answer 15

Typical SUV operators sits approximately 20 inches higher than in a car. This causes the person driving an SUV at 60 mph to perceive the speed the same as someone doing around 40 mph in a car.

Question 16

AMB 7006

The lower gearing of a 4x4 vehicle can cause a problem for the driver in what situation?

Answer 16

During high speed driving, the lower gearing acts like a brake when the driver comes off the accelerator, which might induce a skid.

Question 17

AMB 7006

Drivers of High CG Vehicles should execute steering maneuvers with extreme caution by ____________.

Answer 17

not overcorrecting when recovering from an emergency.

Question 18

AMB 7006

If while driving a High CG Vehicle a tire dropped off the road, what is the proper procedure for recovery?

Answer 18

1. ) Gradually decrease speed

2. ) ease the vehicle back onto the roadway.

Question 19

AMB 7006

During a skid, the anti-lock brake system tries to shift its stopping power to the front wheels, sensing they have the most traction. This can cause what?

Answer 19

This can push the tire beyond its limits, causing the vehicle to skid out of control, and roll over.

Question 20

AMB 7006

What percentage of occupants are less likely to die during a rollover simply by wearing their seat belt?

Answer 20

75%

Question 21

AMB 7006

What is a good general rule of thumb to be able to perform safe and effective off-road driving?

Answer 21

To drive as slow as possible, and only as fast as necessary.

Question 22

AMB 7006

When driving off-road, it not a bad idea to have a person or another officer to act as your ________ ?

Answer 22

Ground Spotter, guiding you over or through difficult obstacles.

Question 23

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for ascending a hill in a vehicle.

Answer 23

1. ) Approach the hill straight-on.
2. )Climb the hill without making any turns

*It may be necessary to get a “running start” when climbing a hill to get help from your vehicles momentum when ascending the hill

Question 24

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for descending down a hill in a vehicle.

Answer 24

1. ) Try to use the lowest gear ratio combination to control the vehicle’s speed.
2. ) Use brake only as necessary.
3. ) The descent should be done in a straight line without any turns.

Question 25

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for recovering form a “failed” hill climb.

Answer 25

1. ) Stop the vehicle from rolling by apply the brakes
2. ) Re-start engine if necessary
3. ) Engage 4-wheel drive (if not already engaged)
4. ) Place transmission in Reverse
5. ) Look over the right should as the vehicle is slowly backed straight down the hill.
6. ) Upon reaching the base of the hill, set up for another hill climb attempt or seek an alternate route.

Question 26

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for traversing a lateral obstacle.

Answer 26

1. ) Align the vehicle so it will cross the obstacle in a 45* angle.
2. ) Approach the obstacle slowly, allowing one tire at a time to cross
3. ) Be aware of the lowest hanging point of the vehicle as you cross
4. ) Wait until one tire has completely crossed the obstacle before proceeding with the next tire.
5. ) Do not return to a straight line of travel until all four wheels have cleared the obstacle.

Question 27

AMB 7006

How should you traverse large rocks or mounded types of obstacles?

Answer 27

Pick one side of the vehicle and cross over the obstacle, one tire at a time. DO NOT Straddle the obstacle.

Question 28

AMB 7006

How should one traverse soft terrain?

Answer 28

1. ) Vehicle should be in 4-wheel drive
2. ) Before entering, determine the density of the ground.
3. ) Enter the soft terrain with enough speed so that your momentum can carry you across if you loose traction.
4. ) DO NOT stop the vehicle in very soft terrain.
5. ) Use smooth and consistent throttle inputs to get across the soft terrain.

Question 29

AMB 7006

If a vehicle becomes stuck in soft terrain, how can you extricate the vehicle?

Answer 29

1. ) Rocking the vehicle fore & aft to regain traction
2. ) Turn the steering wheel from side to side in an attempt to “bite” the loose terrain for traction.
3. ) Placing objects under the tires to assist with traction.
4. ) Airing down the tires maybe an option to regain traction

Question 30

AMB 7006

How low can a tire be safely deflated when “airing down”?

Answer 30

approximately 1/3 of its recommended tire pressure.

Question 31

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for crossing a Ravine.

Answer 31

1. ) Approach the obstacle at a 45* angle.
2. ) Slowly enter the ravine one wheel at a time.
3. ) Allow the vehicle to stabilize itself before proceeding with additional wheels.
4. ) Anticipate any approach or departure issues with the ravine before attempting to cross.

Question 32

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for performing a water crossing.

Answer 32

1. ) Prior to crossing the any river (or body of water) it is important to know the depth.
2. ) If possible, enter the water at an established fording point.
3. ) If the body of water is flowing, then enter slightly upstream of your departure point to allow for drift in the water.
4. ) Maintain forward movement to create a bow break on the front of the vehicle.
5. ) If tire contact is momentarily lost with the ground while in the water and flotation occurs, it may be necessary to open the vehicles doors and partially flood the interior to add weight to the vehicle to regain traction.

Question 33

AMB 7006

How far can a vehicle be submerged in a body of water without doing damage to the vehicle?

Answer 33

A stock 4x4 vehicle can submerge as deep as the height of the vehicle’s hubs (or slightly higher)

Question 34

AMB 7006

If you encounter a rapid moving body of water, what should you do?

Answer 34

DO NOT attempt to cross it.

Question 35

AMB 7006

Explain the steps for driving in an Off-Camber situation.

Answer 35

1. ) Whenever possible, avoid “Off-Camber” positions
2. ) Drive very slowly while in an off-camber position.
3. ) If the vehicle begins to slide or roll, then turn downhill immediately.
4. ) If the vehicle begins to roll, keep all body parts in the vehicle at all times

Question 36

AMB 7006

Name a few tools available for extricating a stuck 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Answer 36

1. ) Tow Strap (“Snatch Strap”)
2. ) Hi-Lift Jack
3. ) Winch

Question 37

AMB 7006

A proper Tow Strap should be able to expand how much of its’ overall length?

Answer 37

15% of its overall length.

Question 38

AMB 7006

Where should you never attach a tow strap or winch cable to when attaching to a vehicle?

Answer 38

1. ) Vehicle’s bumper
2. ) Suspension
3. ) Steering tie-rods
4. ) Roof Racks
5. ) Aftermarket Grill Guards
6. ) pre-attached metal tow hooks (they are not part of the frame)

Question 39

AMB 7006

What is the best place to attach a tow strap or winch cable to a vehicle?

Answer 39

Attach it to the vehicles frame.

Question 40

AMB 7006

How do you use the “slingshot” method with a tow strap?

Answer 40

1. ) Leave approximately 20-40% of the strap’s overall length as slack between the two vehicles.
2. ) The stuck vehicle should have a driver on-board with the vehicle in Drive, and no brakes applied.
3. ) The recovery vehicle will move no faster than 5-8 mph until the strap is taught. This cause a strap to stretch and recover creating the “slingshot”.
4. ) Repeat this as necessary

Question 41

AMB 7006

Explain the proper techniques to using a winch.

Answer 41

1. ) Always use suitable gloves when handling the winch cable
2. ) Always attach the winch cable to a suitable anchoring device.
3. ) When using a tree or other vertical anchor, use a tree saver strap for attachment
4. ) Never attach the winch cable to itself by looping the hook around the anchor point and reattaching itself to the winch cable.
5. ) Keep the winching vehicle running so the winch has plenty of power
6. ) Never step over a taught winch cable.
7. ) remain at least the length of the outstretched cable from the vehicles if the winch can be operated remotely. (this is in case the winch cable snaps)
8. ) If the winch has to be operated from inside the winching vehicle, then the hood can be raised as a protective barrier for if the cable snaps to protect the occupant.