[RallyBud]

I was reading a "2014 Four Wheeler of the Year" article and came across these pictures. The article didn't mention how the Trailhawk got stuck. I didn't know the circumstances, or even that it was truly stuck until I downloaded the images and it said "Cherokee Stuck" and "Ram Rescues Cherokee".

Now, I never thought of the Trailhawk as a desert runner per say. But, I wonder if the ground clearance or the 4x4 system...or a combination or both....caused it to get stuck. I do believe the 4x4 system only engages when it is needed when not in 4 low. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Good thing for the tow hooks!

Thoughts?

Link to the article: http://www.fourwheeler.com/vehicle-reviews/1310-2014-four-wheeler-of-the-year-day-4/

 

[Hudsonhawk]

Looks like they were driving in existing ruts and bottomed out on the skid plates.

 

[limey-g]

Sure looks like it bottomed out, I notice the tow vehicle is on firmer ground.

 

[Snohawk]

If they did not lower the tire pressure in those conditions they were asking for trouble!

 

[merft]

That is driver fail, not vehicle fail.

 

[ummie4]

I don't know the specifics behind what "sand/mud" mode does to the 4x4. I would think it would act as a 4x4 high. Locked 4x4 for higher speeds? Does anyone have any info on this? I want to try and get out onto a beach sometime.

 

[WJM]

I don't see a TrailHawk stuck in the sand. I see a Jeep preparing to pull a Ram out of the sand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dawhitesTH]

Tires don't even looked aired down and he does look bottomed out. A lot of good points from the previous posters.

 

[RallyBud]

I don't think lowering the tire pressures in that situation would have helped as it was already riding the skid plates.

Sand is my major concern here in Southern California. I think some of the limitations created with the non full time 4x4 also led to it getting stuck in the first place....loss of momentum. That and it's ground clearance compared to some of the larger vehicles with full time 4x4's make it a bit more restricted in certain terrains...sand.

I guess it's just a trade off for some of the other niceties and efficiency of the Trailhawk.

 

[limey-g]

Maybe they will make a snow plough blade to move snow or sand away from the path of the vehicle.
I don't know if its the angle of the photo but the back wheels look more bogged down than the front.

 

[Hudsonhawk]

Sand/Mud mode modifies the behavior of the esc and brake lock differential controls to allow for more wheel spin.

 

[merft]

I don't know the specifics behind what "sand/mud" mode does to the 4x4. I would think it would act as a 4x4 high. Locked 4x4 for higher speeds? Does anyone have any info on this? I want to try and get out onto a beach sometime.

Tire pressure is far more important than 4x4 mode. Drop your tires down to about 18lbs if you are going to be on dry sand. The closer to the wave slope the better. I used to take my YJ out on the beaches/dunes and rarely used 4wd. Usually only in the dunes.

 

[NVSteve]

Yep, it's bottomed out. And that isn't sand, it's super fine silt. One can be driving along a perfectly good road and all of a sudden, forward momentum is lost and the vehicle will sink in because it's such a fine powder. Very easy to drive through, but there are always fairly deep ruts involved. I run into pockets of that stuff all the time, from Death Valley to Capitol Reef. Really looking forward to what comes out for it in terms of a suspension lift.

 

[barnettd]

Yes it bottomed out. Drove in the desert for many years in an Army Hummwv. You never put both sides in the bottom of the ruts. If you look behind it.. the hump is flat. It doesn't matter 4x4 system you have... you high center and wheels can't dig... you are done.

 

[Snohawk]

If they did not lower the tire pressure it will just dig itself down in that stuff. Lower tire pressure might have given them enough momentum to get out of trouble as well.

 

[RallyBud]

The Trailhawk is a unique animal. I am trying to figure out where it fits "off road" wise in stock form. "Moab" and "Rubicon" marketing videos aside, I am looking forward to the in depth reviews from owners and car shows.

 

[sharpndpensel]

The Trailhawk is a unique animal. I am trying to figure out where it fits "off road" wise in stock form. "Moab" and "Rubicon" marketing videos aside, I am looking forward to the in depth reviews from owners and car shows.

It's awesome on rock/dirt. Been climbing all over the Adirondacks in it with no issues.

 

[barnettd]

You still have to know the tricks to driving off road... no matter what electronical gizmo thingamabobs they put on it.

 

[SwampLife]

go off road get stuck
don't go off road - don't get stuck

like taking a pic to show the sky is blue

 

[RallyBud]

go off road get stuck
don't go off road - don't get stuck

like taking a pic to show the sky is blue

Very profound indeed!