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Old 06-19-2021, 11:58 AM   #11 (permalink)
JSH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr View Post
Not every crossover has the ground clearance good enough as a traditional SUV often has, yet they're still often classified as a "light truck" for some random bureaucratic reasons.
Nothing random about it - the requirements are in 49 CFR Part 523.5. They are:

A) A light truck is an automobile other than a passenger automobile which is either designed for off-highway operation, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, . . .

B) An automobile capable of off-highway operation is an automobile

..a) That has 4-wheel drive; or
..b) Is rated at more than 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight; and that has at least four of the following characteristics . . .
...1)Approach angle of not less than 28 degrees.
...2)Breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees.
...3)Departure angle of not less than 20 degrees.
...4)Running clearance of not less than 20 centimeters.
...5)Front and rear axle clearances of not less than 18 centimeters each....

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