2005 VATC Ramp Day

The Ramp Off Day held on Australia Day at my parents property turned out to be a great day even if the arvo was a little  warm. With 16 vehicles testing their wheel travel on the ramp it was good to see so many members and their wives/girlfriends/kids showing up for a social afternoon, a BBQ and to help raise some funds for the Annual Trip. The ramp, even if a little ‘Agricultural Looking’, was set up in the garden with every vehicle driving their driver’s front wheel then their passenger’s back wheel up the ramp for measuring. The ramp travel index or RTI was calculated by dividing the wheel base measurement of the vehicle being tested into how far the vehicle has travelled up the ramp multiplied by 1000.
 

The RTI is calculated on a front wheel and a rear wheel then these two figures are averaged for an overall RTI. The angle of the ramp was 20 degrees.With many onlookers taking guesses at what will “Ramp Well” and what wouldn’t the results were very interesting. See below for results.I know I was surprised how poorly my 80 series ramped compared to the other 80 series but it also proved having sway bars still connected and limiting cables in the front end does make a big difference. Might have to disconnect these when I get the chance and have another go on the ramp! Everyone seemed to enjoy the BBQ and the fresh whiting fillets caught the morning before. A big thank-you to Amanda, Bec and Acacia for cooking the BBQ.  The ramp is always available for those that didn’t make it on the day and would like to test their vehicle or those that did make it on the day but make changes to their suspension and would like to know what difference it has made.
Cheers, Shane.
 

DISTANCE TRAVELLED/RTI

Pics