Dodge Durango Forum II Archive

Re: Two consumer questions: crash results and tires

Perry Lynch [MD] Black 99 SLT IPStage III
perrylynch@lbd.org

I've actually been learning about some of this the last few days. A good buddy of mine is actually in the Enforcement Division of NHTSA. Over the weekend, he flew to Detroit and picked up a new RAM Quad Cab and drove it back to Maryland.

Today, it got crushed. Side-impact testing. First one side, then the other. Hydraulic press. High pressure, high speed.

Keep in mind, that the battering ram (for lack of a better term this late at night) is firmly anchored, not going to bend, give, flex or whatever. The vehicle that hits you? I bet it will bend. It will flex. It will give, and maybe even bounce off. You just never know.

My point is simple: The tests are there as a guide. They are NOT what you should base your decision on. Base that on: Does it fit my needs? Will it hold/haul all my gear? The dogs? the wife (and her shopping bags)? Oh yeah: DO I LIKE it??

Perry

Wed Jul 31