Tank turn!

[Buzz]

Will these be able to do the tank turns like the rivian? It's very useful on trails. With a wrangler I could million point turn and use the rear tire to beat back brush but with the scout I'd be worried about scratching up all that plastic.

Is it true they removed the feature due to fear it would damage trails?

 

[Revelation]

Well Rivians can't. They promised it as a feature and later reneged. The Rivian has four motors, one for each wheel and that is why it was, at one point in time, advertised to have a feature.

My understanding is that there will be a physical axel in the rear and that would make it pretty challenging to have the attached wheels spin in opposite direction.

 

[Buzz]

Right. Makes sense

 

[gimesnow]

The new Broncos with automatic transmissions have a function from the factory known as "Trail Turn Assist".

The Wrangler JL series from 2018 and up don't provide this from the factory, but a programming module (Tazor JL mini) can do the same thing.

It works by locking the inside rear wheel brake, like a tractor or dune buggy with turning brakes would do. It does not reverse any of the wheels like a tank, but it still allows very tight turns offroad while on slick or soft surfaces.

This can not be used on dry pavement, which would cause binding in the drive train of those vehicles. Plus, the front tires have to slip sideways somewhat.

Both the Wrangler and Bronco have a solid rear axle with a differential. I believe the Scout will have a similar setup, but with an electric motor at the rear axle instead of a drive shaft.

Implementing this on the Scout would likely take nothing more than some code for the anti-lock brake controller.

 

[dleepnw]

Rivians never released the tank turn feature. Said it was not environmentally friendly. Not sure a vehicle can do it without 4 motors, one at each wheel. I suppose its possible with the use friction brakes, maybe lock the opposite corner wheels and have the other corner wheels spin in different directions?

 

[sshira]

I have played with this on my bronco, I can see where it would be beneficial on a tight trail but I don’t like the way it feels. Almost like you could pull a tire bead, but that may just be my tail fix anxiety coming out.