Breakover angle

[1][2][3] This definition is contingent upon the wheels being in continuous contact with the supporting surface(s).

Breakover angle differs from ground clearance, which is the shortest distance between the ground and lowest point on the vehicle.

Assuming no tire deflection, and assuming an ideal breakover angle scenario (two flat surfaces coming to a point, a vehicle with the lowest point of the chassis located at its midsection, etc.

), an approximation for the breakover angle of a vehicle can be calculated as follows:

{\displaystyle {\text{breakover angle}}_{approximate}=2\cdot \arctan \left({\frac {2\cdot {\text{ground clearance}}}{\text{wheelbase}}}\right)}