Water fording newbie

[samw5]

So finally got to take the JT on some small dirt roads over the weekend. Was going to try crossing a small river branch that was about 12- 14" deep back in August.
Was very calm back then and could easily walk into. Saw some guy on a 4 runnings go thru it now issues.

Fast forward 4 weeks and with the amount of rain we got in the last few days the water level was significantly higher. I can't be completely sure how deep it was pretty muddy but the part that scared me a bit was the current that was moving a bit more than before.

If I had to guess based on the before and after pictures that I had taken (the water went up to the bottom of the yellow pole where the kids are standing --- red mark) the water probably would be closer to 2ft at this point. There was a little drop right after the "road" that was made of of rocks so the water was rushing down a little further.
The main thing is that the flow wasn't small so I didn't venture too far in (put the front tire then backed out).

At this stage I'm about where the water line is standing on the first picture.

The wife and dog are not impressed!

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[WXman]

Yeah we have a river crossing identical to that. I drive around in it all the time. Technically these are rated 30 inches but my personal rule is below the door sill only. I don't want to risk having to remove my carpet and hose it off. Lol.

 

[MaysvilleStig]

If you can keep a small bow wave in front of you while crossing, it'll typically lower the water level behind it. So while stationary the water comes above the door sill, moving will make it drop to or below it. It took me a few tries to get the pace right but it works.

 

[samw5]

Right. I mean at this point I had the rockrails in the water which is fine. I wasn't as concerned about the depth (maybe a little) than the current...
Looked like it was moving pretty good and well didn't want to end up downstream

 

[MaysvilleStig]

Oh I gotcha. Yea I've never crossed anything fast moving so my only advice is to take your seatbelt off and roll the windows down lol, just in case.

 

[DocMike]

Always wise to bring a friend on adventures.

 

[AmishMike]

Transfer case vent is the lowest. 6' of 5/16" hose and you can run it up to the top of the engine, right next to the trans vent for A/T.
Fast flowing water is daunting.

 

[samw5]

was under the impression these were either sealed or 1 way only... isn't that true?

 

[Florida Mojave]

When in Doubt - Back it out!! Especially if you are alone...

 

[AZCooWhip]

Do yourself a favor fast moving or unknown.....back away. Here in the Great 48 we see it all the time with monsoon. ”ahhhhhh, it’s not that deep or moving that fast.. I can make it“.

911 ....what’s your emergency ?

 

[Dryfly24]

I’ll never get the allure Water crossings seem to have for some people. Its one thing to cross over a bit of shallow water out of necessity. But the deep water fords that you see so many people attempting leave me scratching my head…

 

[samw5]

Not really... Was just trying to get to a good fishing spot and take some glamour shots.... Definitely wouldn't have done it in more than a foot of water.

 

[booneja]

As my friend would say "gun it and prey", but hey he has gone through about four 4x4's with that motto...I on the other hand play it safe, I would not have attempted that, especially with the current, unless you have a bit of extra weight in the back end, you would be surprised at how boyent the back end of a truck is, especially with the spare tire under the bed, lol

 

[redrider]

I’ll never get the allure Water crossings seem to have for some people. Its one thing to cross over a bit of shallow water out of necessity. But the deep water fords that you see so many people attempting leave me scratching my head…

Kids love to play in water. Seems all it takes for the inner child to bubble to the top is water and a Jeep.

 

[JoseQ_80]

Go in slow maintaining a steady pace. Splashing in is fun until it's not.

This is for still water, for currents it's a matter of risk tolerance.

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