Three river crossing rules 1) walk the left hand tire track over first 2) walk the right hand tire track back second 3) or third: wait, let your powertrain and running gear cool down while you have a coffee or tea, and hopefully some other muggins will drive across first to show the way with the bonus of them being a crocodile detector
Hey Ronny, you might already have this so apologies if you do, but I would love to see a video run down on how to clean the engine bay after a trip like you briefly touched on when talking about prepping your terminals and electrics before a trip to make it easier to clean afterwards. I imagine there's a few tips and tricks there to be passed on. Cheers for all the content, really appreciate all your work!
Former detailer, 1st and foremost, cover the computer, if using high pressure avoid hitting powered terminals too close, petrol cars avoid hitting the spark plug leads too close especially V6 engines, generally don't spray too close to anything, you can break stuff not just get water intrusion, use high quality detergent, not dish soap and wash it off as soon as you can, leaving it on too long can burn paint, acid works best, especially on the red dust, but generally only professional detailers will have that ability. Harsh chemicals should not go down a household drain. Paint brushes are very good to agitate dirt in all the hard to reach places and not damage stuff. Modern cars it is best to wash them with the engine running.
Another tip is to turn off your air-conditioning, so your fan might stop spinning. Also, lower your windows before entering the crossing so you can escape if it all goes very wrong. Electric windows don't work well in water.
At work we we spray the connections with Dialectric grease. There's hundreds of exposed IP67 sensors on machinary, our problem is the cleaners don't give a shit and spray them with pressure washers and strong chemicals. Safety circuits for E-stops get fried. Unless it's IP69 it'll get water ingress eventually. At $1000+ a sensor it gets expensive very quickly. The grease helps and stops the pins in the plugs/terminals from corroding.
Many years ago my first car was a Toyota Corolla Coupe. I lived out bush near the Ferguson river junction with the Daly River, I had to cross creeks to get to my camp where I lived off grid for 2 years…that car went places 4wds had trouble…a tarp was used every time and wd40 was my friend. Great vid mate.
I treat water crossing the same way as pouring myself a glass of juice. If you do it in a way that looks cool for the camera you're doing it wrong. If you watch a beverage commercial there's usually liquid flying all over the place - try that in your own kitchen and you've made a mess. Proper water crossing is undramatic and doesn't look great for the camera. Gotta decide what your priorities are.
Very good video and tips here. I have a 200 series and have done a few river/creek crossings and managed to put my fan through the radiator. I was with other cars and none had snorkles (including mine) and the crossings were not that deep. I was at the mechanics a month later to put a snorkle on when they discovered my radiator with scrape marks and very little coolant left. So the 200's 700mm wading depth doesn't stack up when the bottom of the fan is only 550mm from the ground. Anyway $1100 later for the new radiator was an expensive lesson.
Unfortunately i can't walk most crossings here due to crocs but very informative video. We just turn around if it's not clear enough to see what's in there or how deep!
Ronny, I've heard so many tubers cover the breather subject, but not many correctly describe it as you do. We raise it because we are allowing free airflow via scintered filters to alleviate the problem with lower breather/check valves that clamp shut due to quick temp changes within the axle.
G'day Ronny, Mate I think the best part or one of the best advantages of driving a 4X4 Truck is having a wading depth of 1.8 M & a supper crazy mad max depth of 2.6 M to just below the snorkel. Not that I would ever be that stupid, however I am comfortable with anything up to around 1.5 M & thank you for once again giving some more handy tips & things to look for when doing a water crossing.
Excellent advice. I’ve also found that putting your AC on the external setting and fan on high improves water ingress as well as it pressurises the cab
If you have been driving for a few hours and you come to a river crossing, even with breathers, have a break and let your driveline cool down. A hot driveline does slightly expand, and when underwater, it will want to suck in the cooler outside temp, which means it will let small amounts of water in.
You are absolutely correct, the other thing even more of a concern is that the air on the inside of the axle houses gets hot and expands, when suddenly cool the contracting air sucks the water in through the breathers into the diff etc and past the axle wheel bearing seal and into the wheel bearings.
if you get stuck you are going to change gears from 1st to reverse. generally water won't significantly affect the clutches holding power enough to cause a problem. 1 square metre of water weighs a tonne, you hit it at speed every bit of the front of that car has to withstand the weight of the water. things you wouldn't think could break or bend will. and even if they don't your car is coming to a halt anyway. at a slower speed the vehicle easily moves through the water the faster you go the exponentially harder it gets. hitting deep water fast is worse for momentum than keeping a slow steady speed
Eastern states have big hills with water crossings at bottom unlike Westralia. Heavy braking on way down and quenching brakes when glowing may lead to distortion and cracking disks. Get the coffee pot out at bottom of hill and chill..
I don't know of airbox bungs on US make vehicles, but I do know many have rubber isolation grommets on locating pins and drain holes that all need to be sealed. Also, even with a good snorkel like AEV there are some connection points on the tubes that can be made even more secure with 4" diamter rubber couplers with hose clamps.
Fantastic video, I generally avoid a river crossing if it is above hub height. The missus is terrified of being trapped in a vehicle in water. Definitely seatbelt off for a quick exit
you can't make a blanket statement on gear selection. that's based entirely on what sort of crawl ratio you have and what rpm your engine is comfortable at. a warnaglers crawl ratio is nearly twice as low as a landcruiser and a manual wrangler has a 6 speed not 5 so second gear low is equal to 79 series 1st gear low.
"HOW TO CROSS RIVERS WITHOUT KILLING THE CAR" you forgot to mention the use of a bridge. Bridges are really effective in making river crossings safe and easy.
When you exit, pause on the other side to let water drain back into the river, and brakes to dry. If you keep driving you can create more track erosion as the water runs back to the river. I’m pro seatbelt, but I’ve also done helicopter underwater escape courses.
Regarding the seat belt debate, based on risk mitigation should someone without underwater escape training wear a seat belt during a water crossing? Cheers
Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of a head strike during rollover or sudden movement. A clearer head makes it easier to get out when it all goes pear shaped. Always have a Plan B. Backup. Then a Plan C. Oh Crap!
@@colsadventures I agree with your statement but on the other hand, a person without the practical underwater escape experience could panic and lose valuable time whilst attempting to free themselves from a seat belt. At this point I'm still leaning towards both theories having their merits. Regarding contingency plans I have no counter argument. Cheers
A good solution, if you own a modern 4x4 full of electronics only attempt deep water crossing if you really have to get a cross, or you are sponsored by someone or 4x4 accessory business who pays your damage/ recovery bill. We have done the telly track with 60 series & old Hiluxes easy to dryout & get going. A few years back at Nolan's a number of 4x4 buggered electronics and needing costly tilt tray out.
I think that even with a snorkel a tarp over the front is extra insurance. Years ago that was the only thing you had. I've crossed the Goyder in a 76 Landrover with the water over the bonnet. We walked it first and had people markers.
I've had to walk the Goyder too, felt like croc bait the whole time. Some newbies in a hired tojo were stuck in the hole on the left hand side of the exit (heading to Katherine). They'd opened the door and all their possessions just floated off downriver, they had seen the Danger Crocodiles sign and were up on the roof rack shitting their dax and waiting for help to arrive. Had to pull them out before we could cross which required more walking across again to get recovery gear to the other side. Got them out with comealong and snatch straps, drained water out of the vehicle engine and maybe gearbox(?, can't remember that bit), tarped her up and eventually they made it to the Nhulunbuy side. Despite our best advice the driver panicked and floored it the whole way,! Airborne, underwater, airborne, underwater, etc, never seen anything like it, made it across though! So we had a clear crossing at last. But there was a bit of flow to it that day and turning left to exit put the car sideways to the flow; and the Patrol started moving sideways past the exit. Luckily bro in law managed to save it and exited cleanly with whole family, missus ( my sister) and 2 kids in the vehicle. I was taking pics from the Katherine side. Water over the bonnet. Unforgettable experience, hope I never have to repeat it. The whole thing took a few hours, but we got to Emu Springs and camped there, retelling the story over and over. I heard there's a causeway at the Goyder now, dunno if that's right or not. That was 1989 or 90.
My travels around the top end in 88/89 involved tarp over the front and a home made flap on the exhaust for water crossings. It worked so well I don’t know why it is not the first go-to technique for water crossings these days. The exhaust flap was more of a mental reinforcer to keep the accelerator on power.
After losing my 4WD to a river crossing, I've learned to approach challenges with caution and wisdom. If the water is knee high, I'll move forward with confidence, but if it's any deeper than that, I won't hesitate to take a step back and find another route. It's important to learn from our experiences and use them to guide us towards better decisions in the future.After losing my 4WD in a river crossing, I'm now fearful of them. If the water is knee high, I'll cross it; anything deeper and I'll either call it a day or find another way around.
Find out where your vehicles computer is placed . My mate has a Holden Colorado , the computer is in the front passenger foot well . He stalled in a river and opened his door to talk to us , the water flooded in and drowned the computer ,The vehicle kept running , we towed him out, all the water drained out and all the electrics turned on , wipers , horn , radio , all the lights etc , after a 3 hour drive we got home and he turned the ute off , it wouldn't start , after hours of drying with a fan and hair drier the vehicle ran well enough to get him to his own home . He was lucky as every thing sorted itself out , but some vehicles who have suffered a drowned computer are written off as non repairable by insurance companies , be careful .
Prep your rear and forward recovery always. Don't wear your seatbelts, you should have restraints but not constraints. I've had 4x4'ers die being trapped in fast moving rivers with seatbelts fastened... Don't go in if you can't stand firm with one leg in the flow. I managed to escape from a flash flood in 4wd in a series3 6 cylinder landie when the river floated the rear wheels off the lw level bridge but the front wheels pulled us through just in time. It happened realy quickly as the level rose due to a collapsed dam upstream. Always be ready to swim and always have a plan for weak swimmers. Keep a knife with a glass breaker and belt cutter near the steering wheel. Know where it is at all times.
Great video great message at the end if you can avoid crossing do so . Had a misshap a few months ago the air box was not very well sealed 😭 was trying to get to camp did not want to turn around agin . 😢 hopefully have a back up and running soon have a great Christmas 🎄
i like those educational type of videos a lot. i wonder how engine belts deal with water or mud, in short and long term. same on body seals to keep water out. had quite a bit of unexpected water crossings deeper than comfortable a while ago. but in my road car in a highly populated area. we had around 180 casualtys in that flooding, some died because of uncautious driving, maybe even panic. others lost their car just by idiocracy. however i'd always weight the risk against the abilitys of the vehicle. just adding a snorkel doesnt turn it into a submarine. being light-minded is a risk on its own.
Have a brew up before any water crossing to give the car a chance to cool off anything with a air space such as wheel bearing will suck in water 💦 and grime when submerged hot 🥵
Great topic, agree with all your points other than the seat belt which I believe is debatable. Looking forward to the constructive comments on the seat belt . As always, thank you for the content. Cheers
Been a qualified 4WD instructor for 20 years, done 1000’s of km off road and hundreds of river crossings. You never wear your seat belt in a river/water crossing, full stop, end of story, and your passengers shouldn’t either. Under the stress of getting stuck in a poorly assessed crossing no one needs the stress of pulling against seat belts that don’t want to unlock because they are being pulled against to try and get off. Second thing is the window beside the driver and any passengers should be wound down. Reason, because most vehicles have electric windows which may not work if water gets into the electrics which means you would have to leave the vehicle by opening the doors which may not be possible because of outside water level.
I was surprised to hear Ron's recommendation to wear a seat belt during a crossing. Not a what I expected to hear however I can understand the reasoning based on the situation which he described. With that said, the situation which was referred to related to a bog hole which I believe was on a salt flat opposed to a river. A similar situation during a river crossing is very unlikely due to the nature of river beds in addition to the slower pace of the vehicle compared to crossing a salt flat. I welcome all comments and views regarding this topic as I believe the topic is important. Cheers.
@@cyclemoto8744unfortunately the original video that was here, which I commented on has been removed and replaced with this one. The original was a relatively short crossing that ended in a bit of bog that he got stuck in for a couple of hours, he was in his new Troopy and there are bits of that interspersed in here. I thought, with all the “good” advice he has given for so many years that he should have said what to do, from a H&S perspective (seatbelts on in water crossings etc) not asked people what they thought as that just opens it to too much controversy as can be seen on many of the comments. I like watching the places he goes, things he does etc, but don’t come here for good 4WD advice.
@@malcolmL995 The seat belt debate is in an interesting one which has multiple views. In terms of taking advice...critical thinking should be applied . Cheers
Well said about the critical thinking. Years ago the advice was seat belts off because of the ratchet effect of the inertia belts. However my must do when driving water crossings is seat belts on, especially when in a manual shift vehicle. I find it beneficial to be held in tight with complete control over the controls and having a sense of orientation should things go pear shape. As always each to their own.
Another consideration - never trust local knowledge. On a river crossing in Iceland we met a convoy coming in the opposite direction at the river crossing. One man was standing in the middle in waders with water up to his stomach, beckoning us across on the LH path. Our driver who had crossed there many times before questioned the path but accepted it. When we got to the man he was standing on the edge of a scoured out hole that was at least 6" deep, which would have resulted in a roll over had we taken the usual line. A week later we heard that an Icelandic off-road tour bus took a similar crossing, encountered another hole, rolled over and got washed downstream with seriously injured passengers.
Wearing a seatbelt is recommended for ditching an aircraft in the water, while you are sinking without a seatbelt on many airmen were lost due to the water rushing in and pushing you to the back of the cabin and thus getting injured. Keep belt on until the water fills up the cabin and then swim out or the aircraft 😩. That is if you survive the crash 😂
The seat belt in a plane isn’t a retracting one that has instant lockup. In a vehicle the seat belt can lock even when on a funny angle or even on a rough road, like a Rocky river crossing which it makes it near on impossible to disconnect your seat beat. Not many people carry a belt cutting device in the vehicle or make them very accessible if they did. Once your seat belt locks in position you are very restricted to any sort of movement. In Ronny’s example of his mate being thrown to the other side of the vehicle may have been the better option than being stuck helpless in his seat (if he did have quick access to a belt cutting device).
I think the seat belt debate has to start with the depth and flow of water and the track suitability of the water crossing base. I follow all the advice given here including watching othered and just waiting it out.
I was once told if you start to float away to open your door to let water in so you sink hopefully getting grip to get out suppose it depends on the situation
I'd have to think about that. A carful of water is pretty heavy! Reckon you'd be stuck there but better than getting floated off downriver I guess ... 😂. Have an awesome day!
Good advice Ronny. Learning from experience has taught me to prepare properly. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. Do you have any advice on windows up or windows down?
This is good advice but I will say that if you keep spraying stuff over things it can actually SEAL the water inside stuff. So keeping stuff clean is important otherwise you can literally seal the water in with the spray.
Do not forget: river crossings polute the river, esp. in Africa, where locals and animal live from that drinking water......see Paul Marsh, South Africa, the most conscious overlander !
Very good and important information for drivers. P.S. did you have scary or funny moments with wild animals, crocos ? may be u have video about this. Thanks. Best regards from Georgia.
It’s not a bad idea. I’d also recommend carrying a spare brush kit if you have a low hanging alternator. It’s usually mud and dirt between that which stops it from working.
Seat belt should be on. Firstly for the reasons mentioned, secondly, if you’re so worried about that you’ll have to escape, then you shouldn’t be driving it anyway, and it’s the law… undoing a seat belt takes 2 fifths of a second any.
Drove to cape york in 88. We stopped and had a beer before every crossing to let the car cool down, had a tarp on the front of the car and loosened the fan belt so the fan would not spin so no risk of a fan through the radiator and no problems. Does anyone know of an aftermarket product to switch your fans off as I am wary of a fan through the radiator?
Hey Ronny I wonder where you buy those airbox bungs. I woukd appreciate a part number and a dealer contact. In germany i cant get them for my hilux. :-( I made it thru Iceland and all the watercrossings in august without a snorkel but with diff breathers. I learned a lit from yoyr explanatory videos! Cheers Mate!
I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado, HD 2500, with an 8.1 L engine. I have not found a snorkel that is made that will fit my truck. It is an extended cab, but I would really like to find a snorkel for itbecause I plan on heading off-road. I don’t plan on submerging the entire truck at this will also be my full-time home but, I would like to keep the air cleaner then it would be otherwise do you have any suggestions for me please and thank you in advance. And BTW, just to make sure you know, I am in the US and also I am in the Midwest in Minnesota. Planning on heading south from Minnesota to Texas on dirt road roads.
My biggest question is: "How do you know if there are any crocodiles (or other dangerous animals), in the water"? If I have to walk the river first (which 100% makes sense and I would do), my fear is a crocodile getting me. How do you know there won't be those sorts of hazards in a water crossing?
Three river crossing rules
1) walk the left hand tire track over first
2) walk the right hand tire track back second
3) or third: wait, let your powertrain and running gear cool down while you have a coffee or tea, and hopefully some other muggins will drive across first to show the way with the bonus of them being a crocodile detector
😂😂
Crocodile detector. :D
Ha no walking crossings up north
Hey Ronny, you might already have this so apologies if you do, but I would love to see a video run down on how to clean the engine bay after a trip like you briefly touched on when talking about prepping your terminals and electrics before a trip to make it easier to clean afterwards. I imagine there's a few tips and tricks there to be passed on. Cheers for all the content, really appreciate all your work!
Former detailer, 1st and foremost, cover the computer, if using high pressure avoid hitting powered terminals too close, petrol cars avoid hitting the spark plug leads too close especially V6 engines, generally don't spray too close to anything, you can break stuff not just get water intrusion, use high quality detergent, not dish soap and wash it off as soon as you can, leaving it on too long can burn paint, acid works best, especially on the red dust, but generally only professional detailers will have that ability. Harsh chemicals should not go down a household drain. Paint brushes are very good to agitate dirt in all the hard to reach places and not damage stuff. Modern cars it is best to wash them with the engine running.
@@caltravels9454thanks mate. Why is it best to wash the engine bay with the car running on a modern 4 wheel drive
@@caltravels9454cheers mate, appreciate those tips
Another tip is to turn off your air-conditioning, so your fan might stop spinning.
Also, lower your windows before entering the crossing so you can escape if it all goes very wrong. Electric windows don't work well in water.
At work we we spray the connections with Dialectric grease. There's hundreds of exposed IP67 sensors on machinary, our problem is the cleaners don't give a shit and spray them with pressure washers and strong chemicals. Safety circuits for E-stops get fried. Unless it's IP69 it'll get water ingress eventually. At $1000+ a sensor it gets expensive very quickly. The grease helps and stops the pins in the plugs/terminals from corroding.
Many years ago my first car was a Toyota Corolla Coupe. I lived out bush near the Ferguson river junction with the Daly River, I had to cross creeks to get to my camp where I lived off grid for 2 years…that car went places 4wds had trouble…a tarp was used every time and wd40 was my friend. Great vid mate.
I treat water crossing the same way as pouring myself a glass of juice. If you do it in a way that looks cool for the camera you're doing it wrong. If you watch a beverage commercial there's usually liquid flying all over the place - try that in your own kitchen and you've made a mess.
Proper water crossing is undramatic and doesn't look great for the camera. Gotta decide what your priorities are.
Very good video and tips here. I have a 200 series and have done a few river/creek crossings and managed to put my fan through the radiator. I was with other cars and none had snorkles (including mine) and the crossings were not that deep. I was at the mechanics a month later to put a snorkle on when they discovered my radiator with scrape marks and very little coolant left. So the 200's 700mm wading depth doesn't stack up when the bottom of the fan is only 550mm from the ground. Anyway $1100 later for the new radiator was an expensive lesson.
Unfortunately i can't walk most crossings here due to crocs but very informative video. We just turn around if it's not clear enough to see what's in there or how deep!
Your on screen presence is much better! More relaxed and friendly! Good going Ronny!
Ronny, I've heard so many tubers cover the breather subject, but not many correctly describe it as you do. We raise it because we are allowing free airflow via scintered filters to alleviate the problem with lower breather/check valves that clamp shut due to quick temp changes within the axle.
Cheers for this video, so informative and the dialogue from the comments are also appreciated
G'day Ronny, Mate I think the best part or one of the best advantages of driving a 4X4 Truck is having a wading depth of 1.8 M & a supper crazy mad max depth of 2.6 M to
just below the snorkel. Not that I would ever be that stupid, however I am comfortable with anything up to around 1.5 M & thank you for once again giving some more
handy tips & things to look for when doing a water crossing.
Excellent advice. I’ve also found that putting your AC on the external setting and fan on high improves water ingress as well as it pressurises the cab
If you have been driving for a few hours and you come to a river crossing, even with breathers, have a break and let your driveline cool down. A hot driveline does slightly expand, and when underwater, it will want to suck in the cooler outside temp, which means it will let small amounts of water in.
You are absolutely correct, the other thing even more of a concern is that the air on the inside of the axle houses gets hot and expands, when suddenly cool the contracting air sucks the water in through the breathers into the diff etc and past the axle wheel bearing seal and into the wheel bearings.
@malcolmlangley absolutely mate, couldn't agree more
Driving slow in shallow water will cool your diff down in seconds.
@@nordic5490that is absolutely correct, if you have the luxury of shallow water first.
if you get stuck you are going to change gears from 1st to reverse. generally water won't significantly affect the clutches holding power enough to cause a problem.
1 square metre of water weighs a tonne, you hit it at speed every bit of the front of that car has to withstand the weight of the water. things you wouldn't think could break or bend will. and even if they don't your car is coming to a halt anyway. at a slower speed the vehicle easily moves through the water the faster you go the exponentially harder it gets. hitting deep water fast is worse for momentum than keeping a slow steady speed
Eastern states have big hills with water crossings at bottom unlike Westralia. Heavy braking on way down and quenching brakes when glowing may lead to distortion and cracking disks. Get the coffee pot out at bottom of hill and chill..
Very nice recap of tips from your past videos. Glad you did a refresher. Repetition on safety is how we remember. Thanks for sharing.
I've learned so much from your channel it" ridiculous! Thanks Ronny!
I don't know of airbox bungs on US make vehicles, but I do know many have rubber isolation grommets on locating pins and drain holes that all need to be sealed. Also, even with a good snorkel like AEV there are some connection points on the tubes that can be made even more secure with 4" diamter rubber couplers with hose clamps.
Fantastic video, I generally avoid a river crossing if it is above hub height. The missus is terrified of being trapped in a vehicle in water.
Definitely seatbelt off for a quick exit
you can't make a blanket statement on gear selection. that's based entirely on what sort of crawl ratio you have and what rpm your engine is comfortable at.
a warnaglers crawl ratio is nearly twice as low as a landcruiser and a manual wrangler has a 6 speed not 5 so second gear low is equal to 79 series 1st gear low.
Dont forget emergency seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool
"HOW TO CROSS RIVERS WITHOUT KILLING THE CAR" you forgot to mention the use of a bridge. Bridges are really effective in making river crossings safe and easy.
He actually does at 16:42
@@tylersnider3479 yeah, but I really wanted to make a joke
When you exit, pause on the other side to let water drain back into the river, and brakes to dry. If you keep driving you can create more track erosion as the water runs back to the river.
I’m pro seatbelt, but I’ve also done helicopter underwater escape courses.
Regarding the seat belt debate, based on risk mitigation should someone without underwater escape training wear a seat belt during a water crossing? Cheers
Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of a head strike during rollover or sudden movement. A clearer head makes it easier to get out when it all goes pear shaped.
Always have a Plan B. Backup.
Then a Plan C. Oh Crap!
@@colsadventures I agree with your statement but on the other hand, a person without the practical underwater escape experience could panic and lose valuable time whilst attempting to free themselves from a seat belt. At this point I'm still leaning towards both theories having their merits. Regarding contingency plans I have no counter argument. Cheers
@@cyclemoto8744I hear you, potentially damned if you do damned if you don’t. I don’t think there is one correct answer.
Cheers.
@@colsadventures Damned if you do and damned if you don't. Possibly.... Cheers
Excellent advice as always!
A good solution, if you own a modern 4x4 full of electronics only attempt deep water crossing if you really have to get a cross, or you are sponsored by someone or 4x4 accessory business who pays your damage/ recovery bill. We have done the telly track with 60 series & old Hiluxes easy to dryout & get going. A few years back at Nolan's a number of 4x4 buggered electronics and needing costly tilt tray out.
Ronny, nice video! Very detailed and covers all basis. Thank you for putting it together. Love your channel, by the way!
I think that even with a snorkel a tarp over the front is extra insurance. Years ago that was the only thing you had. I've crossed the Goyder in a 76 Landrover with the water over the bonnet. We walked it first and had people markers.
I've had to walk the Goyder too, felt like croc bait the whole time. Some newbies in a hired tojo were stuck in the hole on the left hand side of the exit (heading to Katherine). They'd opened the door and all their possessions just floated off downriver, they had seen the Danger Crocodiles sign and were up on the roof rack shitting their dax and waiting for help to arrive. Had to pull them out before we could cross which required more walking across again to get recovery gear to the other side. Got them out with comealong and snatch straps, drained water out of the vehicle engine and maybe gearbox(?, can't remember that bit), tarped her up and eventually they made it to the Nhulunbuy side. Despite our best advice the driver panicked and floored it the whole way,! Airborne, underwater, airborne, underwater, etc, never seen anything like it, made it across though! So we had a clear crossing at last. But there was a bit of flow to it that day and turning left to exit put the car sideways to the flow; and the Patrol started moving sideways past the exit. Luckily bro in law managed to save it and exited cleanly with whole family, missus ( my sister) and 2 kids in the vehicle. I was taking pics from the Katherine side. Water over the bonnet. Unforgettable experience, hope I never have to repeat it. The whole thing took a few hours, but we got to Emu Springs and camped there, retelling the story over and over.
I heard there's a causeway at the Goyder now, dunno if that's right or not.
That was 1989 or 90.
My travels around the top end in 88/89 involved tarp over the front and a home made flap on the exhaust for water crossings. It worked so well I don’t know why it is not the first go-to technique for water crossings these days. The exhaust flap was more of a mental reinforcer to keep the accelerator on power.
'Start shallow, go deeper' sound advice for river beds and other beds....
That’s one of the best videos I’ve seen in ages cheers
Probably one of your best videos. Very informative. Thanks
Most important tip. Bring Ronny with you
Good shared knowledge, thanks Ronnie
After losing my 4WD to a river crossing, I've learned to approach challenges with caution and wisdom. If the water is knee high, I'll move forward with confidence, but if it's any deeper than that, I won't hesitate to take a step back and find another route. It's important to learn from our experiences and use them to guide us towards better decisions in the future.After losing my 4WD in a river crossing, I'm now fearful of them. If the water is knee high, I'll cross it; anything deeper and I'll either call it a day or find another way around.
Find out where your vehicles computer is placed . My mate has a Holden Colorado , the computer is in the front passenger foot well . He stalled in a river and opened his door to talk to us , the water flooded in and drowned the computer ,The vehicle kept running , we towed him out, all the water drained out and all the electrics turned on , wipers , horn , radio , all the lights etc , after a 3 hour drive we got home and he turned the ute off , it wouldn't start , after hours of drying with a fan and hair drier the vehicle ran well enough to get him to his own home . He was lucky as every thing sorted itself out , but some vehicles who have suffered a drowned computer are written off as non repairable by insurance companies , be careful .
Great info, thanks man!
Prep your rear and forward recovery always. Don't wear your seatbelts, you should have restraints but not constraints. I've had 4x4'ers die being trapped in fast moving rivers with seatbelts fastened... Don't go in if you can't stand firm with one leg in the flow. I managed to escape from a flash flood in 4wd in a series3 6 cylinder landie when the river floated the rear wheels off the lw level bridge but the front wheels pulled us through just in time. It happened realy quickly as the level rose due to a collapsed dam upstream. Always be ready to swim and always have a plan for weak swimmers. Keep a knife with a glass breaker and belt cutter near the steering wheel. Know where it is at all times.
Great video great message at the end if you can avoid crossing do so . Had a misshap a few months ago the air box was not very well sealed 😭 was trying to get to camp did not want to turn around agin . 😢 hopefully have a back up and running soon have a great Christmas 🎄
i like those educational type of videos a lot. i wonder how engine belts deal with water or mud, in short and long term. same on body seals to keep water out.
had quite a bit of unexpected water crossings deeper than comfortable a while ago. but in my road car in a highly populated area. we had around 180 casualtys in that flooding, some died because of uncautious driving, maybe even panic. others lost their car just by idiocracy. however i'd always weight the risk against the abilitys of the vehicle. just adding a snorkel doesnt turn it into a submarine. being light-minded is a risk on its own.
Have a brew up before any water crossing to give the car a chance to cool off anything with a air space such as wheel bearing will suck in water 💦 and grime when submerged hot 🥵
Great topic, agree with all your points other than the seat belt which I believe is debatable. Looking forward to the constructive comments on the seat belt . As always, thank you for the content. Cheers
Incredible guide mate!! Best one I’ve seen! Thanks for this
A Hamlet reference Ronny, very nice.
I noticed you didn't suggest raising fuel tank breather
Thanks Ron, always very informative and helpful
Big job crossing that river 👏
Been a qualified 4WD instructor for 20 years, done 1000’s of km off road and hundreds of river crossings. You never wear your seat belt in a river/water crossing, full stop, end of story, and your passengers shouldn’t either. Under the stress of getting stuck in a poorly assessed crossing no one needs the stress of pulling against seat belts that don’t want to unlock because they are being pulled against to try and get off.
Second thing is the window beside the driver and any passengers should be wound down. Reason, because most vehicles have electric windows which may not work if water gets into the electrics which means you would have to leave the vehicle by opening the doors which may not be possible because of outside water level.
I was surprised to hear Ron's recommendation to wear a seat belt during a crossing. Not a what I expected to hear however I can understand the reasoning based on the situation which he described. With that said, the situation which was referred to related to a bog hole which I believe was on a salt flat opposed to a river. A similar situation during a river crossing is very unlikely due to the nature of river beds in addition to the slower pace of the vehicle compared to crossing a salt flat. I welcome all comments and views regarding this topic as I believe the topic is important. Cheers.
@@cyclemoto8744unfortunately the original video that was here, which I commented on has been removed and replaced with this one. The original was a relatively short crossing that ended in a bit of bog that he got stuck in for a couple of hours, he was in his new Troopy and there are bits of that interspersed in here. I thought, with all the “good” advice he has given for so many years that he should have said what to do, from a H&S perspective (seatbelts on in water crossings etc) not asked people what they thought as that just opens it to too much controversy as can be seen on many of the comments.
I like watching the places he goes, things he does etc, but don’t come here for good 4WD advice.
@@malcolmL995 The seat belt debate is in an interesting one which has multiple views. In terms of taking advice...critical thinking should be applied . Cheers
Well said about the critical thinking. Years ago the advice was seat belts off because of the ratchet effect of the inertia belts. However my must do when driving water crossings is seat belts on, especially when in a manual shift vehicle. I find it beneficial to be held in tight with complete control over the controls and having a sense of orientation should things go pear shape. As always each to their own.
Another consideration - never trust local knowledge. On a river crossing in Iceland we met a convoy coming in the opposite direction at the river crossing. One man was standing in the middle in waders with water up to his stomach, beckoning us across on the LH path. Our driver who had crossed there many times before questioned the path but accepted it. When we got to the man he was standing on the edge of a scoured out hole that was at least 6" deep, which would have resulted in a roll over had we taken the usual line. A week later we heard that an Icelandic off-road tour bus took a similar crossing, encountered another hole, rolled over and got washed downstream with seriously injured passengers.
Thank you.
Great advice mate, some will add their own comments aswell but you all ways give good advice and explanation 👍
Thanks 👍
Great video and great music too. Well done!
Especially good. Maybe the best yet.
Wearing a seatbelt is recommended for ditching an aircraft in the water, while you are sinking without a seatbelt on many airmen were lost due to the water rushing in and pushing you to the back of the cabin and thus getting injured. Keep belt on until the water fills up the cabin and then swim out or the aircraft 😩. That is if you survive the crash 😂
The seat belt in a plane isn’t a retracting one that has instant lockup. In a vehicle the seat belt can lock even when on a funny angle or even on a rough road, like a Rocky river crossing which it makes it near on impossible to disconnect your seat beat. Not many people carry a belt cutting device in the vehicle or make them very accessible if they did. Once your seat belt locks in position you are very restricted to any sort of movement. In Ronny’s example of his mate being thrown to the other side of the vehicle may have been the better option than being stuck helpless in his seat (if he did have quick access to a belt cutting device).
Not sure what your angle is there mate. If you’re traveling in your 4wd as fast as a plane ditching into the water you’ve got issues already
I think the seat belt debate has to start with the depth and flow of water and the track suitability of the water crossing base. I follow all the advice given here including watching othered and just waiting it out.
I was once told if you start to float away to open your door to let water in so you sink hopefully getting grip to get out suppose it depends on the situation
First check your not driving a boat.
I'd have to think about that. A carful of water is pretty heavy! Reckon you'd be stuck there but better than getting floated off downriver I guess ... 😂. Have an awesome day!
I'm a newbie in off-road driving. Only had a chance to cross tiny river crossing. And the adrenalin is off the roof 😂.
12v bilge pump, 2 of em'💪
Good advice Ronny.
Learning from experience has taught me to prepare properly. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
Do you have any advice on windows up or windows down?
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
This is good advice but I will say that if you keep spraying stuff over things it can actually SEAL the water inside stuff. So keeping stuff clean is important otherwise you can literally seal the water in with the spray.
Thanks
Do not forget: river crossings polute the river, esp. in Africa, where locals and animal live from that drinking water......see Paul Marsh, South Africa, the most conscious overlander !
Great video thanks so much 👍
The tarp bra is a great idea.
Very good and important information for drivers.
P.S. did you have scary or funny moments with wild animals, crocos ? may be u have video about this. Thanks.
Best regards from Georgia.
3:41 noticed you changed the colour temperature in the shot to indicate hot and cold lol
Ronny should U spray WD 40 into the alternator to stop it from fizzing out mid trip from water and or mud?
It’s not a bad idea. I’d also recommend carrying a spare brush kit if you have a low hanging alternator. It’s usually mud and dirt between that which stops it from working.
@@Ronny_Dahl Good 4WD's don't have low slung alternators. That would be just plain dumb.
brilliant video..
Dont forget those Crocs
Seat belt should be on. Firstly for the reasons mentioned, secondly, if you’re so worried about that you’ll have to escape, then you shouldn’t be driving it anyway, and it’s the law… undoing a seat belt takes 2 fifths of a second any.
Awesome video 🎉greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 😊
100% seat belt off for me when crossing deep flowing rivers,
Drove to cape york in 88. We stopped and had a beer before every crossing to let the car cool down, had a tarp on the front of the car and loosened the fan belt so the fan would not spin so no risk of a fan through the radiator and no problems.
Does anyone know of an aftermarket product to switch your fans off as I am wary of a fan through the radiator?
What about taping up drain holes in the doors to stop water coming in via the door cards?
Hey Ronny
I wonder where you buy those airbox bungs. I woukd appreciate a part number and a dealer contact. In germany i cant get them for my hilux. :-(
I made it thru Iceland and all the watercrossings in august without a snorkel but with diff breathers.
I learned a lit from yoyr explanatory videos! Cheers Mate!
I was a parts manager for Land Rover and no one ever asked for one but there were not any safe crossing in NJ anyhow
Hey Ronny ,what's the go with windows. Shouldn't you have them down especially with electric windows?
They're all below the bonnet though 😮.
Spare brushes couldn't hurt.
Ronnie I just bought a AEV snorkel and it does not have a bung , should I add one , would you add one , why do you think they didn’t add one ?
wich type of inox spray do u use mate
Ron what about salty crocs? And if u need to walk it ? Wtf do you do in this situation? Still check water ?
I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado, HD 2500, with an 8.1 L engine. I have not found a snorkel that is made that will fit my truck. It is an extended cab, but I would really like to find a snorkel for itbecause I plan on heading off-road. I don’t plan on submerging the entire truck at this will also be my full-time home but, I would like to keep the air cleaner then it would be otherwise do you have any suggestions for me please and thank you in advance.
And BTW, just to make sure you know, I am in the US and also I am in the Midwest in Minnesota. Planning on heading south from Minnesota to Texas on dirt road roads.
What "inox" spray do you use mate ?
My biggest question is:
"How do you know if there are any crocodiles (or other dangerous animals), in the water"?
If I have to walk the river first (which 100% makes sense and I would do), my fear is a crocodile getting me. How do you know there won't be those sorts of hazards in a water crossing?
Research first. Some places have signs
What about crocodiles?
Windows down for water crossings so you can get out in a hurry if need be, not as important for manual windows.
Lots of familiar faces in this video. Any plans on colabs coming up? Torbs, Harry?
For sure mate, for sure
I definitely was not keen to walk some of the crossings in Cape York, due to the crocs. Do you still walk them anyways?
What about window's up or down?
What is that spray you use, in American English?
Inox
Ronny.
Isn't it about time for a 10 year and 300 000km long term review on the Big 79 Series?? Sure, you've owned it 10 years by now?.
Salties?
Always a worry. 😂
What do you do when water crossings hav e crocs in then?
Shit yourself. ( Maybe that's just me). Or wait around for someone else to go first 😂
Dont do water crossings unless there is no other option; just don't!
Windows down, seatbelts off and have an escape plan.
Does it do any difference to have the fan speed maxed out in the cabin for a positive air pressure?
It’s hard to say but I generally do that when I cross
I'd avoid using petroleum products on any rubber as it will swell the rubber up and destroy it.
Where's Torb's these days?
wonder how EV 4wds will go in rivers in the future?
Lol
No seatbelt
shuano dont wear seatbelt = i dont wear seatbelt
My comments getting deleted yet again in record time. Bit of a pattern developing Ronny. 🙄
When crossing a river wear your seatbelts, close the windows and lock the doors
How to stop killing Ur car when crossing river well just don't cross rivers use the bridge