4x4 Handling in Water
Rivers
A river can be dangerous to cross. When you come to a river that you want to cross, carefully evaluate the situation. If it is shallow and has no strong current - you can be pretty sure you can cross it on almost any 4x4 - just go slowly with the 4x4 low range engaged. A little bit downstream is usually the best method if possible. If you see another truck crossing - watch how he handles the situation and try to imagine how your 4x4 will take the same depth of water and strength of current. Always be prepared to back away and try again later when there may be less water or when you are better equipped. If you are alone - nobody to help you out - take extra care. Best is to wade the river on foot - if you can't stand on you feet your truck won't be able to handle it either.
Snow
Snow is a beautiful and magical substance. Naturally it is made of frozen water but takes up a lot more space. It takes 8 parts of fresh snow to weigh the same as about 1 part of water. Time, wind and rain make the snow denser.
Even the same snow covered land can change over a single day. In the beginning it is soft. Frozen snow gets a hard surface. Pressured snow gets slippery. Wet snow or slush makes it behave like mud. Sometimes a thin hard layer on the surface hides thick layers of powdery snow. Due to its nature snow can hide rocks or ice or other damaging objects.
Snow is one of the most difficult terrains to get through on a 4x4. Thin layer of soft snow is easy to get through just by engaging your four wheel drive. As the depth increases and other factors come into play it gets increasingly more challenging. Airing down to 1-2 psi is sometimes just not enough. Slow speed and large tires that allow the extremely low pressure is a necessity. Knowledge of the underlying landscape and its inherent dangers can make or break the day. Lockers, winches and the old shovel along with a high-lift jack can help you get unstuck.
Water is not your 4x4s best friend. It can get into various parts of your vehicle and cause problems. Things like the ignition, intake, fan belt, exhaust, vents and brakes. Water can shut down the engine. Getting water in a diesel engine will KILL it! Water in the axles brings with it sand and other small particles and you need to get it out at least when you get back.
Thrandur Arnthorsson is a 4 wheeling enthusiast and the webmaster of 4x4OffRoads.com.
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