How Deep?

lojeff

lojeff

New member
We have been getting hit with some pretty bad rain in North Jersey the last few weeks. One of the storms left many roads flooded with nightmare traffic. I saw many cars floating away and others stalled with water up to the windows.

I have a 2004 Sport. Just how deep can I safely go into these flood spots?
 
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Keep in mind that almost half of all deaths related to flash flooding are people who are killed in their cars, underestimating the force of the water!

There's a lot more to it than ground clearance. High standing water will cause an upward force due to buoyancy, which will reduce traction. Moving water will also push in the direction the water is moving. Most typical passenger cars, trucks, and SUV's will float in about two feet of water, turning the vehicle into a boat and taking away control of it.

Be careful!!!
 
The air intake location is the limiting factor. The opening is in the upper part of the passenger side front fender well. So, the key is to keep moving. This will keep water from reaching the intake. If I remember correctly 28" is the max in standing water. You may also need to put an extension on the rear diff's vented check-valve (in case it fails and stays open). There is a mod to do this, do a search.

Koz
 
toto said:
Keep in mind that almost half of all deaths related to flash flooding are people who are killed in their cars, underestimating the force of the water!

There's a lot more to it than ground clearance. High standing water will cause an upward force due to buoyancy, which will reduce traction. Moving water will also push in the direction the water is moving. Most typical passenger cars, trucks, and SUV's will float in about two feet of water, turning the vehicle into a boat and taking away control of it.

Be careful!!!
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Couldn't say it any better myself. :bigok:

I will add my $.02 though

It has been proven though that some cars will float away in 3-4 inches of moving water.

Moving water can have over 1,000 pounds of pressure per inch forced against your car.

There are many factors to consider before you do a water crossing: depth, water speed, direction of flow, down stream obstacles in case you do start floating, etc
 
mole177 said:
how do the land rover guys get through it?
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They don't...LR vehicles break down before they get out of the driveway!:D

What LR guys are you talking about??
 
Mostly you want to worry about sucking air into the engine, tranny, or the diffs. The alternator should detect a short (if entirely underwater) and either shut off or blow a fuse/relay on the back of the unit (at least that's how the Jeeps used to work). Since the seals around the doors are not entirely air-tight, water can also penetrate the interior, so if you get that deep, you got much bigger problems. The interior of the Jeeps used to have drain plugs in the floor pans to drain water out and removable carpet without padding. Old Land Rovers/Defenders also have these water friendly extras.
 
According to the new Range Rover commercial, every 1 out of 9 times I drive, I will run into a flood or a land slide, so I better buy a Range Rover. :D
 
toto said:
Keep in mind that almost half of all deaths related to flash flooding are people who are killed in their cars, underestimating the force of the water!

There's a lot more to it than ground clearance. High standing water will cause an upward force due to buoyancy, which will reduce traction. Moving water will also push in the direction the water is moving. Most typical passenger cars, trucks, and SUV's will float in about two feet of water, turning the vehicle into a boat and taking away control of it.

Be careful!!!
Click to expand...

Well put....:biggrin2:

28 inches in standing water would be fine but 28 inches of flood water could be very dangerous. The force of moving water if very deceiving and can be a hidden danger. Plus you also have to know what is under the water.
 
mole177 said:
the ones with the snorkels.
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You do realize that they make snorkels for Toyotas, too, right? I've seen lots of 4Runners and Land Cruisers wade through some deep waters. LR's are great off-road vehicles, but they aren't any better than Toyota's.
 
4runner414 said:
Like this?

Rover 1

and this

Rover 2
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Well, they have snorkels...and probably waterproof their engine bay. And also, they don't care if their interior gets wet = molding = funky smell = ruin car. I would not do deep water crossing, even with a snorkel.
 
My opinion- turn the f*ck around and laugh at the retards stupid enough to push their vehicle through the water. Even if the depth doesn't get you a log or some other bs will...
 
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