| Author | Message | ||
     Adam Ross (Discodriveradam) Member Username: Discodriveradam Post Number: 137 Registered: 01-2003 |
Well, this weekend we had a great time wheeling in Monteagle TN. Scenery was great, with some picturesque river crossings. But in those crossings lies my problem. The water wasn't too deep (briefly at headlight level), but the bottom of the river was extremely rocky, and it was impossible to keep up my momentum because of the turbulence. It was bad enough that it probably would have triped my inertia switch, which could have been catastrophic coupled with the very swift current. The river would have turned me straight downstream if that would have happened. So I would have to slow down for the bad bumps, losing momentum and thus traction, which led to a lot of work for a simpe crossing. So what's the trick? I've searched and searched (not just this site) and I still can't find an answer. Is there any way to safely maintain momentum in this situation, or is there another technique to use that could help? Please, any suggestions are welcome. | ||
| quentin charles neil ross (Qcnr) New Member Username: Qcnr Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well there isnt much else you can do, crossing rivers like offroading in general is not an exact science, every situation has to be judged for itself. The basic rule is use low ratio 2nd gear (D in auto) and enter the water slowly building up speed untill you have a bowwave and keep the same momentum. When crossing a river which has a strong current then you MUST always drive at an angle downstream roughly 45`. It doesnt take alot of water to move a LR but one of the things you can do is fit wheels that are as open as possible, I myself have MattLee Mach5 wheels which are about as open you can get. Another option is covering your bonnet/ grill with a tarpaulin whilst you cross, this will make it more difficult for watr to enter the enginebay if you cannot keep up enough momentum to create a good bowwave. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1135 Registered: 02-2002 |
You might want to pre-attach a winch line, either your own or another vehicle's, and pull/drive across the worst part of the crossing slowly, especially if you are in danger of being swept downstream. In that kind of situation though it might be pertinent to find another place to cross or turn back. Dean | ||
| quentin charles neil ross (Qcnr) New Member Username: Qcnr Post Number: 40 Registered: 10-2003 |
True Dean but not practical when the river crossing distance is longer than your winchwire. Prior planning prevents poor performance and if all else fails like you say turn back. whilst in Iceland we (4 vehicles) were faced with this situation. We took 3 hours to plan (wading on foot with safetylines, glad I took my drysuit) and prepare the vehicles and never needed the winch for the crossing or the whole trip in fact. | ||
| Adam Ross (Discodriveradam) Member Username: Discodriveradam Post Number: 138 Registered: 01-2003 |
I mean, we did plan it out pretty well, but some of the obstacles were unforeseen. I guess luck plays a big role, huh? | ||
| Donald McFarlane (Dsmcf) Member Username: Dsmcf Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2003 |
Properly, perhaps: "Piss poor preparation and planning promotes piss poor performance." Leastways that's how I remember the DS saying it... |
