Water Crossing - How to Do It the Right Way

How do you do a water crossing the right way? Here's a quick video with the basics of what you need to know to safely cross water in your vehicle.
Additional editing and camera work by Miguel, age 12.
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[@Flipoff94]

Honest man. I like that. haha Usually in these videos, you only see the best outtakes, and no one ever admits that they got stuck. It happens to the best of us.

[@quincybirwood2629]

That was quite a sacrifice taking your truck thorough the water multiple times to make the video. I appreciate the effort and the explanation. Personally, I will prepare but I'm not doing that until there is a sick relative in an emergency transport situation where my truck is the only alternative.

[@TimberMoto]

And remember to service your diffs more often if water crossings are a regular occurrence. Making sure the vent tubes are as high as possible doesn't hurt either. 😎

[@bustin7052]

Thank you and finally somebody simplifying and explaining the reasons why you need the stuff in simple terms.

[@jaked.6947]

Cool video! I like the little skit you and your son did. When I was a teenager I had had the unfortunate pleasure of hydrolocking due to too much speed. That was when I learned that open-filter, cold air intakes in the engine compartment were not the best choice for vehicle mods.

[@90volts]

Just wanted to thank you for this video. I just did the Mojave crossing a couple of days ago and this video is what I remembered when I was about to go. I walked it out. And I was pretty excited to see that bow running out in front of the Jeep! When I saw that I was out at ease and was able to (mostly) enjoy the experience. I was up to the middle of my doors on a jku Sahara,, lifted 2.5 with 33.5”tires. I think I am going to take the Sahara decals off and replace them with “Mojave”. We are half way through our cross country trip from Philadelphia for our honeymoon. We are camped at the trailhead for Valley of the Moon now. Keep up with the great videos. They are entertaining and helpful, as well as well done.

[@RandyPennysAdventures]

Our 2 cents...we pack along one set of chest waders to check water crossing. You don't need to change, dry off or warm up after checking. Not a lot of room to take them and make checking easier on the person doing the wading.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Grats on 100k!

[@kerynwoods6068]

Bow wave, a “wake” means after. I follow in your wake. You have a wake when a person passes etc

[@great0789]

I was surprised when I checked the breathers for my new truck several months back. My 18' Chevy Colorado diff breathers are already extended up next to the fuse box in the engine bay and to the top of the fuel filler cap in the back. The transmission and Tcase had breathers too going up to the fire wall. Mod done already... which surprised me! The wake thing is for real! Several years ago I had a tiny 2wd 05' Colorado during flooding in my area. I passed several flooded out jeeps that had hit the deep water. My neighbor hydrolocked his Scion xb the water was so deep.

[@tr3ynag4ta]

Love watching these videos! Need a truck like this to fight the floods here in Florida! Looking to get the same Land Cruiser, just a different year model! Thanks for the insight brother!

[@Outdoor-4-Life]

Glad you got the new latch for your tire carrier! I could see it wobbling in the last shot after crossing. Great video and info as always!

[@ewingfox6459]

Great explanation regarding differential breathers! Seals only work in one direction and axle seals are for keeping lubrication in, not rivers out!

[@engrcumins9809]

Well done. I learned that technique from a cab driver many years ago.

[@ODSTD56]

I knew that there was more to crossing deep water than just putting a snorkle on. I play a game called Snowrunner, a game where you drive offroad doing missions to carry cargo around to places. In the game, they make it seem like all you need to not damage your trucks with the water is to equip a snorkel. I was thinking it couldn't possibly be that simple since cars would still probably leak water into the cab. Glad to know now.

[@jonathans9537]

Awesome demonstration!

[@albertdesalvo7273]

6:55 your rear spare wheel carrier looks very loose. Clearly explained tutorial, sound advice, and enjoyable to watch👍😎.

[@runningoverland7656]

GREAT video!! Thank you so much for this. Any plans to make a "Part 2: How to React When Chocolate Hits the Fan?" When the vehicle stops, what steps are taken from the moment of bogging? What to do after the vehicle is recovered? etc ... Over the years, I have usually been alone when encountering water crossings and just avoid them if they're high enough to hit the doors - I'd love to change that! (Yes, I know Google/KZbin Search are things, but OB content is more enjoyable) Congrats on 100K!

[@Honestandtruth]

Great information and Presentation and Thank you...👍👍

[@chuckzechman7390]

Nice technique. Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels and God Bless!

[@hole7612]

Great video as always!

[@sharpmo99ify]

Great video. Thanks!

[@abdmasoud]

Thank you for the Informative video and tipps i am sure many driver do not know all of them keep safe and dry

[@JeradLarkin]

Awesome! I can't wait to get my mavic in the sky and film some shots of Denver (and Colorado). Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@tougeproject8317]

Helpful tips. thank you!

[@John-cq3hk]

Sweet video. Subscribed half way through.

[@Adgejf]

Super informational!

[@gilmeacham8109]

Good points. I think I need to go find a lake and see if I can get through it!

[@mrlandcruiser7833]

Thanks great video man We doing this soon thanks

[@mrmavridis6782]

Great video and explanation too !!!

[@stuartpocock2837]

Congrats on the 100k! Great video too ;)

[@lordtrini]

well done...

[@Pimptorious69]

Your gate is flapping around.

[@PROXIMO22]

Transfer Case is feeling left out :o) i might have missed it here but i don't think i saw it mentioned. this unit has a vent too like the other drive train parts. sometimes its a short tube with the breather cap on it. good vid! always fun to see someone ford some water!

[@jpjerome]

i like the fact you mentioned you bogged down and chuckled about it, wish we could see it, all good fun! I will join the ranks of Overland Bound before the summer!

[@jpjerome]

Congrats on the 100K!!

[@steve_ohhhhhhh]

Awesome 👍

[@andrewcakulslynnetteoregan3934]

We call it a bow wave here in Australia

[@SimonCush]

Same in the UK. Wake is what you leave behind!

[@ewingfox6459]

So do most of us in the US :)

[@SimonCush]

Regardless of wave or wake, I enjoy the video's all the same. thank you for all the effort, time and work that you put into them. Cheers.

[@OutdoorActionPhoto]

Good video as always. Thumbs up on 100K!

[@whatsupjavi]

The dnb background music is low key banger

[@ianmburke]

Where I live knowing why the water is there can be important due to tides/flooding if you are crossing water it is important to know if once crossed it won't rise more.

[@PachariAdventures]

Awesome! more videos like this :-)

[@DirtComplex]

Afton Canyon? That's a really beautiful trail. Haha and I've crossed that multiple times as well and bogged and stalled in the middle like you once hahaha.

[@winning1products]

Thank you, This was very helpful for me. If we ever meet remind me to tell you a story about log fluming a Ford Crown Victoria.

[@OverlandBound]

Ha Ha Ha

[@GoatOffroad]

Congrats on 100K! I’d love to get to 1000 😀

[@hole7612]

I subscribed! Nice XJ

[@OverlandBound]

Just keep at it. You’ll get there!

[@treelife365]

3:31 - You totally sound like Jim Carey! Thanks for a great and very informative video 😄

[@elsewhereoverland]

This explains the IG post with the wet floorboards!

[@mikewest712]

I grew up on the creeks of arkansas in a scout 2. My dad would always take 10 minutes to let everything cool before we crossed the creeks. electric fan with a switch is a must too.

[@ewingfox6459]

I also grew up learning to stop and let the vehicle drain before continuing down the trail to reduce erosion. It only takes a few seconds and helps preserve the trail for everyone else!

[@Sideapotatoes]

I have an 80 series and a 79 scout 2. Love them both.

[@M4_Overland]

Great video! OB #3755 checking in.

[@DashnCars]

Congrats on 100k!! #16600 checking in.

[@munstergeo7417]

Excellent video as always along with a really excellent explanation. #17170

[@turnerrandolph4256]

Turn the wheel back and forth as you cross the water. That will help create your bow wake and will set your speed.

[@phillybaf]

Your tree deflectors are lower than everything else on your rack to include your light bar. If your trying to catch branches kuddos to you.

[@Jenstyler1]

Don't forget about good door/window seals!

[@nosnerd1967]

Use curled up nylon air hose . Cheap vent extensions

[@markbrodeur5910]

Can you make suggestion on transmission breather or website for a 2011 Tacoma ? Looking at the Ironman for diffential or arb?

[@albertodiazpr]

The real purpose of a snorkel is to allow vehicles go underwater. The first vehicles using this were the military vehicles. Humvees for example, use a snorkel and an exhaust extension tube to go underwater. Some of today's truck snorkels are just for looks and to keep dust away. But the real ones are for water fording, that's why they are called "snorkels". Member #11286

[@dublixtube]

Yay for Afton Canyon.

[@w0nt0nj0n]

Hey what're you using for brakes? My 80 loves to chew through pads

[@billewilde1]

sikaflex yer distributer cover and your fuse box and dielectric grease on the plugs and plug wires

[@ProcrastinationChannel]

Are there transmission breathers for manuals?

[@NerdyShades]

What was that banjo music when you were walking through the water?

[@Seven.Hills.Overlanding]

And at the exit from the water crossing you have to stop a little to let the remaining water to drain!

[@superman01011]

Congratulations on the 100k, did you have to seal the distributor before you went into the water the first time? Also appreciate your honesty when you said you killed it on your last run through the water.

[@RNicknackpaddywhack]

What about a breather for your transfer case?

[@hyunki0510]

I always check water before I cross. can be a small ass puddle but i try to use a stick to gauge how deep.

[@ImJeff1965]

Transfer case breather tube !!!

[@marauderhot]

I have crossed that spot many times. About 10 times I have seen rattlers swimming right there.

[@BlueLineOverland]

Also make sure your snorkel tube is well away from the flex of your tire 🤣

[@alanbrooke144]

Yeah...4:05 is great in theory, but what if you live in the top end of Aussie? Those salties scare the crap out of me!

[@123456fco]

what about the fuse box ??

[@joseluisrosales9226]

great vid! thanks! greetengs from Mx ob#13869

[@leenderdhoutzager9389]

What about always undo seat belts and keep Windows bv open during water crossing

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

A) Why is your tire so loose, B) When don't people pull their winch line up on the hood when the possibility is they will get stuck in deep mud/water?

[@TheLifeOnHigh]

@3:28 We need a gadget that can measure the depth of shallow waters. Fisherman have all types of devices when on outings. Off-roaders need them too 😅

[@ian9toes]

That won’t tell you how soft the bottom is

[@JoePoutous]

My son and I are doing the Mojave Rd in less than a month. The very first think we're going to hit heading eastbound is that crossing. My 4Runner is very similar in height to your Toyota, but I haven't installed the high breathers yet. The Mojave Rd is just the start of this trip.. our far point is Moab. I'm really on the fence about that crossing.. I may just talk Basin Rd down and meet the Mojave, bypassing Afton. I'm super open to advice on this. thanks!

[@18cjosh]

Diff breather extension mod would only take you about an hour for the whole truck.....and that was with me muddling through it.

[@Eli_goes_camping]

You look like Matt Barnes in this video.

[@bfmt14]

How many miles you got in your fj80

[@Montblanc1986]

I drive around it

[@robertktw]

so, remove that 1-way transmission valve, then extend it?

[@OverlandBound]

Yes - same as diff valves.

[@marconator3896]

Hi I have a question I have a tundra 2006 2wd Can I do some off road and deep crossing water Mainly crossing water Not to deep But my question ie a 2wd is capable to do that or need to be 4x4 thanks for the help

[@rjaj3276]

It'll be fine snorkel,diff breathers and transmission you'll be just fine.

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Your spare was moving quite a bit when you got out of the vehicle at 7:10 of the video.

[@gmat2545]

No, a snorkel IS specifically for water crossing primarily. It’s in the name special ed. What do think you do when you go snorkelling??? Clean air is just an added benefit.

[@SirWilliamGoes]

Walking through the water in desert looks good, Cold rainy moving mountain creeks, I'm out!!!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

OK Micheal, we get it. Overlanding is boating.

[@dalemcgrath4125]

100k

[@1Torquedsoul]

What about letting your engine cool before crossing?

[@OverlandBound]

It might be a good suggestion, personally I’ve never done it. I start my engine in the snow and that’s quite a temperature difference. I’m not sure if cooling improve or worsen the engine seal. In most cases it makes it worse.

[@ExGEO]

That's not anything to worry about most of the time. If you're going to crack a block, it was going to happen anyway.

[@ewingfox6459]

For older vehicles especially, most people I tried with will shut their rigs down while walking the crossing, although if it is hot and you shut off your rig, the engine can actually come up in temperature as your cooling system is shut down. At this point is probably not really necessary with most modern vehicles.

[@LiLgPnoy15]

Is there a way to check the water's depth without walking into it?

[@ScorpioVI]

Have kids, toss one into it.

[@Crossfirev]

Send a friend instead!

[@tonkool4736]

😁Maybe next time use a indestructable Toyota Landcruiser?

[@robirwin9514]

What’s a distributor? 😜

[@AWDfreak]

A thing that plays with the spark plugs one at a time with no brain

[@OverlandBound]

Ha ha you and your new fangled tech.

[@steveegbert7429]

Ha ha, at least you're not still rrunning points! I remember with not too fond memories of getting out the rags and wd-40 after hitting it a little too fast. I'm happy for sealed system these days.

[@OverlandingNL]

Nice vid Michael =) is that the same water crossing you totally got stuck in like a year or so ago? :P Greets, #OB5907

[@paoloescano5082]

@overlandbound Are you in 4H or 4Lo and what gear are you in D,2,1? Thanks

[@paoloescano5082]

@overlandbound

[@OverlandBound]

Paolo Escano 4 lo 2 Gear. Thanks for watching!

[@paoloescano5082]

Overland Bound I have a quick question for you. I have a stock 97 FZJ80 I’m putting 35s on it and the next thing im planning on upgrading is the suspension. In the future I’m planning on putting a front and rear bumper on. When I get my suspension should it be hard, medium, soft springs? Thanks for the time and effort. Love your videos. Very inspiring and a lot to learn from.🙌

[@Simple_Youtube]

@@paoloescano5082 the springs will depend on how much weight you are carrying.

[@paoloescano5082]

James Heracious yeah that’s is true. So should I get medium springs while I don’t front and rear bumpers or just get heavy and just wait for the rest @jamesheracious @overlandbound

[@robertoferrari5397]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@lm3939]

Whats the speed

[@OverlandBound]

You have to finesse. You want to create a bow wave to push water away, but not over the hood. Slow.

[@leonardwood8024]

What's the aaah shit plan when your engine cuts out in the middle of the crossing?

[@pra3t0rian]

Leonard Wood have someone pull u out. Don’t risk engine damage by trying to restart the engine.

[@jeremy8715]

Tire Carrier is moving a lot.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Never remove the shoes Dad!

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

Come on my man,what kind of vehicle is that???

[@reisen-5970]

Water Crossing... I only do it to wash my under tray lol

[@billewilde1]

Keep a pair of sandals in the truck, metal, sharp rocks, or glass will ruin yer day in the middle of nowhere.

[@daveybernard1056]

Old, worn out "ruined" sneakers make great wading shoes. Just sayin.