FuzzyM wrote:winton wrote:Thanks guys
I'm sticking to the marked fording routes on the map. I know rooftop maps are generally good. (anyone have experience with Victorian topo maps?) Are most trouble often with unmarked fording or are marked fording on maps just as susceptible to trouble?
@Homer, great idea those Crocs. Already thinking about making it standard carry on my backpack.
I'd probably get a mob to install those piranha breather kits for my ute at a later date.
@tracks, Waders are another good idea. A bit heavy to carry though. I heard about an alosack waterproof zip log bag for rifle.
@Gaznazdiak, how deep did you expect the fording to be when you got stuck?
If you don't have breathers, you can let the diffs etc cool down while you walk the crossing, look around etc. The main issue is the cold water hitting your hot diff, gearbox etc, causing the air inside to cool rapidly, sucking water in as it contracts.If you have no recovery gear, at least bring a long handle shovel.
I was stuck in the snow a couple of weeks ago, shovel came in handy.
Could have used the winch, but would have taken longer.
I recommend getting at least a basic recovery kit, if you are stuck and need help from a passer by, I consider it polite to use your own gear as snatch straps have a finite life.
Very good point, something many overlook, this also applies to trailer wheel bearings, I am in QLD now, but a few years ago lived in the NT, with the heat up there you would see people towing vans and other trailers, belting along then come to a water crossing/flooded section of road etc, and drive straight in, the result being the hot axle and hubs, rapidly cooling and sucking water into the hubs, along with the water bourn grit, result stuffed bearings within a short time.
Pull up, grab a beer (sorry force of habit, a Territory thing) drink or cupper, stretch the legs, check the crossing out, it only takes a couple of minutes for the gear to cool down enough to prevent water being sucked in.