Written by: Emily Joswiak • August 15, 2021• Auto Featured

What To Know About Off-Roading Through Water

When we say off-roading is all-terrain driving, we mean it. Jeeps, the gold standard of off-road vehicles, deftly handle dirt, mud, rocks, and sand. A well-lifted Jeep can even traverse bodies of water—an important capability to have when off-roading in south Florida. As a Jeep driver, this feature is exciting, but don’t get too excited—you’re not on one of those Ducks up at the Wisconsin Dells. You do have some limitations that keep your Jeep well short of being fully amphibious. Here’s what to know about off-roading through water so you can enjoy the excitement safely.

Remember That Rivers Can Swell

As you tread upon the same trails and ford the same rivers, you may think you have an idea of the depth of the bodies of water you cross. If you’re off-roading while it’s raining, however, you should know that the water levels may have risen above what your Jeep can handle. Bodies of water that already posed a challenge can become downright impassable during or after rainfall. Stay out of water that rises above the midpoint of your tires. Overall, use your best judgment when facing down water.

Know Your Beds and Adjust Tires Accordingly

The big difference between Jeeps and those amphibious Ducks is that your Jeep must drive along the riverbed or lake bed—a distinction that might not exactly float your boat. Underwater surfaces vary in texture, from hard and slippery rocks to viscous mud and sand. Knowing which lies beneath the water is critical to crossing safely. While all off-roading calls for lower tire pressure than highway driving, a treacherous sandy bottom calls for even more traction to traverse the water successfully. That means airing down the tires even further for maximum surface area along this tough surface.

Walk the Track First

Crossing water in your Jeep conjures up visions of speeding over hills, going down into a riverbank, and splashing down with perfect momentum. What you should know about off-roading through water is that it’s not that perfect. Before you hit the water, walk through to determine whether your Jeep can cross it safely. If you’re not comfortable walking it, don’t get comfortable driving it.

Be Prepared To Pull Yourself Out

Off-roading excursions can call for lots of extra supplies. Long-hauling overlanders like to pack a gas can. You need first-aid kits and emergency gear if something should go wrong. A spare tire is a must. If water crossings are a part of your adventure, then you should pack recovery gear for getting unstuck from sandy beds or deep water, such as tow ropes or winches.

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