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Waterfording

9K views 26 replies 21 participants last post by  rubicontrail.net 
#1 ·
The Jeep site says that the trail rated JGC features additional electrical and body sealing, along with a high air intake for optimum water fording+ capability. It says it can go through 19-30 inches of water, depending.

How many inches of water can you safely go through with a *non-trail-rated* jeep?

Just thought it would be good to know in case I'm ever in a place where I can't go around water.
 
#6 ·
For a jeep to be trail rated it must have a 2 speed transfer case. In the grand Cherokee the quadra trac II or quadra drive II systems will get you trail rated. That being said your jeep can theroretically ford the same amount of water since all your missing is a transfer case with 4 low.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Beside the basic fording depth, departure angles, and being 4x4, I don't think there are hard and fast rules to the trail rating badge. It is sometimes a mystery (and fruit for much discussion here). You could think of it more of a marketing label perhaps, although all jeeps with trail rating are suppose to have driven the rubicon without issue. The only thing that sets apart a trail rated badged WK2s from others seems to be tow hooks and skid plates. Perhaps also the two speed transfer case.
 
#9 ·
From the Manual:

Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water, there are a number of precautions that must be considered before entering the water.
NOTE: Your vehicle is capable of water fording in up to 20 inches (51 cm) of water, while crossing small rivers or streams. To maintain optimal performance of your vehi- cle’s heating and ventilation system it is recommended to switch the system into recirculation mode during water fording.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering, as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driv- ing through water may cause damage that may not be covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
Driving through water more than a few inches/ centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to determine the depth and the bottom condition (and location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 inches (23 cm). The flowing water can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are downstream of your entry point to allow for drifting.
5
370 STARTING AND OPERATING
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in 20 inches (51 cm) of water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
 
#10 ·
I did this down in Kentucky last summer. Probably about 8" at the deepest point. Started slow then went though 15-20mph at least by the time I made it to the other side. Absolutely zero problems. Did spray some water pretty high on the sides towards the end when I sped up which was pretty cool to see. I do have that special badge, though. Laredo X 5.7.

 
#12 ·
That's an awesome pic!
 
#17 ·
That Kentucky pic was on the road(?) between Four Roses and Woodford Reserve. Apparently that's normal. In Kentucky, you don't drive over water, you drive through water. They don't need no stinkin' bridges, I guess. The Jeep had approximately 450 miles on it at the time of waterfording...
 
#18 · (Edited)
My comment would be to keep the water level below the bottom of the doors. This way the water will remain outside of the Jeep. Trail rated Jeeps have increased door gaskets and wire water proofing though I have never checked side by side.
I have been on the Rubicon trail and doubt that the JGC could do many parts of it without modifications.
 
#23 ·
The Jeep site says that the trail rated JGC features additional electrical and body sealing, along with a high air intake for optimum water fording+ capability. QUOTE]

Other than the Trail Rated nameplate, I really doubt there is any difference between a Trail Rated GC and every other GC.
+1 they are not going to add any additional body or electrical sealing on the GC's. This might be the case on the wranglers, but I doubt it.
 
#25 ·
For what it's worth, in our '08 Liberty we were going to lose the vehicle's "Trail Rating" because the luxury package we wanted to get included 18" wheels. Apparently having less rubber on the sidewall counted against its score enough to make it no longer officially Trail Rated. We asked the dealer to switch out the 18" wheels for 16" and that was enough to make it Trail Rated.

I remember discussing it with several people at the time and it was more or less agreed by all that being Trail Rated is more or less a marketing gimmick. If in the case of the Liberty tire size is able to change whether or not the vehicle is Trail Rated it can't be achieving its Trail Rated status by much.
 
#26 ·
For what it's worth, in our '08 Liberty we were going to lose the vehicle's "Trail Rating" because the luxury package we wanted to get included 18" wheels. Apparently having less rubber on the sidewall counted against its score enough to make it no longer officially Trail Rated. We asked the dealer to switch out the 18" wheels for 16" and that was enough to make it Trail Rated.
Seeing that the Overland with the Off Road package has 18" tires yet still have the "Trail Rated badge confirms your theory that "Trail Rated" a marketing ploy. How could 18" tires be trail rated on one vehicle that weighs a ton more (literally) than another that wouldn't be trail rated if it had the same tires, especially if they say it's because of the sidewall?
 
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