This is all in Richloam Wildlife Management Area where I have wheeled before. I was hoping that since it hasn't rained in 2 weeks, it might've dried out more... not so. We tried sticking to the graded limerock roads, but would occasionally pass a sedan. So we ventured off and flipped it into 4lo. Only got turned around by deep water once.
The only real issue we had was looked like a long, and shallow puddle. Well going through it was all hunky dory until I got 3 ft from the shore when the front right tire just dropped another 12 inches or so. Back right tire not only came off the ground but came out of the water. I was balancing on 2 wheels, and thanks to my PowerTrax i still had traction on the other rear wheel. I managed to putz forward until I was level again, but now I'm high centered on a root bed and unable to move. Goes back to one of the dangers of water obstacles is not knowing whats underneath. Well, here's where I feel I made a mistake. I shut my engine off to prep my winch while the water was about 1/3 way up my doors. I had a tree directly in front of my truck about 70 ft or so. So utilizing my tree saver, I hooked up to it. Finally ready to winch, I climbed back through my window and turn the key with no response... Uh-oh. I popped my hood, opened the airfilter expecting the worse. Thankfully, it was bone-dry. So i knew the most important thing right now was getting my truck out of the water. Since I just installed a brand new optima yellow top, i was comfortable winching off the battery. The Warn 10k worked like a dream and effortlessly pulled me on to shore. I pulled the starter relay and let it sit for a few minutes, reinserted, turned the key and VROOM! Then I had water pouring out of my exhaust for a few minutes.
This is where That front tire just dropped like a brick.
This angle shows how radical the depth changes.
Rather hard to straighten the wheels w/o power steering, but I did prior to loading the winch.
Got out, and released the flood gates of my front doors.
Took an alternate way back that was just as nerve-wrecking given what I just went through.
So my question is this: In the event you get stuck in water that isn't deep enough to have the immediate threat of hydrolock, is it safer to leave the engine running? There doesn't seem to be any damage and the truck is running like it always has. The insulation/padding under the carpet is currently in the local dumpster, though.
Random trip photos now.
did a spot of fishing considering the water was deep enough.
Mikes bumper worked great! Super convenient. Plus the extra lights i put in were so useful!
Made it out! Airing up to head home! If you'll notice, the power clamps for the compressor fit right in the quick connect for the winch! How handy. I'll be making a set of jumper cables with the quick connect on one side, too.
