Water Fording

Interesting, write back to us when you're in 36 inches of water and let us know how far you get.

 

Why would I go in 36” of water? The tailpipe is not more than 15” high and it’s not a relevant factor for water fording depth is my only point. It’s not relevant for the old Toyotas (27”) or the Grenadier (31”) or any other vehicle. It’s not a factor. But you’re free to believe anything you like.

 

Sorry, I misunderstood. Based on your original post, then I would try to keep the truck tailpipe above water (although hard to tell when you can't see how deep you're going.) Also remember to keep you axle breather tube up and dry...

 

I’ve done 37”. But I have a starter reroute and plasti dipped my alternator.

 

I think y'all are being way too conservative regarding the water crossings. I'm from New Zealand (in Texas now) and there we take Hilux's through deep water crossings regularly. As long as the water is below the air intake you are good. A lot of farmers/hunters put snorkels (high air intake) on their Hilux and you can go really deep. Diesel engines are better in water though due to no spark plugs/distributor etc. to get wet. But I would assume modern petrol engines have much better seals around the spark plugs and other ignition components. Modern door seals should keep water out of the cab as long as you don't sit in the water for a long time and just drive on through the river/creek or whatever. Just don't get stuck mid crossing haha. But I do understand a lot of people don't want to risk ruining their brand new expensive truck in a way that insurance most likely will not cover. So each to their own I guess. But if you are willing to take risks, these trucks will go through much deeper water than you think. Find out the height of the intake and don't go deeper than that and if you will be doing regular water crossings get a snorkel like the Trailhunter has.

 

There's a reason why I'm way too conservative.

If I'm crossing water on a Saturday, it's for fun. It's not because I have to.

Mondays are when I pay for Saturdays. And on Monday morning, I'd strongly prefer to not be relegated towards taking the bus.

If I really have a wild hair and want to thrash something off road, it's going to on be a used SxS, not something equipped with carpet, aircon and airbags. I've thrashed my daily in my younger days. It's easy to continue to brush off the weenies and say it's fine... until suddenly it isn't fine anymore. There will be a day that arrives when your truck instantly goes from perfect to being overwhelmed by more gremlins than Gizmo's offspring.


But again, that's how I choose to do my truck. Yall are free to drive yours however you like.

 

Here’s an old video from 2016 with Mike Sweers. He acknowledges the third gen is designed to ford water but won’t say how deep. I have no reason to believe the fourth gen is any different. The clip is at 19:25

https://youtu.be/FsTNNRDkh1g?si=B-CROYAZCXzr1D1U

 

Yeah I understand that point of view. Definitely better to have a 2nd used 4x4 if you are going to be doing a lot of hard core off road stuff. Personally I'm not into off-roading for the sake of it. I'm a hunter/fisherman/camper and just do what I have to do to get where I want to go. My friends who go off roading looking to get stuck and pull each other out etc. are always breaking things on their rigs and that ain't my cup of tea.