salt water crossing [Archive] - Australian 4WD Action Online Forums - the 4WD, 4x4 and offroad truck community. Get the latest tips, news, reviews, images and video clips.

Corindi

06-12-2006, 02:10 AM

I regularly camp in a NP site that has a long stretch of beach then a salt water crossing. I have seen 3 cars swamped there and probably hundreds of thousands of dollars of needless damage caused by bad driving. These are a few of the rules I stick to, please add to it if I've missed anything.

Check the water depth before crossing. Unless you have been crossing regularly or you are following someone and can watch from a distance it is best to walk it first to find the shallowest route accross. When working out your depth limit take into account the hight of your alternator and starter motor.
Drive slowly. First gear in low range at idle is usually close to a good speed, and don't stop. Last xmas I saw dozens of cars with salt water comming out of the vents near the wipers and then over the roof in water thet never even wet my hubs. (I think I can recall Milo or Otis going way to fast at the very crossing I am talking about)
If you are going to stop in a river to clean the mud off your vehicle, taste the water first too see if it is fresh or salt. I saw it done to 2 x 100 series, these guys were using buckets and chamios. YUK!
Cross as few times as you have to, no amount of maintainance or preparation will keep the rust out.
Keep an eye on the tides and only cross on low tide if possible.
Wash under your car with shiploads of fresh water ASAP.
Fit diff breathers if the water is going to cover your diff.Same spot same time different speed
http://www.forster-tuncurryremovals.com.au/dont.jpg

http://www.forster-tuncurryremovals.com.au/do.jpg

nqgu

06-12-2006, 07:13 AM

Salt water crossing

My advice.

1. Don't do it.
2. Don't do it
3. If you are thinking of doing it...don't do it
4. Don't do it

Peter @ Aawen4x4

06-12-2006, 07:47 PM

Hey David, I think you forgot at least ONE other sub Para:

5. DON'T DO IT!!

Twisty

06-12-2006, 08:22 PM

Jeez, there is no way I would cross salt water that deep!!!

I drive though it up at Double Island now and then to get up to the point an rainbow side, but wont do it unless it's under the height of the hubs, and always go as slow as possible.

woolgoolgaoffroad

06-12-2006, 09:11 PM

another one had to be recovered from there on friday night

tariadamar

06-12-2006, 09:38 PM

people salt water is fun my dad just started up a lease thing from work every six months a new one. u know how it would be fun to plow through the salt water well he does. i would hate to buy that car hahaha

Corindi

06-12-2006, 10:35 PM

I was there Friday night and the weekend, but never heard about it. Maybe there are many more casualties than we know about.

Corindi

06-12-2006, 10:45 PM

Jarrod.

06-12-2006, 10:56 PM

If I owned a late model fancy car with all the trimings I wouldn't do it either, but I own an old 4x4 that cops an absolute hammering and I enjoy every minute of driving it, repairing it and maintaining it. It is a work horse not a show pony and when the going gets tough I don't give a crap, I just give it to it. If it falls over or gets bogged (which it hasn't yet) I will be excited.
hehe up at double island at hightide trying to get around the rocks u have to time it with the waves and its like 20-30m long and about waist deep sometimes and was there one time and there we all types of fancy 4x4 goin through it like top of the line prado and landcruiser shahara ect. and then there was this tata and was it funny to watch

Corindi

06-12-2006, 11:01 PM

Hey Jarrod, I can immagine the shocked look on their faces as a wave rises up beside them lol. Sounds like a lot of fun just watching. dave

dhula

13-12-2006, 12:42 PM

http://www.billabongfurniture.com.au/dont.jpg

A toyota tercel.

Holly crap batmap.

campdog

13-12-2006, 12:58 PM

campdog

13-12-2006, 01:11 PM

timespast

13-12-2006, 01:14 PM

A toyota tercel.

Holly crap batmap.

you mean honda CRX

Disco_Alex

13-12-2006, 04:12 PM

thats what i was thinking lol:D

dhula

13-12-2006, 05:09 PM

Yep OK me dumb

My mistake it's not a Toyota tercel.

Still a good amount of guts tho.

At least the guy or girl is out there enjoying the freedom a 4b brings. Good on em

Bricki

13-12-2006, 05:28 PM

I thought it was a CRV not CRX

Easys4.2GQ

13-12-2006, 08:42 PM

i have a few pics and videos of crossing that river, it gets quite deep at close to high tide.

Jarrod.

13-12-2006, 09:59 PM

i have a few pics and videos of crossing that river, it gets quite deep at close to high tide.
can you put them up?

Tough GQ

13-12-2006, 10:39 PM

The only thing that I will do salt water crossings in is a boat.....

As far as double island goes, I just am aware of the tides, I aim to get to rainbow at low tide.....

Easys4.2GQ

13-12-2006, 10:45 PM

Couple of vids and pic

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q211/easys42gq/DSCF1213.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q211/easys42gq/th_DSCF1209.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q211/easys42gq/?action=view&current=DSCF1209.flv)

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q211/easys42gq/th_DSCF1211.jpg (http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q211/easys42gq/?action=view&current=DSCF1211.flv)

Corindi

13-12-2006, 11:15 PM

Couple of vids and pic

Way too fast and through the deepest part. If he had crawled along one of the fence lines the water probably wouldn't have covered the tyres.

I saw a troopy go through last weekend right on the top of the tide, right through the deepest part and flat out. Not only did the 1m wave knock kids over that were playing near bye, but it washed a heap of the sand out of the ramp. As it climbed the ramp there was a waterfall comming off the roof. It took a heap in the snorkel but kept on motoring. Didn't get time to grab my camera.

TassieMav

15-12-2006, 03:52 PM

Last time I went through Rainbow (about August) you had to go around the 'south' end of the rocks in the water then there was all these downed trees about a k further south towards Double Island. Even at dead low (which it was when we were coming through from Fraser) you had to time the waves in and out of the trees for about 50 metres. I'll tell you, was funny to watch some people, they have no idea about the '3rd Wave' rule! :)

Zoran

19-12-2006, 05:32 PM

Hope I dont buy one of these cars one day, man it will have rust issues.

nqgu

19-12-2006, 06:31 PM

Hey David, I think you forgot at least ONE other sub Para:

5. DON'T DO IT!!

Peter,

Yep sorry about that. maybe I didn't empahsise it enough. Let's add

6. Dont F$#^ing do it http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

skipykiwi

20-12-2006, 08:08 PM

Call me Dumb , but I thought boats were for water and 4bys were for tracks , etc ???

TurboGQ4.2

26-12-2006, 11:36 AM

I regularly camp in a NP site that has a long stretch of beach then a salt water crossing. I have seen 3 cars swamped there and probably hundreds of thousands of dollars of needless damage caused by bad driving. These are a few of the rules I stick to, please add to it if I've missed anything.

Check the water depth before crossing. Unless you have been crossing regularly or you are following someone and can watch from a distance it is best to walk it first to find the shallowest route accross. When working out your depth limit take into account the hight of your alternator and starter motor.
Drive slowly. First gear in low range at idle is usually close to a good speed, and don't stop. Last xmas I saw dozens of cars with salt water comming out of the vents near the wipers and then over the roof in water thet never even wet my hubs. (I think I can recall Milo or Otis going way to fast at the very crossing I am talking about)
If you are going to stop in a river to clean the mud off your vehicle, taste the water first too see if it is fresh or salt. I saw it done to 2 x 100 series, these guys were using buckets and chamios. YUK!
Cross as few times as you have to, no amount of maintainance or preparation will keep the rust out.
Keep an eye on the tides and only cross on low tide if possible.
Wash under your car with shiploads of fresh water ASAP.
Fit diff breathers if the water is going to cover your diff.Same spot same time different speed
http://www.billabongfurniture.com.au/dont.jpg

http://www.billabongfurniture.com.au/do.jpg

hey guys is that up at Pebbly

tariadamar

26-12-2006, 11:01 PM

yeh it is mate the same one on the coffs dvd

Stew

27-12-2006, 12:55 PM

hey guys is that up at Pebbly

yeh it is mate the same one on the coffs dvd

What's it like there? Thinking of spending a few days there on my way back from Fraser Island in September. Got any pics of the camp area?

Is the creek you cross tidal or does it come from a fresh water source. I think it is called Station creek isn't it?

Finally, Can you give me some directions. I think I know where I'm going but want to be sure. You can PM me the directions if you would prefer.

Thanks

tariadamar

29-12-2006, 12:03 AM

ok mate it is nice their. umm u got to take every thing, it is tidal so time it right to get the low tide i was asleep for the into their so don't know how to get in.

zoomer

31-12-2006, 11:54 AM

I have ERP system on my truck it's 20 years olds does do beach work but I still wont let it touch salt water. No amount of cleaning will get that out as nqgu has made very clear don't do it. I'd spew if a truck I had just bought had been subjected to that

Synergy

01-01-2007, 07:00 PM

hey whats the go with driving into water, doesnt the hot engine crack when u mix boiling metal with water?

Corindi

03-01-2007, 02:47 PM

hey whats the go with driving into water, doesnt the hot engine crack when u mix boiling metal with water?
on low tide it doesnt reach hubs, so motor is well out of the cold water

nqgu

05-01-2007, 09:33 AM

hey whats the go with driving into water, doesnt the hot engine crack when u mix boiling metal with water?

One of the first things you learn when undertaking a water crossing course with 4wd trainer, is to allow you vehicle's components to cool prior to crossing. The second thing you learn is to stay away from saltwater http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

Synergy

06-01-2007, 02:18 PM

umm if ur engine is running the temp will remain hot, it wont cool, thats silly

nqgu

07-01-2007, 09:00 PM

umm if ur engine is running the temp will remain hot, it wont cool, thats silly

OK so when you start your engine first thing in the morning, what does your temp guage display? Cold or hot? Yet you engine is running.

Firstly there is nothing hot enough on your engine to fail due to temperature change from water crossings, except under rare cirmumstances the turbo. The reason for stopping your car and letting it cool before a water crossing has nothing to do with engine temperature, and more to do with transmission temperature. Water can be sucked into the transmission due to rapid volume change of heated oil and air.

Ever seen WRC rally cars entering a stream at full song after travelling a section at full throttle. Ever wondered why they don't destroy engines? Because it can't happen. What can happen though is water ingress into diffs and transfer cases on your 4wd.

Corindi

07-01-2007, 09:32 PM

Peter,

Yep sorry about that. maybe I didn't empahsise it enough. Let's add

6. Dont F$#^ing do it http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif
I started this post because so many times I see people at pebbly going through the deepest part of the river on high tide and hitting it flat out. I crossed the same creek probably 30 times over the last 5 weeks and the highest water didn't reach my hubs. At idle in 1st low as I always do it, there is no splash. On new years day about 6:30 am (high tide) a diesel hilux without a snorkel drove into the deepest hole there, sucked up some water and bent conrods. I also saw many cars with water going over the bonnet, up the windscreen and over the roof. What I am trying to say is that there is no way of stopping 100% of the damage salt water will cause, but I believe 90% of it is avoidable.

hissen

07-01-2007, 10:21 PM

I was just wondering where it is you're talking about Corindi, I live up that way and am intersted to try some new tracks..

Corindi

07-01-2007, 10:25 PM

It's in Yuraygir NP, about 5 minutes North of woolgoolga. Where do you live? Do you want to swap numbers and I will give you a call next time we're going out ?

nqgu

08-01-2007, 08:11 AM

I started this post because so many times I see people at pebbly going through the deepest part of the river on high tide and hitting it flat out. I crossed the same creek probably 30 times over the last 5 weeks and the highest water didn't reach my hubs. At idle in 1st low as I always do it, there is no splash. On new years day about 6:30 am (high tide) a diesel hilux without a snorkel drove into the deepest hole there, sucked up some water and bent conrods. I also saw many cars with water going over the bonnet, up the windscreen and over the roof. What I am trying to say is that there is no way of stopping 100% of the damage salt water will cause, but I believe 90% of it is avoidable.

I understand that, and really applaude your efforts to stop people doing what you see as a silly thing. I too am trying to stop people doing what I see as a silly thing. The advice to stay away from salt water, or wet areas of the beach has less to do with damage from corrosion, and more to do with preventing people getting stuck where rising salt water will destroy their vehicle.

So some good avice about water crossings and how to do them is a great idea. I just reckon it should come with the advice- stay away from salt water unless you are willing to lose your vehicle.

Cheers

David O

LoadedDisco

10-01-2007, 08:26 PM

Salt water crossing

My advice.

1. Don't do it.
2. Don't do it
3. If you are thinking of doing it...don't do it
4. Don't do it

You cant get better advice than that DONT GO THERE, jump in your mates forby for the trip.

Or drop your 4x4 in a bath of fish oil and PRAY.

Synergy

13-01-2007, 08:19 PM

why fish oil?

cruiserboi76

13-01-2007, 10:58 PM

stops the rust, or atleast minimises the risk of bad rust.

rat patrol

14-01-2007, 08:34 AM

OK so when you start your engine first thing in the morning, what does your temp guage display? Cold or hot? Yet you engine is running.

Firstly there is nothing hot enough on your engine to fail due to temperature change from water crossings, except under rare cirmumstances the turbo. The reason for stopping your car and letting it cool before a water crossing has nothing to do with engine temperature, and more to do with transmission temperature. Water can be sucked into the transmission due to rapid volume change of heated oil and air.

Ever seen WRC rally cars entering a stream at full song after travelling a section at full throttle. Ever wondered why they don't destroy engines? Because it can't happen. What can happen though is water ingress into diffs and transfer cases on your 4wd.

Dave I could not agree more.
I have been going to double Island for over 30 years and have NEVER gone around the rocks. I always use the freshwater track, I am not a chicken but a realist.
ONE day something WILL go wrong, there is a wall full of pics at the pub of people that got it wrong. My first trip to Cape york was in 1978 in an old 3 speed petrol engine Nissan Patrol, I have been there about 15 times since,
And have never swamped a car because I don't take unnessersay risks.

I have driven RoadTrains all through the top end most of my adult life,and if you take risks with these trucks the result can be catastrophic.and very expensive. When we come across a deep water crossing in a RoadTrain We stop for a while too let a bit of temp go out of the axels,as well as the gear- box.
As a sudden change in temp will suck water into the axel housing.
The stop also serves as a chance to check the tyers ect(62 on a tripple And 98 on a quad axle quad Trailer set up).
Even in my patrol when touring I do the same thing. I have been driving for 32 years and travelled some were between 6 and 8 million kls in all forms of driving and have seen many stupid things ,and just shake my head in wonderment at the antics of some people when they are out inthe scrub.
It's a bit like the hare and the tortise slow and steady wins the race
Cheers
Rat

rumpig

14-01-2007, 10:54 PM

What's it like there? Thinking of spending a few days there on my way back from Fraser Island in September. Got any pics of the camp area?

Is the creek you cross tidal or does it come from a fresh water source. I think it is called Station creek isn't it?

Finally, Can you give me some directions. I think I know where I'm going but want to be sure. You can PM me the directions if you would prefer.

Thanksyep the water is fresh and comes from station creek, you have to watch it if it has been raining as the creek can rise a fair bit. the guy who collects the camp fees (think his name is rob from memory) told us of a time when it poured raining and people were trapped on the pebbley beach camping side for a couple of days waiting for the water to go down. there are 2 camping areas at this area, one is about 800mtrs inland from the beach which i think they call station creek, a big grassy campgound with pit toilets and the other is on the beach, which i think is the part called pebbley beach. sorry memory is sketchy as i haven't been there for a couple of years.
if you look at a map the entry into this part of the park is about 5klms north of corindi beach from memory, i'm pretty sure there is a sign on the highway that says Yuraygir Nat. Park. you follow the dirt road in for about 10 - 15klms which takes you to the station creek camping area, just before you enter this camping area there is a track running off to the right which is sandy and takes you out to the beach, when you hit the beach you turn left and head up to the creek and you will see where to cross, which will take you through to the pebbley beach camping area.
this place gets really busy during holiday times, which is why we used to camp in the station creek section at easter time. so make sure if you plan to stay there it is in none holiday time.
if you are running late another good place to stay just a bit further north is bundjalong nat. park, the entry for this section is a few klms south of woodburn. you don't camp on the beach but right behind the dunes instead, so if the wind is up then this place might be worth thinking about.

Corindi

15-01-2007, 12:28 AM

yep the water is fresh and comes from station creek, you have to watch it if it has been raining as the creek can rise a fair bit. the guy who collects the camp fees (think his name is rob from memory) told us of a time when it poured raining and people were trapped on the pebbley beach camping side for a couple of days waiting for the water to go down. there are 2 camping areas at this area, one is about 800mtrs inland from the beach which i think they call station creek, a big grassy campgound with pit toilets and the other is on the beach, which i think is the part called pebbley beach. sorry memory is sketchy as i haven't been there for a couple of years.
if you look at a map the entry into this part of the park is about 5klms north of corindi beach from memory, i'm pretty sure there is a sign on the highway that says Yuraygir Nat. Park. you follow the dirt road in for about 10 - 15klms which takes you to the station creek camping area, just before you enter this camping area there is a track running off to the right which is sandy and takes you out to the beach, when you hit the beach you turn left and head up to the creek and you will see where to cross, which will take you through to the pebbley beach camping area.
this place gets really busy during holiday times, which is why we used to camp in the station creek section at easter time. so make sure if you plan to stay there it is in none holiday time.
if you are running late another good place to stay just a bit further north is bundjalong nat. park, the entry for this section is a few klms south of woodburn. you don't camp on the beach but right behind the dunes instead, so if the wind is up then this place might be worth thinking about.
The creek rises a bit because it is tidal and it is salt. It is definately not fresh because it is only about 100m from the ocean.

MRF-Dru

15-01-2007, 05:36 PM

twisty did u see the 2 cars get stuck there up at double island point? they tried to go around the point at high tide lol, the waves came in and they were screwed.... the water woulda been up to the bottom of the doors then when the waves came in up to the windows lol.

seriously that point is alot more dangerous then people give it credit for, at low tide its easy enough but who the hell thinks they can get around it when its already high tide.

Also any creek or crossing that leads to the river will have salt in it, even the little trickling puddles that lead out to the ocean ur best to slow down for otherwise youll spray sand and salt water up more so then you would if you were to drive slowly through a deeper crossing.

nqgu

15-01-2007, 06:41 PM

rumpig

15-01-2007, 06:53 PM

The creek rises a bit because it is tidal and it is salt. It is definately not fresh because it is only about 100m from the ocean.
yeh it has some salt in it with the tidal thing happening, but station creek is fresh, i've swum in it heaps of times at the inland campsite. when i reread my post i suppose i made it sound like there was no salt water in it, but what i meant was that station creek itself is actually a freshwater creek. speak to the guy who collects the money and he will tell you about the water heights after it has had a big rainfall upstream, the water has to get to the ocean somehow.

rat patrol

15-01-2007, 06:58 PM

Yes, a cuppa while things cool down and a quick walk around the car would be all it takes for a 4wd.

Do you know Graeme Thompson, drove road trains on the Cape in the 70's and has some great stories, including meeting the Leylands who were astounded at where he was by himself. He was equally astounded at their fat tyres :-)

Cheers
David O

G/day dave
Mate I did know a bloke called Thompson we just called him "Knuckles".
I think he drove for Smith's from The 'curry,From memory he drove a R600 flinstone Mack.
I rembember meating the Leyland's on the Woolograng rd at the Robinson River. It was when they had the figgin VW combies with big fat sand tyers,I was only about 20 at the time and we were with 2 other Road Trains.And I think "Knuckles" was one of them I know we had to tow them through the Robinson because it was too deep for them to drive through. Have not heard of him for years and years.
Thanks for joggin my memory >
Cheers
Rat

nqgu

16-01-2007, 06:04 PM

G/day dave
Mate I did know a bloke called Thompson we just called him "Knuckles".
I think he drove for Smith's from The 'curry,From memory he drove a R600 flinstone Mack.
I rembember meating the Leyland's on the Woolograng rd at the Robinson River. It was when they had the figgin VW combies with big fat sand tyers,I was only about 20 at the time and we were with 2 other Road Trains.And I think "Knuckles" was one of them I know we had to tow them through the Robinson because it was too deep for them to drive through. Have not heard of him for years and years.
Thanks for joggin my memory >
Cheers
Rat

That would be him. He flies with me at the North Queensland Soaring Centre. He lives in Charters Towers these days.

David O

Corindi

19-01-2007, 12:53 AM

yeh it has some salt in it with the tidal thing happening, but station creek is fresh, i've swum in it heaps of times at the inland campsite. when i reread my post i suppose i made it sound like there was no salt water in it, but what i meant was that station creek itself is actually a freshwater creek. speak to the guy who collects the money and he will tell you about the water heights after it has had a big rainfall upstream, the water has to get to the ocean somehow.I've been going there for 14 years and I've seen it as wide as the Clarence River and tasted it as fresh as town water at the crossing, but 90% of the time it is salt water at the crossing. I am going out there again tomorrow, will have a chat to Rob and get his opinion on how often it is fresh. I have seen it 3 times in probably 100+ crossings. I have no doubt that it is fresh the majority of the time up at the lemon trees camping ground as I too swim there.... on second thoughts, I can't ever remember it tasing salty there. Have you tasted the next creek to the South? It's fresh and has a solid base. Great for rinsing the salt off.

rumpig

19-01-2007, 09:31 PM

don't know how much rain you have had lately down there, but if it's anything like here, i'm guessing the water wouldn't be all that fresh due to a distinct lack of rainfall. don't think i have visited the next creek south, will look into it the next time i'm camping there.

Corindi

20-01-2007, 09:01 PM

Redback

24-01-2007, 10:59 AM

I can hear those cars rusting from here!!!

Loco

18-02-2007, 10:50 AM

Been driving this crossing 3 years now, still no rust but lots of prep before I leave and lots of flushing and treatment when I return, not for the other guy though, he just hosed it for a few minutes, couldn't get the message about corrosion.
Been through with water over half way up headlights (scary) it was low this time.

http://users.on.net/loco/images/Movie_0001.wmv

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Peter,

Yep sorry about that. maybe I didn't empahsise it enough. Let's add

6. Dont F$#^ing do it http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif
for a 4wd training instructor i am very surprised, we buy a 4wd for the adventure and freedom of going to places and sometimes OH MY GOD we have to cross the salt water. So u don't do the beach at all ? BTW i thing far to many people thing more about bling than anything else i treat my car for rust and hose it out thoroughly when we are home . I also use SALT X TO neutralise the salt. BTW what do YOU do when you come to a salt water crossing ?

Corindi

20-02-2007, 08:12 PM

for a 4wd training instructor i am very surprised, we buy a 4wd for the adventure and freedom of going to places and sometimes OH MY GOD we have to cross the salt water. So u don't do the beach at all ? BTW i thing far to many people thing more about bling than anything else i treat my car for rust and hose it out thoroughly when we are home . I also use SALT X TO neutralise the salt. BTW what do YOU do when you come to a salt water crossing ?
Like you, to me, it is all about the adventure, not about showing off how many extras I can afford. Thats why I drive a crappy old 92 hilux tray back that I paid $5300 for. If I owned a show pony like some others I would sit around the camp fire discussing what it might be capable of, if I was game enough to do it. It's all about getting out there and having a go, find your vehicles limits and keep pushing them. Give your mates the inspiration to get out there and go more places than you can, not to pile on more extras.

Corindi

20-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Peter,

Yep sorry about that. maybe I didn't empahsise it enough. Let's add

6. Dont F$#^ing do it http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif
Dont come 4wdíng with me, you wont make it.

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 08:21 PM

yeh i use my truck to it's full potential and more. i don't need it to go fast, have lcd tv's dvd players, bling wheels and sit around telling everyone how good it could 4wd . Salt water will eventually eat any car away if not cleaned properly . OH CRIKEY ,GOTTA GO AND PUT ANOTHER 4 LAYERS OF WAX ON THE PATROL AND POLISH THE MAGS:D

Corindi

20-02-2007, 08:32 PM

i use my truck to it's full potential and more:D
The more more, the more fun.

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 08:46 PM

hey corindi lets start a REAL 4wding training school where we show people the real capabilities of their 4wd.

4runner4mud

20-02-2007, 09:16 PM

Like you, to me, it is all about the adventure, not about showing off how many extras I can afford. Thats why I drive a crappy old 92 hilux tray back that I paid $5300 for. If I owned a show pony like some others I would sit around the camp fire discussing what it might be capable of, if I was game enough to do it. It's all about getting out there and having a go, find your vehicles limits and keep pushing them. Give your mates the inspiration to get out there and go more places than you can, not to pile on more extras.

im with you on that one, theres plenty more things that will kill my car b4 corrosion will (ie....me!).sure i will wash it afterwards but i wont let that little crossing stop me from getting to that elusive mirage dune in the distance:D
imho.. use it what you built it for. in saying that if i had a 80k brand spanka i would think twice about submerging it to its door handles...... but i dont own one!!:D

4runner4mud

20-02-2007, 09:20 PM

hey corindi lets start a REAL 4wding training school where we show people the real capabilities of their 4wd.

can i help teach??

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 09:23 PM

if i had an 80 thousand dollar brand spanker 4wd i would use it and use it hard just like i use my truck now.Dents scratches and a bit of surface rust can be fixed if you find the need (the rust is easy fixed) .But the regret of growing old too worried about the cosmetic appeal of your car to use it for it's intended use is not fixable:(

Tri_Lon

20-02-2007, 09:24 PM

i would enrol. i only just got my hilux but wont be afraid to use it. im going to be doing some sort of rust proofing?? (if there is such a thing, maybe putting off the inevitible is a better term) and already planning a weekend up the beach and wont be crying if it gets wet.

Corindi

20-02-2007, 09:30 PM

Corindi

20-02-2007, 09:34 PM

can i help teach?? Maybe we could have a subject for each lesson.... Like

LESSON 1) DONT BE A GIRLY MAN
LESSON 2) DRIVE IT LIKE U STOLE IT
LESSON 3) PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE IS YOUR FRIEND

etc

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 09:48 PM

4) Higher Is Not Always Better.
5)a 4wd Is Only As Good As The Operator
6)speed And 4wding Don't Mix (well Unless Its A Race Circuit)

4runner4mud

20-02-2007, 09:51 PM

Lesson 7) The Physics Of Rpm And Momentum

CAN I TEACH LESSON 2?

4runner4mud

20-02-2007, 09:54 PM

dirtygq

20-02-2007, 09:58 PM

i'd never spend 80k on a new 4wd, i know it wouldnt do what i wanted it to:p I wouldn't either but if i did i would use it for all the things i like doing offroad and not be scared of hurting it.Too many people buy new 4wd's accesorise the hell out of them and wonder why they can't get much money back (seen a hundred series with 40 grand spent on it but still only worth 25 grand)

4runner4mud

20-02-2007, 10:07 PM

I wouldn't either but if i did i would use it for all the things i like doing offroad and not be scared of hurting it.Too many people buy new 4wd's accesorise the hell out of them and wonder why they can't get much money back (seen a hundred series with 40 grand spent on it but still only worth 25 grand)

thats it, if i got invited on the 4WDOTY trip....lets just say i wouldnt care about the duco protection:)
only saying that cause i would never have one of my own:(

landcrusier ute

21-02-2007, 09:30 AM

For A Slat Water Crossing Dont Do It Never Even Think About It And Dont Do It Cause That Would Be Stupid

dirtygq

21-02-2007, 04:47 PM

So why do you own a 4b ....?

mrbishi

21-02-2007, 05:01 PM

Was only freshwater but still shat myself - had to get yanked out with a double snatch.

It was my own fault I was being a clown for the video camera and had crossed 5-6 times and then decided to cross one more without walking and hit a patch of quicksand :)

http://www.davidsims.tv/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=8493

No way I'd be doing that in salt - I'd be walking it, driving across carefully once just to get across and not clowing around in it.

Cheers,
Jon

nqgu

21-02-2007, 06:03 PM

for a 4wd training instructor i am very surprised, we buy a 4wd for the adventure and freedom of going to places and sometimes OH MY GOD we have to cross the salt water.
?

Have to or want to?? Question 1. That every 4wd trainer teaches. Ask your self do I HAVE to go there? Not want to HAVE to, like is someone likely to die if I don't. Question 2. Do I have the skills to go there? Question 3. Is my vehicle capable of going there,and what is the risk of damage to vehicle and occupants? From the look of those photographs above the risk of damage is extremely high.

BTW what do YOU do when you come to a salt water crossing ?
Go back the way I came. I would never drive my vehicle through salt water that was deep enough to contact the diffs. I would and have driven through salt water just under that deep, almost every weekend for numerous years, but always took it very slow.

So in essence my recommendation stills stands. Don't Do It. There is plenty of adventure to be had doing other things without having to submerge your vehicle in half a metre of salt water.

But hey it only my recommendation. If you ask yourself the above three questions and your answers are Yes, Yes and Yes, then go for it. it is your car. http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

Oh, btw call your insurance company and ask them what happens if you tell them your vehicle has been in 1/2 metre of salt water. You may not like the answer.

dirtygq

21-02-2007, 06:15 PM

so what don't you teach people beach driving, what do you teach ? Well it is funny you say about the insurance thing because every car has it's own manafacturer wading depth.

Jarrod.

21-02-2007, 09:02 PM

when my parents used to have there GQ patrol they took it up the beach allthetime and went around rocks at rainbow beach and atone stage they actually drove into the water to get around the rocks and so did a TATA and a COURIER and in 13 years of owning it it only had 3 spots of rust about 3cm long in the rear window sills.
all they did when they got back was wash it down for 30min when they got home. in that 13 years that was the only rust the patrol ever got. there was none in the chassies or anythoing. that patrol alos went many other places apart from the beach aswell. . There was none of them rust protection stuff put on it. if you cross salt water when you get home just was it down and was undernearth and in all the little holes and it should be ok.
my freinds took a brand new prado and drove around the rocks at rainbow beach aswell. its now 3 years old and no rust at all.

dirtygq

22-02-2007, 07:14 AM

mud can can cause a lot more harm then salt .We do it all and try to stay out of mud holes if we can. We replaced the clutch,alternator,and radiator due to mud.

landcrusier ute

22-02-2007, 10:44 AM

but at least with mud you can wash it off or leave it for a few day but with salt once it touches your car and gets in those little hiddy holes your done it only takes 3 mothns for a car to show signs of salt rust and then one one will want it

nqgu

22-02-2007, 07:01 PM

so what don't you teach people beach driving, what do you teach ? Well it is funny you say about the insurance thing because every car has it's own manafacturer wading depth.

If you think wading depth applies to salt water you are seriously mistaken

nqgu

22-02-2007, 07:03 PM

nqgu

22-02-2007, 07:05 PM

mud can can cause a lot more harm then salt .We do it all and try to stay out of mud holes if we can. We replaced the clutch,alternator,and radiator due to mud.

I would say you are right, mud costs money immediately, salt water cost money slowly, unless you happen to stall in it and it gets inside, then kiss your vehicle goodbye immediately. Electrics and salt get along like petrol and fire.

But as I said ...it is your vehicle...do what you want. But it is another matter to teach people that it is OK to drive thru salt water at maximum wading depth...anyhoo have fun...I am out of here.

dirtygq

22-02-2007, 10:11 PM

Yeh i only drive thru salt water to access spots because a lot of the places we go ,u would only get up the beach 1 km before you have to cross water.I love the beach and love the bush but i will tell you one thing wheter it be mud ,salt or fresh water (many are highly mineralised) it will eventually cost you money. Friend sunk his 80 series on fraser 5 years ago and still not a spot of rust.I am not like some clowns who hit the water at speed i just cross it when i have to get somewhere new years 2005 i towed a gu from awinya creek to hook point and had to cross a creek there was no way around it .

fishwenican

23-02-2007, 12:09 PM

318 cruiser

23-02-2007, 01:17 PM

Not alot of water to drive though in sa but I avoid driving in salt water like the plague I brought my 64 cruza before dad brought his 89 effie if I use my to beach launch a boat it gets dry winched dad lets to water wash up to around his front tyres while winching his ute has rust bubbles every where mine only has a little on the roof. good enough reason for me to steer clear.

mrbishi

23-02-2007, 01:41 PM

i cant for the love of it understand WHY anyone in their right mind would EVER
submerge any part of a car in salt water. especially up to chassis rails etc.
but as siad many a times its ur car do what u want with it.

Perhaps to access some great out of the way camp/fishing spots! I don't drive around looking for salt water and thinking "you beauty I can go have a splash".

There are spots where a salt water crossing is necessary to access - I always walk it first, drive slowly to minimise splashing then when I get back to civilisation give it a real good clean underneath.

A salt water crossing isn't going to stop me from enjoying getting to some of the more out of the way spots.

- Jon

dirtygq

23-02-2007, 03:38 PM

Each to their own i have a 4wd and use it for every concievable recreational purpose i can,no way am i turning back 5 km up the beach because there is a washout or creek.

campdog

26-02-2007, 10:29 AM

Ive just watched the latest DVD on Fraser Island and everyone in the dvd hit the saltwater fairly hard.

Sand Runner

26-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Sometimes crossing salt water is unavoidable. For those of us that drive the islands and beaches at some stage of the game we may not have a choice. Whilst I hate driving through salt water - running up and down the beach will throw just as much sand and salt over your vehicle! Think about it - sand is full of salt!! Then you get home and put a pressure cleaner over it - the salt disolves and you are now blasting high pressure salt water over your truck. I wash (flood) my truck with low pressure fresh water and then use "Salt Assault" to wash underneath (using a massojet) and the shiny side. I then use "Lanox" underneath. I have been on beaches for years and I can honestly say that I have no rust at all on my truck.

Salt - dissolves in water!! Use enough fresh water to wash your truck to dissolve and wash away the salt and no problems!!!! NO SALT = NO RUST

USE YOUR 4X4 - DONT PARK IT UP IN A SHED BECAUSE IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE WET AND YOU COULD NOT BE BOTHERED SPENDING THE EXTRA HOUR OR SO WASHING IT.

dirtygq

26-02-2007, 08:08 PM

Well put ,even going in very shallow water flick salt water under your ca:eek:

d3m0n1c_4b

26-02-2007, 08:49 PM

you mean honda CRX

i think u mean, CRV not crx, they're those stupid ricers that people lyk driving for som reason:D

Reva

27-02-2007, 01:14 AM

Sometimes crossing salt water is unavoidable. For those of us that drive the islands and beaches at some stage of the game we may not have a choice. Whilst I hate driving through salt water - running up and down the beach will through just as much sand and salt over your vehicle! Think about it - sand is full of salt!! Then you get home and put a pressure cleaner over it - the salf disolves and you are now blasting high pressure salt water over your truck. I wash (flood) my truck with low pressure fresh water and then use "Salt Assault" to wash underneath (using a massojet) and the shiny side. I then use "Lanox" underneath. I have been on beaches for years and I can honestly say that I have no rust at all on my truck.

Salt - dissolves in water!! Use enough fresh water to wash your truck to dissolve and wash away the salt and no problems!!!!

USE YOUR 4X4 - DONT PARK IT UP IN A SHED BECAUSE IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE WET AND YOU COULD NOT BE BOTHERED SPENDING THE EXTRA HOUR OR SO WASHING IT.

We are just about at the stage of not being able to turn our figgin taps on, bloody water restrictions !!!!!!!!

Corindi

27-02-2007, 08:35 AM

Ive just watched the latest DVD on Fraser Island and everyone in the dvd hit the saltwater fairly hard. Like the coffs dvd, showing us how not to do it!

Corindi

27-02-2007, 08:36 AM

We are just about at the stage of not being able to turn our figgin taps on, bloody water restrictions !!!!!!!! Got any fresh water creeks?

Sand Runner

27-02-2007, 10:45 AM

We are just about at the stage of not being able to turn our figgin taps on, bloody water restrictions !!!!!!!!

Get a rain water tank. The Federal Government is giving you up to $1000.00 on a tank. Most local Council's are also giving rebates. I got a 5000L water tank, pump and all fittings plus installed and it cost me NOTHING!!

I now have 5000L of water to wash my truck - so I can play in it anytime I want and not worry about how I am going to clean it or afford the "Car Lovers" car wash rates.

dirtygq

27-02-2007, 01:03 PM

yep watertanks are good (should be compulsary) ,i for one hate lanscaped gardens and manicured lawns and people who have 20 minute showers (pretentious v realistic)all my plants are low water natives (never watered them).i have 5 minute showers and don't wash down paths and riveways like others do daily. so yes i can wash my truck but usally do it at car lovers anyhow.

Corindi

06-03-2007, 09:23 PM

Well put ,even going in very shallow water flick salt water under your ca:eek:
I started this thread to save damage being done for no reason other than seing a prety spray pattern or just being too lazy to check tides or walk through first. I will continue to drive through salt water that doesn't reach my hubs at a spped that doesn't register on the speedo and I am sure my vehicle will continue not to rust as it has done for the past two years.

Peter ST_R

16-03-2007, 07:52 PM

After WW2 when ex army jeeps were worthless my grandfather use to cross the noosa river to go fishing at north-shore. Aparantly they would tie a rope between vehicles either side of the river and when the crossing vehicle lost traction with the botom the other vehicle just kept draging it till it reached the other side. I don't think they cared much about rust!!!

Murf67

18-03-2007, 08:11 AM

Great thread Dave :)

I am with nqgu DON'T DO IT

there are too many people out there now :)

I have been going out there for 22 years now, even moved to the property I own now so I was closer to Pebbly, its only 10km by GPS from camp to house.

Great spot to camp, fish, 4WD.

I tow a 4.75m boat out there and beach launch in the Southern corner of Pebbly beach (oops nqgu I just got salt water on my wheels again :) )

A bit of common sence and its all good grossing the SALT water creek at Station Creek. Slow and low (tide)

Its entertaining watching all the newbies to the area go through it, they read somewhere that you have to have a bow wave to get through and they go flat stick at it only to get a wave over the roof :) then there are the QLDers that are used to fresh water on beaches and drive back and forth through the salt water to wash off the salt. The look on their faces when you ask them do you relise that the water is salt is priceless :)

Cheers Murf67