Thread: Tarps and creek crossing

Originally Posted by leeds

Just read a report and watch videos of creek crossing. Front end of vehicles were covered with tarps.

Now in UK most people would not cover front up for a water crossing. Yes the radiator would be protected for a mud bath.

So what is logic for tarp and water crossing? Can understand it if a V8 and a viscous fan but not for a diesel.

Do I need a tarp?

Regards


Brendan

Part of the practice is to create an air pocket for the engine to breathe, it can also be helpful in keeping water out of bearings, alternator etc.
In a week of running tours, I can do 20+ river crossings per vehicle. In the long run we are not replacing as many tensioner bearings between the 4 tour vehicles.

Leeds,

a cover as such is used to prevent the force of the water flexing your fan blades and pushing them onto your radiator, and thereby chewing a big circular hole in it.

Cheers,

BBC

We did it up north just for a bit of security after wrecking one radiator. It basically just stops as much water ending up in the engine bay, or at least slows it down.

Cheers
Pete.

Thanks for replies. I can see logic about bearings etc if you are doing a lot of water crossings.

In UK we only do the occassional water crossing. Mud is more common and I have a piece of plastic composite to keep the mud out of the rad.

A small tarp is now on the shopping list.

Regards


Brendan

Originally Posted by BBC

Leeds,

a cover as such is used to prevent the force of the water flexing your fan blades and pushing them onto your radiator, and thereby chewing a big circular hole in it.

Cheers,

BBC

I've done this at Cape York. Not happy.

What I have found makes a bigger difference to this happening is the speed that you drive through the water at. I damaged the radiator in water that was bar deep while travelling too fast, but have driven a few times with the water over bonnet a few times without drama.

They're a good idea but its hard to know the best way to secure a tarp.
As you can see my effort tyimg to the bullbar at the bottom and Occy straps over the bonnet needs improvement.
Suggestions welcome.

I never use a tarp, they take out all the fee........oh, if you don;t drive in the water like a crazy, there is no need

I;ve been in plenty of still and rushing water deep enough you can touch it AT the door window, without stretching down, deep stuff, without issue, plus what a pain in the sphincter to fit

thats about as good as it gets unless you want to custom cut the tarp to suit the vehicle....

the other reason you tarp up the front end is to push the water forwards providing a more even face to the water which establishes the bow wave more evenly and in a better way.

Done perfectly you can actually get the bow wave a few inches in front of the vehicle so that your engine is riding in the low point of the displaced water that forms the bulk of the bow wave and the wake of the vehicle.

Ive found that those lightweight blue tarps only last one or 2 crossings and that canvas ones go a lot better. IF you get one cut to shape and seam in a couple of pieces of rope you can just tie it off then fling the ropes under and tie them to the side steps...