More 4WD Misinformation Care of the ABC

Submitted: Saturday, Jun 18, 2016 at 14:48
ThreadID: 132791 Views:6541 Replies:11 FollowUps:17
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See the article at:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-18/research-shows-cars-deadly-in-floodwaters/7522798

Note the video caption: "Timelapse shows 4WD floating as water passes floorpan"

No, no, no, no. It doesn't!

It shows the weight starting to come off the wheels at that point. The vehicle doesn't begin to float until the water reaches the bottom of the wheel arch extensions.

However it does show that your traction must start to become compromised at that point or shortly after and fast flowing water will become risker the deeper you go. (I know, I know, that last is a BGO - blinding glimpse of the obvious)

Having said all that it did float sooner than I thought it would, but then if it was loaded up like my Jackeroo is for a typical trip, the mass boyancy ratio would somewhat different and I would expect a much later float off.

The comments in the article about sealing of modern cars are interesting. Perhaps the poor dust and water sealing of all those Land Rovers was actually a designed safety feature for water crossings!

And nice of the Uni of NSW testers to pick on Patrol owners. ;o)

Cheers

Pete
Any mug can be uncomfortable out bush

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