What are the maximum water fording depths in Jeep vehicles?

Jeep vehicles – especially the Wrangler, Gladiator and brand-new Recon – are built for adventure, with all kinds of off-road activities often being tackled by their owners. Water fording is just one of the many exciting things you can do behind the wheel of your Jeep, and it’s something not a lot of other vehicles are capable of doing. Whether you’re looking to cross a shallow stream that juts through your trail, or need to navigate through flooded terrain, understanding water fording and the limits of your particular Jeep vehicle are essential for your own safety, the safety of your vehicle itself and to maximize performance as you go. Today we’re going to dive into a comprehensive guide focusing on all things water fording, so keep reading if this sounds like something you’d be interested in doing.

We thought a great place to start would be by actually defining the activity of water fording, as the concept might be a new one even to seasoned off roaders, let alone those just embarking on their off-road journey. Water fording refers to the act of driving a vehicle through a body of water. When it comes to off-roading this typically means driving through a stream or river, but it also means any driving you have to do through a flooded area.

Naturally, water fording is a good skill for off-road drivers to have, as it greatly expands the pool of trails available to you. But it’s also a great ability to have in areas that are prone to heavy rainfall and mild flooding. Jeep vehicles are designed to handle water fording thanks to features like elevated air intakes, sealed electrical systems and, of course, their durable construction. However, water fording isn’t without its risks. Driving through water that exceeds your vehicle’s capabilities can lead to getting stuck, electrical issues and ultimately engine damage. That’s why it’s crucial to know your Jeep’s limits and follow best practices.

Safety is paramount when fording water. Here are a few basic tips to ensure a successful crossing:

• Assess the Depth: Before entering the water, determine its depth and compare it to your vehicle’s maximum fording capability. Avoid water that’s too deep or has strong currents.
• Check the Terrain: Inspect the bottom of the water for obstacles like rocks, logs, or soft mud that could impede your progress.
• Drive Slowly and Steadily: Maintain a controlled speed to minimize water splashing into the engine bay. Avoid sudden stops or accelerations.
• Use Recirculation Mode: Switch your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculation mode to prevent water from entering the cabin.
• Inspect Your Vehicle Afterwards: After crossing, check for water contamination in fluids like engine oil and transmission fluid. Flush and replace any contaminated fluids promptly.

As we mentioned, three Jeep vehicles in particular are well equipped for water fording. In order to safely and properly cross whatever watery obstacle is in your path, we’ve compiled a breakdown of the maximum water fording depths each of these three vehicles are capable of:

• Jeep Wrangler: As the quintessential off-road vehicle found in America, you know the Jeep Wrangler is going to offer some of the best capabilities regardless of the area. That’s certainly the case when it comes to water fording, as it offers depths of up to 34” — which should help you through most streams that block your path.
• Jeep Gladiator: Incredibly similar to the Jeep Wrangler, with the added benefit of a truck bed, the Jeep Gladiator is often considered the best off-road pickup on the market. While its capabilities aren’t quite as deep as the Wrangler, you’ll still reach depths of up to 31.5” in your Gladiator.
• Jeep Recon: As for the Recon, exact specifications have yet to be released, plus there are different concerns to keep in mind considering its electrified nature. Prolonged submersion in water can have negative effects on an EV’s battery, so be sure to look into its water fording capabilities thoroughly before considering such an activity in the Jeep Recon.

Hopefully, all of this information has helped you figure out what water fording is and how to safely go about doing it behind the wheel of your Jeep vehicle. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at the LiftedJeeps.com sales desk. We look forward to hearing from you!