12
SECTION 5
DRIVING PROCEDURES IN UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
5.6 WATER CROSSING - GENERAL
The CENTAUR will sink if filled with water. If water
starts entering the vehicle, head to the nearest shore
immediately. Be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it
appears that the vehicle will fill with water before you
reach the shore. Be especially cautious when operating a
loaded vehicle (cargo and/or passengers) when crossing
water. Observe the capacity limits.
The Centaur vehicle is a land vehicle, capable of crossing
rivers, streams and swamps to a depth of 25 inches (635 mm),
provided that the following precautions are observed:
1. Do not enter water if the vehicle is overloaded. Refer to
Section 1.4 of this manual for recommended load capac-
ity.
2. Do not use seat belts or any passenger restraining device
while crossing shallow water. If an emergency arises,
you and your passengers may have to leave the vehicle
quickly.
3. Never attempt to cross large bodies of water.
4. Never attempt to navigate any body of water with a strong
current.
5. Use extra caution when crossing cold water. Exposure to
cold water significantly reduces the chance of survival.
6. Care must be taken when encountering submerged ob-
stacles that may upset the vehicle.
Observe the following safety precautions BEFORE entering
the water:
1. All occupants must wear an approved personal flotation
device (PFD) or life jacket while crossing water.
2. Equip the vehicle with first aid kits and personal safety
equipment. Optional bilge pump kits (Part No. 849-146)
are available from your Centaur dealer and are recom-
mended for vehicles that will be crossing shallow streams
or rivers.
3. Make sure both drain plugs in the rear of the lower body
(Figure 5-1) are in place and properly tightened. To
install, locate the drain plugs at the rear of the vehicle
and thread each drain plug in a clockwise direction into
the plug fitting ensuring a snug fit. Check the O-ring on
drain plug periodically. When removed, each drain plug
remains attached to the hole opening to prevent loss or
misplacement of the plug while the vehicle is draining.
(Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-1. Location of the drain plugs.
Figure 5-2. Removing and installing the drain plugs.
4. Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts,
punctures or holes that will allow water to enter the ve-
hicle.
5. Make sure that any cargo in the rear of the vehicle is
evenly distributed and properly balanced.
6. Periodically inspect the fit of the axle housings to the
lower body to ensure they are water tight. If there are
signs of water leaking into the lower body, take corrective
action before crossing shallow water again.
Always observe the recognized rules of boating while
traveling in water.
5.6.1 Entering the Water
The point of entry should be free of rocks, stumps and other
obstacles. Enter the water from a firm, gradual slope whenever
possible. With the wheels partially submerged but still in
Summary of Contents for 2008 Centaur
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