How to successfully cross a river without using money

The title sums it up. I have tried fording 4 foot deep rivers, thinking my wagon and oxen would be tall enough not to drown.

I have never forded successfully. My party members always drown or I always lose items.

Caulking seems to be more successful though. Every so often I cross the river without losing people or items.

It seems like the only way to cross a river without losing anything is to pay for a ferry or trade with an Indian to guide you, so I was wondering if there is there a way to successfully cross rivers without paying or trading?

I'm playing the 1990 version. It can be played here.

2 Answers

Fording rivers deeper than 3 feet deep is not recommended and has a high chance to go wrong.

Caulking your wagon when rivers are over 3 feet is recommended.

There is still a chance that something can go wrong when doing this, but this strategy has the highest chance of success.

Here is a guide

Success Chances

Fording Rivers:

less than 3 ft; 80% chance
greater than 3 ft; 40% chance

Caulking Wagon and Floating:

less than 5 ft; 85% chance
greater than 5 ft; 25% chance

Taking A Ferry: 80% chance

Hiring an Indian (Shoshoni): 90% chance

Tip: Unless you have less than $10, DO NOT take the Columbia River route. It is nearly impossible. Take the Barlow Toll, which usually costs around $10.