Hi guys long time since I have been here but been travelling in a camper trailer but father time and arthritis has caught me and the good lady boss. Been looking for a caravan for going to Cape York, Savannah Way to Darwin then Gibb River Road to Broome. Any recommendations we will be sticking to the formed roads but will leave the van behind to explore the fun stuff. Using a Triton tug and looking for 19 foot length at most. Thanks in advance safe travels to all.
Wanda said
09:12 AM Feb 5, 2021
Just be aware a true offroad or even semi offroad is often or should be heavier than a normal road van, unless it maybe has an aluminium chassis. I see you are using a Triton so you should investigate your weight limits, a 19ft 0ffroader will be getting up to and in some cases over 3t depending how you load it and how many water tanks are fitted. Offroaders, in particular true custom built, come at a price. Lots of good offroaders out there, you really just need to use good old google and do some research. To name a few Trakmaster(excellent$$) Wonderland(current van), JB, Lotus, Sunland, Elite, Bushtraker(heavy $$$) and Evernew(excellent) to name a few. good luck, research, research Ian
PS: As the post below says, when travelling dirt/corrigated roads, drop tyre pressures according to road conditions AND slow down, very important and good advise
-- Edited by Wanda on Friday 5th of February 2021 09:19:24 AM
travelyounger said
09:13 AM Feb 5, 2021
alanp7315 wrote:
Hi guys long time since I have been here but been travelling in a camper trailer but father time and arthritis has caught me and the good lady boss. Been looking for a caravan for going to Cape York, Savannah Way to Darwin then Gibb River Road to Broome. Any recommendations we will be sticking to the formed roads but will leave the van behind to explore the fun stuff. Using a Triton tug and looking for 19 foot length at most. Thanks in advance safe travels to all.
Hi
If you are going to the cape or gib river road I would recommend a good quality off road van with independent suspension as they do take a lot of jaring out of the corrugated roads which you will encounter on your journey .Letting your tyres down and driving to the conditions will also help prevent damage to your van and vehicle .
The better quality vans are built to handle those rocky roads and have more inclusions in them than road vans but they come at a price.I did take my first road van to the tip but the road had just been graded
Chee
Whenarewethere said
09:17 AM Feb 5, 2021
Only yesterday spoke to a neighbour who's son ordered a new caravan last year & it will still be months before it's ready. Check lead times & add a safety margin for delays.
HandyWalter said
09:42 AM Feb 5, 2021
I read the post "On formed roads". Well most outback "roads" are formed but can a semi offroad caravan handle them. Then in the next sentence you will leave it behind for the "fun stuff".
The question you have to answer is what roads will I travel on where I want the van behind me. Then look at all those roads to see what kind of conditions they are in. The Gibb and indeed the Cape on the Development Rd are no longer as bone jarring and car destroying as they once were. Many of the "difficult" stretches are now sealed roads. I have seen normal road vans on both. Even seen them on the Walkers Crossing track. Mind you at Birdsville CP the owners were underneath doing repairs. My van is rated "off road". The only part it really is off road ready is the ground clearance. To me if you have that then you have the "bones" of making the van off road/dirt road ready. Then its a case of protecting everything underneath with good bash plates, and lagging on every pipe and protecting every leading edge of any vulnerable item. Then look inside and make sure anything that is just glued and/or stapled is now bolted and screwed. On my van the shower screen fell off so many times because the pop rivets holding the hinge kept breaking. Threw the door away (actually disposed of it at Innaminka) and replaced with a sliding screen. Removed the sliding door for the ensuite area as it kept falling off the tracks. Both weight savings replaced with an extra water tank! Now my van can travel at reasonable speeds on most rough roads. What is most important is that whatever you buy you drive with it attached at the speeds where it is not sustaining damage. Road vans that often means 40kph or less. In my van its generally 60kph. It took me 3 years to finally get my van to the stage it is now. Even so after every big dirt road trip I replace all lagging underneath as its usually shot peened by stones. Also in regards to tanks, look closely at any aftermarket fitments. Often they are tek screwed not bolted.
The only other option is to pay +$100K and get a true off road ready van like AOR or Kedron or Bushtracker.
Good luck
-- Edited by HandyWalter on Friday 5th of February 2021 09:54:23 AM
travelyounger said
09:50 AM Feb 5, 2021
HandyWalter wrote:
I read the post "On formed roads". Well most outback "roads" are formed but can a semi offroad caravan handle them. Then in the next sentence you will leave it behind for the "fun stuff".
The question you have to answer is what roads will I travel on where I want the van behind me. Then look at all those roads to see what kind of conditions they are in. The Gibb and indeed the Cape on the Development Rd are no longer as bone jarring and car destroying as they once were. Many of the "difficult" stretches are now sealed roads. I have seen normal road vans on both. Even seen them on the Walkers Crossing track. Mind you at Birdsville CP the owners were underneath doing repairs. My van is rated "off road". The only part it really is off road ready is the ground clearance. To me if you have that then you have the "bones" of making the van off road/dirt road ready. Then its a case of protecting everything underneath with good bash plates, and lagging on every pipe and protecting every leading edge of any vulnerable item. Then look inside and make shure anything that is just glued and/or stapled is now bolted and screwed. On my van the shower screen fell off so many times because the pop rivets holding the hinge kept breaking. Threw the door away (actually disposed of it at Innaminka) and replaced with a sliding screen. Removed the sliding door for the ensuite area as it kept falling off the tracks. Both weight savings replaced with an extra water tank! Now my van can travel at reasonable speeds on most rough roads. What is most important is that whatever you buy you drive with it attached at the speeds where t=it is not sustaining damage. Road vans that often means 40kph or less. In my van its generally 60kph. It took me 3 years to finally get my van to the stage it is now. Even so after every big dirt road trip I replace all lagging underneath as its usually shot peened by stones. Also in regards to tanks, look closely at any aftermarket fitments. Often they are tek screwed not bolted.
The only other option is to pay +$100K and get a true off road ready van like AOR or Kedron or Bushtracker.
Good luck
X2 a lot of good advice here well written
Cheers
travelyounger said
09:56 AM Feb 5, 2021
alanp7315 wrote:
Hi guys long time since I have been here but been travelling in a camper trailer but father time and arthritis has caught me and the good lady boss. Been looking for a caravan for going to Cape York, Savannah Way to Darwin then Gibb River Road to Broome. Any recommendations we will be sticking to the formed roads but will leave the van behind to explore the fun stuff. Using a Triton tug and looking for 19 foot length at most. Thanks in advance safe travels to all.
I also should mention a good set of rock tamers and or van protection from oncoming vehicles mainly mine vehicles doing crazy speeds spraying your car and van with rocks and mud if you see them coming beware they dont give a rats
Cheers
Possum3 said
01:15 PM Feb 5, 2021
Alan, My two cents worth; There is as Wanda stated very few true off-road Caravans in Oz. Of the ones she mentioned as a possible, there is only three that come close - Trakmaster, Bushtraker, and Evernew. All of these will exceed the safe ability of using your Mitsubishi Triton as a Tug.
If seriously considering Cape York, Gibb River, Canning Stock Route, Gunbarrel Highway and John Holland Track, Seriously consider using a purpose built off-road camper trailer or go bob-tail and sleep in swag/s.
Do your homework and read up on the tracks in genuine camping publications specific to the area/s you wish to go to (IE not the glossy 4WD magazines full of pretty gadgets and vehicles). If you can get some old Len Beadell publications you will get factual information, rather than "never was and never will be" information on sites like this. I believe Les Hiddens (The bush tuckerman) also did some writing about these areas Your stated areas of travel can be seriously dangerous for the unprepared and unwary - tracks can go from difficult to treacherous within seconds.
Don't attempt these tracks as a solo traveller and carry emergency PLB.
edit spelling;
-- Edited by Possum3 on Friday 5th of February 2021 01:21:37 PM
Greg 1 said
01:18 PM Feb 5, 2021
Some very good advice above. There are a lot of van's out there masquerading as off road but are far from it, so do your homework before choosing.
What looks fancy at first sight can look pretty average after a few miles of rough dirt.
We did a lap with some friends who had purchased a so called semi off road van just before we left. The first bit of corrugation had half their cupboard doors lying on the floor. Ours, that is just a standard van but well built, didn't lose a screw.
Hylife said
08:37 PM Feb 10, 2021
You can do, and I have done, those roads with a standard caravan if you drive sensibly to the conditions and let some air out of your tyres.
Did the Gibb twice, SE Arnhem Land, the old Savannah Way, to the tip of the Cape and the Birdsville, all with a standard 16 foot Jayco Poptop.
Issues?
One nail puncture on the Cape Leveque half pipe, a left open rear window near Hells Gate (after 200km, oh Mr Hart what a mess), and Ubolt to replace coming back from Chilli Beach up the Cape (a 500km round trip to Weipa to buy a $10 replacement).
Fit new quality tyres to your car and van, take some tools and some basic spares and you'll be fine.
Aus-Kiwi said
10:07 AM Feb 11, 2021
Could a better trailer camper work ? Be wary of age and being able to change tyres etc out there ! Dare I suggest keeping to more sedate roads ?
dogbox said
11:13 AM Feb 11, 2021
Possum3 wrote:
Alan, My two cents worth; There is as Wanda stated very few true off-road Caravans in Oz. Of the ones she mentioned as a possible, there is only three that come close - Trakmaster, Bushtraker, and Evernew. All of these will exceed the safe ability of using your Mitsubishi Triton as a Tug.
If seriously considering Cape York, Gibb River, Canning Stock Route, Gunbarrel Highway and John Holland Track, Seriously consider using a purpose built off-road camper trailer or go bob-tail and sleep in swag/s.
Do your homework and read up on the tracks in genuine camping publications specific to the area/s you wish to go to (IE not the glossy 4WD magazines full of pretty gadgets and vehicles). If you can get some old Len Beadell publications you will get factual information, rather than "never was and never will be" information on sites like this. I believe Les Hiddens (The bush tuckerman) also did some writing about these areas Your stated areas of travel can be seriously dangerous for the unprepared and unwary - tracks can go from difficult to treacherous within seconds.
Don't attempt these tracks as a solo traveller and carry emergency PLB.
edit spelling;
-- Edited by Possum3 on Friday 5th of February 2021 01:21:37 PM
wanda maybe offended, check profile?
KJB said
12:46 PM Feb 11, 2021
Hylife wrote:
You can do, and I have done, those roads with a standard caravan if you drive sensibly to the conditions and let some air out of your tyres. Did the Gibb twice, SE Arnhem Land, the old Savannah Way, to the tip of the Cape and the Birdsville, all with a standard 16 foot Jayco Poptop. Issues? One nail puncture on the Cape Leveque half pipe, a left open rear window near Hells Gate (after 200km, oh Mr Hart what a mess), and Ubolt to replace coming back from Chilli Beach up the Cape (a 500km round trip to Weipa to buy a $10 replacement).
Fit new quality tyres to your car and van, take some tools and some basic spares and you'll be fine.
Drive sensibily means - SLOW DOWN - (and virtually any van can traverse these tracks and roads..)
HandyWalter said
01:55 PM Feb 11, 2021
I agree with all these comments and sentiments. But taking a road van on dirt roads and tracks and then slowing down is almost the same as driving on the Newell Highway at 70kph. You do really become a menace for faster flowing traffic and often its not easy to find an overtaking spot especially if there is dust. Complicate that with no CB and you really have a problem. OK everybody has the right to travel etc etc, but surely people need to look at the roads they want to travel and then choose a van that can do these roads at a reasonable speed. Having been stuck behind a road van on a 4WD track doing 20kph with no ability to overtake for over 1 hr became very frustrating. Just like we know all utes can tow 3.5T, (Ha Ha) we also know some to it a lot easier and at reasonable towing speeds etc than others, Same considerations should be thought through before taking on road vans off road.
Aus-Kiwi said
02:26 PM Feb 11, 2021
That goes both ways . Ive been passed and had stones thrown up too ! Karma came as the guy spent all week cleaning his van as the fridge door opened spilling milk all over the floor . Microwave fell to floor also . ( 80 mile beach road, WA) Just because it feels good in your vehicle !! Doesnt mean all is FINE in van !! I would pull over . Yes CBs are a good asset out there if used properly!!
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:29 PM Feb 11, 2021
Anyone has the right to drive on any of these roads and tracks at whatever speed is appropriate for them and their vehicle.
Anything else is pure selfishness and impatience.
Perhaps some would ban all the trucks from these roads? www.youtube.com/watch
Cheers,
Peter
HandyWalter said
03:09 PM Feb 11, 2021
There is a law that you can be fined for driving too slow. Pity no police out there to patrol it. That was what I was implying. As I said everybody has a right but also everybody has a duty and to take consideration of others. Thats often the problem and attitude of slow drivers. Its my right and F*** the rest of you. Again, read my 1st comment, if you are intending to go off road, buy an appropriate van to do it. And a on road van despite it may or can do it is not appropriate in my opinion. We read just about every 2nd week
people who go out bush in inappropriate vehicles, ill prepared and then we have to expend large amounts of resources to recover them. I consider people who take on road vans on off-road or on badly formed roads to be just as stupid, especially when in before they bought their van, they had every intention of going off road. Just plain narcissistic.
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:38 PM Feb 11, 2021
HandyWalter wrote:
There is a law that you can be fined for driving too slow.
Yep, read the fine print. Nobody on a bush road or track will contravene that law.
Cheers,
Peter
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:19 PM Feb 11, 2021
G'day alanp7315,
Yes I agree with most of the above. Driving sensibly to conditions, having new or very good rubber on your vehicle & trailer/van.
The "Cape" (York) - it depends what you want to see. There are two roads (or one road & a track that varies in condition depending on the previous wet season & how many vehicles use it).
The first is the Development Road. Give a few more years & this road will be all bitumen - the biggest momentum in getting it done was the airline crash at Lockhart River in 2005.
The latter is the Old Telegraph Track - the one that gives most of the better (fun) views of this area BUT there is no way that I would consider towing anything beyond a good camper trailer/HD trailer on it!
And not only do you have to contend with road conditions (on all of the outback "Adventure" roads) but there are other people - some of them are idiots who have never driven out of a city. They think they own these roads & drive accordingly.
Personally I would suggest going with a tour group (there are those that offer special interests), letting them do all of the hard yacka, the worry, while you enjoy the views. That way you save your car, van from being shaken to pieces & having to arrange recoveries. Mind you, I've met some "surprises" on narrow tracks - AAPT Unimogs that were being driven without a care for anyone else.
And not everywhere has mobile coverage.
I would suggest a few trips to your local library & read books written by Len Beadell, Evan McHugh, Neale McShane, etc. And take note of Possum's advice too.
HandyWalter said
07:35 AM Feb 12, 2021
Peter can you plase show me the clause in the Vic Roads Act where Bush Roads or Tracks are excluded? I dont recall reading that section of the law. Thanks
Wanda said
09:02 AM Feb 12, 2021
dogbox wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Alan, My two cents worth; There is as Wanda stated very few true off-road Caravans in Oz. Of the ones she mentioned as a possible, there is only three that come close - Trakmaster, Bushtraker, and Evernew. All of these will exceed the safe ability of using your Mitsubishi Triton as a Tug.
If seriously considering Cape York, Gibb River, Canning Stock Route, Gunbarrel Highway and John Holland Track, Seriously consider using a purpose built off-road camper trailer or go bob-tail and sleep in swag/s.
Do your homework and read up on the tracks in genuine camping publications specific to the area/s you wish to go to (IE not the glossy 4WD magazines full of pretty gadgets and vehicles). If you can get some old Len Beadell publications you will get factual information, rather than "never was and never will be" information on sites like this. I believe Les Hiddens (The bush tuckerman) also did some writing about these areas Your stated areas of travel can be seriously dangerous for the unprepared and unwary - tracks can go from difficult to treacherous within seconds.
Don't attempt these tracks as a solo traveller and carry emergency PLB.
edit spelling;
-- Edited by Possum3 on Friday 5th of February 2021 01:21:37 PM
wanda maybe offended, check profile?
No Wanda is not offended
Possum3 said
10:08 AM Feb 12, 2021
HandyWalter wrote:
Peter can you plase show me the clause in the Vic Roads Act where Bush Roads or Tracks are excluded? I dont recall reading that section of the law. Thanks
Hi HandyWalter,
While your roads in Victoria might be perfect for driving vehicles, towing vans, there are certainly others that are not.
The police in North QLD are pleading with drivers to slow down, to drive to conditions - the road might be rough, wet, or something else. They are the ones who have to attend the crashes, to knock on relative's doors to pass on sad news & I get the impression they are sick of it.
Some of our Qld highways, especially those that have a high truck load are getting quite rough. In some places there might be a warning sign, a speed reduction sign but generally minimal warning is given. Hitting these sections even at 80kph can be disastrous.
I'm certain if you told a police officer that you were driving to conditions when there was some hazard present that he wouldn't fine you.
The speed limit you see on a sign is not a target that you must drive at. It is the maximum speed that you are allowed to reach in perfect conditions! And those perfect conditions may not be towing a big heavy van behind a lighter tug.
HandyWalter said
11:52 AM Feb 12, 2021
Sorry but bush roads and tracks are gazetted. Just like insurance, you are covered if damage occurs on a gazetted. Better look up what gazetted means in the Act.
-- Edited by HandyWalter on Friday 12th of February 2021 11:52:51 AM
HandyWalter said
12:05 PM Feb 12, 2021
Yes I Warren-Pat I agree, but driving to conditions because your van was not built for the conditions, it just plain stupid. Overseas on certain roads, if your car or you do not drive at the lane speed, you move over to the lane you feel comfortable with or you get off and drive on a side road. The problem I am outlining here is driving a van clearly not DESIGNED to drive on a rough outback road, BUT if you drive at 10kph it wont cause problems to your van or minimize the damage to it is just plain stupid, selfish and pig headed and that is why people behind these people get frustrated. Read all my posts here to understand the issues I am raising and get the context of my replies. Not everybody on a track has all day to just cover 50kms. Some people with appropriate vans built for the conditions have schedules they want or need to meet. There are many, many people towing vans who do not consider anybody else on the roads and consider its their right to travel as fast or slow as they like and everybody else can just wait. As I said generally my off road van can travel 20-40kms faster (and still be driving to the conditions of my vehicle and van and within the speed limits), so why should I be forced to or held up for kms and kms just because someone who is driving a road van with a Kluger is trying to do the same road.
BAZZA44 said
07:00 PM Feb 12, 2021
HandyWalter wrote:
Yes I Warren-Pat I agree, but driving to conditions because your van was not built for the conditions, it just plain stupid. Overseas on certain roads, if your car or you do not drive at the lane speed, you move over to the lane you feel comfortable with or you get off and drive on a side road. The problem I am outlining here is driving a van clearly not DESIGNED to drive on a rough outback road, BUT if you drive at 10kph it wont cause problems to your van or minimize the damage to it is just plain stupid, selfish and pig headed and that is why people behind these people get frustrated. Read all my posts here to understand the issues I am raising and get the context of my replies. Not everybody on a track has all day to just cover 50kms. Some people with appropriate vans built for the conditions have schedules they want or need to meet. There are many, many people towing vans who do not consider anybody else on the roads and consider its their right to travel as fast or slow as they like and everybody else can just wait. As I said generally my off road van can travel 20-40kms faster (and still be driving to the conditions of my vehicle and van and within the speed limits), so why should I be forced to or held up for kms and kms just because someone who is driving a road van with a Kluger is trying to do the same road.
I have an offroad van with simplicity suspension ( same under army trailers ) and if you had come across me on the Oodnadatta Track a couple of years ago , you would have found me travelling at 10 - 20 kph over the corrugations. If you do not care about to damage your van do not put blame on sensible people who are travelling to either their ability or the conditions. Everyone has the right to travel on our roads, if you don't like it then stay home.
Barry
dogbox said
08:05 PM Feb 12, 2021
HandyWalter wrote:
Yes I Warren-Pat I agree, but driving to conditions because your van was not built for the conditions, it just plain stupid. Overseas on certain roads, if your car or you do not drive at the lane speed, you move over to the lane you feel comfortable with or you get off and drive on a side road. The problem I am outlining here is driving a van clearly not DESIGNED to drive on a rough outback road, BUT if you drive at 10kph it wont cause problems to your van or minimize the damage to it is just plain stupid, selfish and pig headed and that is why people behind these people get frustrated. Read all my posts here to understand the issues I am raising and get the context of my replies. Not everybody on a track has all day to just cover 50kms. Some people with appropriate vans built for the conditions have schedules they want or need to meet. There are many, many people towing vans who do not consider anybody else on the roads and consider its their right to travel as fast or slow as they like and everybody else can just wait. As I said generally my off road van can travel 20-40kms faster (and still be driving to the conditions of my vehicle and van and within the speed limits), so why should I be forced to or held up for kms and kms just because someone who is driving a road van with a Kluger is trying to do the same road.
they win if they are in front, live with it
Possum3 said
10:42 PM Feb 12, 2021
Guys, build a bridge and get over it - If the vehicle in front is travelling too slow, overtake it. If you are not capable of overtaking a 20kph vehicle, stop and smell the roses. Geeze Louise.
landy said
10:47 PM Feb 12, 2021
The speed limit you see on a sign is not a target that you must drive at. It is the maximum speed that you are allowed to reach in perfect conditions! And those perfect conditions may not be towing a big heavy van behind a lighter tug.
Spot on Waren and Pat. and not only on dirt roads. If we went back to when we taught people to look through the windscreen and drive every road on its merits, and to the prevailing conditions instead of a number on a singe, we would lose a lot less lives on our roads. Landy
HandyWalter said
07:15 AM Feb 13, 2021
landy wrote:
The speed limit you see on a sign is not a target that you must drive at. It is the maximum speed that you are allowed to reach in perfect conditions! And those perfect conditions may not be towing a big heavy van behind a lighter tug.
Spot on Waren and Pat. and not only on dirt roads. If we went back to when we taught people to look through the windscreen and drive every road on its merits, and to the prevailing conditions instead of a number on a singe, we would lose a lot less lives on our roads. Landy
Given the vehicle you are driving and the size of the van you are towing, driving at the speed limit would almost be an impossibility!!! Ha HA Dont get me wrong I love landies. Look what I drive!!
Just be aware a true offroad or even semi offroad is often or should be heavier than a normal road van, unless it maybe has an aluminium chassis.
I see you are using a Triton so you should investigate your weight limits, a 19ft 0ffroader will be getting up to and in some cases over 3t depending how you load it and how many water tanks are fitted. Offroaders, in particular true custom built, come at a price.
Lots of good offroaders out there, you really just need to use good old google and do some research.
To name a few Trakmaster(excellent$$) Wonderland(current van), JB, Lotus, Sunland, Elite, Bushtraker(heavy $$$) and Evernew(excellent) to name a few.
good luck, research, research
Ian
PS: As the post below says, when travelling dirt/corrigated roads, drop tyre pressures according to road conditions AND slow down, very important and good advise
-- Edited by Wanda on Friday 5th of February 2021 09:19:24 AM
Hi
If you are going to the cape or gib river road I would recommend a good quality off road van with independent suspension as they do take a lot of jaring out of the corrugated roads which you will encounter on your journey .Letting your tyres down and driving to the conditions will also help prevent damage to your van and vehicle .
The better quality vans are built to handle those rocky roads and have more inclusions in them than road vans but they come at a price.I did take my first road van to the tip but the road had just been graded
Chee
Only yesterday spoke to a neighbour who's son ordered a new caravan last year & it will still be months before it's ready. Check lead times & add a safety margin for delays.
I read the post "On formed roads". Well most outback "roads" are formed but can a semi offroad caravan handle them. Then in the next sentence you will leave it behind for the "fun stuff".
The question you have to answer is what roads will I travel on where I want the van behind me. Then look at all those roads to see what kind of conditions they are in. The Gibb and indeed the Cape on the Development Rd are no longer as bone jarring and car destroying as they once were. Many of the "difficult" stretches are now sealed roads. I have seen normal road vans on both. Even seen them on the Walkers Crossing track. Mind you at Birdsville CP the owners were underneath doing repairs. My van is rated "off road". The only part it really is off road ready is the ground clearance. To me if you have that then you have the "bones" of making the van off road/dirt road ready. Then its a case of protecting everything underneath with good bash plates, and lagging on every pipe and protecting every leading edge of any vulnerable item. Then look inside and make sure anything that is just glued and/or stapled is now bolted and screwed. On my van the shower screen fell off so many times because the pop rivets holding the hinge kept breaking. Threw the door away (actually disposed of it at Innaminka) and replaced with a sliding screen. Removed the sliding door for the ensuite area as it kept falling off the tracks. Both weight savings replaced with an extra water tank! Now my van can travel at reasonable speeds on most rough roads. What is most important is that whatever you buy you drive with it attached at the speeds where it is not sustaining damage. Road vans that often means 40kph or less. In my van its generally 60kph. It took me 3 years to finally get my van to the stage it is now. Even so after every big dirt road trip I replace all lagging underneath as its usually shot peened by stones. Also in regards to tanks, look closely at any aftermarket fitments. Often they are tek screwed not bolted.
The only other option is to pay +$100K and get a true off road ready van like AOR or Kedron or Bushtracker.
Good luck
-- Edited by HandyWalter on Friday 5th of February 2021 09:54:23 AM
X2 a lot of good advice here well written
Cheers
I also should mention a good set of rock tamers and or van protection from oncoming vehicles mainly mine vehicles doing crazy speeds spraying your car and van with rocks and mud if you see them coming beware they dont give a rats
Cheers
Alan, My two cents worth;
There is as Wanda stated very few true off-road Caravans in Oz. Of the ones she mentioned as a possible, there is only three that come close - Trakmaster, Bushtraker, and Evernew. All of these will exceed the safe ability of using your Mitsubishi Triton as a Tug.
If seriously considering Cape York, Gibb River, Canning Stock Route, Gunbarrel Highway and John Holland Track, Seriously consider using a purpose built off-road camper trailer or go bob-tail and sleep in swag/s.
Do your homework and read up on the tracks in genuine camping publications specific to the area/s you wish to go to (IE not the glossy 4WD magazines full of pretty gadgets and vehicles). If you can get some old Len Beadell publications you will get factual information, rather than "never was and never will be" information on sites like this. I believe Les Hiddens (The bush tuckerman) also did some writing about these areas
Your stated areas of travel can be seriously dangerous for the unprepared and unwary - tracks can go from difficult to treacherous within seconds.
Don't attempt these tracks as a solo traveller and carry emergency PLB.
edit spelling;
-- Edited by Possum3 on Friday 5th of February 2021 01:21:37 PM
Did the Gibb twice, SE Arnhem Land, the old Savannah Way, to the tip of the Cape and the Birdsville, all with a standard 16 foot Jayco Poptop.
Issues?
One nail puncture on the Cape Leveque half pipe, a left open rear window near Hells Gate (after 200km, oh Mr Hart what a mess), and Ubolt to replace coming back from Chilli Beach up the Cape (a 500km round trip to Weipa to buy a $10 replacement).
Fit new quality tyres to your car and van, take some tools and some basic spares and you'll be fine.
wanda maybe offended, check profile?
Drive sensibily means - SLOW DOWN - (and virtually any van can traverse these tracks and roads..)
I agree with all these comments and sentiments. But taking a road van on dirt roads and tracks and then slowing down is almost the same as driving on the Newell Highway at 70kph. You do really become a menace for faster flowing traffic and often its not easy to find an overtaking spot especially if there is dust. Complicate that with no CB and you really have a problem. OK everybody has the right to travel etc etc, but surely people need to look at the roads they want to travel and then choose a van that can do these roads at a reasonable speed. Having been stuck behind a road van on a 4WD track doing 20kph with no ability to overtake for over 1 hr became very frustrating. Just like we know all utes can tow 3.5T, (Ha Ha) we also know some to it a lot easier and at reasonable towing speeds etc than others, Same considerations should be thought through before taking on road vans off road.
Anything else is pure selfishness and impatience.
Perhaps some would ban all the trucks from these roads?
www.youtube.com/watch
Cheers,
Peter
people who go out bush in inappropriate vehicles, ill prepared and then we have to expend large amounts of resources to recover them. I consider people who take on road vans on off-road or on badly formed roads to be just as stupid, especially when in before they bought their van, they had every intention of going off road. Just plain narcissistic.
Yep, read the fine print. Nobody on a bush road or track will contravene that law.
Cheers,
Peter
Yes I agree with most of the above. Driving sensibly to conditions, having new or very good rubber on your vehicle & trailer/van.
The "Cape" (York) - it depends what you want to see. There are two roads (or one road & a track that varies in condition depending on the previous wet season & how many vehicles use it).
The first is the Development Road. Give a few more years & this road will be all bitumen - the biggest momentum in getting it done was the airline crash at Lockhart River in 2005.
The latter is the Old Telegraph Track - the one that gives most of the better (fun) views of this area BUT there is no way that I would consider towing anything beyond a good camper trailer/HD trailer on it!
And not only do you have to contend with road conditions (on all of the outback "Adventure" roads) but there are other people - some of them are idiots who have never driven out of a city. They think they own these roads & drive accordingly.
Personally I would suggest going with a tour group (there are those that offer special interests), letting them do all of the hard yacka, the worry, while you enjoy the views. That way you save your car, van from being shaken to pieces & having to arrange recoveries. Mind you, I've met some "surprises" on narrow tracks - AAPT Unimogs that were being driven without a care for anyone else.
And not everywhere has mobile coverage.
I would suggest a few trips to your local library & read books written by Len Beadell, Evan McHugh, Neale McShane, etc. And take note of Possum's advice too.
Peter can you plase show me the clause in the Vic Roads Act where Bush Roads or Tracks are excluded? I dont recall reading that section of the law. Thanks
No Wanda is not offended
Traffic regulations on non gazzetted roads - Bing
While your roads in Victoria might be perfect for driving vehicles, towing vans, there are certainly others that are not.
The police in North QLD are pleading with drivers to slow down, to drive to conditions - the road might be rough, wet, or something else. They are the ones who have to attend the crashes, to knock on relative's doors to pass on sad news & I get the impression they are sick of it.
Some of our Qld highways, especially those that have a high truck load are getting quite rough. In some places there might be a warning sign, a speed reduction sign but generally minimal warning is given. Hitting these sections even at 80kph can be disastrous.
I'm certain if you told a police officer that you were driving to conditions when there was some hazard present that he wouldn't fine you.
The speed limit you see on a sign is not a target that you must drive at. It is the maximum speed that you are allowed to reach in perfect conditions! And those perfect conditions may not be towing a big heavy van behind a lighter tug.
Sorry but bush roads and tracks are gazetted. Just like insurance, you are covered if damage occurs on a gazetted. Better look up what gazetted means in the Act.
-- Edited by HandyWalter on Friday 12th of February 2021 11:52:51 AM
Yes I Warren-Pat I agree, but driving to conditions because your van was not built for the conditions, it just plain stupid. Overseas on certain roads, if your car or you do not drive at the lane speed, you move over to the lane you feel comfortable with or you get off and drive on a side road. The problem I am outlining here is driving a van clearly not DESIGNED to drive on a rough outback road, BUT if you drive at 10kph it wont cause problems to your van or minimize the damage to it is just plain stupid, selfish and pig headed and that is why people behind these people get frustrated. Read all my posts here to understand the issues I am raising and get the context of my replies. Not everybody on a track has all day to just cover 50kms. Some people with appropriate vans built for the conditions have schedules they want or need to meet. There are many, many people towing vans who do not consider anybody else on the roads and consider its their right to travel as fast or slow as they like and everybody else can just wait. As I said generally my off road van can travel 20-40kms faster (and still be driving to the conditions of my vehicle and van and within the speed limits), so why should I be forced to or held up for kms and kms just because someone who is driving a road van with a Kluger is trying to do the same road.
I have an offroad van with simplicity suspension ( same under army trailers ) and if you had come across me on the Oodnadatta Track a couple of years ago , you would have found me travelling at 10 - 20 kph over the corrugations. If you do not care about to damage your van do not put blame on sensible people who are travelling to either their ability or the conditions. Everyone has the right to travel on our roads, if you don't like it then stay home.
Barry
they win if they are in front, live with it
The speed limit you see on a sign is not a target that you must drive at. It is the maximum speed that you are allowed to reach in perfect conditions! And those perfect conditions may not be towing a big heavy van behind a lighter tug.
Spot on Waren and Pat. and not only on dirt roads. If we went back to when we taught people to look through the windscreen and drive every road on its merits, and to the prevailing conditions instead of a number on a singe, we would lose a lot less lives on our roads. Landy