I recently did the Strzelecki Track with a Cub camper, which was easy going.
Picking up a 17' Goldsteam "Rhino" offroad caravan, single axle, independent suspension, 16" AT tyres.
Would like to travel the Strzelecki from Maree to Birdsville in August.
You advice on whether the van can handle the track would be most welcome.
Tony
rockylizard said
09:56 PM Jan 8, 2019
Gday...
I believe that it is a quite acceptable unsealed road most of the time ... depending on when graded and/or weather.
It is certainly a busy road between May and September - particularly at Birdsville races time.
This site gives a bit of an insight -
Route: Marree Via The Birdsville Track (520kms)
Once Australias most hazardous stock route, the Birdsville Track is still an unsealed road but maintained so that you can travel in either a 4WD or SUV with a caravan or camper trailer. The road conditions can vary and you may find yourself travelling over a diverse range of surfaces from sand dunes to gibber pains. Watch out for ponded water after heavy rains.
I would be putting the van through a pretty thorough testing prior to tackling the track - Ensure your "Road Service" provider covers the van. A tow out will cost thousands of dollars. We have done it on many "Safari " trips (average 40 vehicles) but always have had to require our safari mechanic fix several vehicles and Camper trailers en route. Travel with companion vehicle if possible. Do not attempt after rain.
Tonystef said
05:43 PM Jan 9, 2019
Thanks for your input Guys.
Picking the van up from Melbourne, before heading home. Are there some corrugated roads out of Melbourne that I can spend the day on? [so I can take it back for any remedial work that may present]
Tony
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:09 PM Jan 9, 2019
Tonystef wrote:
Would like to travel the Strzelecki from Maree to Birdsville in August.
That is the Birdsvill Track, not the Strzelecki Track which goes to Innamincka.
In any case, they are both generally good graded roads. Just take it quietly.
If it looks like rain, forget it.
Cheers,
Peter
Mutley said
09:26 PM Apr 19, 2019
The big difference between the Cub & a caravan is dust ingress. Lots of caravans travel the Birdsville track, but I'd hazard a guess that they are mostly filled with red dust!
dodgincamels said
12:47 PM Jul 4, 2019
Hi TS
We will wait til we get to the Pound in early August 19 to determine which track to take.
Have heard that Big Red can be an obstacle on the B track but then that may be hearsay.
I will be towing an outback Jayco Dove 2016.
cheers DC
PeterD said
02:01 PM Jul 4, 2019
Big Red is not an obstacle on any track. It is not near either the Strzelecki or Birdsville Tracks. It is a side diversion option if you are coming across the Simpson Desert from the Dalhousie Springs.
Greystone said
09:25 AM Jul 5, 2019
The main issues are road trains and other vehicles that travel faster than you. Be prepared to eat dust and be showered by gravel.
I recently did the Strzelecki Track with a Cub camper, which was easy going.
Picking up a 17' Goldsteam "Rhino" offroad caravan, single axle, independent suspension, 16" AT tyres.
Would like to travel the Strzelecki from Maree to Birdsville in August.
You advice on whether the van can handle the track would be most welcome.
Tony
Gday...
I believe that it is a quite acceptable unsealed road most of the time ... depending on when graded and/or weather.
It is certainly a busy road between May and September - particularly at Birdsville races time.
This site gives a bit of an insight -
Route: Marree Via The Birdsville Track (520kms)
Once Australias most hazardous stock route, the Birdsville Track is still an unsealed road but maintained so that you can travel in either a 4WD or SUV with a caravan or camper trailer. The road conditions can vary and you may find yourself travelling over a diverse range of surfaces from sand dunes to gibber pains. Watch out for ponded water after heavy rains.
https://birdsvillehotel.com.au/getting-to-birdsville/getting-to-birdsville-by-road/
Cheers - John
Thanks for your input Guys.
Picking the van up from Melbourne, before heading home. Are there some corrugated roads out of Melbourne that I can spend the day on? [so I can take it back for any remedial work that may present]
Tony
That is the Birdsvill Track, not the Strzelecki Track which goes to Innamincka.
In any case, they are both generally good graded roads. Just take it quietly.
If it looks like rain, forget it.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi TS
We will wait til we get to the Pound in early August 19 to determine which track to take.
Have heard that Big Red can be an obstacle on the B track but then that may be hearsay.
I will be towing an outback Jayco Dove 2016.
cheers DC