Did this trip a few weeks ago. It is pretty ridiculous that we ask folk to do what Interstate drivers are not allowed to do (12 hours driving in 24). If I was doing it again, I'd leave Goondiwindi early, say about 5am as we did not see a roo in this stretch. We did see plenty between West Wyalong and Narrandera so I'd attempt to do this in the light. Border crossing was OK. The police seemed disinterested and I know that they think this 24 hour drive is crazy as it goes against every thing they've been saying for years. Signs everywhere encourage a break every 2 hours. Simple maths tells you that depending on the length of the break this will add somewhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to the trip.
The good news was that The Big Strawberry at Koonomoo, just over the border welcome folk to park up in the park, plenty of room for a catch up sleep. They offer this free but good to go into the cafe and get coffee or jam.
Safe travels.
I am concerned and extremely disappointed that these ridiculous rules have been implemented an worse still, apparently enforced.
I, in now way, support or agree with this nonsense.
Having said that if I may offer some advice as a bloke that spent most of his working life driving long distance in trucks without any major incident and at times having to meet almost impossible schedules and time frames that were laid down by freight forwarders and large transport companies.
First up, no alcohol or drugs, these only cause problems further down the track. A good rest on the day before departure is good.
Please try to eat heathy snacks, not meals, snacks of a salad sandwich etc is far better than a stodgy fatty meal of steak and eggs and chips. A big stodgy meal will make you feel good after you eat it but it wont last. Have a look at statistics about the times that retiree caravaners are in involved in accidents and it has been proven by numbers that many accidents occur about an hour or so after the big pub or bakery / cafe lunch. It is harder to go to sleep if you are hungry.
Fruit is good, it gives you sugar energy but not like you get from Coca Cola and lollies etc. sugar from drinks are very temporary.
Fresh air coming into the driving cabin is so important. Dont have the air con ever set to interior recirculate or the really simple thing is open the widow. Stay cool within you body temperature, heaters maybe good for passengers but not for drivers.
If you need to piss (urinate) stop, get out and do it, in a safe area, truck parking bays are good. Walk a circuit around your vehicle to get your blood circulating in your legs. If your travelling partner needs to piss then they need to relieve themselves at the same time, Having to do two stops will cost you unnecessary time. Angie hates this rule but she does know after years of truck miles anything else is not an option in most cases.
If you have to drive at times which aren't comfortable, eg at or after sunset or at sunrise there will be animals on the road. Drive slower, 70 or 80 klms an hour is a lot easier to avoid Skippy and if you maintain an average slower speed you wont be that far behind at the end of your journey. Most heavy trucks only average around 80 to 90 klms an hour if they are lucky but they make miles because they maintain this pace all day and all night.
If travelling with trucks a UHF set on Channel 40 might be advantageous as well. A thorough check of all your equipment, lights, tyres and pressures, towing set up including WDH etc before leaving will make for a more relaxed journey.
But I need to add the most important piece of information. If you feel in anyway tired by having heavy eyes, becoming restless, knowing you have had a micro sleep (dozing off even for a moment) then STOP AND REST. If you don't you wont complete your trip or at worst you may loose your life. DONT PUSH YOURSELF AT ALL It is not worth it. Be more aware of your own wellbeing if your travelling partner is sleeping. This is a dangerous time, If you feel or know your heath and durability is not up to doing this distance in the time frame, then dont. IT IS NOT WORTH IT.
To summarise, Crap food will result in crap performance and premature tiredness. Crap preparation with both your own well being and the condition of your vehicle will become a major handicap to achieving a safe trip in a tight time frame. Fresh air and cool temperatures are your friend. Don't accept a tired feeling. If you are tired then stop and rest.
When you do get to the border inform the authorities how dangerous you consider these travelling conditions to be..
Unfortunately we have some people making these rules with really no idea of safe travel requirements.
Please travel safely..
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Tuesday 31st of August 2021 11:38:23 PM
I was also a long distance driver for most of my working life, 43 years out on the road.
But the one consideration I would make is this.
It is your choice to do the journey with the caravan in tow, you could do it in the car and go back for the caravan another time.
Remember you have 24 hours to do the journey so break the trip into 2 shorter trips.
Fruitfly hi, the last 5 years of my working time I was Qualified Quality Assured Driver meaning I was allowed to do "14 hours driving a day" and regularly did that 5 days a week doing deliveries of steel with multi drops in South East Queensland from Brisbane.
I would consider a drive between state borders almost a picnic with my caravan in tow.
A few have done the trip and reported it in another forum. They have timed the trip so they could drive it in two stages with a 6 to 8 hours rest period over midnight. Have a look at your PMs (private messages.)
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
