Suzuki Jimny 4x4 in the Kimberley

Thanks Merv
we really are looking forward to the trip suzy has 40Lt tank = 400Km I will be carrying additional 20Lt Jerry can should be enough? Wife always steers me when in trouble would that help in flooded rivers?
I think my problem would be fast flowing rivers any comments?
Keep well
Rick

There is no doubting the Suzuki's offroad credentials and its only failing when compared with larger 4wds is as you mentioned its abilty to ford faster flowing creeks and rivers.

However the same rules for any vehicle apply - don't rush, walk the creek first (crocs permitting), map out a route, think about "what if" happens and have a plan - prepare the vehicle - tarps, engine sprays etc.

You know your vehicle so if in doubt don't do it.

For something that might be Ok but could have issues wait for someone to come along so that help is at hand if all goes wrong.

Good luck with it.

Garry

Oh - forgot to mention - I had a new long wheel base Sierra in the mid 80s and managed to flood it on Fraser as it tended to float and loose traction in very deep water - so I can understand your concern.

The 6 Ps apply - Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

I can remember back in 1988 pushing a Suzy with my 60 Cruiser across a fast flowing creek between Tom Price and Whittenoom and nearly loosing the Suzi half way across. Memories. Owner had ran out of fuel 100 ks out.

To be safe in harder off road conditions, your fuel budget should be double your in road use!

Hi All
Thank you all for your posts very informative and you have certainty answered my questions.
I am looking forward to the trip (6 months on the road in the west)
with my wife I will be careful and equipped
till later
Rick...From Tassy

Hi Rick
I would be very interested to hear of your preparation and subsequent trip.
We have travelled around Australia in a Landcruiser towing a caravan and in particular to ElQuestro and Tunnel Creek on the Gibb river road so understand the areas you ask about.
We also have a 2013 model Suzuki Jimny and have often wondered about taking it on an outback adventure.
There is definately no doubt about the Suzuki's off road performance the only down side as I see it is it's limited space for camping gear or lack of power for towing a laden trailer.
So you can see why I am interested to see how you are going to overcome these obstacles.
Another thing I notice is that the Suzuki is great for really rough going (maybe better than my Landcruiser) but when travelling on badly corrugated and rough roads like the Gibb river road it suffers from it's short wheelbase IE it skips around alot and pitches for and aft. Maybe a suspension upgrade may make an improvement in that area.
Anyway I hope you let me know of your plans and preparation
Cruiser

Hi cruiser 3
Would be happy to give feedback, re some of your thoughts, I have a pod that fits to the roof bars, and have removed the rear seats and built a lightweight set of shelves in their place, for a two man tent, swags, gas stove, water, etc it all fits well including extra fuel and a small 12v frig.
We are flat towing the Suzuki behind our Motorhome and will leave the Motorhome at a secure location. so only need a few nights or so supply in the Suzuki, as we side trip etc, etc
Rick

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting how much you have been able to fit in the back.
Having the motor home for most of the travel and using the Suzuki for short trips seems an ideal way to see the country.
When I tow my caravan and am far from home I am reluctant to take the Landcruiser into very rough areas because of it being my only means of returning home. You on the other hand can be far more adventurous with the Suzuki.
Cruiser

Hi Cruiser
not all in the back thank goodness for the roof pod

Rick

Hi Not so gray (me either?)
hilux601@hotmail.com