colin watson replied:

dave, you can tow these vans any where you like, but if you whish to have a trouble free trip and have no damage to the vans i would not recommend takeing them. The corrogations up the cape are unbeleiveable and can destroy the vans quick as look at them. I myself have towed a 6x4 box trailer up the cape and the dramas we had where horrific. I would suggest investing in a good off road camper trailer with independant suspnension, i have done that and have most off the comforts you have in the vans you have. These trailers also have great resale value, they will go any where the patrol will go. Happy touring Col

colin replied:

Hi Dave, couple of points make sure the springs are in very good condition, and to give better ground clearance try putting the axle under the springs which will give better clearance under the guards. Also if you havent a 360 tow hitch have a look at the treg hitch. Colin

DennisN replied:

G'day Dave, I can't give personal experience of either track but from what I hear neither would be suited to your "on road" trailer. My brother is in the mining industry, spends most of his working life in a 4WD around the Kimberleys, and knows the Gibb River Road backwards. He says it is a real chameleon - depending on weather and time of year. At times the track is almost smooth enough to drive your family car over, but at other times he has seen the best of off road trailers [including some army ones] absolutely wrecked by the road. you have an interesting decision to make :). I have a fairly tough off road trailer and would want it thoroughly checked over before taking it to either of those two places - and my general strength,ground clearance and departure angle would be much better than an "on roader". Enjoy the bush.

Slunnie replied:

Dave, I was at a seminar put on by Vic Widman of Great Divide tours a while ago, and he was saying the trick to trailer longevity when offroad is shock absorbers. It seems they break without them. With regards to doing a spring over job to raise the trailer, I have also done this and it is a great modification.

Alex replied:

Dave, I believe it all depends on what your expectations are as to how much ground you wish to cover in a day. As an example, we did the Gibb River road way back in 1984 in a two wheel drive Falcon ute. It took nearly three days from memory, but common sense and patience got us through without any problems at all. In contrast we came across a cowboy in a 4WD who had charged through a sand drift without checking for hidden rocks, and wiped out his sump. From what I have heard, this track is now graded quite regularly (more than once a year that is), so I would imagine you won't have any troubles, barring heavy rainfall events. The track into Tunnel Creek was extremely rocky, but once again if you are prepared to take your time you'll be fine. I also remember basically floating over the creek crossing to get into Mt Barnett station, all for the privilege of paying a dollar a litre for petrol! I hate to think what they are charging now.

Cheers, Alex.

Dave replied:

I would just like to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer my question, i am still not real sure as to weather to take the trailer or not, but at least by all the answers it gives me something to think about, once again thanks all.

Jan replied:

Dave - have you heard the saying that a chain is only as strong as the weakest link? What you are proposing to do is waste the potential of your good off road 4WD by hitching an on road trailer to it. You might as well forget using a 4WD because you performance off road will be dictated by the trailer. It will have poor approach and departure angles, low clearance and will act like an anchor in loose sand. If you are serious, spend the money on an off road trailer with the same size wheels and tyres as your vehicle, a proper welded chassis and off road independent suspension. Otherwise, just trade in the 4WD for a family Holden or Ford. Or stay on the bitumen.