Member - Roachie (SA) replied:

G'day Ron and Judi,

You won't need a winch on those tracks (unless something goes horribly wrong; like you run off the road and into a muddy verge etc). If the tracks are wet, then they will be closed anyway....they don't want anybody driving on wet tracks out that way, because it stuffs them up big time and takes ages of grader time to get them back up to scratch when they dry out.

The van with the off-road axle sounds interesting......however, more to the point is how much will it weigh and what tyres will it be running? I would suggest A/T tyres as a minimum for any vehicle heading out onto those tracks and it is wise to try and have the wheels/tyres compatible between the trailer/van and the tow vehicle. That way, you potentially have 2 (or 3 maybe?) spare tyres. Also, ensure your tyres are in the first half of their lifespan. Too many people leave home with worn tyres.....saying to themselves "I'm not gunna buy nice new tyres and take them outback only to have them ruined".....etc etc. The plain fact is that worn tyres are MUCH more likely to fail on those sorts of tracks.

Tyre pressures are the other important aspect....Hell , I could go for ages......but there are a few things to consider for a start.

Have a great trip. Preparation is the key to happiness....

Cheers

Roachie

Garbutt replied:

Good advice from the Roach. As he says use A/t or tougher tyres, not too much pressure in them and go slowly, you shouldn't have too much trouble. Driving to the conditions is always the key, usually that means much slower than on a bitumen road.

Have a great trip its an interesting part of the country.

GB

Bonz (Vic) replied:

Hi ron and judi, thats some great trip you have planned there makes me jealous just thinking about it. Those roads up there are fine without a winch, but one thing I would think about is the clearance under the axle of your trailers. Roads that way are prone to developing a very high apex between the wheel tracks (ruts) and I would want the axle to clear that hump in the middle otherwise it would cause stones to be sent flying everywhere. I reckon maybe 200-250mm under tha axle would clear it.

Member - Terry G (NSW) replied:

Hi Ron & Judi
Am I correct in assuming that you intend crossing the Simpson Desert? If so, I would suggest you need a major rethink. I agree with what everyone else has said, provided you are NOT crossing the Simpson. However, if you are, firstly, the small van is a definite NO NO!!! Although people regularly do it, towing an off road camper across the Simpson is not recommended. Unless you know exactly what you are doing you can get into all sorts of strife and, in addition, completely destroy the tracks. I guess from your question that you have not had a great deal of experience in 4wheel driving. That being the case I don't think you should be attempting a Simpson crossing. You don't say where you are intending to start your trip, but, coming from Victoria you will probably intend joining the Oodnadatta Track at Marree. Why not give the Oodnadatta, Simpson part of the trip the flick, and go straight up the Birdsville Track. Still a great trip and less likely to have any problems.

tg