Towing across the simpson desert

Steve,

Just had another look in my Desert Parks handbook which I got July last year, and on page 40 they only strongly recommend that trailers not cross the desert. If you have any more up to date information I would only to happy to hear from you or anyone else.

Wayne

Get a grip,, is the simpson any more environmentaly endangered than Fraser island or even stockton beach,,,not in your or your great grand kids lifetimes do we need the restrictions proposed by a very minor part of the populace,,,do you realy want to return to the days 234 years ago when the only humans in this country of ours had not even a use of the "wheel" let alone a 4x4,,, to any and all Aboriginal forumite users no offence is intended.

Port Augusta is 1100 klms from the Simpson Desert and the SA NP is responsible for lots of places. When you ring them there, ask to speak to a Ranger who has Simpson Desert experience - their answer will be different from someone who does not. Banjo, your answer is good. Remember this, anyone, whether they have only a vehicle or whether they are towing a trailer, anyone who has to back up or down any dune - does not have the correct tyre pressures. You should not need to back down any dune. Remember also that just because the SD travelled easily east/west (or the other way)this year or last year, does not mean it will be the same this year. Everything depends on wind during the summer, rain, amount of traffic before you get there and EVERY time you travel it is different - in the space of one week it can change. One of the problems experienced by people following a towed vehicle (particularly when they have incorrect tyre pressures and are overloaded) is that the tow bar causes major dishing in the dune. Incorrect tyre pressures (on the vehicle) cause the dishing in the track part of the dune and the trailer causes it in the centre of the track. It is so simple I cannot understand why it all has to be so difficult. Vehicles (not towing anything) that have a spare wheel underneath the rear of the vehicle can also have this problem - acts like a sea anchor, particularly when they have a big load. Most vehicles going into or out of the SD are overloaded.

Eric,
many people have said this but I am not aware of any evidence of trailers causing damage - nor does it seem plausible. To my mind an overloaded vehicle is doing more damage to the track than the same load spread over six wheels. However, I could be convinced otherwise by evidence. Evidence is more than people stating their beliefs.Bob

I'm with you on that Bob
Taking a trailer generally means that you can take extra gear but i would make a good guess that the even the extra weight would be less per wheel for 4wd and trailer than for just 4wd.The real Jemima

Fines,,since when ?? Lots of $ spent to recover broken trailers yes,,fines and illegal to tow ? not yet and while Australia remains a democracy with only a smidgen of collective common sense the status quo will remain.

Publican,

Just have to look here in Exploroz:
http://www.exploroz.com/InfoPages/TripPrep5.asp

Quote:
The South Australian Dept of Environment and Heritage advise that trailers are not to be towed through the Simpson Desert. This is stated in every "Desert Parks Bulletin". Although there is currently no "fine" for towing a trailer, you will incur an enormous "fine" if you have to abandon a trailer in the desert. It will also become your responsibility to retrieve the trailer at your expense... and this is considerable!

Another quote:

The SA Department of Environment warns that no trailers may be used on Simpson Desert crossings due to high number of failure incidents. Trailers and vehicles which fail are required to be removed from the desert, and this is extremely expensive. Towing a trailer in this terrain is high stress for any 4WD. Approximate recovery fee starts at $4,000, plus fines if applicable.

Pray tell us when S.A. ceded from the rest of Australia in that one is NOT ALLOWED to travel towing a LEGAL and registerd vehicle,,,,next thing you know it will be illegal to go into the simpson in anything but a TOJO/PATROL [pick 1] due to the so called failure rate of " other " brands ,,,, in the words of John Elliot "pigs -rse".... The catchcry of the greeny of saving the environment "for the children " and or the next generation to veiw our land is a misdmeaner in that legislation to protect also totally inhibits the general populace in favour of the chosen few,{read rich},,,,,I and mine will continue to travel where and when we wish to see this land in as much comfort [ trailer ] as we and not some over paid burecreate deems fit to demand.

Quote from http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/simpson_cp/visit.html

"It is strongly recommended that travellers avoid attempting to tow trailers across the Simpson Desert."The real Jemima.
Where is that Imposter hiding

Hi Ruth

Where can I leave my trailer?

We have been into the simpson twice in the last two years and have not bothered bringing the trailer (KK) due to the hassle. Happy to leave it in Birdsville...as we prefer to travel with it where we can.

As an aside, people should look at the insurance impication of taking expensive trailers into the simpson..

Cheers Landie

Landie, there is a special area near the residence at the caravan park where any number of campers and caravans are kept, at no cost, for people travelling in and around and over and back. This subject makes me sick to death. Want to be philosophical - well if the speed rules are 50 for town then as its a democracy I can do 80. If the sign says do not smoke, - then I can and I will. If the sign says Road Closed - then I will go there because I can. It will be all desert travellers who will be punished - either the Desert will become unavailable or else everyone may have to pay a levy to the Friends of the Simpson who go in and do the clean ups. This is my very last word in writing on this subject - until the daily grind of travellers who come in wishing advice on this matter, who already know what the answers are but will continue asking everyone until they find a person who has the same answer, therefore it's true. That's it, no more words. Landie - contact me on ruthdoyle@growzone.com.au and I will give you more information on parking. Cheers.

Hey Jemima...just so as ya don,t think I am all bad, I have a rubbber duckie mounted on the front of my hilux...just cause I can ,no other reason,...he , she , it , seems to point the way . A little cuddle and ya get a squeak.....lol.... Uther