Canning

Hello Andrew, have you been into Trip Planning and Travel Notes and checked in there - also should be some good replies in archives.

Andrew,

we are travelling from Kintore along the Gary Junction Rd in April. We then use the Wapet Rd after crossing the CSR. I'll let you know what conditions are like when (and if) I get back. Not taking trailer on this trip though because it costs as much as a car to truck back from Broome ($1306)

Andrew. That section of the Canning contains some of the biggest dunes of the entire trip including multiple crested dunes which can be difficult even without a trailer. Can it be done? Of course. Should you tow a trailer? Most people say no but with the right gear it can be done with a little bit of preparation.
What car do you drive? I suggest if you are towing in sand you'll need a minimum of 135 KW of power. ie: Turbo diesel Landcruiser or petrol Patrol etc.
It would be an advantage if you can back a trailer 100 metres using your mirrors and should have a tow vehicle in front of you with 2 straps.
Be prepared to let your tyres way down. (14 PSI)
The biggest problem people have on the Canning is usually overloading the car. Towing a trailer only increases the likelyhood of taking too much so you must keep the weight down. (under 1 tonne Gross)
What type of trailer is it? There are trailers that claim they can go off road then there are the handfull that are actually built strong enough to go anywhere. In my experience coil suspension with shocks and heavey bearings are the best.
Lastly the sand conditions can change a fair bit. If it's been dry and alot of traffic has chopped the track up it will be very difficult however after some rain the sand firms up and you barely need 4x4. Possibly need to contact someone over there before you go. (Kunawaajji community should know)
Sounds like a great trip you've got planned. Mmmm. Maybe I could hide in the trailer. Have fun Craig................................

Thank you Crackles for that very useful response to vk5ex. This is back to the level of polite, detailed, useful and friendly advice that our Forum has become well known for providing.

I wasn't exactly sure however that I agreed with him in that the section from 33 south to Talawanna in terms of dunes so I've just checked my own diary, the map and my references to be sure. If you aren't travelling further south of the Talawanna, and therefore not going to Well 22 itself, then you actually miss the really big dunes in that area. The trouble areas you might encounter would be between Well 29 - 28 where there is a soft, hilly section with some twists and also the corrugations from 33 - 31 are very bad, and with a trailer you would need to really be sure you had a strong unit and drove according to conditions to minimise shock absorber damage. (please go to the Journal section under the Trip Planning menu and look at the CSR diary that details each leg of the trip from well to well for further information) as well as our trek note of course.

Trailers are certainly a last option on the CSR for all the very sound reasons outlined by Crackles and we would not take one. So although I'm downplaying what Crackles has said about the dunes in this section, I am still not condoning taking a trailer. It is your choice.

Itravelled along the Talawana Track, during November just gone, from Cotton Creek to Well 22.
The Talawana Track is extremely corrugated, I mean corrugations measuring 200mm high.
Passed a trailer, looked like a purpose made off road trailer, left at the side of the track completely broken up.
My guess is that they were travelling too fast.
Top speed along that section of the Talawana Track would be a little more than walking pace, about 8km/hr
Any faster than that and expect bits to fall/break from your car and trailer.
Once you reach the Cotton Creek turn off the track improves significantly

Spoke last week at the Caravan and Camping show to Phil Candy from Candy Canvas Tintinara (Great Swags & canvas goodies) who did it last June with 3 vehicles (utes + tray top campers they make). We were curious ourselves. He showed us some of his photos. Phil said NO WAY take anything that doesn't have driven wheels. He said they followed the principle of first vehicle over snatched the next one rather than have the second one go back & try again & cut up the track, and they did that lots of times. A trailer would have been a pain. Give him a phone call if you'd like. Phil & Sandy Candy are very approachable.

73s Rob. VK5KP

I have a close friend who has visited the CSR 13 times since 1979 (but still hasn't driven it end to end ... he's thorough!). He took a trailer once and swears never again. You are asking for big heaps of trouble trying to drag trailers over sand dunes ... that's providing the corrugations haven't already rendered your trailer suspension a heap of unserviceable junk.

most common failure on the GRR is broken camper trailer suspensions. second most common failure is vehicle suspensions. Both because of overloading and excessive speed. leave the kitchen sink at home and throw out half the weight in stuff you probably won't use and enjoy the trip!

Want to guess what it costs to recover a broken trailer on the CSR? On the GRR it is around $2500 for a flat top truck recovery of your dead fourbie AND they will tow your trailer for free !! Don't think flat top 2WD trucks do recoveries on the CSR?

JohnS
Derby, WA

unbelieveable amount of rain out there this year and I'd imagine things to be tougher than usual in the area as far as corrugations and washouts go.