Bloomfield Track with van
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 11:56
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Sidetracked
Have had conflicting reports, Has anyone out there towed a caravan up the
Bloomfield track from
Cape Tribulation to
Cooktown.
Is it possible?
We are travelling in a Silverado with a 21Ft. Bushtracker all up weight about 8.5 ton
heading up next week.
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 13:29
Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 13:29
Hi Sidetracked,
I haven't towed a van on the
Bloomfield Track but I have driven the track and created a treknote for the
Bloomfield Track.
Although this was done a few years ago and the track has had some work done on it, I would suggest your rig may be too heavy.
There are some steep sections and although these have a concrete base, they are still steep and somewhat narrow in sections.
There are also a few creek crossings to consider and while your rig may have reasonable ground clearance, I wouldn't attempt the journey in anything less than ideal, dry conditions.
In fact, I wouldn't attempt the trek with an 8.5 ton rig period.
AnswerID:
602107
Reply By: Member - Dave63 - Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 20:15
Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 20:15
Towed through there in May 2013 (heading north) and had been raining quite heavily. Road was still open and being used. Camper was just short of 2 ton with 80 Series GXL. No issue with the dirt or the crossings, they were good, had good (almost new cooper stt maxx) which were aired down and lost traction on the steep concrete section and slid backwards for a while. With the rain I must have hit a slim/moss patch and it took a while to stop the slid. Was quite an interesting experience. Once on the concrete I thought everything was good but from memory I think it is about 30+ degree gradient. I did see some decent size boats being towed through there and some smaller caravans but with smaller 4wds. I would do it again, just not when raining.
You have plenty of power. I cant recall if there is any overhanging branches to worry about with a van. Having just bought a van myself it makes me realise all
the
places I have been with the camper I never took notice if something 3.1 m in height would get through. Some one might be able to give some advice on that point.
Dave
AnswerID:
602124
Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 23:09
Tuesday, Jul 05, 2016 at 23:09
We went through S to N in the OKA a few years back.
Height 3.05m, weight about 6.2T.
We used 4WD, 1st LR on the concrete. Traction was the question, not power.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID:
602131
Reply By: braggy - Thursday, Jul 07, 2016 at 14:33
Thursday, Jul 07, 2016 at 14:33
We towed 14', 2 ton, through the Bloomfield, 2014 and 2015, no problems ,but I would think you are too big, too heavy, to get traction on the up hills and there are some pretty tight bends as
well.
Let us know how you go if you go.
AnswerID:
602176
Reply By: Member - 8111COLIN - Sunday, Jul 17, 2016 at 20:22
Sunday, Jul 17, 2016 at 20:22
You have probably done it by now .
I did it both ways V8 Troupy with 2 ton van , don't do it if its wet , i came across a nong coming around a corner going backwards towards me , i was committed and had to go past him almost hitting him .
if you have to stop and your towing be prepared to have to reverse a caravan down a steep
hill , not easy .
i wouldn't do it again .
AnswerID:
602502