Bloomfield Track with van

Haven't towed a van up the Bloomfield only the Camper but had no problems. A few steep sections to negotiate but take your time and no problem if it is dry.

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.

As well as steep uphills, there's equally steep downhills with drop off cliff face curves in them.
Reckon you are going to really P off anyone behind you and there's not a lot of overtaking areas.

Yes unless its wet you will not have any problems. I was there 4 weeks ago its all ok. Your Silverado has more than enough power to haul a bushtracker up the few hills.

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

.
Power is one thing......... traction is another.
With 8.5t I can see a bit of wheel spinning on some of the uphill sections.

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

Take a day trip from Cooktown and enjoy the drive.

I Haven't been there for quite a few yrs towed a camper trailer but a large van unless some of the angles of the crossings have been changed I expect it would drag in a few spots and up to 33 deg inclines. I would personally be considerate to other road users and leave the van and take the car for a drive first to determine if it is safe and follow the advice of local authorities make a phone call.

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 aswell.
Let us know how you go if you go.

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 .