I have just finished the AB from West to East. The first 150 K's out of
Laverton was wide formed road. Lots of activity as there was a
gas pipeline being installed adjacent to the road.
Once the turnoff to Ilkurlka Road house was reached, the road was a one lane track. And remained so until 50 or so K's out of
Coober Pedy.
For statistics: I used up 190 litres of diesel for 1366 K's. Took 5 and a half days with total driving time between 46 and 48 hours. Average speed was less than 30Kph.
I drove a Mitsubishi Pajero with HD springs and shocks; and towed a purpose built off-road hard floor camper trailer. No problems with the trailer at all. It was better than tent/gas stove/water containers/food etc etc. I took two spare tyres, but did not have any flats. The only problem was a bundle of root like timber was just over the crest of a
sand dune, so I could not avoid it. A look in the rear mirror suggested it went under the car/trailer without catching. Ten minutes later, my temp gauge suggested a little over the normal. Stopped to find all coolant gone! The roots had flicked a hose off between the engine and transmission. Fortunately did not
puncture the hose, so I pliered the clamp and popped the hose back on. Refilled the radiator with water (after the engine had cooled) and went on my way. The gauge showed a slight rise again. Stopped to find an air lock in the system. Not recommended. It blew the water out of the overflow bottle because the air in the system compressed and then released through the 108 Kpa radiator cap. After the system was completely full of water, no further problems.
The terrain is ever changing. Spinifex, mallee, marble gums, scrub, sand hills. The sand was firm but still very corrugated. Bird life was prolific. Don't know their species, but saw heaps every day.
Used the CB radio every half to hour or so, when I could not see the track clearly. Like around twists and turns. Only saw 5 vehicles heading West over the 5 and half days. And two high top troupies in the bush one morning. Late risers!
The experience is now ticked off my bucket list. Don't need to do The Canning or Connie-Sue or others. So the camper trailer is for sale if any
Forum members know of anyone interested. Will stick it on Gumtree next month.
Was even asked if I was interested in care-taking
Ilkurlka Roadhouse any time??? Sounds like they ask everyone who passes through.
I have taken a lot of photos from my driving position. But they all seem very similar now that I have uploaded them to my laptop. Track, corrugations, scrub, sky. That's all you get folks! And a final word, wherever you
camp, take a good look around before choosing a spot. Little piss ants are up over your knees before you can blink...
Happy travelling...Skippo