Daintree to Bloomfield towing campa
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 19:21
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loughma
I am planning a trip to
Cooktown from
Cairns
I will be towing a Campa (wind up roof, beds pull out ends)
Is it possible to tow a campa this size and weight (1300kg fully loaded) up the step road around
Cape Tribulation?
I'm sure plenty of folks tow
camping trailers ( many fully laiden with boats, outboard etc) up this way but I have never been able to get any advise about towing what is basicly a small off-road caravan.
I know the road gets VERY slippery after any rain.
I am planning to do this trip in mid Sept ( School Holidays)
Your advise please.
Reply By: cloughie - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 20:51
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 20:51
Did this trip last month. We hired a Hilux Camper Van (3ltrDiesel),leaving our truck at home in Melb.due to time constraints. We found the track quite challenging in spots due to the steep uphill climbs . You do not mention what you are towing your unit with but I suggest only a larger engined vehicle should attempt this trip towing 1300 kg as stated.These climbs have been bitumenised but still would be slippery if wet/damp.There are also a number of
water crossings to negotiate.This is a very worthwhile route to take with
Cooktown a terrific destination.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: duncs - Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 22:34
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004 at 22:34
Like you say I did it with a
Camping Trailer and had no problems. The steep bits are steep and some of the
creek crossings were very deep when we were there but it was not particularly difficult.
I assume yours is an off road version of the Campa, I also assume you are towing it with a large vehicle, Prado or Pajero at least. As long as you keep the speed sensible and think about what you are doing I don't think you will find anything overly taxing. Remember it needs to be waterproof many of your type of trailer will leak through the door and the vents for the fridge. I can't imagine all those chipboard cupboards liking a drink. Also let the tyres down a bit it makes a huge difference.
We took 2 full days for the trip from
Cairns. Overnight just north of the
Daintree. We spent the afternoon of day 1 on one of those crock tours on the river, it was
well worht the money. Seeing that 12' mother swim certainly encouraged me to stay out of the
water.
Duncs
AnswerID:
73850
Reply By: motherhen - Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 00:26
Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 at 00:26
I would consider the biggest drawback to towing is the narrow sections - in case you meet someone coming the other way. Didn't take it on that trek, but with the wind-up we had the Nissan barely knew it was towing. Did the run to
Cooktown with a tent, and stayed in a cabin when we got there. This question has basically been asked a few times before on this site - search for other people's stories.
AnswerID:
73861