Forester to the desert

G'day happy camper...

It is possible (nothing is impossible), the ground clearance will be a limiting factor as the ruts created are deep in places.

To make it easy to compare I give you this example:
We crossed it last year with a Patrol in convoy with other vehicles, when observing a Ford Courier it was collencting sand on the suspension wishbones and into the splush guard in the middle...
The courier is considerable higher than a forester.

Make sure he has a very good recovery hook.

Will

At least the cruiser can tow it!!!!

The answer is yes it has already been done on a number of occaisions with this vehicle. At least if anything does go wrong he has the others to help him. But he probabaly won't need to ask for help if he has the relevent experience. The last time I read about a forester doing this trip, the driver reported that the whole trip went with out a hitch. Its not that hard these days, you just have to be careful.

Why even try in a vehicle like that. If you want to do some serious 4Wdriving, buy a serious 4WD like a troopy. Lets see if the Forester can do the Cape York!!

Why even try in a vehicle like that. If you want to do some serious 4Wdriving, buy a serious 4WD like a troopy. Lets see if the Forester can do the Cape York!! Not much in the price either

Its been done with far less a vehicle than the forrester

Cripes how easily we forget 35+ years ago the bloody nation was traversed by 2 wd vehicles because with the exception of the odd 4wd truck thats all there was - sure they got stuck and had a terrible time but they did it.
Main problem now is the tracks can be rutted deeply and the distances involved will mean it will be slow going. (1200 dunes can be a lot of snatching)

I assume the 'very experienced ' mate is doing this for a valid challenge not just because he is an experienced 'city' driver - because he could choose a much less expensive toy to break. (personally I think a very experienced 4wd er would be really silly to take a forrester unless it was just for the challenge and the fun - to prove a point etc - in which case WHY NOT?)


As for ground clearance its the main problem but a GOOD driver will get his vehicle where he likes - depends on how bad he wants to go somewhere and wether he can drive the vehicle like he hates it for a long time.. and wether the suspension can hack the pace (thinking of the drought and the condition the track is in)

Personally nowdays I wouldnt take a forester (because there are far better choices less stressful less fun too!!) - but if I had to or wanted to Im sure I could get a raised 2 wd car (preferably a datsun 1600) most places let alone something like a forester. Go for it lads youve got the support vehiclesand a couple of snatch straps - just budget for some sort of damage and plenty of time or more time if something breaks bigtime.

just an irresponsible opinion

kezza

A 1" lift and some 205R16 Tyres os 215/75/15 Tyres would be good and take the rig road as its a bit better, i get out there a couple of times a year, last time took a Rav over with stock every thing.

i am going in july again if your keen

jol

Happy camper.
Sounds like fun, the trip has been done in a Porsh. The best time would be after rain when the dunes can be crossed without low range. the main dificulty would be if you had to pass a broken vehicle or some one coming the other way who would not go of the track for you. Eric.

Thanks all, good advice. I will let you know how the trip goes.