Crossing simpson desert with camper trailer

Darren,

I have done the Simpson twice with a trailerand not had a problem... in fact many have commented on how easy we made it look. There are however many variables, here are a few that I consider important:

you need to be experienced in relation to sand driving and competent at reversing down dunes as you will not get up all first go;

keep the trailer weight to a minimum...don't take the kitchen sink etc.;

you must be prepared to run you tyre pressures down faily low (run the trailer at about 18psi)...i.e I have gone as low as 14psi on the car but I would start at around 16-18psi and drive accordingly....don't be in a rush;

travel west to east as the dunes are not as steep;

try and speak to someone with experience that has recently done the trip to get a report on track conditions ie. has there been rain recently or is the sand extremely loose?;

and finally what makes it somewhat difficult/slow with a trailer is the scolluping that has ocurred to the dunes, much of it caused by four wheel drivers using incorrect driving techniques. Good luck and have a great trip.

Geoff

Hi Guys,
Your probably not going to like my message, but I would strongly recommend that you do not take the trailer accross the Simpson. I know that lots of people have done it successfully, but there have also been a lot of failures. The scalloping that occurs on the dune faces is largely due to incorrect tyre pressures and people towing trailers. Quite often is the case that when someone towing a trailer can't make it up the dune face, they look for an alternative track or worse still make there own. There are enough environmental issues in the Simpson without making it worse.
National parks in SA would also prefer people to not tow trailers in the Desert. They haven't made it illegal yet, but I am sure the time is drawing closer.
So by all means enjoy the desert, but please, without the trailer!!