Oodnadatta track

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 18:11
ThreadID: 42910 Views:2662 Replies:9 FollowUps:1
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is it possible to travel the track between may and august towing a caravan if you take it easy?
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 18:20

Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 18:20
Malcolm
Should be no problems if you have it prepared correctly, and if it's an off roader, there are many vans in the area during the tourist season , One thing I will warn you about , COVER the rear window of the towing vehicle with Perspex if you want to see through it. I used Beer Cartons taped to the window , Reason is that stones bounce of the front of the van and bleep ter it , then all the Bulldust will get in

Doug
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AnswerID: 225251

Reply By: Vince NSW - Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 18:20

Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 18:20
If you take it easy and look out for wash outs if the grader has not been through .
Winter is the busy time out there so there sohuld be a reasonab;le surface if there is no rain. If it rains DON"T try.
Vince
AnswerID: 225252

Reply By: Crackles - Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 21:45

Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 21:45
By "Caravan" I suppose you mean road going Van???
Well it is possible & depending on the vans design & it's construction is how much damage you may do to it. The general run of the mill van often hasn't got suitable suspension, stone protection or tyres. Road conditions change regually depending on when the grader has gone through & how much local rain they get. I'd suggest looking under your van for it's rough road suitability & checking current conditions just prior to leaving.
Cheers Craig.............
AnswerID: 225303

Reply By: Member - nrb1748 (VIC) - Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 22:33

Sunday, Mar 04, 2007 at 22:33
Adjust the tyre pressures down. Keep the speed to suit the conditions. Be prepared for punctures - carry either a repair kit or an extra spare wheel.
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AnswerID: 225312

Reply By: Wizard1 - Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 09:58

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 09:58
PROTECT THE UNDERSIDE AND FRONT OF THE VAN FROM STONE DAMAGE.

1. Make sure you have a bash plate on your water tank.

2. Ensure all underside wiring/plumbing is out of the way of potential rock strike or protected.

3. Protect the rear window of your vehicle from rocks bouncing off the van front.

We travelled it a few years backand got a lot of damage..so lesson learned.
AnswerID: 225365

Reply By: StephenF10 - Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 11:22

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 11:22
Is there a speed below which damage from bouncing stones is (nearly) eliminated? I have an on-road van but would be happy to mooch along at, say, 60 km/hr on roads like the Oodnadatta, Strezlecki or Birdsville tracks if it meant that I could do so without much damage.
AnswerID: 225382

Follow Up By: Max - Sydney - Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 21:51

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 21:51
StephenF10

When ever i see on road vans in amazing places off road the drivers tell me they just amble in at 10 ks. The construction is light, no stone protection, low clearances and tyres are generally pretty cheap.

Odd times i will drag the van 3 kms in from the bitumen at 10 ks if i reckon the road is smooth. But I'd sooner just do a day trip without the van and enjoy the off roading.

Max
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Reply By: Diver1 - Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 13:51

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 13:51
Went through track in sept 06...like a hwy!!! but it can change very quikly...take it easy, you'll be right.

Laura
AnswerID: 225423

Reply By: Warrie - Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 17:57

Monday, Mar 05, 2007 at 17:57
Gidday Malcolm, we did the track from Maree to William Ck and then across to Coober Pedy in Aug 05. Go into Treks then Oodnadatta Tk then click on each waypoint you will see pix of the road and its conditions. We put cardboard on the tailgate window, left it on for too long and now have rub marks on the glass. Probably didn't need to as the front of the van has a soft stone guard which absorbs the energy.Also the tailgate below the window has no obvious chips in the paint so maybe not too many stones were rebounding onto the 4WD. Cheers,Warrie.
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AnswerID: 225456

Reply By: Member - Malcolm M (VIC) - Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007 at 12:28

Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007 at 12:28
hi,
I would like to thank all who replied to my query on the Oodnadatta track it has given me some thought and ideas. the wife was a bit hesitant when she read some of the answers. have been reading other info and found it all very interesting .once again thank you all.
Mal
AnswerID: 225789

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