Simpson crossing

Everything!

You name it and they get it/have it.

bad fuel maybe from colourful fuel stops just before you enter the desert from the west.... that problem affected me in 2004...

None

Normally bad drivers have breakdowns.

Mate, you will be number 50,000 plus person to cross the Simpson so its a well worn track.

Lower your tyre pressures to suit and don't rush the dunes and yer'll be right.

Suspension/shocks are usually the first to give any trouble on any vehicle followed by cooling system problems and tyres, all due to poor maintenance usually or driver error/abuse.
If you maintain/service it yourself fix/service everything that needs doing before you leave, much easier to do it at home than on the track.
If not mechanically minded get it checked by a reliable workshop.
Remember that the vehicle will be fully loaded/overloaded, travelling on rough roads and in tougher conditions than the school run ;-))
Allow plenty of time to cover the distances involved and don't push it as fatigue and travelling too fast for the conditions cause most of the tyre and vehicle problems.

If it's during school hols. it'll be as busy as Pitt Street.!! If it's your first foray into the unknown, as you have apprehension, why not do it with a (reputable) tag-a-long group !!

A pre-trip inspection by a 4wd workshop is very cheap insurance. If you need to get towed out f the Simpson, it will cost you a few thousand dollars, and that hurts more if the problem was preventable.

RE GQ breakdowns: Most problems with vehicles are from aftermarket installations, like electrical and suspensions, fuel tanks.

The Simpson is an easy trip if you have prepared your vehicle, don't overload it, lower your tyre pressures below 20 and drive it slow and sensibly. And the stony tracks either side need to be respected as well - thats where people wreck tyres.

We did a Simpson crossing in July 2005 in a GQ and didn't have any problems whatsoever. We had 2 Hiluxes travelling with us and the only trouble that they had was one recieved a broken windscreen from a vehicle and trailer that was travelling to fast in the opposite direction and throwing up stones. This was on the road between Mt Dare and Dalhousie Springs.

Mrs S

HI CHIPS WE CROSSED LAST MAY, NO PROBS ACCEPT WE NEARLY CLEANED UP A GU WITH NO FLAG ,IF WE DIDNT HAVE ONE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY MESSY ,ALSO WATCH OUT FOR BAD FUEL.

All good advice but a couple of additional items for consideration.

Desert Parks Pass. You need one. Get it well in advance and given it looks as if it is your first time in the Simpson then read all the information in the handbook as it is very useful. Study the maps and decide which way you want to go.

As per other comments in July/any holiday it will be very busy which can be frustrating, dangerous and useful if you need help and are travelling alone (not recommended)

Ensure you have a sat phone or HF for communications

Sand flag is mandatory and make sure it is mounted with plenty of height above the vehicle. Make one yourself or buy a two piece one from any reputable 4WD accessory shop.

Spare tyre and puncture repair kit. Take both although you may not use it if you have not got it then you probably will. Murphy's rule one!

Travelling West to East is easier but it all depends on track conditions etc. At this stage the Simpson is closed and will probably remain that way for some time given the amount of rain the area has had. So check the following site for conditions regularly http://www.parks.sa.gov.au/publish/groups/public/@parks/@desertparks/documents/all/parks_pdfs_des_parks_bulletin.pdf. It also has a link to the road conditions report which you also need to check.

Have a great trip

Regards

RobA

Most people overload their cars & drive too fast (me included) for a simpson trip so the main areas to watch are wheel bearings (have them repacked if it's been a while) springs, shocks & bushes. After market assesories often fail with CB's, dual battery systems & fridges being regular offenders. Some spare wire, fuses & a soldering iron often gets them going. Although not as common as it used to be you can still get bad fuel so spare filters are a necesessity. Doesn't matter what brand car you drive, all can have bolts vibrate out or snap off so a selection of metric bolts & nuts are good insurance. Slip down to the wreckers & pick up a whole icecream container full for $5 :-) Tyres of course should ideally have 50%+ tread to minimise flats.
If you have your car gone over prior to the trip by a 4x4 mechanic with some preventitive maintenace then most Patrols 'Normally' don't break down ;-)
Cheers Craig..............