Friday, Jan 25, 2008 at 18:48
Hi Jackie,
1. I wouldn't take a Jayco expanda onto a gravel road, let alone the never ending corrugations of the
Cape York trip.
An off-road camper trailer, however, is definately possible. We took the Campomatic up the OTL track behind the Jackaroo, and had no problems at all.
Didn't go down Gunshot, and a different year/month could have made it impassable, so you don't really know until you go.
2. It would be useful to do at least a 4WD taining at a club. However, our convoy of 2 cars/camper trailers increased to 3 at Moreton Station - a couple in a Patrol (no trailer, no 4WD experience) asked if we were going up the OTL and if so could they tag along as they were novices.
They were great company, got through all the creeks under guidance, and on the return they took the OTL south as
well, while we took the bypasses.
So it's not hard when it's not too wet. It can get very hard though. But there's always someone who will help, too.
3. It's been a long time since I've had 2 kids under 4, but the parents are the boss, and the kids will have a great time, especially in the water at Fruitbat Falls,
Twin Falls, and all the creek crossings.
Do be on the alert for snakes, though. There are plenty.
Allow at least 3-4 weeks, kids will probably be better if they can "settle" a bit before moving on too often.
4. No interest here in tag-along tours, too much of an individualist.
5. Just do it.
Try and pick a vehicle with a
snorkel, but these are not essential. We helped a few people through the deeper crossings by using blinds and keeping the speed right.
Don't store stuff that doesn't like water low in the car. If you happen to get stuck in the middle of Nolans Brook, the stuff on the floor will drown!
Try and have a tow rope ready on this crossing so a good samaritan can hook you up and pull you through just in case !
AnswerID:
283782
Follow Up By: simplelife - Friday, Jan 25, 2008 at 20:30
Friday, Jan 25, 2008 at 20:30
The van is an outback model. Does that change you opinion, or do you still think it is unsuitable. Can you elaboate why you think this, so that I can do some more research please?
FollowupID:
548448
Follow Up By: deserter - Friday, Jan 25, 2008 at 20:54
Friday, Jan 25, 2008 at 20:54
I did the trip a couple months back. Left the van at
Mareeba then camped the rest of the way. The OTL is a must if you want to experience the old track type conditions. We followed that up. Couple deeper crossings but not so bad later in the season - as we were. You will find them deeper in June. Didn't bother with 4x4 classes - take things easy and its no probs.
We needed to get back in a hurry and came back from the Tip to
Marreeba down the development roads in 2 days. Bad corrugation in
places though.
FollowupID:
548458
Follow Up By: Gerhardp1 - Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 at 10:29
Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 at 10:29
Hi Jackie,
The Jayco outback is still not suitable for the trip, in my opinion.
I queried the Jayco salesperson at the Sandown Caravan show a few years ago, and he basically said the
suspension and subframe were up to the
Cape York task, but the cupboards, etc would fall to bits.
There is plenty of anecdotal rambling that would support that view.
There's not much point taking a van part of the way and camping the rest - with 2 littlies, you might as
well camp all the way and save money by not buying a van at all.
FollowupID:
548527