Towing a small van Innamincka to Birdsville?

No problem if he drives to the conditions unless it rains, make sure your rear window is protected from stones

When driving on these sort of dirt roads if anything is to break or be damaged it is the trailer. Several hundred km of them will put a lot of strain on a pop-top designed for flat bitumen work.

Just been on the Gibb River Road, after it's graded is an easy scenic drive and we saw many (10-12) so called off-road trailers with broken springs, axles and bearings. Think of the stress an on-road trailer would be under, you wouldn't want it to break half way up the Strzlecki.

Try it if you want but I have warned you that you may get some dirty looks from other well prepared travellers who would feel obliged to help out if the pop-top breaks.

Barnesy

Most owners of On-Road vans do less maintenance then people who have off road vans.

Tyres are the biggest concern with age and condition.

You shouldn't have any problem travelling carefully, to the conditions. Make sure the rear window of the towing vehicle is covered in something to stop the gibbers from flinging up from towing vehicles hitting the towed vehicle and back onto back windscreen - nasty and expensive when a piece of cardboard can solve the problem for little cost. Make sure there are two spare wheels/tyres (depends whether trailer and vehicle take same wheels of course) - carry extra fittings for the water tank/hoses (stones invariably knock these off) - lower tyre pressure when you get onto the gibbers/rocky sections to allow a bit of give.
Generally, don't fret about it all just get in an have a go - you'll enjoy the scenery. Which road - that depends? From Innamincka - up the Arrabury Road turn left to Birdsville or the Cordillo Downs Road, past Cadelga Ruins and turn left for Birdsville. Maybe through Walkers Crossing if you want some adventure, turn right onto Birdsville Track and into Bdv. Depends what types of country you want to see. Happy travelling.

Would only take an off road model out there. While out there in April we went to the dump at Innamincka to empty our rubbish. Couldnt believe the amount of caravan parts in the tip including a brand new microwave. Arabury road to Birdsville is probably it. Best roads into Innamincka is the bore track and old strz track. Which dosnt leave you many options. Depends on how much he loves his van and how good your back yard mechanic skills are.

I saw an Avan on the Town Common last week!

It's just a case of drive to the conditions.My old 1980 van -pop top 11ft6 has just done the Tanami road and one of OZ's best drives the rail track from Tom Price to Dampier without any damage at all.Great to be able to jump inyo the little coocoon when the elements get a bit unkind.Go and enjoy -just take your time!
Cheers,
Mary