french or waa across the simo?

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 at 08:46

ThreadID: 70258 Views:2306 Replies:3 FollowUps:0

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Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert can be crossed via the French Line, WAA line or Rig Road. This trek provides a route using a combination of all 3 routes.

Simpson Desert

Section: Treks

The Simpson Desert can be crossed via the French Line, WAA line or Rig Road. This trek provides a route using a combination of all 3 routes.

jeff360

leaving soon (2weeks) to go across, original plan was to take the waa line across as we have one car in the group towing a trailer and advice we have was dont take it on the french tk, but have read on this forum and others that it is extra soft this year with the park being closed longer and that waa has big/many blow outs,

So the question is, would the french tk be an option now for the trailer as traditionally the french is rougher but may be not this year?
The theory is more traffic = not as soft = the easer of the 2 tracks this year.

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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 at 13:54

Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 at 13:54

Hi Jeff
The French Line will never change. Everyone wants to tackle this track = more cut up and a little slower. The WAA is a great track, less people use it and is usually in better condition.

Why not give them both a go, that way you will know the better for when you are actually out there.

Have a great Simpson Trip.

Cheers

Stephen

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AnswerID: 372461

Reply By: RobAck - Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 at 17:33

Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 at 17:33

You get to the WAA by travelling along either the Rig Road or the French Line. All reports of the FL this year indicate it has not changed, rough and tough as usual. This track always puts lots of pressure on vehicles alone and we would never recommen taking a trailer on it. Use the Rig Road to the WAA and then try that but that track is also getting quite cut up with idiots still not lowering their tyre pressures enough so you may also be challenged with the trailer here as well

If you contemplate what you will need to do if something on the trailer breaks it may guide your approach to this crossing and the tracks you select

Apart from that the Simpson is always a great place to visit

Regards

RobA

AnswerID: 372489

Reply By: Crackles - Wednesday, Jul 01, 2009 at 08:34

Wednesday, Jul 01, 2009 at 08:34

Jeff by the time you leave the school holiday crowd will have crossed so most of the wind blown crests will have been knocked down & compacted. Usually the western approachs on the French Line will be cut up badly from those with over inflated tyres. Either way is OK for towing at this time of year as long as you don't overload the trailer, reduce tyre pressures right down & have a reasonably powerful tow vehicle. Have a great trip.
Cheers Craig........

AnswerID: 372573