towing on the canning stock route

Submitted: Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:32
ThreadID: 86294 Views:3838 Replies:8 FollowUps:6
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Has anyone taken a camper trailer on the canning stock route. Speaking to a guy who has been regularly taking bikes out that way with a group said they always take a trailer with the bikes on, then put drums of fuel on the trailer and do the track! Any comments from serious 4x4 drivers
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Reply By: CSeaJay - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:06

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:06
I am a serios 4wd'r so I gueass I may reply
I have also done the CSR

You can take a trailer but I would strongly recommend you don't.

CJ
AnswerID: 454346

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:31

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:31
Why ?
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Reply By: Time - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:23

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:23
Did it in 2008 with a group that included two trailers.

Low tyre pressures and a recovery vehicle in front of each trailer worked fine. When the trailers got stuck (usually just before the crest of a big dune) a quick hook up with a tow line (not snatch strap) and they where pulled over with no problems.

The trick was to stop the towing vehicle before the wheels started to spin and dig in, no damage to the track and no need for a snatch (and the dangers that go with that).

Would I do the CSR (or any sandy desert) alone with a trailer, no. Would I tow a trailer with a support vehicle, no. To me it seemed too much of a chore and I wouldn't enjoy the drive. I save my trailer for country where I have something other than loose sand beneath me.

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Reply By: Member - Duncs - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:35

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 13:35
When I was planning my trip to Cape York I was told not to take a trailer. You won't get through, it's more trouble than it's worth, etc, etc.

I took it anyway. Yes I accomodate it in the way I drive, I think about an obstacle before I approach it and all the sensible stuff. Same when I crossed the Simpson. I hardly spun a wheel in the desert.

In touring Australia I have never encountered an obstacle that I could not get over or around with my trailer. Provided the trailer is purpose built and well maintained and driven by a competant person it should be OK.

Would I take my trailer on the Canning? Well my trip planning has not taken me there yet but my experience, and I have been towing the trailer for 15 years, says why not? It would have to be a very compelling argument to stop me.

Duncs

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Follow Up By: Brian Purdue - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 20:17

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 20:17
Dunc, you sound like my sort of bloke. Think before you go and you make it avery time -- or almost. Too many place great faith in big motors and oversized tyres. Many routes were pioneered in 4 cylinder Chevs and Fords that had no or little trouble. Enjoy your travels and I hope to read many posts from you!
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Follow Up By: Member - Bucky - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:33

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:33
Goo call Duncs !

Cheers
Bucky
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Reply By: Member - Barry H (WA) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:06

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:06
Hydeway,

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that CT's are banned from Well 5 (Carnarvon Range Turnoff) to Wiluna.


Barry H
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Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:25

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:25
Barry,

That is correct, from Well 5 south you are on a cattle station. The owners of the property do not want vehicles towing any form of trailers to use there tracks that are part of the CSR.

If you are towing, you can after paying a fee, use the station tracks that will take you from Well 5 to Wiluna and visa versa.

Wayne
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Reply By: Member - Rob D (NSW) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:51

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 16:51
I towed my Ultimate on the Canning with a LC 100 auto a few years ago and did not look like getting stuck at any point. I remained in high range the whole time. I did see others getting stuck with their trailers; they all seemed to be manuals in low range. I have other friends who have taken a trailer along the Canning without incident. I would estimate that on my trip, almost every second vehicle had a trailer in tow.

I took the diversion from Willuna to Well 5.
If you relax at a faster pace you can get more relaxation in for a given time.
Regards Rob

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Follow Up By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:30

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:30
An auto MAY be able to manage the dunes in high range, a manual cannot and will damage the track, especially if towing. The problem with most people who claim to do such trips easily is they never look behind at the destruction they cause.
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Reply By: hydeaway - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 17:40

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 17:40
Thanks for comments. Will take them on board
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Reply By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:27

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:27
Don't do it. Not worth it
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Reply By: Member - Bucky - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:06

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:06
hideaway

We did the CSR in 2009 with trailers, and had no trouble at all. But wou cannot do well 1, thru to well 4, as they are banned from that section.

My trailer is a Trak Shak, and Vivien C and Ray's was an Outback camper, and Baille's ( no camper)
What camper trailer do you have ?
Make sure you camper is up to it, and that the suspension is capable of surviving. ie talk to other owners of the same CT as what you have, and chat to them.

Drop your tyres down, 12psi front, 15 psi rear, and 12 in the camper, and leave them there for the entire trip...15 - 20 km/hr is fast enuf, and occasioonally get to 40km/hr. (no faster)
I buggered up on 3 dunes, and each time it was my own fault..being a bit slack, and each time I reversed back, and had a little more momentum. Not once did we even look like being snatched over a dune.


The bigger dunes don't really happen till after Well 17, so you can get your technique right, on the smaller ones, before that.
When tackling dunes you will find it relatively easy, as you will feel the vehicle lift up onto the top of the sand. Not quiet as dramatic as a speed boat as it lifts out of the water on take off, but never the less you can feel this happen.

Do not use those stupid run up's, as if you have your tyres set at the right pressures, you will just eat up the dunes. The run ups are for the idiots who do not drop tyre pressures, as they believe that speed is the only way you will get over the dunes.

Keep 1 tyre across from the wheel ruts, as this will stop you "porposing" (bouncing), and hence loosing momentum.


Just do your homework and take your time

Cheers
Bucky





AnswerID: 454419

Follow Up By: TTTSA - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 09:21

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 09:21
About the best advice i've seen Bucky on sand and campers.
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