Early stages of trip planning

Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003 at 21:59
ThreadID: 9091 Views:2662 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
This Thread has been Archived
Hi all,

I'm in the early stages of planning a trip (4-6 weeks) for August/September 2004.

Part of the trip is to include a Simpson Desert crossing and a visit to the Birdsville Races without about 10 other 4wd's.

My dilema is that I have just purchased a camper trailer and am under the impression that taking a camper trailer over the Simpson is a no no.

If I want to leave Melbourne with the camper trailer and head to Dalhousie, then cross the Simpson to get to Birdsville without the Camper. What do i do with the camper and how do I get back to collect the camper. Ideally I would want to continue after Birdsville to continue the trip.

The other possibility would be to get to Birdsville Races with the Camper, cross the Simpson and continue our trip up to Darwin. How do I collect the camper from Birdsville ?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Phil P

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Reply By: Member - DickyBeach - Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003 at 22:47

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003 at 22:47
Phil,
Have a look at ID:7590
DB
AnswerID: 39905

Reply By: Phil P - Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003 at 22:56

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2003 at 22:56
Interesting reading, my CT is a 10 year old Aussie Swag. The article describes my style of driving and gives me confidence that I should be able to cross the Simpson with the Patrol & CT.
AnswerID: 39911

Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 18:42

Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 18:42
Phil you could take a camper over the simpson as long as its a good quality one and made for that type of trip.
There are many brands off road campers but only a few cut the mustard.
If you take your time and have correct tyre preasures it should not be a problem.

All the best
Eric

4x4 tag alongs to the cape and beyond

www.capeyorkconnections.com.auCape York Connections
AnswerID: 39981

Follow Up By: Phil P - Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 22:09

Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 22:09
Hi Eric,

How do I know if my camper would cut the mustard ?

It's a 10 year old Aussie Swag, Leaf springs with Shock absorbers, long draw bar, tregg coupling & heaps of checkerplate underneath.

Regards
Phil P
0
FollowupID: 257621

Follow Up By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Sunday, Dec 14, 2003 at 06:38

Sunday, Dec 14, 2003 at 06:38
Phil at the moment I can think what the Aussie swag looks like.
Does the draw bar go all the way to the rear as in like a full frame .
Are the welds just a tak type or are they a continuas . How are the shocks attached to the trailer do they look good and strong in these areas. Are you confident of taking the trailer. One thing that always brings trucks and trailers undone is not correct tyre preasure and over loaded.
Hope this has been a bit helpfull
All the best
EricCape York Connections
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FollowupID: 257783

Reply By: Phil G - Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 21:15

Thursday, Dec 11, 2003 at 21:15
I'd take a tent as well and do a double crossing from Birdsville. You could take the QAA and French Line over, restock in Oodnadatta or Mt Dare, see a few of the sites over there and come back via the WAA Line and maybe down the K1 line to the Warburton and back to Birdsville.
AnswerID: 39998

Reply By: Member - Des Lexik(SA) - Friday, Dec 12, 2003 at 13:00

Friday, Dec 12, 2003 at 13:00
G'day Phil, the reason that National Parks discourage the towing of trailers across the Simpson is the additional damage they do to the track. Many people have done it before but if you are unfortunate to be travelling behind the trailer it will make your crossing that much harder.
Most important thing is to keep tyre pressures down and especially the trailer.
It is a great trip across there and if possible take your time. A minimum of 5 nights if you want to see things properly.ne cede malis
AnswerID: 40054

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