trailers in the victorian high countrycountry

Hi mazcan

I drive 4.8 litre auto patrol; locker rear diff; Goodyear muddies; 2.5 " lift.

I'm happy to lower tyre pressures etc - anything to get traction.

Trailer is a beauty to tow & has same wheels as Patrol; it has good clearance & is built tough.

But I hear your warning/caution & I respect it - that's the beauty of this forum, although not everyone listens attentively.

Cheers

Rick

hi hi rick
if your trailer has electric brakes
together with the said muddies then that would be an advantage
but still risky if the whole lot starts to slide down or sideways as 1.4tns is a fair bit of weight pushing the already heavy patrol on a steep descent if it has overider brakes i would be vary hesitant where as the electrics can be activated earlier
cheers

Thanks Rod,

That sort of experience / advice is most welcome.

is there another way heading to Dargo from the Wonongatta homestead area - i.e. how do I avoid Herne Spur track?

Perhaps that is what you mean when you say out of Wonongatta, up Wombat Range track & thence on to Cynthia range track?

What would your advice be for a suitable trailer route going from Mansfield to Wonongatta ?

I'm from SA and if I can return the favour about SA, NT or WA desert routes, please sing out......

Cheers

Rick

Thanks Andrew & Jen - I had not factored a major track blockage/reversal issue.

Cheers

Thanks Cackles. Will do on the alternate routes.

I'm open to suggestions from you - you'll see my rough intent from the route.

I'm from SA & while I have twice been through the high country, it was ages ago & without a trailer. Trip is planned to take 3 nights ex Mandfield.

My 1.4 t trailer weight is my figure for desert towing for trips up to 3 weeks; it's the figure I carry in my head.

For this trip I obviously don't need 110 litres water or 3 jerries of fuel or that extra 16 days tucker, etc etc. So maybe I'll be 1.2 or 1.1 tonne.

Anyway, it's all gotta be towed & backed & manouvered & it's a deadmass, for sure. Reckon the electric trailer brakes will earn their keep.

Cheers

While you're certainly well setup for the original route Rick if you need an easier way accross from Craig's hut you can take the Cobbler Abbeyard track then into the Gatta via the East Buffalo. Out the bottom never tow up Herne Spur rather take Wombat (Seeing you have a powerfull tow vehicle) or up Hart Spur then down Tee Tree to Pioneer Racecourse. When the rivers are right up or it's pouring rain the options are limited & it's safest to head out of Wonnangatta via the Buffalo or take the Divide Track accross to Selwyn & Jeep Track.
That said you'll still have the issue of meeting others in tight spots which can be minimised if you have a non towing vehicle ahead to warn you otherwise luck of the draw. Good luck on Wombat. That would be a terrible spot to meet an oncoming car.
Have fun.....Craig.

Thanks Craig.

I'll take your advice & delete Herne Spur from the route and keep an alternate route available.
I'll be travelling solo & plan to go late Feb/early March.

Cheers

Rick

Crackles is dead right Rick. Another way (I have taken my trailer this way) is Howqua Track/Brocks road and go to Bluff Hut (great views) Then on to Lovicks hut take the Howitt rd to Howitt Hut. Backtrack a couple of Ks then down Zeka Spur into Wonangatta. Camp the day in Wonangatta valley, heaps of camp sites near the old Ruins (leave the trailer) and drive up Hernes spur and back down Wombat to Humphries then back into Wonangatta. This will give you a look at Wombat for your trip up with the trailer and is an intersting drive. Next day (hook up the trailer and up Wombat to Cynthia then you have the choice of going down Station track into Talbotville or Eaglevale track to Eaglevale. Station track is steep Eaglevale track fairly easy.
You can have problems on narrow sections if you meet oncoming but I have always managed to get around without too much trouble. Take your time and enjoy some of the best country in Australlia

Cheers Rod

Thanks Leigh.

That suggestion of a base camp was starting to form in my mind. That is, get somewhere easy-ish & radiate on day trips from there.

Cheers

Rick

Nice day for a picnic indeed!!!!!

Thanks for the advice about weather & reversing.

I have told my travelling mates to be prepared for the worst in terms of local weather and importantly the rapid fluctuations of local weather.

I usually back almost anything on the mirrors & have no issues; but a slippery track with twists & turns & drainage lines, humps, etc & etc for some kilometres ??? Dunno about that.

Cheers

Rick