Hello,
I intend to cross the Simpson Desert towing my Hall's off road camper. There are many and varied blogs about towing trailers across the Simpson. I would like to hear from someone who has actually done it - what you did or didn't do and what you would do differently next time.....
Simpson Desert
Moderators: krp102, Coxy68, robcaz
Re: Simpson Desert
Hi David,
While there is currently no ban on towing a trailer through the Simpson Desert, the South Australian Department of Environment & Heritage advise that trailers are not towed through the Simpson Desert. They ask if you must tow a trailer the best option is the Rig Road which is also becoming more difficult as the clay capping slowly breaks up & with many sand drifts across the road.
While there is currently no ban on towing a trailer through the Simpson Desert, the South Australian Department of Environment & Heritage advise that trailers are not towed through the Simpson Desert. They ask if you must tow a trailer the best option is the Rig Road which is also becoming more difficult as the clay capping slowly breaks up & with many sand drifts across the road.
happy camping
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
Rob & Carol
Australian CamperTrailers Group co-owner
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
-
Ern_Reeders
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 2:16 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Simpson Desert
Towing a CT makes the tracks worse than they are - you need extra power going up the sand ridges and that exacerbates the corrugations. If you run out of traction, you can't avoid digging moguls of some size. Backing down takes time and care to avoid jack knifing, and depending on the time and route, you can expect to be holding up other drivers. They will give you frank opinions on the radio.
In short, it is and will out there be seen to be a selfish option.
Your CT and tug will also take a pounding. There's no shortage of CTs that fail.
It isn't hard to camp out in the Simpson. Doesn't rain often! I've done two crossings that way.
In short, it is and will out there be seen to be a selfish option.
Your CT and tug will also take a pounding. There's no shortage of CTs that fail.
It isn't hard to camp out in the Simpson. Doesn't rain often! I've done two crossings that way.
Cheers, Ern
Pioneer Argyle SE and Isuzu MU-X
Pioneer Argyle SE and Isuzu MU-X
Re: Simpson Desert
G'day David
I have Driven across the simpson via the French line twice west to east, both times towing a trailer. In 1999 in a Suzuki sierra towing a trailer that had a gross weight of approx. 450kg, then in 2013 in a Hyundai terracan diesil towing a small camper with a gross weight of approx. 900kg. That was the weight of the trailers when we left Oodnadatta.In my opinion the secret to crossing the simpson (or any soft sand) is low tyre pressures, both the tug and the trailer. If you run your tyre pressures low (and I mean low) and take it steady you shouldn't damage the track. On the last trip we had two vehicles both towing campers and took four full days for the crossing. On the second afternoon we stopped to camp (about 4.30pm) and the fella's decided to watch a couple of vehicles coming toward us cross a big dune. They were doing it hard and chopping the track up a bit.I suggested to one of the drivers that if they lowered their tyre pressures a bit it might be easier on the vehicles, only to be told you've got to be careful doing that it can damage your tyres. On the third day we had stopped for lunch and the radio indicated that a convoy of five vehicles was coming toward us. this convoy consisted of v8 Toyota utes and wagons that used their power to churn up the dune, they then stopped to chat. I asked why their tyre pressures were so high and was told "we don't need to lower our pressures because we all have plenty of grunt". When the effect on the track was mentioned, the comment was we're on a trip around Australia and its not our fault. these were mature age people like myself. So before the condition of the track is put down to campers a little research is required. At the same time I am sure there are some camper owners with the same unexceptable mind set. So David provided your trailer is not too heavy and you are sensible you should enjoy your trip.
I have Driven across the simpson via the French line twice west to east, both times towing a trailer. In 1999 in a Suzuki sierra towing a trailer that had a gross weight of approx. 450kg, then in 2013 in a Hyundai terracan diesil towing a small camper with a gross weight of approx. 900kg. That was the weight of the trailers when we left Oodnadatta.In my opinion the secret to crossing the simpson (or any soft sand) is low tyre pressures, both the tug and the trailer. If you run your tyre pressures low (and I mean low) and take it steady you shouldn't damage the track. On the last trip we had two vehicles both towing campers and took four full days for the crossing. On the second afternoon we stopped to camp (about 4.30pm) and the fella's decided to watch a couple of vehicles coming toward us cross a big dune. They were doing it hard and chopping the track up a bit.I suggested to one of the drivers that if they lowered their tyre pressures a bit it might be easier on the vehicles, only to be told you've got to be careful doing that it can damage your tyres. On the third day we had stopped for lunch and the radio indicated that a convoy of five vehicles was coming toward us. this convoy consisted of v8 Toyota utes and wagons that used their power to churn up the dune, they then stopped to chat. I asked why their tyre pressures were so high and was told "we don't need to lower our pressures because we all have plenty of grunt". When the effect on the track was mentioned, the comment was we're on a trip around Australia and its not our fault. these were mature age people like myself. So before the condition of the track is put down to campers a little research is required. At the same time I am sure there are some camper owners with the same unexceptable mind set. So David provided your trailer is not too heavy and you are sensible you should enjoy your trip.
Re: Simpson Desert
We've crossed the Simpson Desert six times.
Rule No1 when crossing is lower your tyre pressure that way you will float over the dunes and it's so much easier on your vehicle.
Rule No 2, Fly a sandflag, in fact that is now mandatory.
Rule No, 3 Use your radio often as it's busy. Most people run on Channel 10.
We have towed a trailer twice. The first time was a light onroad camper that we towed across the Rig Route and we were complete novices. The last time was when we did the Hay River Track and we towed a Vista RV Crossover.
My understanding is that the Rig Route has been graded. It was certainly being graded when we did the Hay River Track in 2014. We would not tow via the French Line or the WAA Line. As stated earlier it is not recommended to tow trailers. We've crossed the Simpson in the following vehicles, Jackaroo (petrol), 80 Series Toyota, Troopy and Prado. The latter three were all diesel.
It's a good trip, but take your time.
Di
Rule No1 when crossing is lower your tyre pressure that way you will float over the dunes and it's so much easier on your vehicle.
Rule No 2, Fly a sandflag, in fact that is now mandatory.
Rule No, 3 Use your radio often as it's busy. Most people run on Channel 10.
We have towed a trailer twice. The first time was a light onroad camper that we towed across the Rig Route and we were complete novices. The last time was when we did the Hay River Track and we towed a Vista RV Crossover.
My understanding is that the Rig Route has been graded. It was certainly being graded when we did the Hay River Track in 2014. We would not tow via the French Line or the WAA Line. As stated earlier it is not recommended to tow trailers. We've crossed the Simpson in the following vehicles, Jackaroo (petrol), 80 Series Toyota, Troopy and Prado. The latter three were all diesel.
It's a good trip, but take your time.
Di
Re: Simpson Desert
My wife Sandy and I have crossed the Simpson Desert nine (9) times in various directions, and have covered every track in the desert at one time or another. We are doing another crossing in July this year. We have never towed a trailer despite owning two of them. As previously advised QLD Parks advise against towing due to track damage, and yes I know that irresponsible vehicle only drivers can do as much or more damage with incorrect tyre pressures. Having towed a trailer in soft sand with very low pressures I can assure you that it is a lot more difficult than you would believe, and is much harder on the towing vehicle. The conditions in the desert can vary greatly as well due to the amount of traffic or weather conditions. If you insist on towing a trailer, I would only consider the Rig Road east to west as an option, with access via the Warburton Track(if it's open and the crossing is passable - it can be difficult), not QAA/K1 Line. All that said, I still strongly advise against it. Cheers Terry