Planning trip across to Uluru and the Alice then up to Darwin hopefully using the Outback Way route. Official info sources tell me the problem area is at the WA end and once over the border everything good. Can anyone tell me just how bad this stretch is as I will be towing a caravan and don't fancy shaking it to bits.
Any advice welcome, thanks Davo
Mike C said
02:22 PM Oct 4, 2014
We did it back in 2010 and most was pretty good but like any of these roads it depends on how recently it was graded.
-- Edited by Mike C on Saturday 4th of October 2014 02:22:48 PM
elliemike said
03:12 PM Oct 4, 2014
We did it towing the Avan in 2011. Most of the road on the WA. Side was OK but that also means hundreds of km of corugations in places. Then loose sandy stretches as well as good graded sections. It all depens on what you and your rig consider as "rough"
We found the NT side was by far the worst at that time. (Actually the Mereenie Loop was worse still)
And of course where the graders have not got to.
We would do it again, but some of our companions on that trip suffered damage from not having the van prepared for gravel road travel. We have a presurised van to prevent dust getting in and do a lot of gravel roads. That trip for our van included the Plenty,Donaghue, and Savannah Way as well. With no damage and little dust ingress
Recomend you check
Fridge properly secured, all van seals on doors, widows and vents actually sealing. Block off fridge vents (fridge off) the dust will break your heart if it fills your van. If your drawers and doors are not reinforced they fall apart.
Make sure the stuff in your fridge like bottles and heavy stuff will not damage the fridge as 6 hours of corrugations and vibration can smash polycarbonate shelves and smash bottles.
Secure you micro wave and its glass plate.
We had a great trip as the weather was beutiful and the scenery as well. Wish we had spent more time on the trip as it was magnificent.
Let your tyres down and keep the speed down. It was the speed kings in our party who suffered the damage.
Hope you have a great trip, and remember to get the "Permits" online.
Planning trip across to Uluru and the Alice then up to Darwin hopefully using the Outback Way route. Official info sources tell me the problem area is at the WA end and once over the border everything good. Can anyone tell me just how bad this stretch is as I will be towing a caravan and don't fancy shaking it to bits.
Any advice welcome, thanks Davo
We did it back in 2010 and most was pretty good but like any of these roads it depends on how recently it was graded.
Our experience is on our blog starting here http://mikenshez.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Great%20Central%20Road
Hope it helps
Cheers
Mike
-- Edited by Mike C on Saturday 4th of October 2014 02:22:48 PM
We did it towing the Avan in 2011. Most of the road on the WA. Side was OK but that also means hundreds of km of corugations in places. Then loose sandy stretches as well as good graded sections. It all depens on what you and your rig consider as "rough"
We found the NT side was by far the worst at that time. (Actually the Mereenie Loop was worse still)
And of course where the graders have not got to.
We would do it again, but some of our companions on that trip suffered damage from not having the van prepared for gravel road travel. We have a presurised van to prevent dust getting in and do a lot of gravel roads. That trip for our van included the Plenty,Donaghue, and Savannah Way as well. With no damage and little dust ingress
Recomend you check
Fridge properly secured, all van seals on doors, widows and vents actually sealing. Block off fridge vents (fridge off) the dust will break your heart if it fills your van. If your drawers and doors are not reinforced they fall apart.
Make sure the stuff in your fridge like bottles and heavy stuff will not damage the fridge as 6 hours of corrugations and vibration can smash polycarbonate shelves and smash bottles.
Secure you micro wave and its glass plate.
We had a great trip as the weather was beutiful and the scenery as well. Wish we had spent more time on the trip as it was magnificent.
Let your tyres down and keep the speed down. It was the speed kings in our party who suffered the damage.
Hope you have a great trip, and remember to get the "Permits" online.
Regards
Mike.
How do I get to your blog Oma.