I am looking at a trip to Armidale at the end of the month and thinking of going via Glouster up the Thunderbolt way we will be towing a 21 foot van and i am wondering what the road is like between Glouster and Walcha any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I travel this road regularly and don't have any major problem with my little rig....However.... I'm reluctant to recommend it to you as you're towing a much larger rig and do not have the advantage of knowing the road.
The road from Gloucester to Nowendoc is a bit narrow and winding in places and has a long steep climb rising nearly 1000 metres. From Nowendoc to Armidale is not a problem.
Used to live in Armidale and made trip across to coast with parents towing an 16ft (I think) chesney with a HK and later early 302 fairlane (early 70'S) and made it. looks like you have a 200 series so slow trip with care should be Ok!
I would still put a ? on the pulling up a van that size. Used to live in Gloucester for several years and used the road. It would also depend on the temp of the day. Gloucester can be very hot. It is a very pretty drive though.
Major hill is 6k long and depending which way your travelling is either up or down........when I come down from Walcha I go to low range at the truck safety ramp in order to preserve brakes and works fine for me........when up, suggest low range as well if necessary, does depend on weight of van and engine HP of tug............agree with others a very pretty drive with sealed road which was subject to some rain water damage earlier this year.
Ohh....almost forgot, road signs advise gradient is 10 & 15 degrees on the 2 major hills, so pretty steep.........2 great camping spots at Glory Vale next to river and the larger one known as Bretti Reserve, shown as # 340 & 341 in CAW or were the last time I checked.
I am looking at a trip to Armidale at the end of the month and thinking of going via Glouster up the Thunderbolt way we will be towing a 21 foot van and i am wondering what the road is like between Glouster and Walcha any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Aussietraveller that is the way we travel to and from Sydney. We just took our 24' van on that road and had no trouble whatsoever. Just take it easy and you will be fine it is windy type road but it cuts the trip down so much than going the Tamworth way trust me. We live in Inverell so I know the road quite well. Hope that helps you to make your decision.
I am looking at a trip to Armidale at the end of the month and thinking of going via Glouster up the Thunderbolt way we will be towing a 21 foot van and i am wondering what the road is like between Glouster and Walcha any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Aussietraveller that is the way we travel to and from Sydney. We just took our 24' van on that road and had no trouble whatsoever. Just take it easy and you will be fine it is windy type road but it cuts the trip down so much than going the Tamworth way trust me. We live in Inverell so I know the road quite well. Hope that helps you to make your decision.
Michelle
I think that's probably a fair assessment of the road. I didn't want the responsibility of giving it an ok and then for David to get any nasty surprises. I think there is now enough information in the thread for David to make a decision based on his own judgment and his confidence in his rig to handle a long steep climb without overheating.
