Dirt Roads

jimricho · Guru

Dirt Roads

robkim · Veteran Member

travling on dirt roads....? How does our van go ....And what do you do to prepare/ ?

Onedodger · Guru

We do not mind dirt/gravel roads at all.

Preparation, 1. We make sure that all parts under the van are protected as best as we can.

2. Make sure the interior of the van is packed so that things do not move around.

3. Reduce tyre pressures according to the terrain traversed. For us the reduction is 5psi for good gravel roads 8psi for corrugated roads and 10psi for tracks. Even more if negotiating sand.

4. When traversing these roads reduce the speed as well and one must drive to conditions.

5. Make sure that you have adequate provisions as road closures do occur after rain.

6. In a rain event that has a decent downpour we stop and find a place to wait the weather out.

7. As always use a reliable and capable tug. With plenty of fuel capacity as fuel economy goes out the door when roads are wet.

8. Carry good paper maps to assist the Navigator be it plastic or Human.

By doing all this our whole rig handles back roads with ease.

Last of all take it easy, talk to locals and you will enjoy the experience.

Yuglamron · Guru

I did hear a long time ago to wipe the outside of the van with a good silicone spray before hitting the dirt road.

I will be honest I have never done so and really don't know if it works.

I am sure there are seasoned travellers on here who would know it it is worthwhile.

It's supposed to keep the red stuff from staining the Duco?

Onedodger · Guru

AS my van is a poptop I take it into a car wash and spray it with wax only.

Then the next time it is washed by hand it is also shined. It helps if you get a twig branch scrape down the side. Goes for the tug as well.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Are we talking about the dirt roads of 20km or so into Nationl Parks campgrounds, or the Tanami Track?

jimricho · Guru

That's an excellent summary from Onedodger.

One thing to add is to pack bottles, cans, jars, etc that contain food and/or liquid in a manner to contain the spillage from any breakages or leaks. e.g. in say a plastic box. That way if a spillage occurs it's easy to clean up.

Drink cans can be a problem on very badly corrugated roads as they can rub through and leak. Stubbies travel ok if they're packed in shrink wrap. When packed loose in an esky or car fridge I've found it advisable to go over the twist tops and nip them up with a set of multigrips (or whatever)

Jim

Beth54 · Guru

I've always driven on dirt roads, and never let the fact that I don't have a 4WD stop me. But there are dirt roads and there are dirt roads...

A dirt road, or slightly sandy, or road base type is okay, but I've learnt not to go on gravel roads with big stones, after busting a hole in my water tank.

I just have to keep in mind that the Lucy and Lulu are low and drive accordingly. And make sure everything is secure, of course.

Ron and Shirley · Senior Member

Only one thing I would add to Onedodgers excellent post.

If you have the option of 4WD, slip it into 4WD High for better handling in the dirt.

wendyv · Guru

Screw top jars in the fridge (e.g. olives, capers,) can have the lids come off on long dirt road spells. I used to put each of these in a ziplock sandwich bag before such travel.

If likely to meet corrugations, check beforehand how well braced your fridge door is. Ours originally had the two hinge posts on one side, and a top fastener on the unhinged side. First time up the Oodnadatta Track, the movement on the unhinged lower corner caused a hinge post to give way and the door fell off. Was a lovely mix of stuff all over the van floor! We solved it, after that, by having a fastener in the lower part of the door, too, so all four corners were secured.