STIRLING SERIES
46
HANDY TIPS
PREPERATION TIME
Make sure you give yourself optimal amount of time to prepare for any trip. Start planning at least 2 weeks ahead to make
sure your camper is in prime condition to safely get you to and from any adventure you take.
KNOW YOUR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, Ensure you allow time for the initial service as well as maintenance and service at
specified intervals.
DRIVING OFF ROAD
Towing your camper off road adds many dimensions to the driver’s responsibilities and factors to be considered. When
travelling remote always carry enough spare parts and supplies to cater for a “worst case scenario.”
Always perform preventative maintenance and daily checks. Minimum trailer spares would consist of:
• Wheel Bearings
• Seals
• Wheel studs and nuts
These spares are available from Ezytrail Campers
CORRUGATIONS & ROUGH ROAD
Corrugations are arguably the most taxing and damaging road conditions to vehicles. Constant vibration can loosen
vehicle components and as a stress dynamic to vehicles and drivers well in excess of normal road driving. In these
conditions take regular breaks to reduce driver fatigue and fatigue to vehicles.
Shock absorbers can become extremely hot on corrugated roads which can cause damage to seals resulting in shock
absorber fade (reduction in damping effect) and in extreme cases failure of the seal completely.
On rough and corrugated roads, it’s important to adjust tyre pressures on your car and trailer to soften the effect and
extend the contact patch of the tyre on the road.
BULLDUST
This phenomenon is common on outback roads. Fine dust can settle in large holes obscuring them from unsuspecting
drivers. It is important to reduce speed in these conditions and drive carefully to avoid the possibility of damage or an
accident.
WILDLIFE
Australian outback roads are notorious for wandering stock and native wildlife which can be a serious danger to
motorists. Due care must always be taken, and the possibility of an animal strike considered in regard to speed and time
of day you are driving. Most animals in the outback are more active at night which greatly increases the likelihood of
an animal strike between dusk and dawn. Towing a camper or camper increases braking distance and has inherent risk
associated with aggressive and defensive manoeuvring to avoid a collision.
SAND
When driving on sand it is important to lower tyre pressures on both the vehicle and trailer. By lowering the pressure you
will effectively create a larger footprint for the tyre which will reduce how far it sinks in sand.
Sand shape and compaction will vary around the country so necessary reduction in tyre pressure will vary. Always keep
in mind the lower the pressure the lower the speed you should travel.
When lowering pressures to 20psi or less you also increase the chance of rolling the bead of the tyre off the rim so sharp
turns should be avoided. When driving these conditions, it is strongly advised you carry a tyre pressure gauge/deflator
and a portable compressor to reinflate when back on the highway.
CAUSEWAYS
Outback roads often have causeways to control water runoff and prevent erosion of the road. When travelling at
speed these causeways can be a danger to motorists and vehicles so due care should be taken to reduce speed when
approaching them. In very remote areas these often won’t have signposts so special care should be taken in these areas.
CREEK AND RIVER CROSSINGS
These crossings can be extremely dangerous even in low water levels and should never be attempted in times of even
mild flooding. Towing a camper or camper greatly elevates the risk in this situation and should never be attempted unless
you are completely assured it is safe to do so.
If there is any doubt about access in flood prone areas, you should contact the local authorities to find out conditions and
dangers before you proceed.
