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1300 4X4 4X4
Handy Tips
Driving Off Road
Towing your caravan 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 are available from Market Direct Campers
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 caravan increases braking distance and has inherent
risk associated with aggressive and defensive manoeuvring to avoid a collision.
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.
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 caravan 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.
