Navigation for a 2WD vehicle.

Tracks are that changeable that what is a two wheel drive track one day is a goat track the next. Local info is the best thing

Hi Lainie, good to see you wanting to get out and explore, regardless of vehicle (many of us started seeing the "outback" in 2wd's, often going to places now considered essential 4wd country).

The problem with wanting to go on "only 2wd" tracks is that the definition (and actual conditions) of such tracks is tenuous. Most general tracks travelled by 4wds can also be traversed with 2wd. The advantage of 4wd comes in when conditions are such that traction is compromised (most often when a perfectly reasonable 2wd track gets slippery due to rain). The four wheel drive then has an advantage, though this may be a matter of degrees. A track which becomes too slippery for 2wd can easily move to being too slippery for 4wd (many 4wds without lockers end up as 2wds, effectively making them 0wds in these conditions!).

The biggest advantage for so-called 4wds is clearance and durability (two quite variable characteristics).

I imagine you are not looking to tackle hard tracks in the Vic High Country, the OTT on the Cape or soft sand tracks in the deserts? If not you will find most (not all) tracks are doable in a 2wd, so long as they are driven according to the conditions required, slowly and with lowered tyre pressures. Assessing the condition of the tracks prior to travelling (they can vary enormously over time) is of more importance. Communicating on forums such as this and making use of local sources (including government road condition sites) is the key. Along with sensible decision making and preparation... These come with study and experience, which is why initial trips need to be on less risky routes.

I'm not sure how the app could successfully differentiate 2wd vs 4wd tracks, other than providing a grading, which would be far too variable to be effective. I've certainly never come across such a facility, perhaps there is a way (admin can help here). The Oodnadatta Track, for instance, has been travelled by thousands of 2wd-ers quite readily, but can quickly become difficult and then unadvised for well set up 4wds if the conditions change (it's not just the ability to traverse the track, but the damage you can do to it in certain conditions, plus the risk of stranding, requiring others to assist). I should add that there are a few sites which do have grading for many tracks, 4x4 Earth being one.

The members here are a very good source of current and general information should you require it. The mapping app should provide your required needs with these additional supports.

Cheers,

Mark

We had aWB for a couple of years. It bogged easier than any other vehicle we have ever owned. If we saw a soft patch coming up 200m away it would bog immediately in sympathy. Mind you, we took it to places where others would fear to tread too (as you would expect).

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

You go where you can with what you have.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Lainie
Might be worth having a read of this…….. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/google-maps-leaves-nurse-stranded-in-desert/102729818