towing on the canning stock route

I am a serios 4wd'r so I gueass I may reply
I have also done the CSR

You can take a trailer but I would strongly recommend you don't.

CJ

Did it in 2008 with a group that included two trailers.

Low tyre pressures and a recovery vehicle in front of each trailer worked fine. When the trailers got stuck (usually just before the crest of a big dune) a quick hook up with a tow line (not snatch strap) and they where pulled over with no problems.

The trick was to stop the towing vehicle before the wheels started to spin and dig in, no damage to the track and no need for a snatch (and the dangers that go with that).

Would I do the CSR (or any sandy desert) alone with a trailer, no. Would I tow a trailer with a support vehicle, no. To me it seemed too much of a chore and I wouldn't enjoy the drive. I save my trailer for country where I have something other than loose sand beneath me.

When I was planning my trip to Cape York I was told not to take a trailer. You won't get through, it's more trouble than it's worth, etc, etc.

I took it anyway. Yes I accomodate it in the way I drive, I think about an obstacle before I approach it and all the sensible stuff. Same when I crossed the Simpson. I hardly spun a wheel in the desert.

In touring Australia I have never encountered an obstacle that I could not get over or around with my trailer. Provided the trailer is purpose built and well maintained and driven by a competant person it should be OK.

Would I take my trailer on the Canning? Well my trip planning has not taken me there yet but my experience, and I have been towing the trailer for 15 years, says why not? It would have to be a very compelling argument to stop me.

Duncs

Hydeway,

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that CT's are banned from Well 5 (Carnarvon Range Turnoff) to Wiluna.


Barry H

I towed my Ultimate on the Canning with a LC 100 auto a few years ago and did not look like getting stuck at any point. I remained in high range the whole time. I did see others getting stuck with their trailers; they all seemed to be manuals in low range. I have other friends who have taken a trailer along the Canning without incident. I would estimate that on my trip, almost every second vehicle had a trailer in tow.

I took the diversion from Willuna to Well 5.

Thanks for comments. Will take them on board

Don't do it. Not worth it

hideaway

We did the CSR in 2009 with trailers, and had no trouble at all. But wou cannot do well 1, thru to well 4, as they are banned from that section.

My trailer is a Trak Shak, and Vivien C and Ray's was an Outback camper, and Baille's ( no camper)
What camper trailer do you have ?
Make sure you camper is up to it, and that the suspension is capable of surviving. ie talk to other owners of the same CT as what you have, and chat to them.

Drop your tyres down, 12psi front, 15 psi rear, and 12 in the camper, and leave them there for the entire trip...15 - 20 km/hr is fast enuf, and occasioonally get to 40km/hr. (no faster)
I buggered up on 3 dunes, and each time it was my own fault..being a bit slack, and each time I reversed back, and had a little more momentum. Not once did we even look like being snatched over a dune.


The bigger dunes don't really happen till after Well 17, so you can get your technique right, on the smaller ones, before that.
When tackling dunes you will find it relatively easy, as you will feel the vehicle lift up onto the top of the sand. Not quiet as dramatic as a speed boat as it lifts out of the water on take off, but never the less you can feel this happen.

Do not use those stupid run up's, as if you have your tyres set at the right pressures, you will just eat up the dunes. The run ups are for the idiots who do not drop tyre pressures, as they believe that speed is the only way you will get over the dunes.

Keep 1 tyre across from the wheel ruts, as this will stop you "porposing" (bouncing), and hence loosing momentum.


Just do your homework and take your time

Cheers
Bucky