MDC FORBES 15+ 2021 Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 54 / 87

www.marketdirect.com.au

Ph: 1300 494 494

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 Caravans

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 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.