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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.