Has anyone taken their Expanda down the Gibb River Road? We have heard different reports from various sources and know that it varies lots depending on when it has been graded and the weather etc. Would be interested to hear from others with first hand experience.
Gibb River Road
- Thread starter kimlouise
- Start date
Hi Kimlouise, we took our Jayco Eagle along the GRR and Tanami in 06 with no problems (just need to do a lot of dust sealing under van and vents), we are also trying to head there later this year taking the Expanda this time. The main thing is lower tyre pressure and keep your speed down so you can pull up in time if there's a wash outs or rough patches.
Christian
Christian
Hey there kimlouise were leaving adelaide on the 5th may and heading up to the gibb r.r for a 5 week adventure cant wait ....
We are heading up that way in July / August. I would love to see some pics of your trip.
Thanks CD,
yes we took 3 Expandas across the GRR back in 2010 and all the way up to Kalumburu as well...
The greeting you get as you turn onto the road heading west..
All of us airing down (I'm the 3rd van, lucky last...hehe)
Pentecost River crossing (not a lot of water in it that time of year
yes we took 3 Expandas across the GRR back in 2010 and all the way up to Kalumburu as well...
The greeting you get as you turn onto the road heading west..
All of us airing down (I'm the 3rd van, lucky last...hehe)
Pentecost River crossing (not a lot of water in it that time of year
Yes we did let the tyres down and no we didn't have nitrogen in them!!!!.....lol (My personal opinion is it's an absolute waste of time in a caravan tyre.)
We spent 11 days along the GRR including 3 days up at Kalumburu. The Kalumburu Rd to Drysdale Station was the worst for corrugations. I finally settled on 26psi in the Pajero and 22psi in the 'panda. Found this to be the best at preserving the van as we only have the standard suspension. Travelled at about 55-60km/h and whilst still very noisy and uncomfortable, I was able to maintain full control and minimise damage. Any slower was just more painful.
The GRR on the other hand had sections smooth enough to travel at 90km/h and beyond. Very easy going.
Take your time, don't rush through in 4-5 days, there's far too much to see and do.
We were without 240v power for the entire 11 days so make sure you have enough "other" options for power. A solar panel would be a must as a minimum for that length of time if I was to do it again.
We only had the one 100amp/hr battery with no solar or genny, so after a few days the battery would last maybe 3 hours or so for lights before shutting down. We then had to resort to plugging the car in and using the aux battery off that.
I know that if you camp at Drysdale Station you can hook into 240v and give the batteries a good charge, but we didn't camp there.
Have fun.
Cheers,
Matty
Hey Matty there is some pics I haven't seen before, how about posting some more up in your Expanda thread I'd like to see a few more of your trip :thumb: Some beautiful country up that way which we hope to get too!!
:tea: Adam
:tea: Adam
Expanding the Gibb
We are also giong to travel the Gibb this July/August and I too was a bit worried. I too read any article I could on towing a van on the Gibb RR and all looks OK. Last year I went to the 4WD show in Sydney and spoke to Graham Cahill from 4WD Action who had done that exact trip with an Expanda. His advice was simple. Don't go flat out and you will have no problems at all. Everyone I have spoken to or articles I have read have backed this up. The suspension is more than up for the journey.
Less than 4 months until we kick off our lap
We are also giong to travel the Gibb this July/August and I too was a bit worried. I too read any article I could on towing a van on the Gibb RR and all looks OK. Last year I went to the 4WD show in Sydney and spoke to Graham Cahill from 4WD Action who had done that exact trip with an Expanda. His advice was simple. Don't go flat out and you will have no problems at all. Everyone I have spoken to or articles I have read have backed this up. The suspension is more than up for the journey.
Less than 4 months until we kick off our lap
Go for it, guys. While I didn't tow a van. I did the GRR etc in 2006 and it is a magnificent trip. I'd love to do it again some day. :madgrin:
Were leaving in 88 sleeps not that were counting ha much , ill let you know as we go along cant wait