MDC XT12HR 2021 - Driving off Road

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Driving Off Road
Towing your caravan off road adds many dimensions to the driver’s responsibilies and factors to be considered.
When travelling remote always carry enough spare parts and supplies to cater for a “worst case scenario.”
Always perform preventave 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 nave 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
me of day you are driving. Most animals in the outback are more acve 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.
Corrugaons & rough road
Corrugaons are arguably the most taxing and damaging road condions to vehicles. Constant vibraon can loosen
vehicle components and as a stress dynamic to vehicles and drivers well in excess of normal road driving. In these
condions take regular breaks to reduce driver fague and fague to vehicles. Shock absorbers can become
extremely hot on corrugated roads which can cause damage to seals resulng in shock absorber fade (reducon 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 soen the effect and extend the contact patch of the tyre on the
road.
Bulldust
This phenomenon is common on outback roads. Fine dust can sele in large holes obscuring them from
unsuspecng drivers. It is important to reduce speed in these condions 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 effecvely create a larger footprint for the tyre which will reduce how far it sinks in sand. Sand
shape and compacon will vary around the country so necessary reducon 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 condions, 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 oen 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 oen 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 aempted in mes of
even mild flooding. Towing a camper or caravan greatly elevates the risk in this situaon and should never be
aempted 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 authories to find out condions and dangers before you proceed.