2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

Apologies if this has been covered. Looked at the posts on the 2009 GTG but couldn't find an answer. I have a 2004 1KZTE Auto and have put a deposit on a Tvan. Wondering if anyone has towed a CT over the Simpson dunes with a 1KZTE and if so how the Prado performed.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

What's your intended route? East - West or the other way and what tracks? What time of year?

Towing in the Simpson can be very hard work, which is why the Rangers advise against it. But depending on the above variables, it is possible.

I think the Tvan is fairly heavy isn't it?

Personaly I'd leave it at home and swag it.....


Mick

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Others have towed across but as Mick suggested it is not recommended. My advise would be if you are continually being snatched over a dune and you have other groups waiting behind you then be curtious and let them pass instead of racing ontop the next hill only to be snatched again and making them wait for you (again).

I took a 1kz 120 across last year and never had an issue but I was not towing. I did not attempt Big Red on the left hand track as I didn't have time (needed to collect a birthday cake from the bakery) and limited power. Leave the camper and take a tent/swag.

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Yeah it seems like hard work ask the guys that were with stan, he made it but damaged 1 tyre and snapped a rear sway bar and had to find an alternate route, Nothing is impossible but that does not mean it is sensible persoally i would be swagging it

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Proposed route is East -West, including the French line. We are meeting in Birdsville Aug 22nd. Tvan is no lightweight. With water etc guess it will be in the vicinity of 11 or 1200kg.

We are going with 2 other Tvans and 4 other 4bys not towing.

However don't really want to be towed over dunes by a 3L Patrol! Will never hear the end of it.

I have read many comments that trailers are not recommended however know that many people tow them and particularly Tvans. Main concern is whether the Prado has the power required. We did the Canning last year (without a trailer) and the Prado went over the dunes with relative ease. Only problem we had was with the Soverign bullbar mounts (they are rubbish in my view).

Know the Simpson is way different to the Canning though.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Straight across the French Line is probably your best bet as it's generally the easiest route, but going east-west you'll be going up the steep side of the dunes and many aren't straight up and over, but have sand drifts on the top which, if you get stuck, will make it difficult to reverse down or get snatched forward.

Like I said, I wouldn't do it, I think it will be a pain in the arse and you won't enjoy the Simpson for what it is if you're only focused on making the dunes and recoveries when you don't.

But don't let that put you off. It's possible, just it could be difficult especially if the sand is extra soft when you go. If it's the sort of challenge you like then go for it, you'll love it.

Mick

[05oiler Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 05oiler]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Hello Hulbyw,

Last August, I travelled the Simpson from West to East. I met some people at Dalhousie Springs. They were travelling across at the same time. They had a 2003 KZ Auto with basically no mods. They were towing an All Terrain Camper. We met up with them a number of times and they went all right. There were 3 people in the Prado and they had a 100 Series travelling as a spotter. Whenever they bogged down they got the MaxTrax out or else they were snatched by the 100. They travelled the Rig Road, up the Erabena to the Lone Gum then across to the Knowles Track and then across the French line. The main difference between the Canning and the Simpson is the dunes are closer together and generally have a turn near the top of the dunes in the Simpson. Sometimes interferes with your momentum. There were a lot of people who crossed the Simpson with CTs when we went across. Just be prepared and, with the other vehicles to help, you shouldn't have too much problems.

Regards

Garry

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Thanks Garry. Yes we will be prepared. Most of the crew this year is same as Canning trip so we work well together. It looks like it will be a huge challenge but another adventure as well. Will post on here when we get back to let you all know how we got on.
Looked at some Maxtrax tonight at BCF. Reckon they may help.
Cheers...... Wayne

[nickchap Member Find all posts View Profile Close nickchap]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

hulbyw

The Eyre Creek could be in your way if your are crossing from Birdsville ( Flooding)
There is a site- www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern which gives up-to-date
track condition and could be helpful in planning your crossing.

Nick

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

hulbyw

The Eyre Creek could be in your way if your are crossing from Birdsville ( Flooding)
There is a site- http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern which gives up-to-date
track condition and could be helpful in planning your crossing.

Nick

And alos the Cooper is cutting the Birdsville so apparently thet are getting the ferry service up and running over the next few weeks. There is an article on ExplorerOz about this.

[dirtman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close dirtman]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

No entry to Birdsville past Poppell corner due to floods, they say not open for a long time.
Im going next week

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

No entry to Birdsville past Poppell corner due to floods, they say not open for a long time.
Im going next week

Pack some more food and fuel and head north along the Hay River track from Poppell. Would be an awesome experience.

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

Dirtman, going this early in the season will provide some challenges!. Sure you will have fun though. Cheers...Wayne

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: 2004 TD Auto towing CT on the Simpson

A few links, which I'm sure you have seen or should see:
Transport SA - Outback Road Temporary Closures
Environment SA - Latest Desert Parks Bulletin
Mt Dare Track Conditions
Four Wheel Drive South Australia - Track and Access Information
Explore OZ - SA Desert Tracks Conditions