Thread: Simpson desert trip ......winch needed?

I did a big solo trip which included the Simpson. I took a Tirfor winch with me, on the basis that it is versatile, does not rely on the car's engine/electrical system to work and is light and cheap. I liked the idea of being able to drag the car forwards, backwards or sideways with the one winch. I also took a very long extension strap, pulley blocks and the usual straps and shackles.

They are slow and can be hard work, but let's face it, if you're stuck out there on your own you've got all the time in the world.

Originally Posted by Dave_S

I did a big solo trip which included the Simpson. I took a Tirfor winch with me, on the basis that it is versatile, does not rely on the car's engine/electrical system to work and is light and cheap. I liked the idea of being able to drag the car forwards, backwards or sideways with the one winch. I also took a very long extension strap, pulley blocks and the usual straps and shackles.

They are slow and can be hard work, but let's face it, if you're stuck out there on your own you've got all the time in the world.

Thank you. I was thinking about a hand winch , I will have a look at the Tirfor.. Cheers

I would say no winch required......the only risk of getting bogged is bad weather you cross a salt pan and break through.......there aint much to connect a winch to so its either a ground anchor (which I would carry either) or dig your spare into the ground)

the simpson is straight forward 3/4 days and you are done and dusted, I travelled it solo and getting bogged or needing a winch was at the bottom of my concerns (although I did have a w inch fitted). 2nd gear high pretty much got me across

I am assuming you don't have a front bar??....some say its essential for touring the outback (i'm not convinced its essential) however your more conventional bar offers more protection than a cool looking tube bar.....

i'm about to go to a custom tube bar as there is not an off the shelf bar that suits my winch

rijidig is currently designing tube bar.......all his work seems to be of high standard

For the price of a winch I would buy a tirfor, 2 sets of max tracks, a high lift and a good long handle shovel. With this combo I have gotten myself out of every bog, be it sand, mud or steep muddy hill climbs. hard work, but very effective.

Originally Posted by Dave_S

I did a big solo trip which included the Simpson. I took a Tirfor winch with me, on the basis that it is versatile, does not rely on the car's engine/electrical system to work and is light and cheap. I liked the idea of being able to drag the car forwards, backwards or sideways with the one winch. I also took a very long extension strap, pulley blocks and the usual straps and shackles.

They are slow and can be hard work, but let's face it, if you're stuck out there on your own you've got all the time in the world.

A High Lift Jack will do the same job if you already have one, or can borrow one.

I'm afraid to say you won't be alone unless you leave now . Depending on when you leave you haven't said whether your going east /west or west / east makes a big difference.

I'm going West to East for the middle 2 weeks of June, I feel that the high lift jack and the hand winch seem to be the go.... Thank..you for the help .Are there any good itineraries on the site that I should know about? Search isn't through isn't up anything.

I'm going Alice to Birdsville in Sepember with Drive4Life (Google it). They don't require a winch, just low range and at least AT tyres. Of course, we'll be in a group, not solo.

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