Top 5 Must Have Accessories For The GRR

[scomac]

Hi everyone,

Looking at doing the Gibb River Rd trip in June towing a camper trailer. D4 is stock with 19's apart from GOE rods and a Rhino Rack. I have attended one of Gordons courses about 5 years ago in the sport so I will probably do another one or at least a refresher. I'm a bit apprehensive re the 19's, if it is more important to have GOE 18's than a bullbar then I would rather do that. So would like your opinion on the must have accessories in order of most needed. Feel free to add more than 5 if you want too.

Cheers
Scott.

Edit; replace "must have" with "Essentials" (Thanks to MR LR)

[jon3950]

There are no "must haves" as such, but fitting 18"s is the single best thing you can do. It just makes everything easier.

Make sure you at least carry a compressor and if you pack a lot of stuff in the back fit a cargo barrier.

The only other thing I would add is a second battery to keep the fridge running. Beyond that there's plenty of stuff that makes life easier but nothing is essential.

Cheers,
Jon

[joel0407]

It's an easy road. Maybe a snorkel. There is one crossing that can be 500mm deep in Elquestro.

Happy Days

[LandyAndy]

It's an easy road. Maybe a snorkel. There is one crossing that can be 500mm deep in Elquestro.

Happy Days

That would leave 400mm spare;););););) Snorkel would be great for the dust.
Andrew

[scomac]

Thanks guys, I have a compressor fitted under the bonnet and will be getting a Traxide set up for sure. The snorkel could be a problem with SWMBO, maybe she won't notice it :angel:

[TerryO]

Me personally I would not go long distance outback travelling for any extended period of time without the following even if it is considered a easy track or road, my list is a bit longer but I'd rather feel comfortable that what I consider as the main things reasonably covered, you already have a set of Gordons rods so all good there.

Having hit over time quite a number of kangaroo's I would not go without a bull bar given that one kangaroo jumping the wrong way can finish your trip instantly.

Proven good quality near new tyres that are suited to the conditions of where ever your going. Yes I'd feel much more relaxed with 18's than 19's or 20's.

At least some basic code reading and resetting tool in case you end up in limp mode for what ever reason.

A good aftermarket compressor and puncture repair kit.

A dual battery kit and a set of good quality jumper leads. One of the recently released small but extremely powerful lithium-ion jumper battery kits.

If not a snorkel then at least a spare air filter.

At least a good quality 5w hand held radio Preferably also with a fitted radio with a good quality ariel.

Spare fuses.

Fire extinguisher.

[RobA]

Certainly agree on the preference for 6x18" rims with AT tyres as getting by with the 19" may prove frustrating due to the risk of punctures and lack of supply of tyres in that size. Apart from that a decent UHF and a couple of handhelds. Bullbar is something you never need until a giant hopping mouse or emu pops out in front of you so a balancing act between available funds and risk.

My "must have" is a decent tyre pressure monitoring system for your car and camper. We use one by LSM technologies who supply to the mining industry. Doesn't need a range extender to talk to the Ultimate which saves around $600 on current quotes. Cheapest tyre insurance you can get

We will be in the Kimberley from May to July so keep an eye out for a D4 and a D3 towing Ultimate camper trailers. Pretty much what has already been mentioned we carry along wth a decent tool-kit, diagnostic tool, hydraulic jack and base, puncture repair kit and a few spares including; air cleaner, filters for oil and fuel and that's about it

Rob

[MR LR]

Separate your needs and wants;

5 needs/must haves -
- Adequate fuel
- Adequate water
- Some form of communication
- puncture repair kit and basic recovery gear
- some basic tools particular to the car

The rest are "wants", you don't need them, they certainly aren't "must haves", they may make the trip easier, but with due care you can do the trip in a completely stock car.

My grandfather toured in stock Land Rovers and Range Rovers, my father toured in stock Land Rovers and Range Rovers, I used to tour in stock Land Rovers and Range Rovers, but then the modifying bug bit, and I started doing the tougher trips, which is solely a "want".

I'd do the trip with nothing more than what I listed in the 'needs' category, plus maybe a change of jocks ;)

You can do the trip on a decent set of 19's, just don't flog the crap out of it. You won't need a snorkel, and if you drive during the day and with due care you are very unlikely to need a bull bar.

If anything, doing the trip in a stock Land Rover can be better than doing it in an overladen one.

But accessories look 'cool' :wasntme:

[scomac]

Thanks Will, I forgot to mention that I am mechanically sympathetic :angel:

[Eevo]

sense of adventure

[DeanoH]

An alternative to a snorkel would be two carry a spare air filter. At the end of a (dusty driving) day swap out the filter element and place the filter dirty side down in a plastic bag in the trailer. The next days corrugated road driving will shake dust out of the filter and again swap it over at the end of the day, and so on.

The GRR is in pretty good condition these days and carries a lot of traffic, headlight covers and windscreen/glass insurance cover would be a very good idea. Duct taping corrugated cardboard or core flute (the plastic corrugated 'cardboard' that real estate signs are made of) over the rear window(s) could save a heap of grief and expense. Broken rear windows are a very common problem when towing with a wagon type vehicle on stony outback roads.

The Pentacost River crossing near Home Valley Station is has excellent approach and departure access with a good gravel/smooth stone and flat bottom. Like all crossings on the GRR taking it SLOWLY will see you OK.

It can be quite corrugated going up to Drysdale Station and VERY corrugated between Drysdale and the Mitchell Falls turnoff but well and truly worth the effort. Again driving slowly will see you through.

The 18'' offroad tyre/rim combo would be a good idea.

My two bobs worth.

Deano :)

[Dagilmo]

I agree with all the other replies but here's my thoughts.


I think there are a number of 'reports' of people doing the GRR and other remote tracks with 19s without out issue, however 18s would be preferable. IMHO if you are tossing up between a bulbar and 18s and you are looking specifically for the GRR then 18s would win. Of course if you intend travelling at night a bull bar is a must....Tyres are the biggest consideration but it can be so different for different people. I carried two spares for both the car (was in a Narava at the time) and trailer (unfortunately different wheels) but didn't use any in 5 weeks travelling through the Kimberley. However we talked to people in Broome and Derby that had had multiple punctures and my step father tells a story of watching two cars with caravans cross a grader windrow and both 'doing' two tyres each.


Sharp rocks and corrugations are the main obstacles, apart from that it's not to difficult. Depending where you go and how long since the grader has been through it can range from flat, 100 kph safey with trailer on, to teeth chattering, bone shaking corrugations that shake every nut and bolt.

A well maintained vehicle with good tyres at the right pressure is a must.


One comment on fuel. I had an 80 ltr std tank on the Navara and carried 40 ltrs in jerries but didn't need them for the whole trip (and that was with the horrific range of 400 km/tank) So it was good to have the extra for peace of mind but there is plenty of fuel available.


We also hired a sat phone for peace of mind as we had our two and three y.o. kids with us. Didn't 'need' it though it did come in handy booking the heli flight back from Mitchel Falls :)

[cjc_td5]

IMO the less accessories carried the better. The biggest enemy on the GRR is weight on the rough roads. Bullbars and big lights etc just shake themselves to death on the corrugations.

18" vs 19" wheels only offer an extra 6mm or so of extra tyre height, so when comparing "apples with apples" with tyres, there is little real advantage in going to 18" if you get a robust tyre in 19". Take an extra 19" carcass vs purchasing a whole set of 18" GOE wheels?

Essential items would be:
- good mud flaps to manage stone damage (particularly if towing).
- spare air filter(s)
- Dual batteries or management of electrical demand as your fridge will work hard in the higher temps.
- cargo barrier
- rods etc would be handy to keep the diffs clear of rocks between the wheeltracks.
- as said before, a sense of adventure!

Honestly, I would take my stock MY14 D4 up there tomorrow with a decent set of 19" tyres. I have done the GRR (and offshoot tracks) several times without even one puncture.

Cheers,

[strydes]

We're planning on doing GRR as part of a round Aus trip in June. I am intending on buying 18's and whilst getting stronger and higher sidewall tyres is good, the other reason is availability of replacements in case of a puncture. Therefore to save a few dollars I'm considering buying 4 and running 2 of my 19's as spares on the assumption a replacement at the next major town should be possible.

Does that work as far as electronic systems go with slightly differing rolling diameters (assuming 265x60xR18 D697's and factory Wrangler 255x55xR19's)?

EDIT: Scratch that question. Gordon just got back to me... the DSC doesn't like the change in diameter and will 'chuck a hissy fit'!

[l00kin4]

18" vs 19" wheels only offer an extra 6mm or so of extra tyre height

Cheers,

Chris, IIRC I think it's more like 20mm (or just under) extra sidewall going from a 255/55-19 to a 265/60-18 ?

David

[rover-56]

"Top 5 Must Have Accessories For The GRR" ??

Just a Land Rover - any model, '48 onwards.:D:D:D:D

It's not a hard road anymore.

Terry

[cjc_td5]

Chris, IIRC I think it's more like 20mm (or just under) extra sidewall going from a 255/55-19 to a 265/60-18 ?

David

mmmm, I when I calculate the side wall height using the sizes you have given I get 19mm difference too. I definitely recall 6mm from a discussion on here several months ago [tonguewink][tonguewink] .

Of course the 18" tyre size is wider. Without sidetracking this thread, how wide (or tall) can one go on 19" wheels and still fit inside the wheel arch etc?

[captainslow]

Corrugations are the enemy (but spare a thought for us leafers as you cruise past). It's worth adding an under body inspection to the usual fluids & air check routine to make sure nothing is coming loose.


(On the subject of air, tyre pressure monitoring is worth every cent)


A good tarp, set of spanners and a battery work light are all it takes and check a random selection of bolts every day - also checking for fluid loss (anything more than the usual Land Rover leakage). Include drive shaft universals and, most importantly, check the wheel nuts!


A selection of nuts, bolts, screws, Loctite, duct tape and cable ties is also a must.


Enjoy!
Pete

[LandyAndy]

Chris.
As far as I know there arent any other 19" sizes available,hence having to go 18" or even 20" for a more suitable tyre.
Andrew

[RHS58]

1 Beer
2 Wine
3 Cheese
4 Firewood
5 Matches - see 4

[AnD3rew]

I'm seconding Terry's list

[rar110]

mmmm, I when I calculate the side wall height using the sizes you have given I get 19mm difference too. I definitely recall 6mm from a discussion on here several months ago [tonguewink][tonguewink] . Of course the 18" tyre size is wider. Without sidetracking this thread, how wide (or tall) can one go on 19" wheels and still fit inside the wheel arch etc?

There are a few 275/55/19 tyres which should fit as smaller than 285/60/20s.

[Ean Austral]

We done the western end last year , D3 plus camper trailer.


Car - Tyres is #1 , the car will be fine from standard
Code reader is # 2
then just the normal , spare air and fuel filter , and maybe 1 of those funnels that seperates water if you will be buying fuel whilst on the GRR.


Camper Trailer , this is where I would start having a good look at what you may need. What sort is it ? Corrigations have killed many a camper on the GRR , so look at the suspension and what tyre's are on it. You may want to carry a spare leaf spring and shackles if it is a lower spec model


Highly likely we will be back on the GRR but most likely in July.


Enjoy it its spectacular


Cheers Ean

[jon3950]

IMO the less accessories carried the better. The biggest enemy on the GRR is weight on the rough roads. Bullbars and big lights etc just shake themselves to death on the corrugations.

18" vs 19" wheels only offer an extra 6mm or so of extra tyre height, so when comparing "apples with apples" with tyres, there is little real advantage in going to 18" if you get a robust tyre in 19". Take an extra 19" carcass vs purchasing a whole set of 18" GOE wheels?


Couldn't agree more about keeping the weight down.

The extra sidewall on the 18" does make a difference and I think the additional volume of air also helps it deal the heat. The other benefit is being able to buy tyres with a more robust carcass.

Although I've done a lot of touring with 19"s with no real problems I found the 18"s on the D3 much easier to live with.

Cheers,
Jon

[gghaggis]

There are a few 275/55/19 tyres which should fit as smaller than 285/60/20s.

They are all HT or Winter tyres, so unsuitable for summer off-roading in Oz.


18" vs 19" wheels only offer an extra 6mm or so of extra tyre height, so when comparing "apples with apples" with tyres, there is little real advantage in going to 18" if you get a robust tyre in 19".

This depends entirely on the size 18" tyre you fit - unlike the 19" range, there are many sizes to select from, some that give you much more than 6mm, and some that are LT construction.

Cheers,

Gordon

[PAT303]

I've been on the Gibb twice,what you need is to plan your travelling carefully,get up early and get going or leave later in the afternoon,the biggest problem is the bicky dippers,they wobble along in overloaded vehicles in the middle of the road at 30km/hr making any type of distance travel impossible.Keep your speed under 70-80 and be ruthless on wieght,carry what you need,not what you want and you'll be good to go.The worst memories I have of the Pilbara/Kimberly region is getting stuck behind ''Baz and Sheryl'' wandering along completely oblivious to whats happening around them. Pat

[simonmelb]

Take a kayak if you have one and get out and do as many long walks as you can.

The best sights are found on foot or on water - not in your car!

[Dagilmo]

Great point RHS58!!

There is no takeaway grog anywhere along the GRR. If not for a generous Victorian dairy farmer at Winjana gorge I would have run out :(

[Stuart02]

All good suggestions, especially the sat phone!
Second to tyres I found the snorkel good peace of mind for Top End travelling. Water levels are very unpredictable and the rest of the time it's dusty!
The GRR itself isn't too bad at all but you'd hate to have a side trip catch your eye and not be able to tackle it for the sake of a snorkel. Keeping in mind too that checking water depth is fraught when you have to watch for crocs...

For my own interest, does anyone know what height the diff breathers are on D4s and RRS L320s?

[NomadicD3]

Hey Scomac,
I've read most of the posts and notice not a alot of mentions for UHF radio. This should be compulsory!!! When you catch up to "Baz and Shirl" doing 30 Kph towing their 3 ton van, then you can give them a shout out, on channel 40, and ask them politely to get the fryer tuck out of your way, like wise if someone sneaks up on you in your dust and want you to move. If you don't want to fit one then buy a 5 watt hand held, hell for what it's worth you can swing by and borrow one of mine. As Pat touched on, the traffic on the main GRR and Mitchell falls road is very heavy that time of year and over taking through dust is one of the biggest hazards, a little communication between vehicles goes along way!!!
Regards
Brian.
PS, I'm up there in about late April/May weather depending, I could give you an update if you want...

[scomac]

Hey Scomac,
I've read most of the posts and notice not a alot of mentions for UHF radio. This should be compulsory!!! When you catch up to "Baz and Shirl" doing 30 Kph towing their 3 ton van, then you can give them a shout out, on channel 40, and ask them politely to get the fryer tuck out of your way, like wise if someone sneaks up on you in your dust and want you to move. If you don't want to fit one then buy a 5 watt hand held, hell for what it's worth you can swing by and borrow one of mine. As Pat touched on, the traffic on the main GRR and Mitchell falls road is very heavy that time of year and over taking through dust is one of the biggest hazards, a little communication between vehicles goes along way!!!
Regards
Brian.
PS, I'm up there in about late April/May weather depending, I could give you an update if you want...

Thanks Nomadic, will definitely be fitting a UHF. Have the hand helds as back up. Update me for sure on when your going up.
Thanks to everyone for all the input so far, so much knowledge and experience here.

[rambada]

Not sure if I've mentioned this previously - I'll blame oldtimers. But you can get an attachment that converts an iPhone 4 into a sat phone (and now for 5 as well). Then works off your existing provider plan etc - expensive calls I believe but if its for emergency contact only.