Canning Stock Route in D4

[Konradical]

Has anyone done this?(silly question)

If so, what was needed, were there problems, how did you solve the fuel capacity challenge and any other helpful info will be much appreciated.

Looks like my Cape trip is off and someone has put this on the table.

Cheers in advance!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using AULRO mobile app

[Ean Austral]

Disco WA and a couple of others did it a couple of years ago , send Roger ( disco WA ) a PM I am sure he will be happy to give you any info you seek.

We did it in D2 in 2010 but he done it in his D4 since then.

Have you looked thru the WA reports, there may even be a write up in that section.

Cheers Ean

[Iain_B]

We did it in our Unimog a month or so ago. We had no problems, and I don't think there would be anything a D4 with proper tyres could not handle. The corrugations are bad, and go on for a long way, but the dunes are not that steep but a few are very soft at the crest. Please don't be one of those idiots who just floors it up the dune digging big holes all the way up, just run low tyre pressures and take it nice and slowly. Pump them back up after you pass that section if you want to go fast again, but corrugations are bad.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/09/111.jpg

We didn't start at Wiluna, but from Newman then on to the Talawana track getting on the CSR at Well 23. You can get a fuel drop there, or if you came the way we did instead, then fill up at Parnngurr, and again at Kunawaritji, and Billiluna. Fuel is expensive - $3.60 per litre for diesel. We didn't need to fill up at Billiluna, but we were told there is a $50 call out fee as well if the guy is not at the pump when you arrive, not sure if this is true but you don't have a choice if you can't make the last 150km to Halls Creek.

We took it pretty easy, about 100km per day, and we averaged 28lt/100km but then we are a 8 ton truck. The longest stretch is Willuna to Well 23, about 700km, we didn't do that part, as we are too big for the first 150km anyway and we were just the CSR to get to warmer climates on our way home.

Be prepared for a fair amount to scratches though, but we would have cleared it a bit for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-3MYvFCcY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0YAYTRIzg

Full write up of our trip here

Iain and Trish's Unimog Adventures (http://unimog-adventure.blogspot.com.au/?zx=2f2d6a0953e79f2)

[PerthDisco]

We did it in our Unimog a month or so ago. We had no problems, and I don't think there would be anything a D4 with proper tyres could not handle. The corrugations are bad, and go on for a long way, but the dunes are not that steep but a few are very soft at the crest. Please don't be one of those idiots who just floors it up the dune digging big holes all the way up, just run low tyre pressures and take it nice and slowly. Pump them back up after you pass that section if you want to go fast again, but corrugations are bad.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/09/111.jpg

We didn't start at Wiluna, but from Newman then on to the Talawana track getting on the CSR at Well 23. You can get a fuel drop there, or if you came the way we did instead, then fill up at Parnngurr, and again at Kunawaritji, and Billiluna. Fuel is expensive - $3.60 per litre for diesel. We didn't need to fill up at Billiluna, but we were told there is a $50 call out fee as well if the guy is not at the pump when you arrive, not sure if this is true but you don't have a choice if you can't make the last 150km to Halls Creek.

We took it pretty easy, about 100km per day, and we averaged 28lt/100km but then we are a 8 ton truck. The longest stretch is Willuna to Well 23, about 700km, we didn't do that part, as we are too big for the first 150km anyway and we were just the CSR to get to warmer climates on our way home.

Be prepared for a fair amount to scratches though, but we would have cleared it a bit for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-3MYvFCcY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0YAYTRIzg

Full write up of our trip here

Iain and Trish's Unimog Adventures (http://unimog-adventure.blogspot.com.au/?zx=2f2d6a0953e79f2)



That's my kind of trip [emoji15] I think I know why those Prados were following you.

[LandyAndy]

Disco WA and a couple of others did it a couple of years ago , send Roger ( disco WA ) a PM I am sure he will be happy to give you any info you seek.

We did it in D2 in 2010 but he done it in his D4 since then.

Have you looked thru the WA reports, there may even be a write up in that section.

Cheers Ean

Yes.
Disco WA(Roger) and Ferret(Peter) did the trip in D4's.Tailslide(Ron) went along as a support vehicle in a V8 D2:eek::eek::eek:
Great Trip and people,all would be able to help with info.Send a PM as they could be off on a trip to Mt Augustus at the moment.
Andrew

[dirvine]

We did it this year in a Great Wall. 2nd time done. This year it was worse than 2014. Many vehicles break shocks and have suspension issues. You need enough fuel to do 800kms from the south and get to a prearranged fuel drop in 200ltrdrum or enough fuel to go 1100kms to get to the aboriginal community starting with a K. Fuel there is $3.60 per litre!! Fuel drop is $600 so cheaper. I carried 200 litres and put 50 litres in at the drop, son took the rest for his Petrol LC. I put 80 litres in at the community. My GW was averaging 12 litres per100, my son 19! We saw a disco with suspension issues but he was just taking it easy. Real problem is if you break down. Tojo/Nissan easy to get parts or flown in. Others it is expensive. Ie springs and shocks for a LC200 cost $4500 to be flown in from newnham. Best if you can carry a few of them yourself if you knowwhat is vunerable or could break. Weight is the enemy and the road is unforgiving

[lrdef110]

Konradical, I did the whole route starting at Wiluna in a D4 in 2013. We had a prearranged fuel drop and we shared 4x200 litre drums between 5 of us. I have a long range tank so carry 184 litres and this was supplemented by 6x10 litre plastic gerry cans but we also diverged into Ruddell River NP so needed additional range. The comment about the corrugations is relevant and you should be prepared to possibly need your bushes and shock absorbers replaced after the trip. I travelled with a D3, Defender, Nissan and Toyota and none of us had any mechanical problems or with the dunes and it was a pretty dry year. There was plenty of water at the wells for domestic use. Great trip though.
Cheers, Barry

[weeds]

Nice to see a GW doing the trip

[dirvine]

Weeds, Not once but TWICE! Mind you it was a heavily modified X240 Wagon. Now retired and probably permanently now that I have a LR Discovery. I dont know what a rough track is now!

[Konradical]

Guys,

Thanks for the replies!

How do you arrange the fuel drop and how do you fill?

I have been thinking about a aux tank, but because I am aiming for everything to be removable when not touring, it is something I was hoping to avoid.

How was the D4 on fuel on the track? I know that going slow with sand and stuff uses a bit more fuel. We used two thirds of a tank from Katherine to Butterfly Gorge in the Douglas Daly and back again. I know the 34km of track into the gorge, even though it wasn't hard going, used a bit.

In preparation I do know that I will have to get a set of 18's. As amazing as the 20's are, they won't like the track or corrugations. Also either get the llams system or a set of Johnson rods so we can do more than 40 in off road height. I would also consider one of those emergency airbag kits that GOE sells.

A lot of the other stuff I can swap from my 89 rrc.

Our D4 is only 7 months old, so I wonder if the bushes and that would be covered under warranty. Normal wear and tear in 12 months?

How did every one do the food side of it? We only have a 40lt fridge and we will have to take enough food for two adults and two kids around 3, plus spare water, clothes, recovery gear, fuel, etc..

I will have to fit a second battery for sure and maybe take our solar panels from the van to top up if needed.

So far we have a draw and fridge slide in the back, a 3/4 roof rack and cb. Anything else major? Winch? Compressor? All the other stuff can be fitted as we get closer.

Also, last question, would one of those awening tents be adequate? Or should we buy/hire a tent. We have a Jayco camper, but know we can't take it.

Sorry for going on a bit, just need ammo for the other half.

Thanks again.

P.s. pics for demo and motivation.





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[LandyAndy]

My D4 is 2 years old,left LCA arm started making noises at 25000km in off-road height.
Its just had them both done,no questions asked,33000km.Not got it back yet,having some roo damage fixed.Dealer did say they found something else underneath that needed attention and have fixed it.Will find out what when I swap them their VolvoS40 for my baby:):):)
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Have you seen this website for info????
Canning Stock Route (http://www.outbacktravelaustralia.com.au/destinations-travel-destinations/canning-stock-route)
Andrew

[Ean Austral]

We did it in a D2 in 2010 and we pre cooked then cryovacced our meals into meal size portions, ie spag Bol and meals like that. Same as any meat , most butchers will do it if you order far enough in advance. Be reslistic about what you want to take. Do 3 or 4 packing runs to see how it fits.

We contacted Capricorn roadhouse In Newman WA who do the fuel drop , you will need a pump of some sort , altho there was a drum pump left there when we went thru. You need to guess your fuel because If you don't fit it in you leave it behind. You need to book and pay a couple of months in advance.

Thee is a community at well 33 that has a shop but you pay top $ and depending on how many vehicle are doing it depends on how much it has. You can get fuel there but you pay for it as well.

When we went they the wells South of 33 had good water in them and North had seen a lot of rain so most were flooded.

It's cold at night if you go thru in the middle of the year so make sure you have good sleeping bags .

Can't think of much else without dragging the post out.

Cheers Ean

[Iain_B]

Pretty sure normal 18" wheel will not fit over the brakes on your HSE, should be a thread here somewhere on what will fit and what won't. These will, Green Oval Experience Land Rover training, Range Rover modifcation (http://www.greenovalexperience.com/18-inch-rims) The 20" wheels will not work on the dunes, we have them on our D3, and even running 15PSI, they were hopeless in sand.

If you are going solo, then you might struggle with weight, specially with an extra spare and enough fuel for 700km. No doubt space will be a problem as well, given the two little ones. Just buy a lightweight tent, they are pretty cheep, and good sleeping bags since it gets cold at night. No need for awnings, they will be too heavy, just get a lightweight tarp and some poles.

Food wise, vacuum pack everything, and just buy lots of cans and dry food, beans, lentils, etc and if you are doing the whole 1600km, then you will need a fair bit of water as well, more than you will be able to carry so you will need to re-supply. Kunawaritji has a shop, so you can also re-stock on food, but don't expect much variety, and it's quite expensive.

You will need a compressor, and will need to be able to patch tyes, not just plug them, so tyre irons and a bead beaker - get the tyre pliers, they work great. Maxtrax will be more useful then a winch and a lot lighter.

Buy a Life Saver Jerry can (http://www.iconlifesaver.eu/lifesaver-products/lifesaver-jerrycan), then you can be safe drinking water from the wells. Do some research on which wells have potable water, some of them are pretty saline, OK for cows, but not people. We have a Jerry can and a Life Saver bottle and have used them on our trips around Australia in our Defender, never had any problems. It means you don't need to carry lots of bottled water, just make your own as long as it is not saline or brackish.

If it is still under warranty, the Land Rover will help you out if you break down, I specifically asked about breakdowns on the Canning and the Land Rover dealer told me I was covered "anywhere in Australia" . I would confirm it with your local dealer. You will just need to wait quite a while I guess. Make sure you have a Sat phone, and program the LR Assist number in. :)

[Konradical]

I have now, thanks!

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[Ean Austral]

Gday Konradical,

Couple of questions,

Are you travelling alone.?

How long you planning on taking?

Could make a difference in what spares you need to carry if there are a few of the same vehicles.

Cheers Ean

[Konradical]

Ean,

We will be travelling as a group, three vehicles at this stage. We will be the only Land Rover.

It has been proposed to take three weeks, including the time to drive from Katherine to Willuna and home again from up top.

All vehicles will have different tyre sizes so we cant share a common spare tyre. I expect to spread recovery gear amongst the vehicle so there is no unnecessary double ups and if a fourth vehicle comes, it will be a ute to carry extra fuel and water.

Hope that answers your questions..

Sent from my Nexus 6P using AULRO mobile app

[Ean Austral]

If you don't already have 1 , a fault code reader would be at the top of the spares list.

You will need good battery power and be able to keep it charged, so I would look at seeing if you can load a spare alternator if it was me in your position. Then look at things that will cause issues with the suspension , I think the shocks and air bags will be fine, but I remember reading about a cross over valve or something like that which has been recommended for remote travel, I also believe there are 2 bolts that can cause issue in the rear. Also a piece of rubber cut to the same size as your battery and put underneath the battery to absorb the corrigation vibration and help protect the base is a thing I found worked well on my D2.

The time you have allowed will mean you are not rushed so you won't be putting things under extra duress which will help a lot.

Disco WA has done it twice once in a D2 with us and then in his D4 , he is well worth the effort of a PM- he's a top bloke and will be very helpful.

Cheers Ean

[LandyAndy]

If you don't already have 1 , a fault code reader would be at the top of the spares list.

You will need good battery power and be able to keep it charged, so I would look at seeing if you can load a spare alternator if it was me in your position. Then look at things that will cause issues with the suspension , I think the shocks and air bags will be fine, but I remember reading about a cross over valve or something like that which has been recommended for remote travel, I also believe there are 2 bolts that can cause issue in the rear. Also a piece of rubber cut to the same size as your battery and put underneath the battery to absorb the corrigation vibration and help protect the base is a thing I found worked well on my D2.

The time you have allowed will mean you are not rushed so you won't be putting things under extra duress which will help a lot.

Disco WA has done it twice once in a D2 with us and then in his D4 , he is well worth the effort of a PM- he's a top bloke and will be very helpful.

Cheers Ean

X2 with Disco WA(Roger),top bloke,he will go out of his way to help out.
Andrew

[Disco W.A]

Konradical
D4 on the CSR
Peter (Ferret on here) and I did the CSR last year in our D4's.
Peter's is a 2011 3 Litre and mine is a 2010 2.7 litre.
We did the Stock Route from North to South, neither D4's struggled with the conditions.
I was solo in my car and Peter was 2 up.

Fuel Usage
I filled up at Bililuna, Well 33, Cotton Creek and then Wiluna.
I used 112 litres between Bililuna and the community at Well 33 distance travelled 675 K's
I used 60.5 litres between Well 33 and the Community at Cotton Creek distance travelled 401 K's
I used 127.5 between Cotton Creek and Wiluna distance travelled 896 K's
Both D4's had very simular fuel consumptions
We only have standard fuel tanks and the extra fuel was carried in jerry cans, we carried more than was required but I like to be safe than sorry.

Tyres,
We both ran Bridgestone Duellers in 265/60/18 mine on standard rims and Peter has GOE rims on his. We both had 2 spares but neither of us had any tyre issues.

Spare Parts,
We each carried an air filter and fuel filter, we also had a spare fan belt, front and rear speed sensor, front and rear height sensors, a brake light switch plus a compressor rebuild kit. we also had a set of the rear suspension arm bolts that are known to break. All these items fit both D4's so that saves each person having a remote travel parts box. None of these parts were required.
I also have a Nanocom and would not leave home without it
Fridge,
I have a 40 Litre Engel with a 2 zone box on top, I run the Engel at minus 6 and this keeps the top section cold but not too cold.

Water,
We each carried 60 litres of water, there plenty of good water on the way so you don't need a huge amount with you.
Peter carried a life saver water jerry can but the well water quality was such that it was not used.

Food,
I vacuum packed meals in portion sizes and thawed as required.
I used the 200ml long life milk packets and the same for fruit juice
I cook on a primus gas stove with a 4 kilo bottle
Weight will be your biggest issue and I would suggest you remove the center seat on the second row this will give you more storage space and reduce weight, I see you have rear draws if the 3rd row seat are below them I would remove these as well.

PM me if you want to have a phone conversation
Regards Roger

[Ferret]

Has anyone done this?(silly question)

If so, what was needed, were there problems, how did you solve the fuel capacity challenge and any other helpful info will be much appreciated.


Both Roger and myself did the CSR last year in D4s. I went via the Gibb River road and Roger by a different but equally circuitous route. We met up in Kunnanura for a few days to knock off the dust and Roger had to fix a few niggles from his meanderings before we tackled the CSR from the Halls Creek end.

Carrying fluids - I had, ex Billiluna, a full tank (~80 litres, but I'm damned if I can get anything like 80l from the tank) + 120 litres of fuel and 60 litres of drinking water in jerry cans all carried internally. Plus I had a jerry of fuel on the roof + an empty 10 litre container for water and an empty Life Saver jerry for water if needed. We didn't bother with a fuel drop instead sourced fuel from Kunawaritji and Parngur (Cotton Creek). Fuel consumption along the track was ~ 14.5l/100k. If doing it again I still wouldn't bother with the fuel drop. You will need to carry about the same fuel to get to the fuel drop as to get to Kunawaritji anyway.

I found carrying 60 litres of drinking water was adequate for my purposes. Drinking water was replenished from the above communities and from Georgia Bore. The 10 litre jerry on the roof I filled from various bores for shower purposes. Carrying 6 jerries of fuel was more than adequate. I never refilled the roof one once empty and at no time did we feeling pressed fuel wise. I took on 109 litres of fuel at Kunawarritji @ $2.94/l and a total of 111 litres (in 2 lots of 65l + 46l) of fuel at Parnngurr @ $3.20. Only took on 70 litres at Wiluna @ $1.66, just enough to fill the tank. I think I had 2 full jerries left at this point so would have used ~130 litres from Parnngurr.

I never filled the roof Life Saver jerry with water and I used the roof jerry of fuel as soon as possible and never refilled it again to keep roof weight down.

Food ? I carried 2 fridges a 40l Waco which I used as a freezer (-15C) and a 40l Engel which I used a fridge (+4C). Frozen food was prepared and individually vacuum packed. A dual battery and smallish solar panel kept it all running. Basics, including fresh vegetables, are available at Kunawarritji and Parnngurr but maybe we were just lucky and got at what must be limited supplies before others bought them out.

Problems for us, none to speak of. Roger changed lower control arms in Kunanurra but this was pretty much foreseen as a possibility and some were on hand in Kunnaurra together with a mates workshop to do the job. I gave Roger as much encouragement as I could when he seemed to be flagging in the heat while doing the job. :D

Roger also had to contend with the failure the upper tailgate latch mechanism preventing the tail gate from opening. This was also solved before leaving Kunnanurra by removing the striker so it could not lock and using a strap to secure the tail gate doors shut.

On the CSR itself we had very little trouble. I had a few suspension faults which the diagnostic tool (IID tool) isolated to an algorithmic error on a rear height sensor (ie not a mechanical fault) we believe it was related to very rapid up and down wheel travel due to corrugations. I just cleared the errors, I did not change the height sensor and still have it use today without trouble. I had a saggy rear end in the mornings on 2 or 3 occasions. I believe this was due to a leaking fitting from the emergency air up kit I fitted. We took no action for this. The vehicle just raised itself as normal on starting.

We both had 18 inch rims and D967 tryes. Along the track ran ~ 18 front, 22 rear psi and in off road height the entire way. Not a single flat for either of us, both on the track and from our individual adventures before hand.

My advice - Critically look at weight and ignore your vehicle's GVM at your peril. One of our party (not a Disco) was highly overloaded - result one busted chassis. There were others in a similar predicaments as well. Remove any seats you don't need to put bums on. They are heavy and just dead weight. Get a diagnostic tool. Roger had the Nanocom, I had the IID. If your control arm bushes have high ks on them, change them before you go. Consider fitting an emergency air up kit. Shocks for us were never a problem, still using mine though I have replaced lower control arms since.

The photos show my fluid carrying arrangement. Roger had a different setup. The blue life saver jerry is shown in the photo but was thrown on the roof and replaced by a conventional fuel jerry for the trip.

Both banks of jerries were held down and cross braced with straps. The valves and hoses on the water jerries allowed me to get water by draining from the jerry cans without needing to take every thing out. This arrangement I carried full of fluids across the GRR and Bungles roads to ensure everything worked before starting the CSR. I had no issues along the CSR with it.

[LRD414]

Peter (Ferret on here) and I did the CSR last year in our D4's.
....
We did the Stock Route from North to South, neither D4's struggled with the conditions.


.....This arrangement I carried full of fluids across the GRR and Bungles roads to ensure everything worked before starting the CSR. I had no issues along the CSR with it.....

Thanks to you both for the excellent information.
This is the type of setup I've been thinking about for travelling the CSR and other similar remote places, so it's good inspiration and tips.

Cheers,
Scott

[Konradical]

Roger and Peter, thank you so much for your insight and info.

If I may, what non standard mods are done to your D4's? Specifically, do either of you run aftermarket under body protection and do you have a Llams or extended suspension rods?

I am still in two minds about doing the trip, not to do with difficulty, duration or preparedness(twelve years of Defence helped that), but more to do with not knowing the fellow members of the trip well enough to have absolute confidence if something were to go wrong. I might suggest a couple of small trips to build confidence and iron out the bugs.

I do plan on fitting a winch and spot lights to the vehicle, but after watching a few videos of various peoples trips, it seems that night driving is a non-event(unless wanting to make camp after a break down) and winching is not required. At this stage unless someone suggests that either would be really handy, I will wait until later next year to fit.

In late March next year I will be travelling down to Adelaide to do the Land Rover Experience where I hope to get to learn a bit more about the car and its capabilities. So far I have learnt to select the appropriate mode, dont be a hoon and let the car do what it does. Much different to my Rangie! I will also try and have a chat to the instructor and get a Land Rover angle on the CSR.

Fuel wise I have been really considering getting a aux tank, but dont like the idea of not being able to reverse it back to normal. It will give me more than adequate fuel for most part of the trip as you have described and I can keep an additional 40L on the roof for justin.

Due to having the kids with us, traveling with fuel in the vehicle isn't an option. I will still like to carry the spare tyre on the roof as I would end up having to pull everything out of the back of the car to wind the spare down, something I do not want to do in the desert. On that, I will have to scavenge a set of 18's from somewhere as I am sure our 20's wont last at all!

I am also considering just using one of those awning tents to sleep in. Just set it up and throw a blow up mattress in there for the night. Il use that with a second battery and might put our solar panels from the van in to keep it charged while stopped and a little Waeco battery pack we have to run some camp lights.

Roger, I think I might follow your call with the two zone and the vac sealed food. They seem well priced and would hopefully carry enough food for us. Can food is a option and it stores well. If I remove the middle seat, I can put a storage container in the space for perishables. If I do remove the third row, I might be able to store recovery gear under the draws. Also, what would be good recovery gear?

I have been looking into the code readers and I haven't made up my mind due to not having used either, so i think at this stage I will just save and get which ever I can afford at the time. I will also look at that spares list and maybe get some out of the UK or something as I wont get anything from around here.

Still thinking about the water situation. My partner isn't all that keen on not having showers so may have to do as you did Peter and have a separate water jerry for a shower.

Our D4 is pretty new so I doubt if anything will need to be replaced before we go, but I will book it in to have a check over a week or so out from the trip and then after again to see what has gone wrong.

one last thing since i have gone on so much, what time of year did you complete the journey?

Thanks again and i will send you a PM when I have a chance and I will take you up on that phone call.

Kon

[Briar]

I am also considering just using one of those awning tents to sleep in. Just set it up and throw a blow up mattress in there for the night.

Kon

Kon

Thought I'd share my thoughts about a couple of things. Like you I have really appreciated the posts from Roger and Peter, very insightful.

Although I am doing a bit of caravan touring at the moment I also am into Ultralight bush walking so have researched lots about weight vs pack size vs comfort levels. I'm not a young guy (I'm 62) but reasonably fit. On our recent van trip to Central Australia we did a couple of overnighters in just the D4 to Palm Valley and Chambers Pillar. We plan on doing the Simpson in a year or two so the sleeping arrangements were important. There is no way my wife would sleep on a closed cell blue foam mat anymore so I had to "trial" as it were for these overnighters how to set up shelter quickly and sleep really comfortably.

What we got was a Coleman Instant-Up Tent. We really have the tent up in less than 2 minutes and add about 2 more if you want to use the fly. 14kg, fits on roofrack easy. Very impressed. Comes in a few sizes.
Coleman Instant Up Touring Tent - 4 Person - Rays Outdoors Australia (http://www.raysoutdoors.com.au/Product/Coleman-Instant-Up-Touring-Tent-4-Person/291385)

For sleeping, this was critical esp for SWMBO. Skip the airbeds, too cold. We got the Exped Megamat Duo. "R" rating of 9.5. Self inflating. Seriously, this is more comfortable and warmer than my bed at home. Unbelievable outstanding. Bulky size (about the size of 2 sleeping bags) but only about 4kg, so could also easily go on roof.Bit pricey but worth every cent, trust me. I cannot over emphasise how good this is. Again they come in different sizes so get what suits. Have a read of reviews.
https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-duo#details

I'll be using these 2 items for any longer trip without the van such as the Simpson so may assist you for the Canning where weight is important.

If you want to go even lighter you can PM me about ultralight bushwalking stuff which I would use if I was travelling alone rather than with the wife.

Trevor

[Ferret]

If I may, what non standard mods are done to your D4's? Specifically, do either of you run aftermarket under body protection and do you have a Llams or extended suspension rods?
Sill guards. Compressor guard. I don't have Llams or rods, just use the IID tool to control height. Llams is more convenient, rods are cheaper but a diagnostic tool more essential than either. I only changed my height twice, once to 'off road height' at the start and once to 'normal height' ~3 weeks later at the end so the convenience of Llams is a non issue for me.

Other non standard mods - Traxide dual battery, twin hella and twin ciggy plugs in the rear. Ditched the rear cabin light and fitted and wired a small led strip to the aux circuits with a switch so all interior electrics and computers allowed to power down (saves heaps of power) but still get light in the back when needed. Anderson plugs fitted front and rear for solar battery charging and compressor use. Frontrunner low profile roof rack and rear ladder. Sides on a rack just mean you gotta hoist every thing higher.


I am still in two minds about doing the trip, not to do with difficulty, duration or preparedness(twelve years of Defence helped that), but more to do with not knowing the fellow members of the trip well enough to have absolute confidence if something were to go wrong. I might suggest a couple of small trips to build confidence and iron out the bugs.

We were a bit like that as well. We were a party of 4 vehicles, Roger and myself (with Brett riding with me, 'DiscoTwinTurbo' from this site). The 3 of us have all known each other for a while so communicate among us was easy. The people in the other 2 vehicles however were mates of Brett that had asked to join our party, we had not met them before so communication not as free and easy. Two riding in a LC200 and another two riding in a dual cab Triton. We had a couple of BBQs in the months before leaving to get to know each other and talk over plans. Wish we had done more of it because the Triton turned into a bit of disaster for the occupants. A bit more 'jaw boning' over vehicle preparations before leaving might have seen a different outcome for them re the excessive weight of this vehicle which was unknown to us until a day or so before commencing the CSR.


I do plan on fitting a winch and spot lights to the vehicle, but after watching a few videos of various peoples trips, it seems that night driving is a non-event(unless wanting to make camp after a break down) and winching is not required. At this stage unless someone suggests that either would be really handy, I will wait until later next year to fit.

We did no night driving along the CSR and can't think of any reason why anyone would want to unless emergency circumstances. I don't have a BB so have no winch or spot lights. Saves weight imho. I think carrying a set of 'MaxTracks' might be more beneficial and a lot lighter than all those 'goodies'.


Fuel wise I have been really considering getting a aux tank, but dont like the idea of not being able to reverse it back to normal. It will give me more than adequate fuel for most part of the trip as you have described and I can keep an additional 40L on the roof for justin.

Due to having the kids with us, traveling with fuel in the vehicle isn't an option. I will still like to carry the spare tyre on the roof as I would end up having to pull everything out of the back of the car to wind the spare down, something I do not want to do in the desert. On that, I will have to scavenge a set of 18's from somewhere as I am sure our 20's wont last at all!

We both arranged the rear setup so that the spare wheel winder was accessible without needing to unload everything to get at it.

Are you intending to carry only one spare on the roof rather than the spare on a rear wheel carrier + an extra on the roof. Given you're the only Disco in the group I be thinking more about only having one spare.

We came across an extremely frustrated leader of a tag along group that told us he was 3 days behind his schedule (and this was even before the half way mark) after having to contend with multiple flat tyres among a group of ~10 vehicles he was leading. I think he said 12 flat tyres but that sounds unbelievable, so maybe my memory is wrong on that count, no doubts about the 3 days behind schedule though due to flats. We encountered that party while they were attending to a flat.

I bought my GOE rims specifically for the trip. My 19 tyres were at the end of their life and needed to be replaced before the trip. Rather than replace them with 19" tyres again I bit the bullet just went with 18s. Very expensive decision but at the end of the trip I was happy with the result.


I am also considering just using one of those awning tents to sleep in. Just set it up and throw a blow up mattress in there for the night.

Briar's advice re self inflating mattress rather than blow up mattress is good. It's very cold at night and blow up mattress have habit of going down, besides being cold.


If I do remove the third row, I might be able to store recovery gear under the draws. Also, what would be good recovery gear?

Snatch strap + schackles and max tracks IMO.

And while not strictly recovery gear someone in the party needs a sat phone. There are different systems out there, some making use of multiple satellites, some relying on only one satellite. Some are better than others as we found out. Roger I'm sure can advise.


I will also look at that spares list and maybe get some out of the UK or something as I wont get anything from around here.

Ya never know, we got some spare sensors from a D4 being wrecked in Perth.


Still thinking about the water situation. My partner isn't all that keen on not having showers so may have to do as you did Peter and have a separate water jerry for a shower.

At Kunawarritji really good showers and toilets are available for travellers ~$3 / person. Washing machines as well. It also has a very well equipped workshop for hire, though you have to be capable of using all their gear to do whatever repairs you need yourself - no mechanic.


one last thing since i have gone on so much, what time of year did you complete the journey?

End of July - early August.

And while you haven't mentioned it (perhaps your already aware), but to keep in the good books with the local residents you need to obtain permits, one for the southern end of the track and one for the northern end of the track.

Some good info, including how to get permits is here - Canning Stock Route Visitor Information. (http://www.canningstockroute.net.au/)

[weeds]

Awesome heads up...thanks ferret.

[LRD414]

The only thing that could better this very informative thread would be a couple of photos of internal setups, particularly regarding the fuel and water locating, tie-down, etc.

I was thinking of asking a few questions but basically everything has been covered [emoji3]

So one thing, was it worth it, considering all the efforts to do it?

Thanks again,
Scott

[Disco W.A]

The only thing that could better this very informative thread would be a couple of photos of internal setups, particularly regarding the fuel and water locating, tie-down, etc.

I was thinking of asking a few questions but basically everything has been covered [emoji3]

So one thing, was it worth it, considering all the efforts to do it?

Thanks again,
Scott

Scott,

I will see if I can find some photos of my internal set up.
yes it was worth it, this was my second time on the CSR, if I do it again it will be with Track Care on one of their projects to restore the wells and install more toilets

here one of my D4 on a dune

[Garfield]

thanks for all the great info and advice - invaluable - especially when backed up with actual experience :) :) :)

[Piddler]

A great watch today on Canning, RPM had Daryl Beattie expeditions showing there trip on motorcycles.
Gave you a great outlook of the track and conditions.
Worth watching online again should be on channel 10 online channel.

Cheers

[DiscoMick]

After our Simpson trip I'd recommend stretchers with swags and sleeping bags under a vehicle awning. We had screened walls for the awning to keep the bugs out. Stretchers get you off the ground and swags keep the wind out. We had a snake go under our stretchers so were happy to be off the ground. I sleep well in mine and the wife is happy, so I'm happy.
We carried them on the roofrack. One night we had a big wind storm so we used the vehicle as a wind break and turned the feet of the stretchers towards the wind and bunkered down.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Ferret]

... a couple of photos of internal setups, particularly regarding the fuel and water locating, tie-down, etc.

Pulled the cradle out of the shed and set it up. Photos show:

1) The floor plate. Bolts to existing bolt holes (14 of them) fixing the 2nd row of seats.

2) Underside of floor plate showing 'feet'. The seat bolt holes are at different heights so the feet are at different heights to level the floor plate.

3) View showing the jerry can hold down points, the strapping and cross bracing. The freezer straps to existing seat anchors (on this side) + hold down points (on the other side) attached to the floor plate like the jerry can hold down points.

4) As it would appear when internally fitted in the back row. Folding table sits in neatly over the freezer + top plate fixes to top of cradle via over centre fasteners to create a flat surface behind the front row of seats.

[LRD414]

Thanks. I will be copying this at some stage for sure. You both carried 60L water each. Were you solo in each vehicle? Meaning a couple would need to carry more water.

Scott

[PerthDisco]

Thanks. Is the aluminium frame some form of quick build product?

[LandyAndy]

Thanks. Is the aluminium frame some form of quick build product?

Yes.
Don't buy from Bunnings.
MUCH cheaper at Capral Aluminum;););););)(Canning Vale,Welshpool,Wangara)
Andrew

[Ferret]

Thanks. I will be copying this at some stage for sure. You both carried 60L water each. Were you solo in each vehicle? Meaning a couple would need to carry more water.

Scott

Roger was solo. I had a passenger but that was a abit of a last minute arrangement meaning the 60 litres I carried was planned for myself only.

However there were plenty of other 'liquids' for drinking purposes as well, including bottled water. I didn't use any of the bottled water at all. Brett loaded some in when he jumped in with me, can't rememberer how much maybe 2 cases for his own use.

Did I mention the beer, coke and bottles of port? :D

[Ferret]

Thanks. Is the aluminium frame some form of quick build product?

Known as 'QubeLoc'. Like Andrew says - Capral.

[LRD414]

Did I mention the beer, coke and bottles of port? :D
Essential expedition items. Plus a couple of these:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/10/185.jpg
Red. Very smooth. Equivalent to 1 jerry can of water. :p

Cheers,
Scott

[Tombie]

Essential expedition items. Plus a couple of these:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/10/185.jpg
Red. Very smooth. Equivalent to 1 jerry can of water. :p

Cheers,
Scott



Just a glass Jerry Can is all that is - filled with Low Sulphur Diesel - at least the vehicle can run on it.