Touring decisions. Disco or Defender ???

DiscoMick · 25th November 2018, 05:44 PM

If you're going the Plenty Highway from Longreach to Alice then, unless it's improved radically, low profile tyres could be a big problem.
Corrugations are certain problem, but so are the cattle grids. Hit a cattle grid at speed in the wrong place and tyres can be ripped apart, because the grids have joins in the middle.
We saw a 79 towing a camper which had destroyed three high profile Cooper MTs (two on vehicle drivers side and one on the camper) on a cattle grid. That was obviously unusual, but it can happen.
So you need excellent tyres, spare spares and to slow down.
Full under body protection also a good idea.
But it can be done.
Assume the worst and decide which vehicle will cope the best.

**weeds** · 25th November 2018, 06:23 PM

Bloody hell....ya all know thousands of cars travels theses roads every year.

The worst thing I did before my solo Simpson was read too much online, in the end it was a leave of cake.

**rar110** · 25th November 2018, 07:01 PM

I’d probably go through Birdsville, Strzlecki & Oodnadatta track.

**Graeme** · 25th November 2018, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Hit a cattle grid at speed in the wrong place and tyres can be ripped apart, because the grids have joins in the middle.

Not slowing right down for cattle grids is asking for trouble as often there is a big hole either side which will blow tyres and wreck rims and suspensions if not avoided.

**scarry** · 25th November 2018, 07:53 PM

Done that trip both ways in the D4,no issues at all.

But you MUST have good tyres,18's with LT tyres is the only way,or take the Deefer.Dont even think of going on P rated tyres,or 19's.

The only real issue with the D4,is it is so comfortable,it is very easy for road speed to get away from you.The suspension and tyres then cop a hiding on the dirt.

Have a good trip,i have also done it in the D2a,its a fantastic place.

**Aussie_Oz_Born** · 25th November 2018, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Arapiles

I'm going to presume that the D4 is also quieter than the Defender ...

Just a tad.............

**Aussie_Oz_Born** · 25th November 2018, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by rar110

If your going with the D4 (which the family will appreciate) I would look at a dual battery system if your keeping a fridge in the car (I assume the trailer has a battery), an IID tool and may be an extra tyre/wheel. You can probably just borrow one.

EAS is reliable. Lots of trucks running around with air suspension.

Traxide system is on the list

I think I'll go a Rovacom-IQ, maybe, still looking.

**Aussie_Oz_Born** · 25th November 2018, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

If you're going the Plenty Highway from Longreach to Alice then, unless it's improved radically, low profile tyres could be a big problem.

Yeah, I think I'm going to avoid the Plenty Hwy and go via Mount Isa now. A bit longer but probably a lot quicker on the black stuff.

**Aussie_Oz_Born** · 25th November 2018, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by rar110

I’d probably go through Birdsville, Strzlecki & Oodnadatta track.

Weather permitting that's the way I'll take for the stretch home. I can't wait!

**Aussie_Oz_Born** · 25th November 2018, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by scarry

The only real issue with the D4,is it is so comfortable,it is very easy for road speed to get away from you.

I reckon! Every time I take it for a spin I have to be careful with the speed, very easy to be 20km/h over.

Thread: Touring decisions. Disco or Defender ???

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