Thread: SAvannah Highway (unsealed bits) & 19in wheels

Well I did it 3 years ago and Borraloola to Roper bar which is rougher.
IMHO most of it is just a very corrugated road depending on when graded.

The biggest worry for you would be the river crossings as some are quite rocky. But with due care and a slow and steady approach you will be OK.
Just be very wary as there are a lot of dip signs which are just little dips, but some are the entrances to river crossings , and I found myself on max brakes to slow for some of them.
It's not like say the Simpson with roots sticking out that could jag a sidewall.
REgards Philip A

I have the 18 inch wheels and Wranglers with load rating 112 and have used them offroad a fair bit and on sme rough tracks when they had decent tread on them. I haven't had any punctures and was generally impressed with them from a strength perspective I was very much expecting a puncture.

Something you may be able to do to put your mind at rest
1) Run the correct pressure for the situation (Maybe other on his frum an help with this fo 19 inch tyres) you must reduce your pressres in rocky terrain not overly so but it should be less allowing the tyre more give on the terrain
2) Slowdow a litle bit
3) Carry a tyre repair kit

Enjoy the trip.

Hi,

Last Aug we did the whole Old Savannah track towing a KK, but in the previous vehicle, a 2dr Jeep JK. The road was rough. Some heavy corrugations (so that is ok) bit I remember the roughest bit being the exposed bed rock. The track was slow going in parts and I have to say I was mighty pleased I had 17's BFG AT's on. I don't feel comfortable with the D4 2.7 18's I've got so not sure how the 19's would be. The river crossings are few and far between, quick flat rocks. The exposed bed rock jags and shrapnel were far worse.

It's a bl00dy great track though and Rorella Springs St. is a must!!

We did that road a couple of years back before we had the D4. Had a Honda crv with HT tyres and had no problems. Wasn't towing anything.
Agree with Ozzie, the exposed bedrock on the road was the biggest hazard. The graders obviously can't scrape rock away. Problem is, you are driving down a recently graded road and suddenly come across exposed rock which you need to brake hard to avoid tyre or rim damage. The exposed rock I encountered was predominately smooth. Drive to the conditions that there could be exposed rock around the next bend and you should have no problems.
Having driven that road in a Honda and now experiencing driving off road on the D4 I would imagine the risk would be not realising how fast you are going as the D4 eats up corrugations. Suggest take your time and watch the speedo.
Also went to Lorrella Springs, if that is what Ozzie is referring to. Road into there is much worse than the 'highway'. Nothing that requires low range, just more exposed rock in the road than the Savannah Highway plus a few sandy bits and small creek crossings. Just be aware if you do decide to go there it is a large cattle property that is trying to diversify into tourism. The trip fishing on the coast is about 2 hours one way from the camp ground. I did buy fuel there from 200lt drums but this can not be relied upon. They do have a good web site but may be misleading if you don't take into acount the incredible size of this property.
cheers,
sean

I live on the Savannah Way, did 3 19" Wranglers the first 8 months we owned the D3 mainly on rocks.
I have 19" Continentals on her now & not a flat tyre yet.
Most of the road is pretty good though corrugated & bull dust patches.
Drive steady, 80kph if towing & keep a good eye out well ahead & you should be fine.
Part of my problem is I know the roads too well & tend to go a bit fast so when I clock things I usually clock them hard.
Might learn one day.
Drop in at the Doomadgee Store & say Gooday. Ask for Paul.
Jonesfam

I'd recommend dumping the Wranglers for somegood AT tyres.

Hi I came down the Bridsville track in a mates D3 on wranglers with a trailer on the back and had a flat in each rear tyre, stone through the tread and they were still quite new. I'd spend the money and get a set of AT's at least and enjoy your trip. We plugged both tyres, but the plugs didn't want to hold very well, i think the tyres were too thin, hence the flats. We made it to Maree, one was patchable, the other throw away. Do the sums it may pay to get the second set as opposed to replace, say 2 Wranglers.

Enjoy your trip.

Andrew

Many thanks to all those who have replied. I have ordered a set of the General Grabber 19in AT2's when they arrive in Melbourne later this month (apparently). I'll drive them for the trip and store the Wranglers to go back on when the GG's wear out and the car goes back to being an urban tow-slave.