Thread: Remote recovery; am I paranoid?

I did the Munja to Backstein Bush camp (wonderful spot, which is about half way) a couple of years ago with GOE tag along. We had 8 cars and two trailers and we all got through unscathed. Yes there a few jump ups that can test you but if you take it slowly and carefully consider your line (eg spotter required) then you'll find it a fun trip that shouldn't cause many problems. Having a suspension system you can lift up at will is a great asset. Use it. The track itself is easy when dry (black soil country). River crossing were low as it was dry but if there is rain, consider delaying. Yes, take spare tyres and a GAP tool but have fun on the two days it will take you to get to Walcott.

As far a track side assist goes, you might as well send up smoke signals. I doubt if anyone will come.

With club 4x4 you can pay an extra premium to get $30000 off-road recovery cover. But you need to pay and then be reimbursed which would be a problem most. I know I don’t have a spare 30 grand lying around.

Originally Posted by ATH

If you do that and damage the rental make sure there's heaps of money to cover what they charge for anything they can attribute to you. They show no mercy hire car companies.
AlanH.

Oh, Ye of little faith Alan...

Originally Posted by rocket rod

I did the Munja to Backstein Bush camp (wonderful spot, which is about half way) a couple of years ago with GOE tag along. We had 8 cars and two trailers and we all got through unscathed. Yes there a few jump ups that can test you but if you take it slowly and carefully consider your line (eg spotter required) then you'll find it a fun trip that shouldn't cause many problems. Having a suspension system you can lift up at will is a great asset. Use it. The track itself is easy when dry (black soil country). River crossing were low as it was dry but if there is rain, consider delaying. Yes, take spare tyres and a GAP tool but have fun on the two days it will take you to get to Walcott.

As far a track side assist goes, you might as well send up smoke signals. I doubt if anyone will come.

Rod I’m not worried really, there’ll be four vehicles and a couple of trailers, it’s only in case of catastrophic vehicle failure. I’ve got a GAP tool and plenty of spare tyres etc...tools, handy people, so taking it easy we’ll be 99% covered...

Originally Posted by GregMilner

Rod I’m not worried really, there’ll be four vehicles and a couple of trailers, it’s only in case of catastrophic vehicle failure. I’ve got a GAP tool and plenty of spare tyres etc...tools, handy people, so taking it easy we’ll be 99% covered...

Have fun. It'll be a corker! Wish I was going.

I'm telling you now LR don't do remote recoveries of any kind, they just pass it on to the local recovery mob, you're better off with NRMA or RACV/Q premium care and a credit card.

Now having said that, worrying about this is pointless just go out there and enjoy your trip, worry about when it happens if it happens at all, besides you have backup travelling with you we didn't we did most of it alone towing a trailer.

Oh yeah the GRR is not a 4WD track, we saw heaps of 2WD vehicles on the Gibb when we were there in 2017, we did 23,000ks all up for our Kimberley trip, that included GOOGS Track, great central road, The Gunbarrel(the entire length), CSR to Georgia Bore, Tallawanna Track, Cape Leveque, the GRR, Mitchel Falls Rd, Binns Track, Mt Dare, Dalhousie and the Oodnadatta track to Lindhurst.

My 2 Cents.

You'll be fine, they're a tough car.

All remote area tracks in northern WA require artful and experienced driving at times, depending on the conditions at the time. Even if someone drove to Walcott last year it could all be different when you go.

Those big rocky jump-ups require cautious slow, low range. Take it easy and you should be fine. Black soil becomes impassable very quickly if it rains. For all of the above, if in doubt stop for a cuppa and assess. Walk it. Take your time. Don’t try to do it in a hurry.

Worst case scenario 1: turn back and enjoy where you are or go another way. Worst case scenario 2: sounds like you’re travelling with others, any break down you’ll nut out the best plan and I’m sure you’re taking a sat phone or Epirb.

As mentioned above Club 4x4 insurance offers remote area recovery with insurance policy. You can upgrade it too with options. This combined with RAC ultimate / or LR assist is best bet I reckon.

Enjoy!

Don't overthink it, A lot of lesser 4wd's than a 3 year old D4 make it up and back that on that track without a problem.
Enjoy the drive and don't rush it