Towing a caravan on the Gibb River Road

by Steve
(Perth)

We are planning a trip from Darwin to Perth in July 2009 and have been told we could tow our 20ft full van with our Prado on the Gibb River Road. We would love some feedback from people to let us know if it is possible or just stay clear. We don't have the option of leaving the van somewhere either.

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Towing a caravan on the Gibb River Road

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Nothing is impossible, but...
by: Birgit

Hi Steve,

I don't know of any first hand experiences that I could share. Maybe others will chime in.

The general recommendation for the Gibb River Road is clear: no caravans.

I personally would also stay clear. But some people do get tough off-road vans across without problems.

You don't say how sturdy your van is, if it is a dedicated off-road van or not (if it isn't don't take it), and you don't say where you want to go, so it's hard to say just how big the risk is. Is it possible? My motto in life is that nothing is impossible, but...

Do you like your caravan? Can it handle being knocked about? Does it matter to you if the fridge in it works or not? How good is the suspension? The overall workmanship? Your bush mechanic skills?

Your caravan may make it to the other end if the road has just been graded, but it may just as well fall apart on you. Depends on the van, the state of the road at the time (can't be predicted), and more than anything else on the speed. The bone jarring corrugations present the biggest challenge for most trailers and vans.

Keep in mind that "the Gibb River Road" is not the whole story. Most people talking about the Gibb River Road actually mean a trip to all the attractions along the Gibb River Road, and that includes hundreds of kilometres on narrow side tracks... Some of those will be more risky for a van than others (dips or creek crossings), and again the actual state at the time can't be predicted.

Also be wary of people telling you they've "done" the Gibb River Road and it would not be a problem for a van. The road may have been fine at the time. That is no guarantee that it will be fine when you get there.

Rather than asking if it is possible you need to assess what exactly your particular van and set up can handle, how well you could deal with things going wrong and if the resulting risk and hassle is worth it.

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Submitted by: Birgit

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Hi Steve, I don't know of any first hand experiences that I could share. Maybe others will chime in. The general recommendation for the Gibb River Road is clear: no caravans. I personally would also stay clear. But some people do get tough off-road vans across without problems. You don't say how sturdy your van is, if it is a dedicated off-road van or not (if it isn't don't take it), and you don't say where you want to go, so it's hard to say just how big the risk is. Is it possible? My motto in life is that nothing is impossible, but... Do you like your caravan? Can it handle being knocked about? Does it matter to you if the fridge in it works or not? How good is the suspension? The overall workmanship? Your bush mechanic skills? Your caravan may make it to the other end if the road has just been graded, but it may just as well fall apart on you. Depends on the van, the state of the road at the time (can't be predicted), and more than anything else on the speed. The bone jarring corrugations present the biggest challenge for most trailers and vans. Keep in mind that "the Gibb River Road" is not the whole story. Most people talking about the Gibb River Road actually mean a trip to all the attractions along the Gibb River Road, and that includes hundreds of kilometres on narrow side tracks... Some of those will be more risky for a van than others (dips or creek crossings), and again the actual state at the time can't be predicted. Also be wary of people telling you they've "done" the Gibb River Road and it would not be a problem for a van. The road may have been fine at the time. That is no guarantee that it will be fine when you get there. Rather than asking if it is possible you need to assess what exactly your particular van and set up can handle, how well you could deal with things going wrong and if the resulting risk and hassle is worth it.

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Dont do it
by: Anonymous

Hi, just back from the Gibb. It was destroying 4x4s (incl Prados) suspension in particular. Towing anything on it is difficult, esp for the thing being towed, agree with the moderators comments, how much do you value your van? I can guarantee it wont be the same after the Gibb and will at least be up for a heap of repairs. I met people who left vans at Fitzroy Crossing or Kununurra and tented the Gibb, thats a better option than destroying your mobile home. I did see one van/road trailer that was being rattled to death, doors flapping about, not a pretty thing.