However there are some important considerations before you head off into the wilderness.
Most trailers weigh between 500kg and 750kg, more when loaded or carrying water, extra fuel etc. That can be a lot of dead weight behind your vehicle. So remember that just because your 4wd will go there, don’t expect to go there just as easily with your trailer! Spend some time on some familiar offroad terrain to get used to the difference towing a trailer makes to the performance of your vehicle on these tracks. Hitting a steep hill in the wrong gear and running out of power could be a nightmare, and three point turns on switchbacks take on a very new meaning with a loaded trailer in tow! And dunes and slippery hills may prove impassable where a well equipped vehicle might have pushed though. Get used to slowing and stopping, especially down hills. Electric and hydraulic brakes work differently so if the trailer is equipped with brakes, get the feel of how they operate and how to use them.
Another thing that will help you through difficult terrain is airing down the tyres on the trailer, just as reducing tyre pressure in your 4wd will help get through sand and mud more easily. Reducing pressure gives the tyres a bigger “footprint” and allows the trailer tyres to roll over the top of surfaces they might otherwise cut into and “bog down” your progress.
Don’t forget about maintenance. Just as it is critical to make sure your vehicle is in top condition before an offroad trip, trailer maintenance will help avoid trackside grief. Wheel bearings and brake systems need to be serviced regularly, particularly if you frequently tow your trailer through water.
Finally, plan your trip. Typically there is more than one route to the same destination, and in remote locations and extreme conditions it pays to know which routes are safest for your vehicle and trailer. For example many people condemn the use of trailers in the Simpson Desert; however the Rig road is very different to the tall soft dunes of the French Line. There is no sense in taking a “she’ll be right” attitude only to turn a pleasant days touring into a long, hard day and a late camp… not the families idea of a holiday! You can always camp in one place and do day trips out from there if serious offroading is what you’re about.
In summary, a camper trailer is a great way to carry your extra gear and provide the whole family with a quick and comfortable campsite at the end of each days touring. However towing a laden camper trailer changes what you can do and where you can go you’re your 4wd. Taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Knowing your capabilities and the limitations on your vehicle when towing a trailer, maintaining your trailer, and planning your trip with your trailer in mind, will help you enjoy your time away and save costly repairs and even recovery from remote areas.
Peter Drew is the author of
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