Trip to Birdsville

[Lancer1993]

Thought I'd start this thread to ask some questions and hopefully document the trip.

First I'm not looking at doing this trip for about 12 months, sometime after easter 2022. This is mostly down to Covid19 and we'll needing time to get ready. This includes buying a suitable 4x4 and camper.

4x4 budget is about $10-15k
Right now I'm pretty much open to options for the 4x4 but would like to keep it in the Mitsubishi family which means around 5 options.

Pajero (not sports as they are too new and cost too much)
Outlander
Challenger
ASX (might be too light weight)
Triton (but trying to stay away from ute's)

I'm open to other options outside the Mitsubishi family.

The goal of the trip is to drive from the Sunshine Coast to Birdsville, and then down to Adelaide. Might be some side destinations but thats up for debate closer to the time. Return is likely on sealed roads throughs VIC and NSW. Length of the trip is 3-4 weeks but again this will depend on a lot of things.

[bumblebee]

Pretty sure the road to Birdsville is all sealed now

Once you get there
Then what?
Drive thru the desert?

[lancerdarryl]

Definitely a Pajero for the comfort and towing.A set of standard height king springs,Bilsteins or KYB scorchers and you're good to go.

[Lancer1993]

Not all sealed and it depends on you route how much dirt there is. One of the side destinations is Cameron Corner, lots of dirt/sand/rocks. Also Birdsville down to Marree is over 500km of dirt and while technically you could do the trip most of the time in 2WD as long as you have enough ground clearance its risky.

So some of the likely side trips are Cameron Corner, Lake Eyre and Roxby Downs.

I've said before a properly set up Ralliart with a 4x4 support vehicle would make for an interesting trip but I don't have a time, money or support for that.

[bumblebee]

Pretty sure the road from Mt Isa to Birdsville is fully sealed now.
https://birdsvillehotel.com.au/
Give these guys a call they will know for sure.
Don't go stupid with the throttle
Do a 4x4 driving course before you go
Enjoy

[Lancer1993]

It may well be sealed north of Birdsville but south for over 500 kays its dirt, besides I'd be coming in from the east, if all goes well.

I've driven off road before, but many years ago. I agree the key is not to go too fast, slow or stop and pull off if you can when you see a truck coming to other way. A lot of it comes down to common sense and being prepared and expect delays, don't try making up time.

[bumblebee]

Yup
Keep the truckie on the tar
Some nasty accident happen when other vehicles don't give way
The unsaid road rule of outback Australia is, the guy with the biggest bullbar goes first

[Lancer1993]

What do we think of a 2009 Pajero with more that 400k on it for $8k?

Too risky?
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/detail ... 6450/?Cr=2

[bumblebee]

The only issue with Pajero is trying to get parts in outback Australia.
Why?
Cos every body loves to run Toyota out there

[Lancer1993]

And usually you pay a higher price for a similar year Prado, even with 400k on them.

After a Monday drive to check out some campers, now debating if its needed, much cheaper to have a tent and less to worry about not towing dead weight around.

[bumblebee]

A tent works ok
Also have a look at the Annex dudad that attach to the roof racks
There is some interesting ones around for sure

[Lancer1993]

Yeah it seems to be a 'must have' accessory for most 4x4s I see, even many tradies, at least for them its something they could use daily depending on the job site.

I'm also thinking of DIY welding and other mods I can do.

On that I read once someone got fined for not having the 3rd row seats in place. From memory they were on holiday, they were completely packed and its was an older couple with just the 2 of them in the 4x4. Anyone know is this is actually a risk as those 3rd row seats take up a lot of space, even when folded in most cases unless they fold into the floor.

[lancerdarryl]

I find that hard to believe they are made to be removable

[Lancer1993]

Some like on the Prado and LC unclip so you can remove them to get more in the back, if they fold into the floor then this is a non issue. Apparently its a grey area, but to be legal if you take them out and are not planning to put them right back you need to change the rego so it is not a 7 seater.

[bumblebee]

The Prado rear seats have been removable for quite a few years
The Kia Grand Carnival is the same
You can remove all the rear seats they just have a small tab to be lifted up and out they come