preperation

Mt. Isa to St. George - Mark’s Tips, sponsored by TJM Townsville

Preperation for the Motortrail | Mt. Isa to St. George | Vehicle Equipment | Vehicle Tyres | Safety |

The region travelled this year is remote and will have areas of loose surfaces and many variable conditions. Please check your vehicle spare parts and carry a minimum of 8 lts of water and 2 spare tyres on rims. Check out our website for more details on vehicle requirements. It is essential that you have a good recovery point for 4x4s and cars. Snatch straps are available from TJM. Be sure to have a secure mounting point fitted to your vehicle by a qualified fitter and 2 D shackles. A snatch strap is different to a towing strap. A snatch strap that is rated too heavy for your vehicle will cause damage as the elasticity of the strap will be incorrect. Please get correct advice before purchase.

The crossing from Birdsville to Innamincka will be challenging for all 2 wheel drive cars. You may need to drop the pressure in your tyres. Check your car reference manual for the correct inflation pressures. After lowering your tyre pressure for any section and moving past that point, you must re inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure. Lowering tyre pressure reduces the weight of the car/4x4 on the surface therefore your tyre acts more like a dozer/truck tyre giving you a longer distance of surface cover. This in turn reduces the overall weight of your vehicle. The length is what you need, not so much the width. I also suggest you purchase a good quality air pump from any TJM outlet, along with a few tyre valves and stems.

When being assisted out of a bogged situation, please communicate on your designated J4K UHF radio channel. Also ensure you place a safety mat or bag over the snatch strap to reduce the recoil if a towing point becomes dislodged or ripped off. All 2 wheel drive cars on the day will be allocated a “buddy”. Your buddy will be a 4x4 assist if needed. Remember the common rule “DRIVE TO THE CONDITONS”. Communicate with other entrants and use your radio procedures in a clear manner. Keep all children and any other persons clear of the area when being towed. There will always be a J4K official within UHF range to assist if needed.

SAFE MOTORING.

Mark Louez, Motor Trail Director