"Not suitable for caravans" and definition of caravan

As an ex cop I can say that the "Not Suitable for Caravans" is as stated just advisory but the Signs that say "No caravans or semi trailers beyond this point" or similar mean just that, and if you proceed you can be prosecuted. Often you will find that there are very sharp turns or there is no where for a large vehicle to turn around to get out so your chances of getting stuck in there asre often high, in which case the law may well be called to talk to you.

Some of these roads have the unsuitable for caravans sign simply because they have to cover all caravans like the Commodore towing a 20 foot van and it wouldn't have the traction to go up or down a steep slope, or the road would be too rough where an off road type van with a tow vehicle in low range 4WD would have no problems.

I have found that when we have gone past a sign saying "Not Suitable for Caravans" that you hear people talking on Channel 40 who think that it means caravans are banned which is not the case.

Brian

Hi Rob,

Why the road into Chambers Pillar? We went in there without problems and enjoyed it, then followed the "Old Ghan Railway" to Finke, loved every minute of the journey.

Cheers,
Stan

As one of the 7 BTs that you have referred to in your post I would like to give you our version of the facts.

On information given to us by another BT owner before reaching the road to Mitchell falls we were told we would have no problems towing our BTs up to the Falls camping ground and we didn't have any problems apart from 3 damaged steps.

At no time to our knowledge did we inconvenience any other road users.The lead vehicle would inform the group of oncoming traffic and we would all pull over and let them past or the oncoming vehicle would pull over for us,common courtesy I would think.Tail end Charlie would inform the group of traffic that came from behind and we would all pull over and let them pass.

On arrival at the camp ground we parked in the generator area which is quite large and was empty.It took all of 15 minutes to place the 7 vans.

Late that afternoon the Ranger visited us and was quite chuffed to see 7 BTs in his camp ground.So much so that on the morning we were leaving he visited us to say goodby and took photos of our camp.He said he was going to use the photos in his next brochure to promote the area as being off road caravan friendly.

We are bemused by your comments of what the ranger said to you as our contact with him was the exact opposite.

On our trip in to the falls we encounted the fuel truck coming out.This truck is the same width as a BT and we all managed to pass safely,just lucky I guess.

Our group are all experienced drivers.My brothers Bert & Philip who were with us spent 25+ years in the quarrying and earthmoving business and spent many years driving 30 tonne tip trucks on roads as narrow and sometimes narrower than the falls road.We have clean driving records and had to always be aware of the less experienced drivers on the road.

And by the way there is no sign saying that the road is NOT SUITABLE FOR CARAVANS but there is a sign saying that the road is not maintained.

Rob you are entitled to your opinion however I beg to differ.

Regards Keith & Sue.

Hi Rob, I must say that as one of the 7 BT's that went into the Mitchell Plateau I am upset that you have related incorrect information. As Keith has explained above, we are all considerate drivers, we have UHF's and some vechiles have a second one so that they can hear and transmit to any other vechiles on other channels. This being the reason so that we can notify them if we are coming towards them or in front of them that we would pull over and let them go. Many truck drivers commended us in doing this and they would in return ask about our trip etc. So I fail to see how we inconvientent anyone going or coming out of Mitchell Plateau.

I must also add that we all love our B/T's and would in now way drive where we think we would damage our vechiles or vans. As quoted by Keith we had been told by another B/T owner that we had enough room for us all and so we proceeded. Upon arrival we had an aduiance and even comments on how quickly we parked and set up.

As for the ranger, we can only talk of the one that came to our camp that evening he was so excited to see us all there, he even came in our van and had a look at it. He apologised that he was not able to do his slide show as his projector was in for repair. The next morning he came to say good-by bringing a woman to photography us and she too came in our van and talked to most of us. So unless this was all a put on we can only presume that he was happy with us and wants to see more of us there.

Let me remind you that no matter where anyone travels the courtesy of pulling off the road does not only need to be practiced on the country narrow roads, but also on highways. We pride ourselves in doing this and everywhere we have been either in this group or on our own we have always been asked to return.

As Keith said that you have the right to your opinion but let that be yours alone and not infulence anyone else by repeating unfounded gossip.

Continue enjoing your B/T as we will and be assured that we do not endanger any place being banned to caravans by any misdoings on our behalf.

Ragards,
Stella & Jack
"Cruisin' Twosome"