Hey Guys,
I'm planning a trip from Broome (where I'm living at the moment) along the Gibb and back again via the highway probably in June/July. I've done plenty of research but I'm interested to hear from people who have done it in the D-max. How did it handle it, what upgrades would you recommend? I'm putting on new suspension and tires come the dry, It's hard to get modifications done well and at a reasonable price here. I haven't done much off-road stuff in the past, I drive on cable beach every day to take the dog for a walk and I've done Cape Leveque road a few times. I'm the type of person that likes to have all the gear and hope to never have to use it.
Thanks
Gibb River Road
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Dropbear74
- Posts: 734
- Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2014 8:59 pm
- Location: Darwin
Re: Gibb River Road
I did the Gibb/ Kalumburu a couple of years ago. We had canopy, bulbar and snorkel at the time. If you want to do some exploring a snorkel is a good idea and I would say a must. At El Questro gorge we had water over the bonnet a number of times.
Our suspension was stock at the time, and it did the trip, but at the time I wish I had had aftermarket on, especially on the Kalumburu Rd where the shocks started fading from the corrugations. But the ride wasn't flash overall. I have since put OME on and the improvement in ride comfort on corrugated roads is quite noticeable.
Tyres - Just get a set of Light Truck A/T's and an air compressor. We had the Dueler 697's which are Light truck A/T's which we are very happy with and have now got 50k km on them. And a hell of a lot cheaper than the Yank brands at the time.
Our suspension was stock at the time, and it did the trip, but at the time I wish I had had aftermarket on, especially on the Kalumburu Rd where the shocks started fading from the corrugations. But the ride wasn't flash overall. I have since put OME on and the improvement in ride comfort on corrugated roads is quite noticeable.
Tyres - Just get a set of Light Truck A/T's and an air compressor. We had the Dueler 697's which are Light truck A/T's which we are very happy with and have now got 50k km on them. And a hell of a lot cheaper than the Yank brands at the time.
DB74
2012 LS-T, Mineral Grey. ARB Canopy, Traderack, Bullbar, Airtech Snorkel, XDC winch, Xray Vision driving lights, TX3345 GME radio, Dual Battery via Redarc VSR, OME 300kg Constant load suspension, factory towbar, Dueler 697 LT tyres, now 70,000km
2012 LS-T, Mineral Grey. ARB Canopy, Traderack, Bullbar, Airtech Snorkel, XDC winch, Xray Vision driving lights, TX3345 GME radio, Dual Battery via Redarc VSR, OME 300kg Constant load suspension, factory towbar, Dueler 697 LT tyres, now 70,000km
Re: Gibb River Road
Depending on the last time the grader went through, the Gibb varies from a smooth dirt road, to a badly corrugated dirt road. The Kalumbaru road is worse (badly corrugated) most of the time There's nothing terribly difficult from a technical perspective.
As has been mentioned. A snorkel is good insurance (for dust as well as water), but the big things to have are decent suspension (for corrugations), and good / near new, LT spec tyres. The rocks on the Gibb can be a bit sharp, so good tyres are a must have. Add in a compressor (so you can let the pressures down when needed) and a TPMS to keep an eye out for punctures before the tyre destroys itself, and a tyre repair kit (plugs, etc) and you should be fine. Just drive to the conditions.
You'll really enjoy yourself. The last time I went through that way, we spent 3 weeks on the Gibb and could have spent longer. As you're already up in the area, if you can - try and hit the road in late May / early June. Right after the wet has broken, the road has been re-opened and the stations are open for business. Best time of the year to visit in my opinion (and not as many people about as in July).
I hope the info helps..............
John
As has been mentioned. A snorkel is good insurance (for dust as well as water), but the big things to have are decent suspension (for corrugations), and good / near new, LT spec tyres. The rocks on the Gibb can be a bit sharp, so good tyres are a must have. Add in a compressor (so you can let the pressures down when needed) and a TPMS to keep an eye out for punctures before the tyre destroys itself, and a tyre repair kit (plugs, etc) and you should be fine. Just drive to the conditions.
You'll really enjoy yourself. The last time I went through that way, we spent 3 weeks on the Gibb and could have spent longer. As you're already up in the area, if you can - try and hit the road in late May / early June. Right after the wet has broken, the road has been re-opened and the stations are open for business. Best time of the year to visit in my opinion (and not as many people about as in July).
I hope the info helps..............
John
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Isuzu'd
Re: Gibb River Road
As above^
We traveled it in a different make, but no problems at all until nearly finished...came out of El Questro to head South and sliced a sidewall on the Coopers...didn't feel too bad as their bus had the same problem the night before.
We traveled it in a different make, but no problems at all until nearly finished...came out of El Questro to head South and sliced a sidewall on the Coopers...didn't feel too bad as their bus had the same problem the night before.
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Flying_Peanut
Re: Gibb River Road
Thanks for the reply's. I'm looking forward to the trip, my xmas present from the missus rocked up today in the form of 240 Watt solar panels! I should have mentioned I am putting a snorkel on next month, I'm not a fan of water crossings (especially in the waters up here) but a snorkel is good insurance. As I already do a fair bit of beach driving I have got a compressor and recovery gear. I was unfortunate enough to destroy a tyre yesterday arvo, so I've had to make decision on tyre's earlier than expected, I've now got a Cooper AT3 on the spare awaiting to be joined later in the year. Have a Merry Christmas