JAYCO Swan Outback to Broome

[scott oz]

Really would appreciate members help.

I’ve just purchased and Outback  Swan which is currently having a hub axle change to match the LR tug so 16” rims on Cooper ST Maxx’s 235 x 85.

On the 17th August I leave for Longreach then the Donoghue, Plenty Hwy, Tanami  then Hall’s creek Broome and all the usual places before heading back to Sydney via Oodnadatta William Creek.
The original plan was in the Defender only.

Was always going to buy a Jayco Swan so when a good deal came up “just did it”.  Plan changed to taking the “Swan”.

There are three vehicles going including one towing a Kimberley.

I’m getting mixed reports on road conditions in particular the Plenty Hwy and the Gibbs river road. Also people suggesting “van’s” including  “outbacks” will not make the trip given the current road conditions.

I never intended the “Swan” to be a Kimberley /Ultimate off roader so accept its limitation but believe it should be capable of doing the roads I mentioned.

So would appreciate any comments particularly Outback owners who have done this type of trip.
Importantly if anyone has current info on road conditions. I understand there is a deviation on the Plenty but there are rep orts it’s in shocking condition. I’ve done the Plenty in 2004 and while people said is was bad we had no trouble at all.

Road conditions are subjective some find it easy others say hard.

So would really appreciate comments on road conditions and Jayco outback suitability. Must make a decision this weekend.

Thanks

[Tjupurula]

Hi Scott
I live not far from the Tanami Track, and have not long ago been to Alice Springs and back.  With the Tanami in the state that it is in at the moment, I would suggest that it would NOT be a good idea to even take a CT across the Tanami, unless you intend to travel at about 20 kph, as the road is absolutely corrugated, and could cause a lot of damage.
On this trip coming back, there was a CT just west of Yuendemu, with the people waiting for an Outback Recovery vehicle, as they had snapped the axle of the CT.
I am no expert, but IO have given you my honest opinion.
Regards
Tjupurula

[jmy]

Scott

We took a Swan Outback on the Gibb and Oodnadatta in 2009.  I guess it depends on the road conditions at the time, but we had no problems.  Even saw a few Swan's in the Bungle Bungles.

[ras]

Scott..
We took our swan outback on the Gibb in 2011, again with no problems.. Drive to the conditions, and be wary of deep water crossings,since they arent waterproof, and you dont really want to get them wet..
Check the current road conditions..
Have fun.
Ras

[fuji]

Scott
Have a chat to steveandviv, they are pretty up to date with the Gibb River rd
Wayne
P.S.
I drove the Tanami last year and if Tjupurula suggests not using it I would trust what he says. It wasn't bad last year but they didnt have the rains like this year. We also did the Gibb and that was fine, but they had heaps of rain as well this year.

Cheers
Wayne