OTL Cape York June 2012

[moseyroc]

Were heading to the Cape with another vehicle late June. My question is whether our 2002 Cub Drover will be ok on the OTL or whether we should take Development Rd. Trailers been lifted 2inch over standard & has plating underneath, the 80 series is more than capable but I'm keen to see what the condition of the track/rivers  is like for the trailer

[McGirr]

The width may be a problem and expect some bush pin stripeing

Mark

[idlegossip]

Hi mosyroc,

I took a 2004 Cub Spacematic Drover with a 2 inch lift  last year with the myswag group up the OTL without a problem. Agree on the bush pin striping and also watch the feet out the top, as one of mine clipped a branch and bent like a banana.

Just make sure your seals are in good condition and seal properly.

Theo

[McGirr]

Apologies  I thought it was a camper like a jayco. As Theo said no problems.

Mark

[becboo]

Definitely do the OTL.  It would be pointless coming up here and not doing it if you are capable and your vehicle and camper are as well.  Just take it easy and have a think at each of the challenges is my suggestion. 

 
Becboo

[moseyroc]

Thanks for the feedback. We have had all the seals replaced & done bearings & springs. Not too worried about the bush pinstriping as its got a few of those already. Was just a bit concerned about the height & the body hittiing gullies & of course water getting in so looks like the OTL it will be!

[idlegossip]

moseyroc,

If your seals on the doors are not 110% water will get in, especially through the back door. I replaced all the seals on mine before we went and I still had a layer of water go through it at Nolans brook and some bulldust get in through the rear door area. When I looked at it even though it appeared to be sealing properly with the movement and body flex obviously it didn't. I would suggest double checking it just to be sure.

Luckily the water didn't touch the bedding or canvas and we only had maybe 50mm through it that soaked some paper boxes that were on the floor cause everything else was in plastic tubs.

As for hitting the gullies, I did hit the sand bank going down to Bertie creek  as I took the corner alittle to tightly and I ripped off one of the floor retaining latches. See the attached pics

Theo

[moseyroc]

Thanks Theo, as much info as possible from someone whos taken the same sort of trailer up is appreciated. I will double check the seals, it was done 2 weeks ago by a reputable van builder & I stipulated it had to be completely water proof. I must admit I am a bit concerned about the back door because it definately looks like a way for water to find its way in. We might even tape up around the door from the floor up cause I've has some propellor plate attached to underneath the back of the trailer to help prevent getting holes in the floor etc. I will still test the seals in water to see how it goes, I can access a boat ramp at a dam to do that. You didnt have any other issues with your trailer or the kitchen & fridge inside on the bumps
Cheers

[LUXUS]

I will still test the seals in water to see how it goes, I can access a boat ramp at a dam to do that.

That would be pretty funny to see someone backing their camper trailer down a boat ramp in the water, anyone watching would be very confused or think you are.

[McGirr]

no crazy stuff backing into water as it will still leak.

Mark

[moseyroc]

Oops, I worded that wrong, its actually a small farm dam you can drive through with concrete ramps either side, so we'll drive through it ala a creek crossing, my brothers done it with his C/T to test the sealing on his Aussie Offroad

[LUXUS]

Oops, I worded that wrong, its actually a small farm dam you can drive through with concrete ramps either side, so we'll drive through it ala a creek crossing, my brothers done it with his C/T to test the sealing on his Aussie Offroad

Ah, I see. That would be handy.

You still painted a funny picture in my head.

[McGirr]

Thank god for that 

Don't forget you will be crossing with a sandy bottom and your trailer may flex.

Mark

[idlegossip]

You would have to be pretty unlucky to puncture the floor on the cape trip. Having said that I did puncture my floor on the return trip but that was due to a blow out of the tyre at 110 kph just past Port Augusta in SA.

Kitchen wise absolutely no issues or the fridge inside. Just make sure you tape up the vent behind the fridge as the dull dust and water will get into the cabin through there. I had mine permanently taped up during the day when moving and took the tape off once camped for the arvo.

With the fridge just ensure you latch the door closed before heading off. I forgot a couple of times and found the door had opened and things had fallen out but nothing of major concern.

Thank god for that 

Don't forget you will be crossing with a sandy bottom and your trailer may flex.

Mark

And that is where you will have the leaks if the seals don't have enough pressure on them to stay sealed.

Feel free to ask if you need more info.

[moseyroc]

Thanks for the info. Would the plating underneath the trailer hinder the flexing too much for sandy creek crossings? Also how did your standard stabiliser legs at the back of the trailer go, we've changed over to Alko caravan stabiliser legs & haven't used them yet. My main concerns were really how tough the CUBs are & if they could handle the OTL in terms of staying together & handling a few knocks. Weve taken it to Birdsville, Innaminka, Cameron Corner & Silver city (in wet) to Broken Hill  with no dramas but Cape trip seems to be a whole new kettle of fish. So far everyone thats had a new CUb has said no dramas but was curious about older models & how they hold up. Do you have many photos/video of te cape trip?

Cheers! ;

[idlegossip]

Before going to the cape I had the same concerns as you about the cubs. Big worry was the rear stabiliser legs getting damaged but with care and not being stupid you will have no worries, especially if you have a 2 inch lift on the camper. The older cubs are rock solid. If you

Have a look at Snow's thread about the stabiliser legs for some hints.

http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=1477.75

Also have a look through the the 2011 myswag Cape York trip report for ideas and pics.

http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?board=35.0

[moseyroc]

Fantastic, thats a great help & much appreciated. When the trailers back from getting a new box & shifting the winch pole to centre I'll put some photos up of bruiser & the CUB before we go.
Have more confidence in the ol'drover now so its off to the cape we go! spent 5 years growing up in Bamaga in the 80's so can absolutely not wait!