I recently purchased a Hunter 260 and have found the information on this site of great help. There are a number of topics on towing which help me plan my epic trip of 2800 kms (1750 miles) across Australia – from South Australia to Western Australia. Across the Nullabor Plain had the GPS say “next turn Right in 1181 kilometers” – Also included a renowned 90 mile stretch that was dead straight – and dead boring! (90 mile = 1 Jack Johnson + 1 Van Morrison CD) The trip over 4 days went without incident. Lessons learnt: • Moving as much weight out of the boat and into the vehicle increases stability • Check tire pressure daily, and bearing heat at each stop • Towing speed will depend on the rig, but for me 100 kms/h (=62 mph), the towing speed limit in Australia, worked well. Anything above this created a little sway. • Fuel consumption can differ by as much as 10% either way depending on each 10km/hr speed difference • There is a sweet spot when slip streaming a road train at a safe distance – reduced consumption by 10% and also acts as a good barrier in case of any kangaroos on the road, especial at dawn and dusk • Always order a burger "with the lot" at the truckie stops • Being overtaken by a road-train scares the heck! The trailer is standard Hunter tandem setup – I will make some modifications before the next trip to include disk brakes on all 4 wheels, driven by an electric actuator. I may also consider anti-sway bars. Tow vehicle was a Toyota Prado 4x4 – 4 litre petrol.
Towing experience across the outback
- Thread starter Anthony Pogson
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Good on ya!
Great haul..glad you did not meet any Roos.. now where are all your sailing pics and stories from down under...
Great haul..glad you did not meet any Roos.. now where are all your sailing pics and stories from down under...
Wackin' a 'roo would be a bad deal
We have some pretty straight roads in Fla. Alligator Alley is about 90mi dead straight across a huge swamp but gators are a likely road hazard for weary Keys bound travelers. Our trains are thankfully only on tracks and pass at a great distance, I can't imagine the Aussy beast of a truck I've seen in pictures passing me, much less trying to draft off one to block the 'roos flying off the front..Wahoo*yks. I'd second the call for pics from down under, I don't think Mark ever sent us any
. Winter's coming up for you guys. Is that your preferred sailing season as winter is for us in Fla? It's about to go to broil for us as summer approaches. Aloha, Michael and Kelli
We have some pretty straight roads in Fla. Alligator Alley is about 90mi dead straight across a huge swamp but gators are a likely road hazard for weary Keys bound travelers. Our trains are thankfully only on tracks and pass at a great distance, I can't imagine the Aussy beast of a truck I've seen in pictures passing me, much less trying to draft off one to block the 'roos flying off the front..Wahoo*yks. I'd second the call for pics from down under, I don't think Mark ever sent us any
. Winter's coming up for you guys. Is that your preferred sailing season as winter is for us in Fla? It's about to go to broil for us as summer approaches. Aloha, Michael and KelliThanks for the pic! I put disc brakes
on all four wheels of my H26 trailer with a surge brake actuator. I'm happy with it so far. I'm afraid the electric brakes would not stand up to salt water immersion. Any input on that appreciated. I used the Kodiak vented disc brakes. They seem good and strong. Kodiak also makes a solid Stainless Steel rotor, but I went for the vented plated steel because they say it's better for stopping power and still OK for salt water. Stainless doesn't thorw off the heat as well. I tow with a Toyota Hiace, which is an oddball here in N. America, but maybe not in Aus.
on all four wheels of my H26 trailer with a surge brake actuator. I'm happy with it so far. I'm afraid the electric brakes would not stand up to salt water immersion. Any input on that appreciated. I used the Kodiak vented disc brakes. They seem good and strong. Kodiak also makes a solid Stainless Steel rotor, but I went for the vented plated steel because they say it's better for stopping power and still OK for salt water. Stainless doesn't thorw off the heat as well. I tow with a Toyota Hiace, which is an oddball here in N. America, but maybe not in Aus.
Towing
Have you looked at the trailer rebuild that Pat Adam did. You might get some ideas from the knowledgebase. Go to: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=1064 You'll also find some other ideas for improving your boat at this link: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?cat=3
Have you looked at the trailer rebuild that Pat Adam did. You might get some ideas from the knowledgebase. Go to: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?post=1064 You'll also find some other ideas for improving your boat at this link: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?cat=3
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