Ultimate Simpson Desert 4wd Travel Guide - Must Watch PART 2 [2022]

Embark on Part 2 of our comprehensive Simpson Desert Travel Guide on KZbin, where we explore the essentials for navigating this iconic landscape. We kick things off with a robust dual battery setup to ensure you’re never left without power. Next, we delve into the critical recovery gear every desert traveler should have, including a detailed look at traction boards and the pivotal question: do you really need a winch?
Our guide also covers practical advice for making your desert journey as comfortable as possible, from selecting the right roof racks and sleeping gear to choosing appropriate clothing. We emphasize the importance of respecting the environment with segments on UHF desert etiquette, desert toilet practices, and how to maintain personal hygiene in arid conditions.
Learn about the necessities of camp life, from managing campfires safely to the advantages of adding an awning or extra driving lights to your setup. Our guide also navigates through the technical aspects of desert driving, including tire choices, pressure settings, and the debate between manual vs automatic transmissions, as well as when to use high or low range gears.
We don’t stop there; the video includes tips on throttle control, how to handle chopped up dunes, driving on corrugated roads, and the best practices for towing a camper trailer. We also tackle the practicalities of dealing with rubbish responsibly and the precautions for encountering dangerous wildlife.
This guide is an indispensable resource for anyone planning to tackle the Simpson Desert, providing you with the knowledge to navigate safely and responsibly. Tune in and prepare for your adventure with confidence!
00:00 - Start
00:53 - Dual Battery Set-Up
02:42 - What Recovery Gear to Carry?
04:49 - Traction Boards
05:50 - Pro Tip 1
06:28 - Do you need a Winch?
07:16 - Roof Racks!!!!
08:36 - Sleeping Solutions & Chairs
10:42 - What Cloth to take?
13:05 - Don't Ignore Weather Forecasts
14:25 - UHF DESERT Etiquette
15:36 - Desert Toilet Etiquette
16:45 - Personal Hygiene - How to keep clean
19:19 - Camp Fires
20:28 - Do I need an Awning?
21:22 - Do I need additional Driving Lights?
23:30 - Pro Tip 2
24:09 - Traction and Stability Control
24:54 - Tyre Construction
26:59 - Tyre Pressure
28:58 - Manual or Auto Box?
29:47 - High or Low Range?
30:14 - Throttle Control
32:31 - Driving chopped up Dunes
33:35 - What to do with your rubbish?
34:16 - Driving on Corrugated Roads
35:11 - Pro Tip 3
35:44 - Off Road navigation App
38:30 - Towing a Camper Trailer?
41:52 - Dangerous Wildlife?
44:17 - Outro
Affiliate links for the gear I use.
www.amazon.com.au/shop/alloff...
=============================
GEAR AFFILIATE LINKS:
=============================
Coffee & Cooking
Jet Boil Carbon amzn.to/3VGZsiN
Delter Coffee Press amzn.to/3UnqQ4r
Aero Press amzn.to/3FfmBmV
Pyrolux Pan amzn.to/44g7uDv
Radix Dehydrated Food www.radixnutrition.com.au/ALLOFFROAD10
Campers Pantry camperspantry.com.au/alloffroad
=============================
Mapping GPS Navigation
Memory Map Hema 4wd Map Pack ($10 off)
w2.memory-map.com/cgi-bin/lic...
Gaia
www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp...
=============================
Electrical, UHF & Safety
GME MT610G PLB: amzn.to/41UdXDN
GME TX610 YTP: amzn.to/3P2fJws
GME TX61060 5W: amzn.to/3uHr1gF
Garmin InReach Mini 2 and Zoleo via a247.com.au/?coupon-code=ALLO...
Survival First Aid Home Work Kit: amzn.to/3x9ZUvV
Snake Bit Kit: amzn.to/3XlAJRq
Bluetti Solar Panel: www.bluettipower.com.au/produ...
Ecoflow Delta 2 au.ecoflow.com/discount/allof...
Thuraya Sat Phone: amzn.to/3M2TYwm
Teltonica Rut 950 amzn.to/3FWPm7z
Poynting Mimo Antenna: amzn.to/3QAayoN
=============================
Camping Gear
Helinox Savanna Chair
a247.com.au/product/helinox-s...
Helinox Sunset Chair
a247.com.au/product/helinox-s...
Oztent Bunker Pro: amzn.to/3hCiM1V
Flextail Tiny Pump 2x
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=227949...
=============================
Lights & Torches
Nebo Luxtreme SL100
amzn.to/3KYnhPx
OLIGHT Olantern Classic 2
amzn.to/3H4XMec
Decathlon cheap but good head torch
decathlon.com.au/products/rec...
Lazer Sentinel Elite 7"
www.lazerlamps.com.au/sentine...
Lazer Liner 36"
www.lazerlamps.com.au/linear-...
=============================
Camera Gear:
amzn.to/3QWOeqU

[@joshnewbon6873]

Great video thanks, refreshing to see no BS videos that are not trying to sell us anything!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you liked it!

[@4x4touring47]

Cheers Stefan! So so many great tips here for everything overlanding 👌👍😎 The spare keys is a great idea. A few years ago I was camped on a beach in SA in a spot where roadside assistance wouldn't be able to get to me. I had the drivers window open a fraction and the rain must have got in and dripped down to the electrics and somehow locked my car with the keys in the ignition and my 2 dogs were in the car as well. The totally wierdest part of it all was that my central locking remote hadn't been operable for about 6months so I hadn't worried about leaving the keys in the car. When the remote was working I was always super careful never to leave the keys in the car. I tried to get my arm through the gap in the window but no luck. Luckily my mates missus had small enough arms to get to the lock. If it came down to it a window would've been smashed to get the dogs out but I was lucky. Since then I have stashed a key in a very hidden spot on the car and now don't have to be worried at all Keep up the great content mate 👍

[@denism2171]

Can't wait to take delivery of my Ineos Grenadier and get back to the desert where almost 50 yrs ago I cut my "desert teeth" as a lowly tech in a standard issue Landy Series 2A happily supporting brilliant👍 and thoughtful CSIRO researchers... Stefan, your common sense and deft ability to impart your deep experience is a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you mate, give me a holler when you have Grenadier would be keen to see how it turns out and goes in the Desert maybe a trip together lol

[@michaelnugara1]

What can I say. Another rippa vid mate. Excellent info and much appreciated. Had a good laugh during the dunny procedures. 😂😂 Yep I too learnt the hard way with keys on my old defender. What I do once at camp ,is put my keys into my swag or stretcher tent. I also take my spare key just incase I lose my keys.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes should have mentioned that my key's also go in the stretcher with me at night

[@christurner68]

Well done Stefan. These two videos should get people to think a bit more before attempting desert travel. 👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you think so!

[@thomasdavison8375]

Always a grate watch,thanks heaps

[@allanpower8041]

Very thorough and comprehensive

[@andrewr5203]

Absolutely brilliant content

[@gonefreediving8958]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you too!

[@tomschannel5380]

I have been running Memory Map for years - simple but great!

[@swisscourthustle]

Love your work mate! ✌🏼

[@AlloffroadAu]

Much appreciated!

[@mickmiddle3331]

Great content Stefan. Thank you.

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@shanebaker2195]

Great series Stefan. Thanks for putting this all together.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you like them!

[@fifiandmax]

Cheers Stefan. Fabulous info as always mate.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnhowell6139]

Just as useful as part 1 - brilliant. Thank you.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stuartkcalvin]

Great piece mate, thanks.

[@AlloffroadAu]

No problem 👍

[@meltdown1098]

Well explained, thank you

[@AlloffroadAu]

You're welcome!

[@autoglassmike]

Great info thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iconiic1234]

Fantastic and thorough set of videos!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you kindly!

[@alancolley9937]

As good as part 1. Very good info. Thank you

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alhassanalabd8021]

Thank for these great information. Love your work

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you like them!

[@jackfromthe60s]

Very helpful for my upcoming desert trip. Thanks.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandrewadventures]

Tremendous and helpful series, thank you!

[@AlloffroadAu]

You're very welcome!

[@fja212]

Great episode mate! Watched both parts. The Simpson desert is definitely on my list of tracks to do in the future. Thanks for putting the time in.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Awesome, thank you!

[@graemetowner7257]

excellent part two...lots of info based on experience, thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevegoodwin5841]

Mate, just fantastic content as always.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Much appreciated!

[@northislandguy]

Stefan this was a incredible two part series Great tips cheers 👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks 👍

[@timnorth7524]

Fantastic video Stefan, lots of great information well done

[@AlloffroadAu]

Many thanks!

[@jasonbarndon9128]

Excellent video !

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dougneville9097]

Brilliant vid mate,all well explained,rim size tyre pressures great tip.Thanks mate😎

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it helped

[@stephencawrse9940]

Great video lots of information on dessert travel good tips aswell enjoy watching your videos

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for watching!

[@1Coolbanana]

Awesome effort 👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@mountainconstructions]

Nice one mate

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks 👍

[@richardm3946]

Great video, thanks for the tips and your attention to detail.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for watching!

[@dredpiratesnoop2607]

Planning a Simpson trip in July found your channel today … perfect timing!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Wreckingballed]

Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge, it is gratefully appreciated.

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@stephenburston8197]

Terrific information on the Simmo and travel in general. Thank you very much for passing on your knowledge.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@whiteunicornDR659]

Great vid!

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you

[@Craqthump]

Great trip planning advise mate, highly regarded

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks a ton!

[@sydneelin4963]

Great video 👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks 👍

[@paultucker4923]

Easily the best advice out there in youtubeland!

[@AlloffroadAu]

Wow, thanks!

[@s35e149]

Thanks - excellent video and great tips.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jiffijoff9780]

well deserved titel - "ultimate" it is. Kann mir beim besten WIllen nicht vorstellen, wie man das besser machen könnte!! Thanks!

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you

[@voodoocruiser2543]

nice one

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for the visit

[@autoglassmike]

I use to drive a 2wd Toyota Tacoma with stock tires to glamis California which is sand dunes and would lower the tire pressure. You wouldn’t believe how well I could get around in deep sand. I remember seeing people stuck in big lifted 4wd trucks with big tires all the time that didn’t lower tire pressures . It’s amazing how well a vehicle does in sand just by lowering the tire pressure and it also saves the track and drivetrain components big time because you can just go easy on the accelerator. Thanks you have a very good channel and I always seem to learn something. I now have a ford van with Dana 60s front and rear on 35s I did the 4wd conversion myself with the ujointoffroad DIY kit. They specialize in the Eseries ford vans 4x4 conversions they have a KZbin channel showing some builds if your interested in seeing some different kind of rigs. Safe travels.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thanks Mike, yes tyre pressure in sand is 80% of the deal the rest is a little momentum and throttle control. I love the idea of a 4wd van on 35" and thinking about it quite a bit. I just had a look at ujointoffroad some call trucks unfortunately we have non of them here in OZ.

[@chrisdardis4794]

Another great video Stefan, Thankyou! Loved the tip of tyre pressure PSI ~= Rim size, good easy rule of thumb.

[@AlloffroadAu]

My pleasure!

[@pierrefourie7]

Just subscribed, mate great work… we are planning our trip in late May and your uploads have helped heaps. 😊

[@AlloffroadAu]

Welcome aboard! You will enjoy just keep an eye on the water. There is a lot still coming down. I will be there end of May myself so say hello if you see me.

[@keeksadventures]

Fantastic video, super informative. I’m planning to do a group Simpson crossing next year and this has pretty much answered all the questions I’ve had. Wish me luck lol. Thanks for making this content, I’ll have to subscribe and check out some of your other videos.

[@AlloffroadAu]

thank you very much, enjoy your trip next year it's a special place

[@daniel-ll5zr]

thanks 🤙🏿🤙🏿

[@AlloffroadAu]

No problem 👍

[@joecomyns5120]

Thanks Stefan, another quality video. I can imagine it must be very difficult to pitch your advice for such a broad audience, with different levels of experience, vehicle capabilities and even expectations. I must say my experience with traction boards has been different and I've found them useful, particularly with lower, unmodified vehicles where the margin between running free and bogged to the chassis rails can be pretty small. Add an inexperienced driver who is fractionally slow to get off the go pedal and it happens easily. The immediate slight lift a traction board gives the vehicle as a tyre claws onto it, definitely helps to get things moving again.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes, can never make it right for everyone, I have done a few desert trips with non modified vehicles and still I find a quick gentle snatch easier but at the end it does not matter whatever works for you is good.

[@ruanmuller3577]

Thank you for the very informative videos. Did you sell the Defender?

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes that was sold a few years ago

[@jimmaier3600]

good video stefan iam heading out to the simpson. I would like to do the hay and the madigan in june. i will be traveling buy myself as nobody i know can do the time it takes so any recommendations. i have done the french line with my girl freind and found it quite easy going. thanks for your great vidios

[@tims728]

Great video, thanks. We intended to cross the Simpson around 2009. We turned around at Purni Bore having travelled from Mt Dare after some rain. The drivel on the UHF put us off such that we replanned our trip and turned back making tracks for Finke and Chambers Pillar before doing the Merennie Loop. Hopefully your tips on ettiquite make for quieter runs in the bush. I find with lots of modern UHF radios there is the selcall option where parties can select a frequency then natter away without choking up the channels. Very underused and not widely understood. Your comments about reducing firewood use is sage advice too. We have transitioned to less fires and smaller ones for comfort. Native animals need habitat. Cheers Stefan.

[@AlloffroadAu]

select call is great but problem is all people need same radio range like the GME XR series

[@tims728]

@@AlloffroadAu Good point, with respect though not necessarily, I have still got my GME TX3400, still going strong only 40ch though but it works fine, it has selcall. I do like the new xrs series though and would like to get one for the additional features like the locstion sharing. That would be great for letting travelling companions know where each other are if joining up on a trip late or having stayed later in a spot to explore. We are experienced travellers and always try to keep it simple, and also have functional items. However my travel buddies also have reliable units and they don't see the need to upgrade.

[@AlloffroadAu]

interesting, never used selec call as most of my travel buddies run older units may need to look in to it a bit more. Location sharing unfortunately only works with cellular access otherwise it would be brilliant

[@frank.bullitt]

Excellent video series, Looking to do the Simpson in May/June 2025(possibly solo). Hopefully see you out there, EARTHROMR

[@AlloffroadAu]

sounds great mate, we may run in to each other

[@JackJenkins-uo4ix]

G'day Stefan, that Inland Taipan is a very interesting observation in the Simpson, as their distribution technically isn't within the Simpson, more on the border. Where abouts in the Simpson was it out of curiosity? What line? Fantastic find and this video is awesome too!

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I was stoked to see it there, it was close to Lake Mirraponga Ponguna

[@johnleaste828]

Good video. Most mapping products using OSM have a feedback button so you can flag any tracks that are not actual real tracks, and it's fixed in the next maps release. There's not that many in the dessert. (I'm also an OSM editor).

[@AlloffroadAu]

hm yea I don't work with OSM much as the scaling is just horrible and I don't like most of the colour schemes, I would have thought someone edited that non existing track out by now.

[@HammerRocks]

Stefan, just letting you know that you can use Maxtrax (or recovery boards) beyond flat ground. They can even be used on steep rock formation to provide additional traction. I kid you not 😎 I'm a big fan of recovery boards. I'd have them before a winch for a desert crossing, and they weigh a lot less than a winch.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes you can mate but often still not enough traction unless you have a track layed out with a few board and as you know wheels spin causes the boards to be wrecked quickly, you need a little momentum for the dunes and you won't get that from a 1m board if you stuck 1/2 way up a dunes revers and second attempt or gentle snatch if all fails is much quicker and easier. I reckon for the Desert you don't need either but winch overall is the safest and most versatile recovery tool

[@HammerRocks]

@@AlloffroadAu Agree to disagree. If done correctly, I think using traction boards is far safer than winching. Traction boards are not under tension (unlike a winch rope), and they don't require power. I'd reach for the Maxtrax before the winch on ground base recovery. But to each their own. Use whichever you feel comfortable using. Water crossing is a different matter. Definitely a winch recovery or snatch recovery only if ever stuck in water. 👍

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@HammerRocks I don't think Stefan meant it the way he said it "...you rarely get stuck on flat ground..." when referring to the recovery boards. The way Stefan said it, to me it too came across as suggesting that recovery boards are only useful for flat ground recovery. I don't think that's what he meant. But if it was, I too don't agree with him. I think recovery boards are one of the best bit of recovery tools you can have. I've only own Maxtrax so my experience is based on them. I cannot vouch for other brands particularly the cheap knock-offs, but regardless of brand, if used incorrectly (like doing wheelspin at take off etc.) that's when you start breaking/melting the studs. But if used appropriately, they are invaluable bit of kit. My Maxtrax that I have is the original design (Mk.1) they released, which I bought back in 2008. They're still in good knick. I never leave home without them. Funny thing though, I've used my Maxtrax more to help other 4WDs that got bogged/stuck than for my own recovery (touch wood). 😁

[@AlloffroadAu]

@Hammer Rocks to be honest touring the winch comes out once in a blue moon and usually for other vehicles, I just can't see the need for recovery boards in the Desert (unless you travel alone or tow as a insurance) I have never been stuck where I could not revers back and once your tyre pressure is dialed in there simply should not be any recoveries on a standard desert crossing. If momentum get stopped revers back give it another go. I just never saw the need to use them even though I carry a set on remote trips. But as you said does not matter if you have space for them and like and use them all good whatever does the job.

[@AlloffroadAu]

@Fatman Overlanding I'm specifically talking about sand with technical driving, rocks, difficult terrain different and I can see how they can be helpful. Still, I rather do a little road building. No competition though if they work for you and you don't mind carrying them all good I just never needed them besides showing people in training how to use them.

[@user-ec5tx4qu1j]

Hey Stefan, Thanks for the video! So for you, a rooftop tent is a big no in a desert crossing? Considering what you said about the dynamic weight allowance of a roof rack and weight distribution in general?

[@AlloffroadAu]

if everything is set up definitely can be done personally I don't think I would have one on the car though.

[@josephmatthews3994]

great video mate. what map system do you use?

[@AlloffroadAu]

iPad's with MMFA and EOT

[@davidstrachan8912]

Fabulous information thank you. Landrover Defender 110. Gears already pretty low - did you still cross dunes in Low 4×4 (2-3 gear?), or in High 4×4 (1st gear) to have more momentum to get over? Thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

High range no issue for most dunes in a Defender but you better do steeper dunes in low to put less wear on your driveline

[@defendermodsandtravels]

One cannot fault the advice. However, one observation, I imagine that back in the day these trips were achieved by drivers in unmodified Series Land Rovers or even Willys Jeeps? Or maybe before that the pioneers did this in Model T Fords which were pretty capable off road. Some of today's "requirements" may not actually be so necessary after all :-) This isn't a criticism of a good video.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yep, you are 100% right, however, at the time you had self-reliant people who were used to the harshness of the terrain and took into account that physical hardship and work were required for such endeavours. Keep in mind they were often stranded for days, had parts dropped from planes, and often drove with a second car that could be salvaged for parts (Reg Spriggs) they also often spend hours or sometimes days getting over one dune. Tom Cruise the Birdsville mailman is also a good example. It always depends on what degree of work you like to put in and how self-reliant and problem-solving you are. Not to mention if you block a dune nowadays for a few hours you will have some pretty unhappy people behind you. I'm sure you can do with way less but that's not the majority of people.

[@placesweexplore]

🎉🎉🎉

[@tompalmer749]

Hi Stefan, thanks for the great video. Does your ipad have a dedicated GPS reciever (i.e. is it a cellular model?). What is your take on external GPS receivers that link to the Ipad via bluetooth - are they of benefit even in ipads with built in GPS? My partner and I are planning to go remote travelling and I'm working out our best navigation option. I currently have a wifi only ipad so to get GPS functionality would have to either upgrade to a wifi + cellular model or add an external GPS receiver. I'd prefer to carry just one device if possible... but if external GPS receivers are of benefit even for ipads that have built in GPS then I would just add the external GPS to my current wifi only ipad. Thank you :)

[@AlloffroadAu]

never used a external GPS, can see it be beneficial if you don't get GPS location but to be honest never had an issue having a GPS signal on my iPad on the windscreen but also inside the cabin so just something else to fail. If you already have a non cellular iPad maybe worthwhile getting one but as I said I have no experience of how well it works.

[@grahameroberts8109]

Just to say ‘Desert Cloth List’ should read ‘Desert Clothes List’. Cheers

[@AlloffroadAu]

oh sorry mate, spell checker should have picked that up my english is only self taught, changed it in description though.

[@SFD183]

Good advice. Any links or names of the equipment? Thanks.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes i’m description at bottom

[@davidstrachan8912]

In your defender. Going up big sand dune where you in low or high 4×4? Thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

low range

[@SwampySi]

what are your thoughts on solid axel v IFS for desert driving?

[@AlloffroadAu]

both will do it solid axles usually a bit easier

[@agoogleuser3942]

Traction boards have been in use since WWI. If they were over rated, it wouldn't continue to be in use. It appears you no experience in getting caught in a desert pan or wet desert, if you did, you wouldn't dismiss a plastic compound board that weighs nothing be labelled "most overrated". I carry far more recovery gear than you and if it wasn't for that "overated" board, we would have endangered ourselves and the vehicles. I suggest you do some research what real explorers carry

[@AlloffroadAu]

Hmm, WWII was a long time ago, and back then, tyre technology and knowledge about airing down were quite different, not to mention the availability of portable air compressors. I've travelled through various remote Australian deserts over 25 times, often cross-country, covering more than 100,000 km on sand alone, and in all my travels, I’ve never really needed traction boards. They have come in handy once or twice for others in our party on clay pans (as you can see in my videos), and I sometimes carry a set on remote desert trips (though I've never used them myself). Overall, in about 400,000 km of outback travel over the past 15 years, I've found them unnecessary. I rely on solid risk assessment skills, a capable car, and extensive driving experience. I see some applications for traction boards, especially if towing or travelling alone, but in 99% of situations, they aren’t required. If I ever need them, I use my winch or other recovery gear. No need for more research-I rely on 15 years of experience and probably more outback and sand travel than most. If you have common sense, air down, and know how to control the throttle, you shouldn’t need traction boards. But by all means, if you find them necessary and prefer to carry them wherever you go, feel free to do so.

[@RafikiAus]

Brilliant video - thanks for sharing

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you enjoyed it