Help first timer needs advice for fraser Is

subigal

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Joined
Dec 4, 2009
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5
Hi all,
I'm an absolute first timer at this and only stumbled over this website when researching Fraser Is and I'm hoping to get your advice, as you all seem to know what you're talking about. We are waiting for our brand new Forester to arrive from Japan, should be any day now, and I think I may have got a little over excited and booked a trip to Fraser Island for mid January. Can anyone tell me if we're actually going to make it as neither my husband or I have much AWD/4WD experience! Now I'm super nervous after seeing some of the photos of the backpacker's vans buried in sand!
Any advice from people who've done it with a stock standard Forester?
Does anyone know of a good one day course to familiarise yourself with tricky situations?
Oh sorry so many questions but I'm desperate for advice.
Thank you
 
Calm down.

Looking at the website it doesnt sound that bad. If you have the basic tools (2 shoves, tow rope, snacks, water) you will be fine. Get yourself a portable air compressor and a good tire gauge so you can air down. Since this is your first time don't get too adventrous. Stick to main paths. When in doubt, get out of the car and walk the path you want to take.

There is no shame in getting stuck, but there is if you daont have the proper equipment. Sometimes the easiest way to get unstuck is to air down dramatically. Do not keep reving if you are stuck, as you will just bury yourself.

Check and see what is required to get a off-road permit, if any.

Take a camera.
 
Great advice except for the camera bit...I think that might be for everyone's amusement rather than an essential for the trip:lol:
Thank you again
 
nononon thats a video camera :)

If you got one of those, there is this thing called you tube :). i swear it is really private, just a good place to store your videos. no one will see them, honest!


hehehehe
 
I did Fraser when my car was stock. No problems except for damaged plastic underguard which I've since replaced with one from www.subaxtreme.com.au - highly recommended if you can organise this before you go.

The softness of the sand on the beach and inland tracks can vary greatly depending on recent weather. Rain tends to firm it up whereas dry weather makes the sand soft.

If you are not confident driving on sand I would suggest getting a ferry where the island landing is paved (such as Kingfisher) rather than beach so you can practice without the pressure of a dozen other vehicles trying to get off the ferry and watching-on.

Here are some tips I've learnt over some years of sand driving which I compiled for a novice friend:

  • Check you have plenty of fuel - on soft sand your fuel consumption will be at least double what you use around town.
  • Carry a few litres of water in case of engine overheating.
  • Deflate tyres to 15-20psi.
  • When driving on deflated tyres do not turn sharply (tyre can come off the rim) or exceed 60km/h (tyres can overheat).
  • Avoid sharp rocks, branches, etc that could puncture your tyres. Tyre sidewalls are particularly sensitive.
  • Check your engine temperature gauge regularly.
  • Wet beach sand is firm and easier to drive on but leaves corrosive salt on your car - keep to the dry stuff.
  • Use the 4H (4WD high range) or 'locked' mode of selectable 4WD systems. In sand, low range is usually only necessary on steep hills or if you get really stuck.
  • In soft patches and when going up hills use low gears and higher revs and don't turn unnecessarily. Build up a bit of speed first if it is necessary and safe to do so.
  • Avoid excessively slipping the clutch in manual-geared cars - use a lower gear if necessary.
  • If your car completely stops due to soft sand do not keep spinning the wheels as this will just dig it in further - try gently backing out instead. If necessary clear out sand that is blocking the undercarriage.
  • To avoid vehicle damage, slow down well before rough sections, then steadily accelerate through.
  • When tackling steep hills always drive straight up or straight down rather than on an angle.
  • When coming to a stop, ease off the brakes as you stop - this prevents a build up of sand in front of the wheels that will make it hard to get going again. Also, if the beach is soft, try to stop on a firmer patch of sand or facing down hill to make getting away easier.
Fraser is amazing and not like any other landscape. Enjoy!
 
G'day subigal & :welcome: to ORS.
If you follow what simxs said, you'll be fine. There's some great advice there. :raz:

I'll also 2nd what was said about getting a sump guard (from www.subaxtreme.com.au ) to replace the plastic one thats already on your Forry, especially when it comes to sand driving.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Wow you people are amazing! What a resource you are to tap.
Thanks heaps.
Simxs, what time of year did you take your stock forrie to Fraser?
Also about how long does it take to order and fit one of those sump guard thingos?
You mentioned the sand driving but shouldn't I be just as worried about the inland track?
You Subi-nuts are awesome. keep the info coming!
 
Sump guard would be a good investment - most standard Forester and Outback plastic guards get trashed at first trip on sand. You can just remove the standard one and go naked (as it were) but it's good to have something there to protect the engine bay from debris and impacts. Best to ask subaxtreme via their site's contact form about shipping and timing - they were quite helpful when I enquired. Level of difficulty of removing the standard one and fitting the subaxtreme guard is about the same as changing a wheel.

I travelled to Fraser in March '06. There had just been a cyclone in Qld at that time and Fraser was very firm from the rain - tyres at 25psi and no sign of bogging on tracks or beach.

Some inland tracks are single lane gravel with the occassional rocky section and could be taken in a carefully driven 2wd - just watch for tree roots that could stake your tyre side wall. Other inland tracks are sandy and high-centred and potentially soft but you should be ok at 15 psi and a bit of right-foot :). Most of the beaches are very firm and easy. Only the beach entry/exit points a churned up and soft.

On the whole, you should be fine even if it turns out to be soft at the time. Sand is one area where Subies are the equal of 'more-serious' vehicles. Make sure you take some pics to post up here too.
 
subigal said:
Also about how long does it take to order and fit one of those sump guard thingos?
Click to expand...
When I ordered my new sump guard (I rang them on the phone... easier) from www.subaxtreme.com.au I had it on my door step within about 2 or 3 days.

Fitting the subaXtreme one it's very very easy.

Just undo the clips that hold the original stock plastic one on & bolt on the new one with the 4x bolts that are supplied (13mm socket I think)

All up it should only take you about 10-15 mins if that.

There's no drilling involved, as the holes are already there.
Car ramps are helpful, but are not really needed.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Just another novice question!
I saw someone, possibly named Kevin's, pictures of backpacker vans stuck in the shore break, what do you do if you're driving and a wave comes in? I know the best advice is to try and avoid high tide and only drive at low tide but what if there's a big swell that day and it's unavoidable?
 
You have to keep moving otherwise the water will suck the sand out from under your wheels and you'll be stuck. The best & safest choice is to not risk it at all - just find high ground and stay there until the tide abates.
 
youll be right! just deflate your tyres to like 16 psi and keep the revs up :)
 
You do get a good adrenaline rush from dodging the waves, don't you Kevin.

Another good tip is to make sure you go across on the ferry around low tide, we had a very easy exit onto the island, although I don't think it is always like that. Had plenty of bad stories told to us before we went.
 
From what I experienced last weekend in the sand very high revs are needed at times! The track we were on was a double S bend on a slight incline in soft sand. I had to use 5500 to 6000 rpm to get through the soft stuff - it was pretty extreme! But LOADS of fun, I'm addicted I think...

Have fun, if unsure and in a safe place to stay, stay until its safe to move. I also found with the steering that you don't need to turn the same as you do on solid ground, the front wheels act like rudders in water.

Take loads of pics :D

Cheers

Bennie
 
Thanks heaps everyone - but what is it with everyone and the pictures?????
 
And - another one killed: https://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/14/2770539.htm?section=justin

No tight turns on sand and keep the speed down pls!

The trouble with the backpacker Troopies are they load 'em up with 12 people; they are top heavy and very easy to roll - unlike our Subies!!

Maybe they should only allow non-experienced tourists to hire Subies for the island.
 
Ill be on Fraser 24th Dec to 2nd of Jan. Awesome trip. Everything has been mentioned above. Tyres at 15psi, and keep momentum through the soft powdery stuff, even if it includes holding it flat to the floor.

Hope you enjoy ur trip.
 
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