Chatting about camping areas Big Rigs

[Kelvin12]

G'Day All,

How about when a camp spot is talked about its area and /or suitability is mentioned for ALL types of vehicles not just caravans, or smaller motor homes. Hardly ever see anything mentioned about the size of a site or its access let alone whatever would fit in there. Getting closer and closer to our departure time, finally, but one more grandkid on the way holding up the works. But really interested to hear about sites all over the place.

Dotty, this might make a good separate section to cover us but would automatically include all others. What do you reckon.

Dirk

[T1 Terry]

I think that's a great idea Dirk. Quite a few of us have big rigs and they do create a few hassles with low branches and tight bends on entry roads, even sharp dips etc create problems with bellying out or tail drag in a long wheel base unit.
Do you think just mentioning it in the post or a seperate thread for Big Rig suitable camp spots?

T1 Terry

[Dot]

I like that idea, What is considered a "big rig" these days?
Terry when will your "big rig" be out on the big open roads?

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[dapope]

Big is as far as I can see, any vehicle with a rigid length over over about 10 m.
that gets all the big buses and the large 5th wheelers, I would think anything with a total length of over 15m would also qualify

[Kelvin12]

Terry,

You are right been watching some of the tourist busses going over gutters at servo, particularly here in Coffs and they do brag their guts and butts pretty low. Going to look into tag dump valves shortly for mine. Think it might be a good investment to save damage and also a red face or two. I would like to see a mention in parking spots for us for sure, even the big 5th wheelers need quite a bit of room above and below especially some of them on the highways you see these days.

I see a lot, (most) caravan parks mention a 11m limit, how did they arrive at 11m is beyond me as nearly any converted coach is 12m. Not that I plan on visiting to many c/p's at this stage. I understand they don't like tag axles dragging across their grass so plan on making up a mechanical tag lift utilizing the dump valve, hooking up the tag on chain while leaving the tag dump open then re-inflating the bags while carrying the tag. Probably the wrong place for this particular post. Feel free to edit it and move it if you like.

Dotty, Will do ASAP, just got to find what folder I stuck them in. Been on the clean up rampage again and think I deleted quite a few. Bloody clever bugger.

Dirk

[Jodebtre]

We are 33ft or 42ft with toad
We get the camps book with photos, some of the campsites don't say big rigs, but if I see a caravan in the photo I can generally get in.

Most large rig drivers would get out and have a look anyway

[BruceS]

Yes especially if they have a little experience in trucks behind them ... you'll see them walk in & discuss the site with the owner.
Barney Point C/park in Gladstone is a classic example........ One spot for big rigs....... Back in the gate & swing to the right.
I've also found that when it comes to caravan parks that the older the park the worse they can be.
Firstly because they were designed to cater for 15ft Franklins or Viscounts!
Secondly over 30 years the trees have grown bigger & tend to overhang a lot of the sites. Nothing worse than the wind banging a branch against the roof all night.

[Dot]

What are those "tag dump valves" please

[T1 Terry]

What are those "tag dump valves" please

This will test you. When there is too much weight or length over the rear axle a second axle with a single wheel each side is added. It doesn't have a diff so there is no drive, it just shares the weight and tags along behind. This can cause problems in soft surfaces and snow etc as weight is removed from the drive wheels. To sort of fix this problem the air bags on the tag axle only can have their air released or dumped so this axle now carries very little weight and all the weight goes onto the drive tyres.
As this axle is behind the diff when turn sharply the tag tyres are dragged sideways or scrubbed across the ground, some units incorporate a device to actually lift this axle so the tyres are lifted off the ground.

Aren't you glad you asked now Dottie

T1 Terry

[Kelvin12]

Bet you also glad dot that you don't have a tag axle......Lol. Not on your bus either..

Dirk