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We did half the Oonadatta and half the Strzelecki last year. One was like a good dirt road and the other was packed with small sharp rocks. No tyre punctures on either, but the stones on the Strzelecki totally shattered the aluminium strips on the rear vehicle mudguards. I was amazed how they quickly became twisted and bent. Even the big trucks were crawling along at 40 kph. Advise to remove any dress hubs on your Kedron (if you have them), because if you don't, you won't have them for long.

Hi Danny I have the Full HD Blackvue WiFi DR500GW and find it very good. The picture quality is what you would expect from a full HD unit and if you have an iPad you can view the images via the App. The unit is quite small and hides behind the rear view mirror so as not to be distracting. It takes an SD card (I upgraded from a 16GB to a 32GB) and once full, it loops back to the beginning. If you do a Google search, you should find some images so you can see what it looks like. I had it installed by Car Sound for around $450

If you take the bypass roads and not the Old Telegraph Track, you can take your van as far as Seisa ! (which is only 40 klms from the tip). Enjoy !

We tape ours up temporarily on dusty roads and don't have a problem. The vent is there for safety reasons ie gas ventilation. Enjoy your new Topender and safe travels. It's a great life !

This link has a step by step instruction on how to change the anode, including the socket size etc. How to Change Sacrificial Anode

Thanks for posting Brian. Very scary indeed. So glad you're ok.

Hi Chris and Lynn You will absolutely love the Gibb River Road and it's highlights. The gorges are spectacular, our favourite being Bell Gorge. On our trip we found a nice freecamp by the banks of the Pentecost River (Eastern side) and spent 3 nights watching all the travellers crossing (some with confidence and others with hesitation). The sunsets were beautiful also. Can't comment on the dump point situation, but I don't recall even seeing an official dump point. The road from Kununurra to ELQ is sealed now and depending on the timing of the graders, the road up to Kalumburu may be very slow going. Wyndham is worth a day drive from Kununurra, just for the Barra Burgers at the Pub. Also Wyndham had the cheapest diesel in the area (by about 20c/ltr, but things could be different now). Enjoy your trip.

Hi again Most places are a short drive from Dales Campground and it is the best place to stay in our opinion. 4 days would be enough time. Cheers Sue

Hi Steve and Kez Not far from Karijini National Park is a free camp (marked in the Camps Australia Wide book) called Albert Tognolini Rest Area. Definitely worth a stay. It's up a short hill climb, but the views from the top are amazing ! Not sure if you have pets with you, but when we were there we noticed on Karijini Drive about 11 kms from the turnoff into Karijini National Park (eastern access) a few caravans camped in an old gravel pit area GPS: 22 36 04 S 118 32 40 E on the E side of the road but off the road by about 200 metres. These people had some small dogs and it would appear they camped here, left the dogs and their van with others and went into Karijini NP for the day. In Karijini NP we stayed at Dales Campground. Most of the things to see at the eastern end of Karijini National Park are close to the car parking areas (Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool). You can walk down into and along the length of Dales Gorge, but pick your time of day as it is a 3 hour walk. You can drive across to the western section of Karijini from Dales Campground for a day visit to Joffre Gorge, Knox Gorge, Oxer Lookout and Junction Pool Lookout. Whilst in the area, don't miss Hammersley Gorge. We thought this one was the most beautiful of all the gorges at Karijini.

Where's my "like" button ?! Agree completely John. They sure know how to give great after sales service. Unlike other companies that have a one way door (exit) only.

Word has it that the new Auto Coupler isn't out yet Colin. Let us know how you get on with the service. Does the $500 include new bearings etc. ?

Hi Colin I would presume it is to prevent the coupling on the van from hitting the ground if it becomes detached. The crossed chains act as a sling, holding the coupling up. At least that is my understanding. Never really thought too much about it. It's just something we have done from day 1

Thanks for that Russ. A great read. Gotta love those service people. So many have been caught out doing "shortcut jobs".

We bought ours from Vehicle Components. Very strong and it stays attached to our A frame permanently. No heavy lifting or needing to store it anywhere. Just pull the pin, lift it up and lock the pin back into place. We chose the one with a flat foot rather than a wheel, but I believe you can get either. />http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/products/liftmaster-hd-jockey-wheels-a-stands

Can't see it happening myself. Can you imagine the red tape involved in passing through (or even near some of those aboriginal communities) with a bulldozer and bitumen truck. Think of the dramas we had with getting a permit just to breathe their air for a while - not allowed to take more than 3 days, can't go more than 30 metres off the road etc etc etc. Although it would be nice, I can't see it happening in the immediate future. I also agree with Rick.

Hi Richard I used Zephyr Pro-40 Perfection Metal Polish on the checkerplate. I got on to an American truck enthusiasts forum and that was what they were recommending to polish all the metal on their trucks for their "Shine and Shows". Good enough for me. It's great stuff. I have heard from others that Wicked Metal Polish was good for the checkerplate also, but I can't comment on that as I have not used it. I got the Zephyr polish from - http://www.truckbitsaust.com.au/zephyr-pro-40-perfection-metal-polish-473ml/ Shower Power has been recommended for the chassis only. I certainly would not use it on the checkerplate, nor would I use the Diggers Rust and Stain Remover on the checkerplate (because of the acid content). But that's just me. Others have used it and love it, but to me, it would remove that "mirror" finish, and I would like to keep that look for as long as possible.

Good luck with that cleanup John and Maureen. I have started polishing the checkerplate back to new. It takes quite a long time and I do a section each day. Here is a pic of the front. I have left the boot lids unpolished for this photo to show the difference. They are clean, but just imbedded with "Pilbara Red". I'm impressed with the end result. Will attack the A frame with some Shower Power or Diggers Rust and Stain Remover (from Bunnings) down the track. Anyone have a suggestion on what to use on the stone bra?

We're still in WA. Not due to cross back via the Nullabor until October. In the goldfields up north at the moment and having a little bit of luck. All good.

Hi Jayson I can't speak for the others (although I didn't see anyone with them off) but we left ours on the whole trip.

Poor Moët and Cherie. They would certainly be embarrassed. I suppose a pic is out of the question then. We last crossed the Gibb River Road in 2010 and they were saying it was going to be sealed very soon then ! I think it's one of those urban legends. A bit like the new one now going around about the Big 4 chain buying Camps Australia Wide out. We've heard it from a couple a people now. Complete rubbish (and that's straight from the mouth of Phillip himself).

Well done Andrew and others who contributed to this "ballad". It sums up the great adventure we all had across the Great Central Road. Looking at our photos from the trip still brings a smile to my face. We are all so fortunate to bea part of this big "Kedron family". Travel safe wherever you are going. We are enjoying the beautiful weather at Cape Keraudren and just can't bring ourselves to leave.

We are here at Cape Keraudren with Lionel and Margaret and you're right, the sunsets and tides are fantastic ! We'll be here until all this rain clears and the roads dry out - then it's off to gold country.

Beautiful pic Colin. We have all thanked you personally for your efforts in organising this trip for us, but I would like to thank you, Gayleen and Stuart here on the forum for the time and effort that I know went into making this one of the best trips ever and one I will remember for a long time to come. Thanks also to all the KOG members who took part. What a wonderful group of people. We thoroughly enjoyed your company. Below are just some of the pics from the Alice to Laverton journey.

A Koggle of Keddies. Love it Lea !

Stan no longer does the plans at the factory. The person to speak to now is Graham. He is excellent and can certainly tell you what will work, and what won't.