If you’re planning an epic outback adventure in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, you will inevitably meet one of Australia’s true giants: the road train. These beasts are the kings of the highway, hauling up to four trailers and stretching over 50 metres long. Knowing how to safely and effectively share the bitumen with them is absolutely essential for your safety and a smooth trip.
Before you set out, you must ensure you have a capable rig. Crikey Camper Hire specialises in tough, ready-to-go adventure packages. Our off-road camper hire Perth options and off-road trailer rental setups are paired with powerful 4×4 hire vehicles, giving you the heft and power needed for challenging tracks and highway cruising.
Since your total rig length and weight are greatly increased when you are renting a 4WD vehicle with a trailer, you need special awareness.
Here are five crucial tips for tackling roads that feature these massive trucks:
1. Give Road Trains Space and Respect
A road train is more than just a big truck; it is a moving weight of over 100 tonnes that needs over a kilometre to pull up. Never assume you can just dart in front of one, especially since the combined weight of your camper trailer hire and vehicle is much heavier and slower to react than a regular-sized car. Always treat these professional drivers with respect. Physics dictates the rules here, and size matters.
2. Overtaking a Road Train Requires a Disciplined Plan
Passing a road train isn’t like passing a hatchback in the suburbs. Because of their increased length, you’ll need a long, straight stretch of road—think several hundred metres of clear visibility. The risk is magnified by the fact that you are also towing a longer load due to your off-road camper hire trailer, making your acceleration slower and your rig longer. Before you pull out, ensure:
- You can see the entire length of the road train.
- There’s no oncoming traffic for miles.
- You’ve dropped back far enough in your 4×4 hire to get a good run-up.
3. Use the UHF Radio – Channel 40 is Your Friend
Here’s a great tip: Almost all road train drivers monitor UHF Channel 40. If you have chosen Crikey Camper Hire for your camping hire Perth trip, your vehicle will be fitted with a UHF radio. Make sure to use it to communicate. Here is an example of a call-out.
“Hi mate, this is the white Land Cruiser behind you. Can I get past when you’re ready?” The driver will often let you know when it’s safe and might even slow down a touch. It’s like having a 2nd pair of eyes.
Once you are well past and have moved back onto the left-hand side of the road, don’t forget to acknowledge the road train driver with a “Thanks for that, Mate! Drive safe.” You usually get a “No worries, Mate” back from the driver!
4. Expect a Breeze – Or a Hurricane
When a road train flies past you in the opposite direction, the sheer volume of displaced air creates a powerful blast of turbulence. This wind effect can be intense and is amplified by the large, flat side of your offroad trailer rental. Slow down slightly before the road train reaches you, grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands, and maintain your course. It’s just a standard part of the outback drive.
5. Prioritise Patience Over Speed
You’re on holiday, in an off-road vehicle, not in a Formula 1 race. If the conditions aren’t right to overtake, don’t risk it. Pull your 4WD and camper trailer over, stretch your legs, and take a photo of that endless horizon. The outback isn’t going anywhere, and neither should you—at least not into oncoming traffic.
Stay Safe on Your Outback Adventure
Encountering a road train is an iconic part of the outback experience, but it demands your full attention. By acknowledging that your combined 4WD rentals and camper trailer hire is longer and heavier, you are better equipped to make safe decisions.
When you are renting a 4WD vehicle and camper trailer from us for your remote adventure, you are responsible for the safety of everyone on board and all other road users. Drive courteously, plan your overtakes carefully, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a high-quality Crikey Camper Hire vehicle.
