This is not a Race!!
(Never was, never will be)
1. UHF RADIO. All vehicles must carry a UHF radio capable of operating on Channel 20. It is preferable that the radio is hard wired to the vehicle. A hand held UHF radio is acceptable, although it will not have the range of an inbuilt unit. If using a hand held radio you must have enough batteries to last the duration of the event, or a method of recharging the hand held unit while mobile.
2. DUST LIGHTS. All vehicles MUST BE fitted with the following dust lights. A revolving or flashing amber light that must be mounted to the roof of the vehicle and must be visible from behind the car, and preferably also visible from the front. A rear facing white light must also be fitted to the vehicle at boot level or above. These lights are only to be used on dirt roads, and must be capable of being turned on and off while the vehicle is in motion. It is preferable that any globes be upgraded to 100w. These lights are readily available on eBay or at stores like Super Cheap Auto. 50 or more vehicles traveling together at speed on dirt roads creates a lot of dust which makes it difficult to see other vehicles. It’s like thick fog or smoke, only brown. If you are stopped near a dirt road make sure you leave your safety lights on, as this is the most dangerous situation you will encounter. A sample White Light is below. This was purchased on Ebay for $31.99 in January 2017. With the bigger crowd for 2017 it is essential that you have the White Light as well as the Amber Light.
3. VINYL NUMBERS. A white vinyl number must be affixed to the rear window of the vehicle. The number indicates your vehicle number, and must be 150mm in height. It is to be affixed to the upper right corner of the rear window. You are free to choose an appropriate number, and advise the event organiser of your choice. These numbers are readily available from boating shops (BIAS Boating, Whitworths, etc.) or for about $3.50 each on eBay. It makes it easier if your call sign is a number rather than a name. For example, trying to put “The Wollongong Bandit” in 150mm Vinyl number on your rear window is not really practical.
4. DOOR STICKERS. Any door stickers from previous similar events must be removed from your vehicle, or covered over. 2WD cars will be provided with 2 door stickers 600mm wide x 400mm tall. You will need to provide your own Black 150mm high vinyl numbers to affix to these door stickers. Door stickers will be available on the Thursday Evening or Friday Morning, or can be mailed out if you ask. Door Stickers will be optional for 4WDs but all 4WDs must display the vehicle number (in white) on the rear window. If you’re worried about the duco on your fancy 4WD you can stick the numbers on the side windows (provided it doesn’t restrict the driver’s vision).
5. TRIP METER. The route has been surveyed using a free iPhone App called TripRoad. This uses the GPS capability of the phone to measure distances. It works regardless of whether you have telephone coverage. It is recommended that this App or similar is downloaded prior to the event. This method, along with the Odometer of the vehicle should make sure you don’t get lost. It is not necessary to have any expensive Terratrip (or similar) distance devices. A phone cradle to affix your phone to the windscreen is highly recommended, as well as a phone charger, as most Apps drain the phone battery quite quickly. Below is a couple of screen shots showing what the TripRoad App looks like. It works on iPhones and iPads.
6. RECOVERY GEAR. Every vehicle is to carry a snatch strap. It is the responsibility of the bogged vehicle to use their own snatch strap. Do not rely on a tow vehicle (4WD) to provide a snatch strap to retrieve your vehicle.
7. WATER CROSSING. There may be water crossings on the event. There should be no problems for either 4wd or 2wd cars, unless there has been heavy recent rain. If the crossings are considered unsafe on the day, an alternate route will be used.
8. SPARE TYRES. All vehicles MUST carry at least one useable spare tyre (inflated, on a rim, ready to go). A second spare tyre is advisable, but not compulsory. You must start each day with at least one working spare tyre. If you change a tyre you must check the wheel nuts at your next meal break.
9. RADIO ETTIQUETTE.
a. Never overtake another participating vehicle unless you have made radio contact and have been given the advice “Safe to Pass”.
b. Warn following vehicles of any oncoming traffic (e.g. Oncoming vehicle at 163.4km).
c. Warn following vehicles of any hazards not listed in the route instructions (e.g. Washaway at 145.6km).
d. Channel 20 is a public radio channel, and is not to be used for inappropriate banter.
10. ROAD RULES. All vehicles must be fully registered and insured. All roads we use are designated public roads and all road rules must be adhered to. Just because you are on outback roads with a group of other vehicles in convoy does not exempt you from obeying all the road rules. In particular, you may be subjected to a roadside breath analysis at any time, and the driver must always be below the prescribed legal alcohol limit. Speeding will not be tolerated. Some areas will have school zones operating when we pass through, so please be careful.
11. OVERTAKING. This event has a number of newbies, who are not familiar with normal outback convoy conditions. Please be aware of the potential speed differences between vehicles. Seasoned participants will probably be travelling considerably faster than newbies. When overtaking you must do so in a manner that minimises the risk of stone damage to the vehicle being passed. Nobody wants a broken windscreen or smashed headlight, (or a punch in the nose at the next stop).
12. INTERFERENCE. Do not interfere with any other vehicle. Do not interfere with road signs or any other property (regardless of how funny you think it might be).
13. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS. If you see a participant’s vehicle on the side of the road, stop to render assistance if required (even if it is just to lighten the load in their esky). Each day there will be a nominated sweep vehicle, and will flat tow any vehicle if required (as long as it is safe to do so). Other 4WDS may be asked to tow vehicles as well. At least one of the official vehicles will be carrying a solid drawbar for towing any vehicles fitted with a front tow ball.
14. PHONE APP. We are currently finalising the functionality of our Mobile Phone App. Everyone (Including Every Passenger) MUST download the App before the event, as it will include critical information during the event. Here’s a screenshot of what it looks like. We will send you a link to the download before the event.
15. ROUTE INSTRUCTIONS. All route instructions have been prepared as carefully as is reasonably possible. However, some errors and omissions may still exist. The basic rules of route instructions include:-
a. If no route instructions exist then travel straight on (do not turn).
b. If you are confused, use your radio to ask others.
c. If you find an error in the notes, advise the following vehicle.
d. If you get hopelessly lost, find the nearest main road and head to the designated lunch or night time stop.
16. PHOTOGRAPHS. Take plenty of photos to bore your friends with, or to upload to Facebook, or the Charity Car Events App.