Stone Stomper fitted and now for the trial

The trailer and 4x4 were coupled this afternoon enabling me to do the final fitting of the Stone Stomper (SS).  I’ve already identified one potential issue.

I’ve used a couple of pieces of different diameter scrap pvc pipe (orange & white) as a temporary support in the middle of the span between the trailer and 4x4.   My modification to the trailer jockey wheel securing it in the horizontal position appears to have worked.

Ground clearance under the mesh looks OK.

The potential problem is the gap between the SS bar and the rear of the 4x4.

Stones flicked by the tyres might ricochet up through the gap either hitting the trailer or rear door on the 4x4.  I could bend the ends of the bar reducing the gap but that would create another potential issue.  The canvas flaps on the bar only just overlap with the SS mesh when the bar is in it’s current position.  Bending the bar towards the vehicle will create another gap between the canvas flap and the SS mesh.  More thinking required!

So today the trailer was prepared for tomorrow’s outback trip.  I’m going to the edge of the western desert with my brother and wife.  We’re heading for Elachbutting Rock Nature Reserve some 375km east of Perth.  It straddles the boundary between the eastern Wheatbelt and western desert.  Almost all of the route is on bitumen which means the SS will have a very limited test.

Obviously no blog posts whilst I’m away however there will (hopefully) be some good photos on my return.