4WD Convoy Procedures

A lead vehicle will have a driver with knowledge of the area and roads goes first and communicates with other drivers via UHF radio.

On extended trips as well as harder trips, other vehicles are expected to have UHF radios installed. Some portable radios will be available for short (day) trips.

The convoy travels reasonably close together which assists following drivers to see how the vehicle ahead approaches “obstacles”. In cases in the outback where dusty conditions exist, the group may spread out more than would be the case in the mountains.

At all junctions of tracks, it is necessary for the vehicle ahead to physically wait until the following vehicle arrives at the junction and takes the same turn.

Vehicles must keep their assigned positions within a convoy and a “tail end Charlie” reports back to the leader whenever the group has passed an obstacle or junction.

Safety for following vehicles is improved by warnings or instructions given by the lead vehicle (eg the sudden appearance of “trail bikes”, “oncoming car”, a “tree across the track”, “deep pothole on the left”, “rock on road around a left hand bend”).

In other situations, such as a very steep ascent (or short stretch of a longer climb), vehicles will stop before the climb and await until the vehicle ahead indicates that they have negotiated the obstacle. Advice on what to expect, what gear to use etc can be passed down the line.

The tracks and fire trails are normally single-lane and the leader would announce any oncoming traffic. Each driver should then immediately be prepared to look for potential spots to pull over to allow passing. In a convoy, the lead vehicle often (in the bush) pulls up and may find out from the other party how many oncoming vehicles are expected. In many cases, the leader may instruct the convoy to pull over and wait for the other group to pass through. 

In the above situation, the tail end charlie will report back to the leader when the last vehicle has passed.

In some areas, the presence of trail bikes can be encountered. There are often 10-20 bikes involved and may be spread out but still moving quite rapidly. They generally don't like stopping for 4WD vehicles.

Photo stops should be done as a group if possible. Unscheduled short stops may be required by any vehicle and these should be broadcast to the group.

Other situations will arise in a convoy but the above will give an idea of what goes on.