Road conditions deteriorated west of Bourketown – deeper corrugations and bulldust holes hiding rocks.
We were happily bouncing along when I heard a loud bang and saw the caravan leap all over the track. I pulled over to the side to find a brand new 10ply tyre had blown.
When I put the jack under the van I could see the 3 lower spring leaves had separated from the rest and shifted around, tearing the inside wall right out of the tyre. Closer inspection showed 2 spring washers had been left off the outside u-bolt.
The springs were reset and bearings repacked by a suspension specialist just before we left. What a shame – 20 cents worth of missing spring washers just cost us a $500 wheel and tyre. It also meant we could not risk the run up to Roper Bar with just one spare. I had no nice words to say about the guy that did our suspension work!
Splashing Paint 
Gee! John,
I would be saying more than a few kind words for the mate that fit my suspension. I be singing Ozzie Opera.
Your wife will need some 5***** pampering, after that challenges.
Please tell us how you got help, it not that you could just call for a tow.???Be safe
Hi Barbara,
There were lots of interesting word being uttered when I discovered what had caused the problem.
Fortunately, we were able to jack up the van, drop the spring and axle to get all the leaves back in line, then bolt it all back together again. This time with spring washers on all the U bolts.
Not a lot of fun in ankle deep bull dust and mid day sun