Simpson Desert - Car Set Up Questions

**Chilly** · 11th January 2013, 06:18 PM

Hi All,
I am heading to the Simpson Desert for Easter...Three weeks of touring with 10 other vehicles.

I have lots of work to do between now and then. I have a few questions I would appreciate some advise on. I have done lots of reading but have now got to the stage where the old head is so full of stuff I need some help clearing the head out.

I had to change tyres...currently have 265/70x16 Coopers AT's on...had them in the garage. However they are fitted to D1 rims and therefore catch the Spring housing. So...do I change the rims or change the tyres.
My thinking is to change the rims allowing fitting of larger tyres and improve the steering lock.

The questions then are...
0 or -25 offset.
-25 offset will mean wider flares too...or does it?

Changing rims and with going too the Simpson...should I be looking at different tyres too...perhaps a better or slightly more aggressive AT?

Still trying to sort out lots of other things I have to do....reading the posts on here is changing my mind on how I wish to set things up....seeing what others have done and thinking..."that is a good idea". Is not helping.

Currently have Two Fuel tanks to make and fit...thanks to xtreme for his drawing's....bloody terrific...cheers.

Does anyone know of any drawings for the tank between filler and main tank?

Probably going to get the water tank fitted between the rear seats and cargo barrier...when I have a cargo barrier....how is the water tank attached?

I have 30% reduction gears fitted....do you think these will be to low for the trip?

What about aircon....I have the standard Defender aircon...will that be good enough?

O...so much to do and organise!!!

cheers,

for your help.

Chilly

2stroke · 11th January 2013, 06:31 PM

First priority is a good cooling system and sound tyres (as much to get there and back as the Simpson crossing itself). I've done it on 7.50/16s as well as 235/85s both are fine, but best to be tubeless. About 84 to 88 litres in a 300 Tdi 130.

**justinc** · 11th January 2013, 06:50 PM

FGS don't let everyone fill your head with trash!!!

You need to ensure the vehicle is as lightweight as practical, this in itself reduces the chances of mechanical failure, and saves you fuel.

Standard size tyres 235/85/16 or 750 16 are perfectly adequate, spend good $$ on good quality tyres.

Suspension, standard 110 rear springs are pretty good out of the box, but fronts I would upgrade to 130 Spec, and shocks well these are one of the most important considerations for a trip like this.
Spend some $$ and buy Koni, Bilstein, DeCarbon or similar high quality items, You will be very happy that you did.

Above all drive to the conditions, save the vehicle and keep it as light as possible.

I travel alone to avoid all the around the campfire 'I have a bigger fridge/fuel tank/ tyres/ roofrack/water tank/engine/' bla bla bla rubbish.

It is very serene, quiet and happy around our camp in the evenings

JC

**Yorkie** · 11th January 2013, 06:51 PM

if your not ready by easter you can follow me in july and pull me and trailer over the dunes...

**JDNSW** · 11th January 2013, 07:12 PM

I would echo Justin's comments. Keep the weight down, carry adequate fuel and water, be prepared to lower tyre pressure as necessary - which implies a way of pumping them up again! And take it easy

I spent nearly two years in the Simpson without airconditioning, so I can't see this as a problem - but note that even by Easter it could get surprisingly cold at night (as low as freezing), so some warm clothing will be needed.

Driving in sand will be best with minimal tread - road tyres are quite satisfactory, and aggressive tread patterns are a disadvantage.

John

**Chilly** · 11th January 2013, 07:13 PM

Hi JC,

Suspension is a Terrafirma 50mm lift. Pro medium.

I understand lighter the better. Just wish to make sure I have enough fuel and water on board.

The other things I have to do are basic maintenance to the car and repairs...such as Track Rod end replacement etc....due to rubbers perished.

Then there is fitting air compressor, Dual battery set up. Fitting fridge. Wiring Winch up correctly....thrown on for now. Organising spares, Door seals and some sound proofing...so I can nearly hear the radio...ha ha!!

Changing or fixing seat....drivers broken.

The group I am travelling with are a good bunch...dont normally get any of the mine is bigger etc banter. A helpful bunch looking to have a great trip!!

Things I look at out neat ideas to help with trips.

Liam,

Would be great to go in July too...money and work prevent that thou

**Chilly** · 11th January 2013, 07:24 PM

The Head has been overhauled prior to my purchase and the cooling system.

Watching Nanocom Temp stays very good...below 90C.

Hi John,

Thanks for that...I was thinking the Coopers At's would be a good bet for sand...more road than mud design. I'll need to get some more or buy tyres to suit D1 rims....

2stroke · 11th January 2013, 07:27 PM

Couldn't agree more more about the shockies, I've had a good run out of Bilstein, and stay below GVM. If going west to east be ready to back off the throttle on the dune faces to avoid the suspension bottoming out on the bumpy dune faces.

**Chilly** · 11th January 2013, 07:31 PM

John....I will also be taking some warm clothes...

Cheers

**newhue** · 11th January 2013, 07:57 PM

Keep in mind it's only a four day crossing. A stock standard vehicle will do it quite easily. Fuel is at both ends and readily available. I'm not trying to down play advantages of accessories but the above is reality as well.
Though your mates are a good bunch, you don't want to be the one who needs towing or hold the party up due to silly failings. Just make sure your car is properly serviced and anything that look suspect, fix it or replace it.

As long as your shocks are in good order just run with them, same with tyres if that are AT's or better.
It appeared to me, people only cooked shocks and blew tyres due to speed and too high, or too low pressure with HT terrain patterns.
Slow and steady wins the race and enjoy what you went there for.
Not sure about April, but June there is no need for air conditioning. On the roads to the desert it may be good for convoy dust, but in the crossing dust is minimal.
I did most of my desert driving in High 2 and 3. For a Defender it's a walk in the park really.

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