Thread: Simpson Desert - Puma Fuel Requirements

I've been to Birdsville and as far as Poeppels Corner in a Nissan navara. Beautiful country and the sunsets are amazing. Doing the full crossing is on the bucket list and with the Defender now, no more excuses.

Travelling with my son who is also an adventurer (see explore-nation.com). Will lodge a report with heaps of pics.

Dave G🐪

Originally Posted by Wallaby Ted

I was being very generous on my calculations as I will be towing a camper trailer as well as the Simpson desert is the return leg of our trip.

Richard

I travelled with 2 vehicles towing trailers across the Simpson. A 79 series (4.2ltr) and a 3ltr Patrol, both struggled. If there hasn't been rain for a while and it's warm a 2.4 defender might too struggle. The need to hit the dunes at speed takes its toll on man and machine. Not something I'd encourage.

And you will cop flack from fellow travellers who all blame trailers for the dire state of the French line. They are not solely to blame but do contribute to the build up of corrugation on the dune face. Plenty of dopy 4wders with too high air pressure that bounce their way up the dune. Once that starts its a progressive worsening over the season with the vehicle traffic.

MLD

I wouldn't tow a camper,I'd buy a roof top tent and sell it after the trip. Pat

I have done the intercooler, removed the centre muffler and done a Bas remap. i am going to be letting tyres down on both the vehicle and camper.

Unfortunately to get SHMBO to go I have to take the camper, as she won't climb a ladder for a roof top tent.

I am not planning on going on the French track for 2 reasons, 1 to try and make it easier on the car and, 2 to hopefully have less traffic.

Richard

We used about 110 litres going west to east (Mt Dare to Birdsville) in a 300Tdi Disco 1.
If you're towing you will use a lot more. I wouldn't tow myself.
West to east seems easier because the dunes are steeper on the eastern side.

Last time I travelled the French line it was chopped up real badly and traffic was a bit like Pitt street.

Head west along the French line until you get to the Knolls track then turn south for 35km until you get to the WAA line, head east along this to the old Mokari airstrip, then rejoin the French line. It will be much more challenging with a trailer and definitely wouldn't do it if you are travelling one out, but a much better trip than either the French line or the Rig road.


Martyn

Originally Posted by davidgate

July/August if all goes well.

Dave G

Hi Dave
Me and my Mrs are in the early stages of planning a trip around that time.
We are in Newcastle area planning on leaving around July 30 for 16 days. Birdsville, Simpson, south to maree then up the Strzelecki to Cameron corner and home.
Keep us updated on your plans if you want

Sent from my D6653 using AULRO mobile app

Originally Posted by Bushie

Last time I travelled the French line it was chopped up real badly and traffic was a bit like Pitt street.

Head west along the French line until you get to the Knolls track then turn south for 35km until you get to the WAA line, head east along this to the old Mokari airstrip, then rejoin the French line. It will be much more challenging with a trailer and definitely wouldn't do it if you are travelling one out, but a much better trip than either the French line or the Rig road.


Martyn

Why not The Rig???

I thought it was the pick of the routes based on ready trip report across numerous forums.... not that I have done the French or WAA, only come across one other car and this was during school holidays.