Simpson Desert - Puma Fuel Requirements

[davidgate]

Planning to do Simpson crossing East to West in my 2.4L Puma 110. I've read in various posts that it can almost be done with standard tank. So standard tank plus a couple of jerry-cans - enough for Birdsville to Mt Dare?

Dave G 🐪

[YOLO110]

At least you have a 110! Trying this in the 90 will be much more 'interesting'!!

When RU off mate?

[davidgate]

July/August if all goes well.

Dave G

[PAT303]

I did it in the Tdi with a standard tank west to east and used a tank and one jerry,I'd take three just in case you hit bad weather or soft sand,I'd also ring both Mt Dare and Birdsville before your last fuel stop and make sure both have fuel. Pat

[MLD]

I did Simpson last year West to East in a 3.5T fully loaded 130, also acting as the recovery vehicle. Oodnadatta to Birdsville 117ltr. Bobby in his heavy 110 used about 110ltr. Stefan in his heavy 110 used less than 100 ltr.

Birdsville to Mt Dare is about 60km shorter in distance than to Oodnadatta.

Also factor in fuel for side tracks if you are minded to venture off the main route.

Don't put all your eggs in the basket for Oodnadatta or Mt Dare or Birdsville (to a lesser extent) for a certain fill up. Just as we filled up at Oodnadatta the pumps went down. We waited for 2 hrs for them to be fixed so we could take a splash in a reserve tank but had to leave because time was against us. Long and short, expect a spanner in the wheel from time to time and be prepared for an alternative plan.

MLD

[Wallaby Ted]

Hi

I am planning on travelling west to east in early July with the 2.4 Puma and was planning on needing 110L so I was looking at 3 jerry can in addition to the standard tank.

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.

I will be watching with interest to see what others have used.

Richard

[The Cone of Silence]

As MLD says, much depends on the Gods....but I found also that a huge difference can be made from throwing the vehicle into neutral on the slope descents.

Now with West to East, that's easy.....the descents are long and gentle....it's the climb up each dune that's steep and sharp and for you, travelling toward the setting sun, the long climbs will mean more fuel consumption. On many of the dunes you'll need a lot of momentum to get you up there as well, I'd have thought.

So, conservatively, I'd estimate how much you're going to use, and have a long, hard think about taking an additional jerrycan in case the fuel at Oodnadatta or Mt Dare is unavailable.

I filled up the (heavy) 110 in Oodnadatta (standard tank + a 45l aux tank, 118l total) and two jerrycans came across with me and didn't get used. Going the other way would have required one of them at least, or so my intuition tells me.

There's a LOT of peace of mind in having spare fuel with you.

If I were going to do the trip again, I think I'd do it west to east again....that cold beer and a feed at Birdsville was amazing. The second and third weren't bad either. Mind you, the dip in the hot spring at Dalhousie would have been nice after 3 days in the desert.

Either way, fill up your jerries before fuel hits $2 a litre and have a safe and tremendous trip. I look forward to reading the report.

[davidgate]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think a minimum of 3 jerry-cans to be comfortable.

I had been planning east-west but will give the other way some thought - Birdsville does sound like a good reward for a successful crossing.:)

Dave G 🐪

[noyakfat]

IMO the Birdsville Pub is a good reward for any excuse you feel inclined to bring up. It's a lovely 'watering hole' with great ambience, and the beer is REALLY cold :)

Sadly, I am yet to do a Simpson crossing, but have been to Birdsville several times. I'm planning to go for another look at the races this year (not the time to go if you want solitude, but great fun).

Please take plenty of photos of your trip and share with the forum :)

[The Cone of Silence]

You know the other good thing about West to East?

You get to do all the smaller dunes that are closer together first....and you get to drop out of the Desert and you see Big Red about 2km away across the flat.....and when you're barrelling towards it and see lots of people on top of it you know they're all looking at you thinking 'This bloke just drove across the desert!'

And when you make it up first time (which you will because you drive a Defender and you'll be giving it the beans), you'll damn near soil yourself with excitement.

BUT
You're going to have a terrific time regardless of which way you go. It's a fabulous part of the world and great fun too....so don't worry about it - you pick the journey that meets your requirements most suitably.

Take lots of pictures and post them all so we can drool over them.

[PAT303]

And don't forget the stars,you think the night sky has stars in them now,wait till your in the desert :cool:. Pat

[davidgate]

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🐪

[MLD]

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

[PAT303]

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

[Wallaby Ted]

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

[DiscoMick]

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.

[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

[bryco]

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

[weeds]

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.

[davidgate]

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

Whilst West to East appears to be the favoured route I prefer to do East to West from Birdsville. With the Simpson under my belt I can then do the tourist thing to Uluru, Alice Springs, Plenty Highway etc. back home (Southeast Qld). Looks like end of July early August at this stage - might see you on the track somewhere :D

Dave G

[bryco]

Sorry I maybe wasn't completely clear!

We will be heading West from Birdsville too.
Let me know if you want to try and link our dates up for the Simpson crossing only.
We are just on our own (at this stage, but that may change) in our td5 defender

Sent from my D6653 using AULRO mobile app

[YOLO110]

I will be driving from Sydney to Perth!

Plan is via Broken Hill, Birdsville, Ularu, Great Central Highway to Perth.

Dept date circa early June... towing a light camper trailer!

Would love to join a group for some of the way... :>)

[DiscoMick]

Whilst West to East appears to be the favoured route I prefer to do East to West from Birdsville. With the Simpson under my belt I can then do the tourist thing to Uluru, Alice Springs, Plenty Highway etc. back home (Southeast Qld). Looks like end of July early August at this stage - might see you on the track somewhere :D

Dave G
We did the opposite - went out the Plenty and back over the Simpson.

[noyakfat]

Out of general interest in fuel economy, I've just completed a little experiment.

Last time I filled up, I also filled 2 x 20 L jerry cans with diesel. Over the next few weeks, I did my daily commute to and from work, plus around town, with varied driving style (combination of nanna and giving it a bit of stick), and emptied the jerries into the tank accordingly.

Using the total combined 115 L of fuel, my fuel light came on after 1,050 km. I drove another 23 km before filling up (same pump, only to first click as always). It took 69.51 L to fill the tank, meaning I travelled 1,073 km using 109.51 L of fuel.

So, my fuel consumption was about 10.2 L / 100 km (or if you prefer, close to 9.8 km per litre).

There was no off-road play in that period, but I think it gives a fair indication of general run around fuel consumption for my 110. (I have now done just under 32,000 km).

The vehicle was only lightly loaded during that time.

Cheers,

[tonyf]

I went across the Simpson Desert (French Line E to W) and also up the Canning Stock Route in my TD5 90, with roof rack loaded with 120 l of fuel, 2nd spare and other stuff. On the bitumen, driving at about 80 k's, I got about 10 km/l. I allowed for a much higher consumption going through the sand dunes but in fact, with lower driving speed, around 50-60 k's, I got about the same fuel consumption or just a bit higher, so I had lots of spare fuel on each trip.

[MLD]

Out of general interest in fuel economy, I've just completed a little experiment.

Last time I filled up, I also filled 2 x 20 L jerry cans with diesel. Over the next few weeks, I did my daily commute to and from work, plus around town, with varied driving style (combination of nanna and giving it a bit of stick), and emptied the jerries into the tank accordingly.

Using the total combined 115 L of fuel, my fuel light came on after 1,050 km. I drove another 23 km before filling up (same pump, only to first click as always). It took 69.51 L to fill the tank, meaning I travelled 1,073 km using 109.51 L of fuel.

So, my fuel consumption was about 10.2 L / 100 km (or if you prefer, close to 9.8 km per litre).

There was no off-road play in that period, but I think it gives a fair indication of general run around fuel consumption for my 110. (I have now done just under 32,000 km).

The vehicle was only lightly loaded during that time.

Cheers,

Did you adjust your odo figure to match your tyre diameter? If running 235/85.s your odo reading is about 5% out which means you need to multiply your results by 1.05 to get an accurate fuel burn reading. If you run 255/85's or 285/75's your reading is spot on. Assuming you haven't fitted speedo correction. MLD

[noyakfat]

Did you adjust your odo figure to match your tyre diameter? If running 235/85.s your odo reading is about 5% out which means you need to multiply your results by 1.05 to get an accurate fuel burn reading. If you run 255/85's or 285/75's your reading is spot on. Assuming you haven't fitted speedo correction. MLD

I have 265/75R16 Hankook RT03 M/T's. My speedo appears to match my GPS. What do you reckon?

[Bushie]

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.

I suppose it depends on what type of experience you are after, in late 2013 there was a lot of work done on the rig road to upgrade to get drilling rigs and oil equipment back in.

This was what it ended up like (heading west from Kuncherinna junction) - a very wide good dirt road dunes had been clay topped again.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/464.jpg

This was the rig road in 2008
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/465.jpg


Martyn

[weeds]

I suppose it depends on what type of experience you are after, in late 2013 there was a lot of work done on the rig road to upgrade to get drilling rigs and oil equipment back in.

This was what it ended up like (heading west from Kuncherinna junction) - a very wide good dirt road dunes had been clay topped again.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/464.jpg

This was the rig road in 2008
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/465.jpg


Martyn


Oh didn't realize the recent activity.......

I drove it in 2006 ish......

[MrLandy]

Out of general interest in fuel economy, I've just completed a little experiment.

Last time I filled up, I also filled 2 x 20 L jerry cans with diesel. Over the next few weeks, I did my daily commute to and from work, plus around town, with varied driving style (combination of nanna and giving it a bit of stick), and emptied the jerries into the tank accordingly.

Using the total combined 115 L of fuel, my fuel light came on after 1,050 km. I drove another 23 km before filling up (same pump, only to first click as always). It took 69.51 L to fill the tank, meaning I travelled 1,073 km using 109.51 L of fuel.

So, my fuel consumption was about 10.2 L / 100 km (or if you prefer, close to 9.8 km per litre).

There was no off-road play in that period, but I think it gives a fair indication of general run around fuel consumption for my 110. (I have now done just under 32,000 km).

The vehicle was only lightly loaded during that time.

Cheers,

That's good going. Best I can get is 10.8l/100km around town. Out in Simpson a different matter. I'd be taking 5 jerry's I reckon just in case.

[MLD]

I have 265/75R16 Hankook RT03 M/T's. My speedo appears to match my GPS. What do you reckon?

265/75 is in fact smaller rolling diameter compared to the 235/85's but probably negligible at the speedo. As a rule of thumb the defender on 235/85,s reads 5km/h over at 100km/h so that means your odo reading is 5% over actual kms travelled translating into a miscalculation of a 5% improvement in fuel consumption.

Take accurate reading of the difference between speedo and GPS. Whatever the difference is the % for adjustment. If you can't meaningfully measure any difference the adjustment is negligible and you might as well take your odo reading as a good representation of the kms.

Better still get your hands on a nanocom, or some other diagnostic tool which will give you the speedo reading off the ECU which is calibrated off your TFC and is the source for the odo and speedo.

MLD

[davidgate]

I went across the Simpson Desert (French Line E to W) and also up the Canning Stock Route in my TD5 90, with roof rack loaded with 120 l of fuel, 2nd spare and other stuff. On the bitumen, driving at about 80 k's, I got about 10 km/l. I allowed for a much higher consumption going through the sand dunes but in fact, with lower driving speed, around 50-60 k's, I got about the same fuel consumption or just a bit higher, so I had lots of spare fuel on each trip.
That's a lot of weight up top! Any problems?

Dave G