Simpson Desert - August

[Psimpson7]

Well it looks like for this years trip we may do the Simpson Desert / ayers rock / alice etc, prob August.

Does anyone have any fuel economy figures for the crossing for a td5?

I have searched the forum but not found that much info (Weeds post had info with a 300tdi) I was guessing at worst case 20l/100km on the crossing?

We only have a 60l tank. so will need a few jerry cans. wondering how many.

Rgds
Pete.

[inside]

Try here Simpson Desert Trek Fuel Data @ ExplorOz (http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/TrekFuel.asp?TrekID=2)

You'd think about 120L should be more than enough for a 90. Dolium make a 45L aux fuel tank for the 90 and it's only $1095!
Fuel Stainless Steel - Dolium Pty Ltd (http://www.dolium.com.au/view/page/120/cat/Fuel_Stainless_Steel.html)

[Mulgo]

We crossed the Simpson (French Line) from West to East in October 2008 with our 130 Td5.

Used about 13l / 100km for the trip from Oodnadatta to Birdsville.

Before the trip I had a look at the ExplorOz page and therefore took Diesel for 20l/100km with me.

Having said that, it all depends on your sand driving experience. The more you have to run up a dune to get over it the more Diesel you use. I have extensive experience in sand driving (northern Africa) so the Simpson (French Line) was not too much trouble.

[Psimpson7]

Thanks guys.

120 was the minimum I would have taken. I have 6 jerry cans in the garage, so will probably take 4 or maybe 5, giving us 140-160litres.

French line would be our route I think.

Anyone else going in August?

What maps are available? Are there any decent scale paper maps available? Hema I suppose?

Rgds
Pete.

[Mulgo]

What maps are available? Are there any decent scale paper maps available? Hema I suppose?

Rgds
Pete.

Hello Pete,

Don't buy too many maps - you will get very good ones when you buy the Desert Pass. Don't know if possible but you might want to try to buy the desert pass now - they might even send you the package so you could start planning.

Would love to come in August, unfortunately will not be possible this year.

Enjoy!

[weeds]

yep the map you get with the desert pass is pretty good, damn hard to get lost out there, impossible

120L of diesel should be enough

[Xtreme]

I did Oodnadatta to Birdsville via WAA and French Line in a Td5 Defender a few years ago and used 83 litres. A 300 Tdi Disco on same trip only used 74 litres.
I must admit that there had been rain in the desert a week before we crossed so conditions were very easy.

A lot depends on condition of the desert, how you drive and what load you are carrying. Above figures would be minimum and if you are going to carry 120 Litres you certainly shouldn't run short.

Enjoy the trip.

Roger

[Psimpson7]

Thanks guys I will look into getting the pass now.

Rgds
Pete.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I would think if it's car only and you stay on the road 13 litres should be right. If you leave the track for extended periods expect up to 20l/100. It also will depend on how wet the sand is. When we were there we did 7 days of off track driving and two on the "road". There were recent rains so the sand was fairly firm apparently. We averaged 16l/100 in our td5 as did a 200tdi rangie. A diesel Patrol used 22 and the petrol rangies were 30+ :o

[Redback]

Thanks guys I will look into getting the pass now.

Rgds
Pete.

Better check out the water level in the lake near Poepel first, last I heard it was 9 k wide and the desert is still closed because of it.

I did Birdsville to Oodnadatta in the Disco towing a camper, averaged 15l/100k, worst I got was 17l/100k in the desert, it was slow, wet and muddy.

Baz.

[Psimpson7]

Thanks Baz,

I have been looking here

Mt Dare Hotel - Simpson Desert Regional Information (http://www.mtdare.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=23)

and most seems to be open, although some areas are still closed.

[Scallops]

Pete - we have a Puma, not a td5 as you know, but crossing the Simpson west to east we used 66 litres of fuel. I imagine we would have used more going from east to west as the dune faces are steeper in that direction.

The SA desert pass guide will tell you that for a 4 or 5 cylinder diesel 4 wheel drive, you should budget on 120 litres :eek: So we used just over half of that. :D

A fellow who was driving with us in a Toymota Playdo used 96 litres.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

A fellow who was driving with us in a Toymota Playdo used 96 litres.

And how many differentials?

[Psimpson7]

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out.:eek: I would say knowing my car, there is no chance it would get anywhere near that economy. it averaged 12.47l/100 (21.8mpg) to the cape and back, but thats about all it ever does. Dont think it has ever done better than 25mpg, and normal driving about is around 12l/100 (fraction over 22mpg)

Haven't finaly decided which way to do it yet either, as in W-E or E-W

Decisions Decisions!! probably W-E if its easier.

Read your thread. looks great. Were you confident on your own? Did you take a sat phone?

Rgds
Pete

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out.:eek: I would say knowing my car, there is no chance it would get anywhere near that economy. it averaged 12.47l/100 (21.8mpg) to the cape and back, but thats about all it ever does. Dont think it has ever done better than 25mpg, and normal driving about is around 12l/100 (fraction over 22mpg)

Haven't finaly decided which way to do it yet either, as in W-E or E-W

Decisions Decisions!! probably W-E if its easier.

Read your thread. looks great. Were you confident on your own? Did you take a sat phone?

Rgds
Pete
One thing that helps the economy is on the track it's fairly slow running. If I remember I was surprised that I got into 3rd gear. It felt like warp speed. That might help consumption.

[Mulgo]

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out.:eek: I would say knowing my car, there is no chance it would get anywhere near that economy. it averaged 12.47l/100 (21.8mpg) to the cape and back, but thats about all it ever does. Dont think it has ever done better than 25mpg, and normal driving about is around 12l/100 (fraction over 22mpg)

Haven't finaly decided which way to do it yet either, as in W-E or E-W

Decisions Decisions!! probably W-E if its easier.

Read your thread. looks great. Were you confident on your own? Did you take a sat phone?

Rgds
Pete


Having done W-E, I would this time do E-W.

From E-W the Dunes from the Big Red (including) up to 15km past Poeppels Corner are easy driving. From then onwards to Dalhausie Springs they are steeper most of the times.

Sat Phone: We were travelling with two little kids (they really enjoyed their biggest sandpit ever...) so my missus wanted a sat phone. However in Mt Dare they were all out so we continued without. Retrospectively we both said that a sat phone would be an overkill (would be different if there is a passenger with a medical condition).
As somebody mentioned earlier in this thread, you cannot get lost out there. I am sure you will have plenty of water, diesel and food with you so that you could wait a couple of days until somebody drives past you. We saw at least one vehicle a day.

[Psimpson7]

Thanks Mulgo.

Rgds
Pete.

[Scallops]

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out.:eek: I would say knowing my car, there is no chance it would get anywhere near that economy. it averaged 12.47l/100 (21.8mpg) to the cape and back, but thats about all it ever does. Dont think it has ever done better than 25mpg, and normal driving about is around 12l/100 (fraction over 22mpg)

Haven't finaly decided which way to do it yet either, as in W-E or E-W

Decisions Decisions!! probably W-E if its easier.

Read your thread. looks great. Were you confident on your own? Did you take a sat phone?

Rgds
Pete

W to E is easier. We were confident to do it on our own, but we met a lovely elderly couple at Chambers Pillar and they traveled with us to Birdsville - they were rather underprepared so I think they needed us more than we needed them - but we became good friends.

You should have no qualms doing it solo - its a doddle - easy stuff, but really good fun. And you will see plenty of other travelers so even if something goes wrong you won't be alone out there.

We have an Iridium sat phone in our truck 24/7 - so yes, we had one - plus an EPIRB.

The Old Gunbarrel which crosses the Gibson - now that is remote and lonely - but a real blast to be so remote and isolated - I loved that drive.

[Psimpson7]

Thanks Dan,

I think I would hire one, just in case. you seem to be able to pick them up and drop them off at Mt dare/Birdsville

Rgds
Pete.

[Scallops]

And how many differentials?

Steve - don't go there! The Playdo had no issues when we were driving with them - the Defender on the other hand had an ABS sensor failure on the way to Dalhousie Springs - a week after having it fixed in Alice. :(

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Steve - don't go there! The Playdo had no issues when we were driving with them - the Defender on the other hand had an ABS sensor failure on the way to Dalhousie Springs - a week after having it fixed in Alice. :(

Sorry! The playdo we were with broke a front diff which caused us great problems.

[Psimpson7]

Ordered the desert pass/map thing from exploreoz earlier.

Anyone else likely to be heading West to East around the middle of August?

Rgds
Pete

[cucinadio]

Ordered the desert pass/map thing from exploreoz earlier.

Anyone else likely to be heading West to East around the middle of August?

Rgds
Pete

would love to come but the swmbo's heading to NY in novembeer so all the pennis are going into that

cheers


Ps would love to plan one for the year after though if anyones interested

[Redback]

Thanks Baz,

I have been looking here

Mt Dare Hotel - Simpson Desert Regional Information (http://www.mtdare.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=23)

and most seems to be open, although some areas are still closed.

Now that the Spring Cr Delts by-pass is now the permanent track to Purni Bore, you see how lovely the Spring Creek Delta is, one of the highlights of our trip.

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/bazzar/ald.sized.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/bazzar/ale.sized.jpg

[bblaze]

Ordered the desert pass/map thing from exploreoz earlier.

Anyone else likely to be heading West to East around the middle of August?

Rgds
Pete
Hope to hit Mt Dare on the 26th of July after doing the gunbarrel, So I sorta hope I am not there any more :)
cheers
blaze

[p38arover]

I'd love to do the Simpson. I have a 155 litre petrol tank and 54 litres of of LPG.

I wonder of that would get me through.

Regrettably, I'll be up on thre Sunshine Coast in August.

[willem]

I'd love to do the Simpson.

Yes! Me too! But I'm not ready yet. A few more things have to work out before I'm at that point.

Willem

[cucinadio]

ok that's three..!!....:)

cheers

[inside]

Anyone else likely to be heading West to East around the middle of August?

Want to see me take my FL2 across The Simpson? I did plan on doing it next year but if you want to hear me on the phone to LR explaining why I need to be recovered from The Simpson I can get things happening now. I've done all my measurements/weights, worked out fuel/water storage 2 spares etc. Land Rover Australia took one across last year unladen although I have my payload down to 400kg.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/15470/land-rover-freelander-2-crosses-the-simpson-desert/

[dullbird]

we want to do the simpson too....mmmmmm we have 5 weeks off at the begining of sept :D Still trying to decide what we are going to do

[Psimpson7]

Want to see me take my FL2 across The Simpson? I did plan on doing it next year but if you want to hear me on the phone to LR explaining why I need to be recovered from The Simpson I can get things happening now. I've done all my measurements/weights, worked out fuel/water storage 2 spares etc. Land Rover Australia took one across last year unladen although I have my payload down to 400kg.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/15470/land-rover-freelander-2-crosses-the-simpson-desert/

I am up for it if you are! Meet you at Mt Dare.:)

Are you serious? Reckon the FL2 would be fine!

[dullbird]

Do it in Sept then we can meet you there also :p

Hang on sand defender sand defender sand defender.........:lol2: vacuum pump sand convoy arrrrggggghhhhhh!!!!!! :Rolling:

[Psimpson7]

:wasntme:
Do it in Sept then we can meet you there also :p

Hang on sand defender sand defender sand defender.........:lol2: vacuum pump sand convoy arrrrggggghhhhhh!!!!!! :Rolling:

:lol2: No way I am risking it with one of those new fangled Puma's:angel::wasntme:

[dullbird]

I'll guess we will just have to cross it on our own and wave at the FL2 on the way past :p

[McDisco]

I did Mt Dare to Birdsville on one tank. Drove around Birdsville for a couple of days too...not that there is plenty to go around town though. Drove to the bakery a few times for brekky though! They have HUGE brekkies!! yum :D

I found running in low range and staying the highest possible gear, without stressing the box (I have a manual), gave really good consumption. Just used the torque to plod along. Shifted to high for the salt pans and fast dirt sections.


Angus

[weeds]

high range second gear worked for me

[2stroke]

I'll be there in late Sept in this 130 dual cab with a 130 single cab and a 120 tray, hope to see you Dullbird, nice to see more Landies than Nissans or Toyotas (even if it is unrealistic).

[inside]

I am up for it if you are! Meet you at Mt Dare.:)

Are you serious? Reckon the FL2 would be fine!

Sure am! I've got a few things to buy like better air compressor, 6th tyre etc but that's what tax cheques are for. I've got the holidays up and the only way I can truly get away from work is make sure I'm outside of mobile contact. August would be ideal for me but I'll be keeping a close eye on conditions throughout the dry. I'm thinking week to get to Mt Dare, week across The Simpson and then a week to get back to Brisbane.


I'll guess we will just have to cross it on our own and wave at the FL2 on the way past :p
I'll be the guy with the shovel and unimpressed wife. I should have very strong forearms by then!

[Psimpson7]

Cool.

I think we are going to leave the coast on the afternoon of the 14th now (was going to be the 7th but slight issue with that weekend)

Returning on the 29th-30th I think.

[Bytemrk]

I'll be there in late Sept in this 130 dual cab with a 130 single cab and a 120 tray, hope to see you Dullbird, nice to see more Landies than Nissans or Toyotas (even if it is unrealistic).

I'll be in Birdsville mid September... around 14th /15th and Mt Dare - Dalhousie around 28th.

I'll keep my eye open .. would be good to see a few of you out there...

Mark

[McDisco]

I'm thinking week to get to Mt Dare, week across The Simpson and then a week to get back to Brisbane.

This would be plenty of time...and enough time to enjoy it. We do it in three weeks from Melbourne. You can cross in 2 days if you really want to, but you travel so far to get there so why rush! Its awesome to just sit int he desert for a day to and explore the dunes...

Angus

[inside]

I hope we see some Kombis!

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album423/Dubs_in_the_Desert_027.jpg

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album423/simpson_083.jpg

http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/albums/album423/simpson_085.jpg

[dullbird]

is it easy to find you way across the Simpson?

is it a case of saying you want to go east and following a compass or are there marked tracks....
Might sound like a ridiculous question but I really don't know and haven't looked into the Simpson yet as we are planning to go just don't know when maybe we will make it our Sept trip

[weeds]

impossible to get lost, defined tracks all the way, three to choose from, well three fairly well travelled one

french line - every man and his dog
WAA or is QAA - camper trailers normally take this route
rig rd - most southern track, a litle longer, has clay top sections, less travelled

[McDisco]

is it easy to find you way across the Simpson?

is it a case of saying you want to go east and following a compass or are there marked tracks....
Might sound like a ridiculous question but I really don't know and haven't looked into the Simpson yet as we are planning to go just don't know when maybe we will make it our Sept trip

Yeah its dead simple. The tracks are well marked and the Pink Road house signs are a hoot. Really you can go through the desert without turning, go through making a few turns, or go through making quite a few....its up to you really!

We usually do a combination of the french, WAA and Rig Road. Gives you a good cross section of the scenery and driving.

Angus

[inside]

is it easy to find you way across the Simpson?
I have this book Boiling Billy Publications Pty Ltd (ABN 29 101 041 687) - Explore Australia by 4WD - Adventure Treks (soft cover) $25.00 (http://shop.boilingbilly.com.au/store/viewItem.shop?idProduct=15)
It is very good and goes into detail about all the trips including longest point between fuel, interesting side trips, plus other interesting info like a nice hotel to stay at to give yourself a bit of a treat at the end of your trek.

[dullbird]

Think I might have it I have a number of Kathy savage books

[bblaze]

One of the bestbooks I have found is "australian Great Desert Tracks", Its got all the HEMA maps for our deserts
cheers
blaze

[dullbird]

got that one two

[Captain_Rightfoot]

For all those contemplating this trek you should read "DUNE - A FOUR LETTER WORD" (http://www.wakefieldpress.com.au/books/duneisafourletterword.html) by Griselda Sprigg. She is the wife of Reg Sprigg who was the first man (and family) to do a motorised crossing of the Simpson.

It probably won't help you but it's a good read :) There is a copy in the Brisbane library.

[2stroke]

My holidays don't start until Sept.14 so it'll be probably Oct by the time we get there, via the Plenty to East and West Macdonalds, Kings Canyon, Ayers Rock and Mulga Park road to the Stuart.