Thread: Ideas on how to get a rolling shell from Perth to Sydney?

Originally Posted by Scouse

Hmm, what sort of economy does a 300tdi auto Disco get towing between 1000-1500kg?

On the way out to Dubbo to collect my son's 15 ft Millard caravan, we got 10 litres/100km. On the way back, towing the van, we got 14 litres/100km.

If I wasn't trying to sell the Disco or if it wasn't so far, I'd just lend it to you.

What about a cheap little truck, pantech style... only a Morris minor so not particularly heavy... here's one for $3900
TOYOTA DYNA 200 - Tray - TruckHub Australia

I guess a caravan isn't as aerodynamic as a car trailer + car but my RR returned 15 litres /100km for the whole trip to Adelaide & back (empty car trailer there, loaded car trailer back).

Maybe my RR wouldn't be a bad option.

The RR will pull better than a Tdi, too.

Originally Posted by Phred

PS I don't run to Perth but two of the drivers I work with have spent the last 10 yrs running the paddock and might be able to give you a lead to someone who will look after your needs.

Thanks Peter. We deal with Toll at work so I'm contacting them today.

You need a big diesel.

Shame a return trip could not be done in 5 days?

I was going to suggest hiring a big diesel too.

I towed a trailer to Perth & back for the MG National Meeting in the mid nineties with my then Disco 200tdi. All up about 1500 kgs. I'd do it again in a flash, but a few things that come to mind include:

1. Sod's law says you'll get the headwind both ways.

2. My tdi was flat out at 80 kph sometimes, with that headwind & the trailer.

3. Broken Hill still has silent cops that you run over with a trailer, shifting the load.

4. I can't remember the consumption, but you do need to plan fuel stops.

5. There are radar traps and licence checks on the Nullabor. They monitor the CBs.

6. You do need a few days each way. We took a week each way, sighseeing on the way e.g. Wave Rock.

Its a trip you'll never forget.

Regards
Max P

I've done the trip before, in 1995 in my Morris Minor van so I won't be sightseeing.
Back then, fuel stops weren't an issue. 1st stop Port Augusta, 2nd stop Norseman .

If driving, I'd like to spend 3 days each way.

A big diesel would be nice but that's something I don't have. Even hiring would work out close to the same $ as using my own car once the hire fee/excess km is taken into account.



Still thinking........