Thread: Simpson Desert - August

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 So we used just over half of that.

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

Originally Posted by Scallops

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

And how many differentials?

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out. 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

Originally Posted by Psimpson7

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out. 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.

Originally Posted by Psimpson7

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out. 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.

Thanks Mulgo.

Rgds
Pete.

Originally Posted by Psimpson7

Thanks Dan, thats very good. 66litres!

I just dont want to run out. 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.

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.