Thread: Simpson Desert - August

Try here Simpson Desert Trek Fuel Data @ ExplorOz

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

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Psimpson7

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!

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

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

Thanks guys I will look into getting the pass now.

Rgds
Pete.

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+