Fuel Consumption for D4 with Trailer

Just back from Fraser Island with 5000km on the clock, it is average 15.1L per100km, including some off-road track at lost city and sand driving on Fraser. Two tyres got damaged on some rocky off-road tracks since I passed the point which I could drop off the trailer. Got bogged on Fraser as we waited for the Ferry, stoped on the soft sand wasn't a good idea, momentum wasn't there. My D4 already carried too much weight, I had DSC switched off, sand terrain and low range wasn't enough. 275/45R20 cooper couldn't help much. Eventually I had to let a Landcruser to pull the trailer out. Otherwise, kids were very happy with camping trip, and I had some lessons to learnt especially with trailer, it is more vulnerable on off-road track if unprepared. Cooper zeon side wall will be big doubts in my mind.

Cheers,

10.2L/100 D4 TDV6 3.0L towing camper 3000km @ 100kph (WA official towing speed). Very happy, included some beach work without the camper.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

10.2L/100 D4 TDV6 3.0L towing camper 3000km @ 100kph (WA official towing speed). Very happy, included some beach work without the camper.

---

That's good. My Defender 2.4 does about 10.5 or about 11 loaded up and towing the camper, so with a larger tank my range is about a thousand kilometres.

Sent from my A1601 using AULRO mobile app

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

That's good. My Defender 2.4 does about 10.5 or about 11 loaded up and towing the camper, so with a larger tank my range is about a thousand kilometres.

Sent from my A1601 using AULRO mobile app

---

Winds are a massive factor that will swing it a couple of litres. I was fortunate to get a decent tailwind for a lot of it.

Just got back from a 2 week circuit, mainly on-road but hilly.

Consumption went from 8.8 typical for unloaded town driving, to 12.9 for the whole trip with loaded car and 1700kg of camper trailer (MY11 D4).

Interestingly that's less than 50% increase in consumption, whereas GCM would have gone up by 60+%.

Would have liked to stop in at a truck weighing station and get my GCM. Is this actually possible?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DIS4

Just back from Fraser Island with 5000km on the clock, it is average 15.1L per100km, including some off-road track at lost city and sand driving on Fraser. Two tyres got damaged on some rocky off-road tracks since I passed the point which I could drop off the trailer. Got bogged on Fraser as we waited for the Ferry, stoped on the soft sand wasn't a good idea, momentum wasn't there. My D4 already carried too much weight, I had DSC switched off, sand terrain and low range wasn't enough. 275/45R20 cooper couldn't help much. Eventually I had to let a Landcruser to pull the trailer out. Otherwise, kids were very happy with camping trip, and I had some lessons to learnt especially with trailer, it is more vulnerable on off-road track if unprepared. Cooper zeon side wall will be big doubts in my mind.

Cheers,

---

Mate thats THE place for novices to get bogged, and assisted with a LC, ouch.
Many trips to fraser so tyre pressure (trailer as well) is critical, 18-20 psi generally, dont go over 80k,stay safe, let the weekend warriors pass you. If necessary as last time I went to go around the rocks at the northern end orchard beach, I pressured down to 15 psi and was the only one of us not to bog. This in the td5 not allowed to take the d4.
I believe the trip computer is close enough. Just returned from a 3 month trip towing 2500kg 14.6 to 15,5l/100k.
Lovely place enjoy while you can.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DIS4

Eventually I had to let a Landcruser to pull the trailer out.

---

Ah, the shame of it :no2:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DIS4

Just back from Fraser Island with 5000km on the clock, it is average 15.1L per100km, including some off-road track at lost city and sand driving on Fraser. Two tyres got damaged on some rocky off-road tracks since I passed the point which I could drop off the trailer. Got bogged on Fraser as we waited for the Ferry, stoped on the soft sand wasn't a good idea, momentum wasn't there. My D4 already carried too much weight, I had DSC switched off, sand terrain and low range wasn't enough. 275/45R20 cooper couldn't help much. Eventually I had to let a Landcruser to pull the trailer out. Otherwise, kids were very happy with camping trip, and I had some lessons to learnt especially with trailer, it is more vulnerable on off-road track if unprepared. Cooper zeon side wall will be big doubts in my mind.

Cheers,

---

Yeah we had to drop the tyres to 16 towing the camper on Flinders Beach at Straddy to get off the sand into the camping area, so don't be too apologetic - towing in sand is not easy. Without the trailer on it was easy.

Sent from my A1601 using AULRO mobile app

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Yeah we had to drop the tyres to 16 towing the camper on Flinders Beach at Straddy to get off the sand into the camping area, so don't be too apologetic - towing in sand is not easy. Without the trailer on it was easy.

Sent from my A1601 using AULRO mobile app

---

Agreed the tyre pressures are critical but It doesn't help much with 20" Rim. Seriously considering a set of GOE rim and wait for financial controller approval since just spent 7k on bull bar, winch, light bar,etc.

Yes, although our tyres are only mild ATs, admittedly 235/85/16s, so the length of tread is good and there is no worry dropping them low because of the height of the sidewall. Length is more important than width on sand. Chunky tread is a disadvantage because it just digs holes.
Weight is obviously important. On the way in we were heavily loaded and towing, so sank easily in the sand. Unloaded and without the camper we floated easily on the sand and never had an issue, even when I let the daughter in law from Sydney have a drive. Didn't even need low range and I put the tyres back up to 25 so we could drive around the island's sealed roads OK.
Of course, an unloaded Defender is lighter than a D4.

Sent from my A1601 using AULRO mobile app