Simpson Desert Crossing(fuel consumption)

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 16:51

ThreadID: 46924 Views:11438 Replies:4 FollowUps:4

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Bazz

Hi.

Just did an Interesting comparison with crossing the Simpson Desert.

I crossed it across the French Line back in 2004 in a manual 2002 GXL Turbo Diesel equipped with BFG 305X16 AT tyres, two people, fridge etc and used 76 ltrs.

Just came back last week same trip, same wheels and tyres, same fridge, only one person(only thing different was a 10 klm detour) in a 2005 V8 GXL Auto and used 122 ltrs.

Regards Baz.

PS. Love the auto, particulary going up Big Red. First attempt up and over, the Turbo Diesel Took 2 go's.

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Reply By: Member - Ian S (NT) - Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 20:14

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 20:14

Hi Bazz,

That's the danger of Simpson Desert fuel useage numbers, somebody could believe that they could cross with 76L which is an optomistic number for any year.

The numbers we quote are 150Lfor diesel and 200L for petrol (to carry) and 100-120L diesel 120-140L (useage). This country is all about safety margins not crossing on the bare minimum. This year you would get a different number between East and West crossings on the French Line.

IMHO
Cheers
Ian@Mt Dare

AnswerID: 248337

Follow Up By: Bazz - Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 21:35

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 21:35

Ian.

I was in no way advocating that any simpson desert traveller should not take the trip for granted and should carry adequate food,water, spares and fuel (my fuel capacity this time was 190 lts) and with the diesel i carried 210 lts.

All i was doing was making a comparison between both vehicles and not recommending to any one how much fuel they should carry.
Regards Baz.

FollowupID: 509195

Follow Up By: Member - Ian S (NT) - Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 22:35

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 22:35

Hi Bazz,

You addresed my point exactly in your reply, carrying a safe margin of fuel. Thats what people need to understand. We get far too many people quoting the original (used) figure as their fuel need.

No offence intended.

Cheers
Ian@Mt Dare

FollowupID: 509215

Reply By: Blaze - Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 23:58

Thursday, Jun 21, 2007 at 23:58

Do you now own the V8 Bazz? Would have been interesting if you ran duel fuel ULP/LPG. I have done the Simpson a few times, in a T/D Diesel Bravo 111ltrs, Basically same track in a Duel Fuel Mitsi Triton, 60ltrs LPG and 70ltrs ULP. Cost was slightly cheaper in the Mitsi due the fact that even though we used more combined fuel it actually cost less. Another time we done the trip in a Mazda Bravo duel fuel with lots of drifts and soft sand, usage was way up, around 170ltrs.

I know have an auto V6 and do like it in the sand....

AnswerID: 248386

Reply By: Member - Duncs - Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 09:03

Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 09:03

I think Ian's point was that fuel figures can only be used as a rough guide. When I did the Simpson I only used 130 ltrs. Theoretically I could have done it on what was in the standard tank. Would I recommend anyone try that ? Absolutely not! I carried 190 ltrs.

Even when travelling on sealed roads fuel consumption can vary greatly. I have managed to get from Broken Hill to Cobar on just over half the main tank in the GU about 50 ltrs but I have also done that same trip and used 75 ltrs. Wether conditions, traffic, yeah even out there it makes a difference and mostly the weight of the right foot all influence fuel use.

I know people who have thought that the 450km from Cobar to the Hill was easy for their car. No need to stop and fuel up, not even when you are on empty as you come past Little Topar. But that last 10km is real slow if your walking.

Duncs

AnswerID: 248415

Reply By: Member - Bucky (VIC) - Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 15:25

Friday, Jun 22, 2007 at 15:25

We did east - west crossing, in 2005,,, 95 lts from Birdsville to Oodna,,

But I would carry 120-150, depending on how dry it is, and the load I am carrying.
I like safety margins too !!

Cheers Bucky

AnswerID: 248486