FUEL/WATER CONSUMPTION/SIMPSON DESERT

We crossed in a landcruiser 4.2L straight diesel in August 1998. Used about 90L of fuel (probably 20 trying to get over big red) and about 30L of water, but there was only two of us. We showered at Dalhousie and Purni Bore, but not again until Birdsville. It wasnt hot so water consumption was not a great issue. In the end had 50L of water left and 100 L of diesel, but didnt tow a trailer...

Tim, were also crossing the Simpson in August 2001 in a convoy of 4 cars. Recently, it has been brought to our attention that it may not be advisable to tow a trailer (as we were planning)across the Simpson. We are currently in the process of attempting to find out if the NT Gov/Parks has banned the towing of trailers across the Simpson. You may like to look into it too. Have a great trip. Sally & Matt.

Hi Tim
We crossed the desert in a troopy in1999 we found it hard going in places i would no way toe a trailer some of the dune are very high and long and i think you will hard pressed to get passed the dune
All the best
bob

Most unwise to tow anything across Simpson. Dunes are big - even if you manage to get over, will put much extra stress on your vehicle and use more fuel. In turn, this extra fuel is extra weight on your vehicle ....etc Also, costs of retrieval if trailer breaks are astronomical! The towball/coupling section drags in the sand as you cross dunes and then breaks. Most important, it is environmentally unfriendly to tow - damages the tracks, makes it harder for others where you have to dig the trailer out on the dune slopes.