Simpson desert crossing

Hi Nick, expect you've checked out 4x4 Earth, search Simpson desert there ?
Heaps of trip reports, there with loads of fuel etc info.
I've posted up reports for most of my 5 various crossings.

Assuming this is your first crossing.

We usually aim for 4-1/2 days for the SA crossings, provides a fairly relaxed pace, early-ish camps, but not too long so you need more food / water, more weight.

Are you going west to east ?
This is probably somewhat easier in theory with the less steep western sides of the dunes . . . but I find the more important part of this is you start heavy on the easier western side of the desert, and by the time you get to largest dunes on QAA line, you have depleted a lot of fuel, water, food, beer etc, and much reduced weight makes the dunes over that side less stressful on your vehicle.

Anyway, the V8 petrol Landcruiser is still relevant ?
If so, you will likely use around 25lt / 100km, around 550km shortest distance Mt Dare to Birdsville (traditional first route via French Line most direct way).
So you should use around 140lt, but take a good 200lt to cover any unforeseen detours if necessary, also hold ups at dunes if it is busy out there (people getting stuck etc).

Water, we (2 adults) normally go with 58lt Dolium tank full, and also take a few 10lt casks, which we use to top off our daily 600ml drinking bottles.
I usually get home after camping a few days here and there on the way back to ADL with 30lt, but like fuelk better to err on the side of caution.

About 18 to 20 psi is a good place to start with tyre pressures (west side) and when / if you need lower pressures on the eastern dunes, you can drop to 14 or whatever . . . many drop to 8 or even 6 trying various runs up Big Red.
Much easier / safer dropping to lower pressures like this with less weight overall.

The traffic after Finke races will be probably a little busier than normal as people take advantage of a crossing while up there, many before and after the race weekend.

Mid year is a good time in general out there, less risk of rain, less flies, less heat.
Anything can happen though with weather, so just keep a close eye on weather and SA DOT outback road conditions in the lead up, and if taking time off work etc, have a back up plan if it looks too wet / hot, etc.

We took 5 nights, from Mt Dare- wanted to enjoy the desert and look around, and not be pushed by time contraints. Camps were: Dalhousie Springs; Purni Bore;
beside the Rig Rd along W-E section; about 20kms south of Knolls; about halfway between Poeppel Corner and Big Red. Worked well for us.

Lots of good advice here.

Also take a look at the Mt Dare website:http://www.mtdare.com.au/

Hi Nick, We had a solo Simpson trip a couple of years ago in early August. After reading various track reports leading up to going I decided an east/west would be better going. After talking to a variety of others coming from the west and actually driving down the western faces it was concluded we had alot easier run. Yes the eastern sides are steeper but also smoother. In most cases the western sides were chopped up. We just rolled down the rutted out sides where others were having to bounce their way up. Either way its an awesome trip. Enjoy.

Some good advice here.

My additional advice is to plan for 2 days of travel then 1 day of rest , or even more rest days when in the Simpson. So at least every 3rd day you camp 2 nights and don't move. That really allows you to relax and enjoy some nicer spots, have time to go over the car and tidy up a little and a buffer in case something goes wrong.

I tend to plan the days in the deserts like this move, move, Relax, move, move, Relax, Relax, move, move, Relax, move, move.... It never works out like that in practice but the pace is nearly right. Getting there and back is a different story of course.

It's too easy to plan insufficient time on tracks like that. Every time I do the simpson or similar tracks, I say to myself " Next time I'll plan few more rest days"