Madigan Line mid - late September Solo?

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 29, 2018 at 10:17
ThreadID: 137174 Views:3948 Replies:3 FollowUps:8
This Thread has been Archived
Considering doing the Madigan solo just want to make sure I cover all bases with regards to self sufficiency.

I've been through the Simpson a few times with others, done Googs track several times and the northern deserts within Vic several times, so I'm not unfamiliar with sand driving.

Just have a few questions.

I have 3L diesel Patrol, well maintained driven daily, serviced regularly. Wondering what fuel consumption others have gotten doing the Madigan west - east?

We don't tow anything, can carry up to 260 litres (max) of fuel & 80 litres (min) of water, 2 fridges, iPad with Hema & Mud Maps apps, paper maps & Sat phone.
Does that sound like sufficient resources?

One auxillary battery, a solar blanket and 4 x Maxtrax. Winch, recovery gear & shovel. The most electrical stuff we run is the fridges, we have a few lights, but not many, we rely on our head torches alot.

Thanks for any advice & help.
- Matt.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: PhilD - Wednesday, Aug 29, 2018 at 23:49

Wednesday, Aug 29, 2018 at 23:49
Got 26l/100 in May at 6.2+ Tonnes. 200 series towing got 23 and not towing 21. Biggest challenge in September will be if you have problems. There is no one to retrieve you economically, so you need to be able to get yourself out of trouble. There may not be a lot crossing that late in the season. Carry oils, spares, tools, and anything else to get you at least to the Hay River Track, but preferably into Birdsville. You need to be mechanical enough to save yourself and the Nissan.
AnswerID: 620910

Follow Up By: Siringo - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 06:24

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 06:24
6.2+ tonnes, gee that's some serious weight. Thanks for your input PhilD.
0
FollowupID: 893373

Follow Up By: PhilD - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 08:50

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 08:50
Just an Iveco Daily 4x4 motorhome. Walked over the desert on its 37" Toyos.
0
FollowupID: 893378

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 05:29

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 05:29
2015 s/c Landcruiser V8 ute with alloy canopy:

In June 2016, used 129L W-E, via Hay & QAA.

July 2017, used about 116L, via Camps 17-22.

With longer days you may be able to reduce travelling time for the journey. Think we did it in 5 or 6 days?

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 620911

Follow Up By: Siringo - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 06:25

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 06:25
They're encouraging fuel stats, thanks Bob Y.
0
FollowupID: 893374

Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 18:41

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 18:41
Matt,

I'm heading into the Simpson, from Birdsville, with friends on 20th September. At moment I'm not sure what I want to do once we reach Mt Dare. Not real keen to head to The Alice and across the Plenty, so was thinking of returning over the desert by a different route to Birdsville, then home.

Suppose another trip over the Madigan wouldn't be too hard to take. Do you have your permit yet, Matt?

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 893391

Follow Up By: Siringo - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 18:52

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 18:52
Hi Bob,

Yep got my permit, from 20/9 - 27/9. Currently we're planning on going from west to east, we may bump into each other!
0
FollowupID: 893392

Reply By: cookie1 - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 07:51

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 07:51
We used 190L from Santa Teresa through to Birdsville in a V8 200 series cruiser
Unfortunately we were following someone that had chewed the bejesus out of the western approaches and only got better once we passed a group coming the other way that were trying to fill in the gaping holes left behind by riding the sides coming down pushing sand back in.
You haven't mentioned any form of comms, Sat Phone or HF Radio as your UHF won't get you far if your stuck and no one else around. I think you can still hire them at Mt Dare and drop them off in Birdsville, I travel with both and if you're alone I'd also invest in a Spot Tracker or PLB.
Hope you have fun, and please remember to stay with your car if you do breakdown.
cheers
AnswerID: 620913

Follow Up By: Siringo - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 07:57

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 07:57
Thanks cookie1 for your advice. I may have overlooked including a sat phone, which I do have, thanks for mentioning that.

I'll look into a PLB, from memory they're very expensive & could save my life????
0
FollowupID: 893376

Follow Up By: Malcom M - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 09:03

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 09:03
Is $243 expensive?
Less than a speeding fine.

https://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/safety-alert-personal-locator-beacon-with-14459295.html
0
FollowupID: 893379

Follow Up By: Siringo - Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 10:19

Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 at 10:19
Whoops, what a difference a word makes. I meant to say 'they're NOT very expensive'.

It could save your life and ours are worth way more than $243.

Thanks Malcom M.
0
FollowupID: 893380

Sponsored Links