Costs involved?

Hi Guernica.

As stated, the variables a many however I think your first consideration should normally be, how much will the fuel cost?

I own a 1992, 75 series turbo Troopie and recently did a 6060 Km return trip to the Red Centre.

As usual I budgeted on $1.00 per litre at 13 Km per 100 Km then added a safety margin of 20% for side trips, and fuel increases.

At the end of the day I found I was only out by only $80 so I was quite happy.

I hope this helps.

Why do people always need such fuel thirsty vehicles? My 2.8L diesel Triton will take me everywhere the troopie would, but double the distance (actually slightly more than double) for the same amount of fuel.

Is there just two of you going, or more?

Oziexplorer,

Just the two of us going with the possibility of a third joining somewhere along the trip.....I understand what you are saying about fuel hungrey vehicle...but I've heard great thing's about the troopies....like I said the plans are still in their infancy...so we'll toss about all the info we've got and come to a decision about the choice of vehicle after that....
Cheers
Dave

Hi Oziexplorer.

Fuel thirsty, well that is debatable. Fully loaded (mine is a Trekka camper) and fuelled with 140 litre reserve tank and 90 litres water, I weigh in at 3.25 tonnes. When I take into consideration that the troopie is just about the biggest 4WD readily available on the market, 13 litres to the 100 KM is not too bad. That would make it about 22/23 mile to the gallon without taking out my calculator. My old slant 6 Valiant only did 16 mpg.

To propel a vehicle of that weight along the soft beach sand or over the sand dunes does require a bit of grunt, I think it really is a trade off.

I have gone up bush track hills, weight and all, where the great little Hiluxe's had to be dragged up because of the lack of power.

The bottom line I think here is 'what do I intend to do with my vehicle?'

I know mine will just about go anywhere I want it to, and I know I can hook anything I want onto it and it will tow it in safety and with ease, so what is the other alternative?

Regards