Desert trip Logistics

70 + 41 = 111kg - That's a lot of weight on the roof to bounce over 4WD country?

First of all to get useful advice you need to tell us where you are going Duncan. Desert doesn't tell us enough. There are many deserts. Whatever the desert is I wouldn't take fuel or a spare wheel on my roof. If you are crossing the Simpson Desert then your 25l/100 may well apply on the eastern half where the dunes are tall. You may also have trouble with the high and heavy load on top of your vehicle. I carried my spare in the vehicle on such a trip. No need for me to carry extra fuel as I have a TD Prado. You'll find the consumption of a petrol engine will jump quite dramatically when the going gets tough.

Bit difficult to contribute as you didn't mention what sort of desert ie where. There's a lot of difference in consumption depending on the exact terrain, and if its a good or hard season for travelling. This year in the Simpson, for example , was relatively easy compared to other seasons.
Bogs, live sand blows etc will adversly impact consumption.
Too much weight will adversly impact suspension components on any vehicle.

Hi Duncan,
That's a lot of weight on the roof, what doe's the vehicle manufacture recommend for max load on the roof, this will also include the weight of the roof rack. If you are towing a TC you might be able to strap the spare wheel to the top of it, that would lighten the load on the roof and your back !

Hi Dunk

Have a look at our Trek Fuel section

http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/TrekFuel.asp?TrekID=2

when you get back you can add your Fuel consumption figures as well.

cheers Kerry

I am advised that you should carry fuel for 1,000km and then add a 20% margin. Therefore you should be carrying about 55l more than you plan. Also I know you get this message a lot but you really are planning it in far from the ideal vehicle. You are used to that sort of thing because there are a lot of experienced people out there whohave had to rescue people in unsuitable, overloaded vehicles. To your credit you are planning to travel very slowly but have you taken into account that having to crawl at "snails pace" for such a long distance will take a very long time and make for a very boring trip? If you try to rearrange your packing so that you have the light stuff up top and the heavy stuff down low you'll be much safer and quicker. I'm really quite concerned that I'm having to tell a person who is planning a long trip in a remote area to pack heavy stuff low and light stuff high. In fact I'm changing my advice. Put your trip on hold until you have done a course on off road driving and camping. Get a few books on the subject and read them. Buy an EPERB and a Sat phone. Find an experienced off roader to travel with you. Remove your roof rack if you are still tempted tp put a WHEEL #$%#@@## and fuel #@#@# up there!!!

Duncan

Duncan

I think you will find that your main and aux tank capacity will be fine for the trip you describe (185L).

Most desert travel is very slow which decreases fuel consumption. Having said that, a margin needs to be considered for some of the tougher section you may encounter.

Weight is the enemy of desert travel, and not given the attention it deserves. Overloading places a lot of strain on the car and reduces it's ability.

Be safe, but don't over do it.

Regards

Kim

Interesting thread Dunc with alot of people who know nothing of Terracans questioning their ability. Having succesfully driven a Subaru into places I was told they couldn't go I feel your pain ;-)
Kept light & driven steady your car should do the trip well.
Although not ideal carrying weight on the roof, it is rarely an issue with thousands doing it successfully. Obviously the fuel on the rack is used first so in reality the heavy weight is only carried up there for a couple of days at most. As for the 2nd spare you could just carry the carcass saving an extra 10kg. With only 2 in the car you also have the option of removing the rear seats (40kg less) & storing heavy gear low & forward. We did the Madigan last year this way & despite carrying 300 litres of fuel & 150 litres of water & all the usual gear we were able to remove the roof rack & save more weight.
200 litres of water is a huge amount for only 2 people for that time of year. It doubt it would be that hot to require that amount. 5 litres each per day would be suficient even allowing for a few bucket showers. You haven't mentioned your route but no doubt there will be some options to pick up non drinking water along the way for cleaning, in which case even less may be required.
It's not a matter of how much you can squeeze in the car rather you should carry only that what you really need. You can be over cautious as by carrying too much water, fuel & spares you overload the car increasing the chance of a breakdown.
Sorry I can't help with estimated fuel usage other than in general a petrol car on remote trips can often use double that of usual highway milage depending on terrain. More for cross country driving.
Cheers Craig..............
HZJ105 Vic

G'day Duncan,

Mate, you obviously aren't off on your first trip, you're asking for advice and doing all you can to be cautious and ensure a successful trip. Good on you.

I also get sick of hearing that if you don't drive the latest, greatest Toyissan that you won't get anywhere. Stupidity is the greatest danger out there, not the vehicle.

Take all the precautions, build in some leeway and have a great trip!

Hey Duncan,

Sounds like a good trip have fun.

I've seen your Terracan off road, so I don't think you'll have any probs there.

Sorry I can't help with the fuel usage figures!!

Ross.