To the cape in a Vitara

Submitted: Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 01:09
ThreadID: 6717 Views:2021 Replies:6 FollowUps:2
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A couple of friends are looking at going to the Cape later this year and if I can get time off I will go with em.

I am running a SWB Carby Vitara 1.6 with a fuel tank that only holds 40L. I realise this is gonna be a major limitation (although the offorad capabilities of the Vitara shouldnt be with 31" muddies and a locker as it kicks all my mates butts).

Vitara has currnelt got 6" lift over standard so has more ground clearance than all the other rigs.

How far do i need to budget for between fuel stops from Mossman onwards - ie how much extra fuel required over 40 L.

Due to the light weight of the vehicle are there any major river crossings I am going to be unable to acheive without assistance?.

We will also be using: Rodeo (MU) on 32" Muddies, Landcruiser Dual Cab on 33"s and Rocsta (Wrangler ripoff) on 31" mudies. All except cruiser are ULP.

Will we need a hand or electric winch for the trip - hand winch is budgeted for and expected.
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Reply By: BurnieM - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 09:49

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 09:49
The Suzuki Club of NSWhas half a dozen cars up there now.
You could always join if you are in Sydney
AnswerID: 28591

Reply By: Williewags- Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 10:00

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 10:00
Suzukis can go anywhere......on our Simpson Desert North/South crossing I made up a rack which fitted behind the seats where I carried 6 jerries. I got down to 8.53mpg or 33lt/100km in the very heavy stuff and stayed in 1st gear low range for most of the time..hence the poor fuel economy...but to be on the safe side two spare jerries should get you through to the Cape. A hand winch should be OK and a snorkle would be of advantage although with your lift kit the bonnet height should be quite good. You will find water levels quite low at the Cape up to the end of December.
Cheers,
Willie

Fitzmaurice River NT
AnswerID: 28594

Follow Up By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 12:35

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 12:35
Willie its a bit of a brave call saying the levels will be low at the end of december. They will be if no rain .
All the best
EricCape York Connections
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FollowupID: 19881

Follow Up By: Williewags- Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 17:47

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 17:47
OK Eric, you are right..... .it was a bit brave......lets put it back a month.
Cheers,
Willie

Fitzmaurice River NT
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FollowupID: 19896

Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 12:45

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 12:45
It may only hold 40 lt but what is your estimated range in low and high 4w driving.
If you get around 400 lts you should be fine and as a guess you would come close.
All the best
Eric
www.capeyorkconnections.com.au
4wd Tag along adventures
ps a hand winch is good but 9 out 10 tomes a snatch strap is all that is needed because there are a few of you.Cape York Connections
AnswerID: 28600

Reply By: haze - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:01

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:01
With that lift and in those conditions you are going to give those universal joints one hell of a time.
AnswerID: 28621

Reply By: Charlie - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:13

Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:13
I bet the cops up there give you hard time with that amount of lift, don' t forget the paperwork that covers those mods.
Regards Charlie
AnswerID: 28625

Reply By: Suzuki Viagra - Saturday, Aug 23, 2003 at 00:00

Saturday, Aug 23, 2003 at 00:00
Thanks guys.

With the distance and cost of getting parts up there I guess all of us (except maybe the cruiser) will have to assess what likely spares we will need well in advance. Things like CV's might be a good idea to pack, along with maybe spare alternator, spare brush packs for alternator, and all the usual hoses and belts, bead breaking/tyre changing tools etc.

I didn't mention the snorkel - the Vitara and Crusier have but the MU and Rocsta don't. MU intake is pretty well designed, the Rocsta may have a problem with this.
AnswerID: 28806

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