When to fuel up?

We usually just filled up as we went. Ionce in the remote areas we carried enough fuel to get to 2 fuel stops. That is, if the next stop was out of fuel or there was a problem we had enough to get to the next spot. We always tried to support the smaller places when we could. If they are there cause everyone carries fuel in then they aren't there to help when things go wrong. Paying higher price or carrying extra weight, Mmmmmm, don't think there is much difference except in the pocket of the local guy. Just my thoughts

Josh

mike

I went through this dilema last year and it really depends on a lot fo factors.
Can yoy carry safely the extra fuel, if you have to put it on top you need to consider the drag.

In my case I could carry 5 jerry's in the trailer and based on a price difference of approx 25c between perth and broome I reckoned it was cheaper to lug it from perth.

But, i got a $25 only saving, so was it really worth it? In th ebig picture of travelling that far, the savings are neglible.

Alan

We agree with Josh.

After 11 years on the road, we always support the local fuel suppliers along the way. One day you may really be in need of them and they may not be there because of everyone carrying jerry cans from afar. By all means have at least 1 jerry for emergencies, but in this day & age with the Next G coverage and a bit of forward thinking, you can call ahead to a destination to check if they will have fuel in a few days time. We do this in remote locations where we think fuel could be a problem. We have never encountered a place without fuel, but have been to some places where if they are running short, they limit everyone to enough litres to get you to the next place.

Carrying all that extra weight and the inconvenience of lots of jerry cans to check on, quickly negates the price saving at the commencement of your trip.

We also have the same view on food. To carry excess food is also not necessary. You can get provisions all over Australia - even though it may be frozen. The first year we carried lots of cryovaced meat and far too many cans, but never again. We also like to support everyone in that line of business around Australia. You come across some great butcher shops, bakeries etc along the way. Of course, you should always carry food for emergencies, but you certainly don't need 2 months worth on board.

cheers, nomads

Mike

We bit the bullet and installed a duel diesel and water long range tank.

We looked at carrying fuel in jerry cans on the front on the back and on the roof. Inside was not in the equation and we do not tow anything. We found some interesting points about the legality of carrying fuel in jerry cans. Being illegal, if my investigations proved true meant that there was a chance that any insurance and even medical cover could be voided. That's not what we need if we have a prang. The approved and stamped tank is legal and thus negated all these problems for us.

To the other part of your question; we don not fill up in every town now. But we do try to skip them at $2.25+ a litre.

Just and idea.

Phil

If like us and you carry your fuel in the vehicle filling up at the last place is best and obviously emptying asap but we are running ulp. When empty they go back up top.
Bob

Many thanks for the replies, plenty of food for thought there. I think I am leaning very much towards filling up close to the start of trek meaning carrying empty jerries. Happy travels....