The last thing you need on a holiday is anxiety.
If you plan well then the trip is likely to go well. If you have considered what might go wrong and you have a strategy ready it may not seem so bad if it happens.
How much fuel will you need to cross the Simpson?
Oodnadatta to Birdsville via the French Line measured on the odometer was 640 km. We had reckoned on 750 km for the trip to Mungerannie via the Warburton Track. You need to factor in the effect of low speeds, low gear and slipping tyres. You also need to allow for side trips and diversions.
We had a petrol and a diesel vehicle in our little convoy. This meant we couldn’t share our reserve fuel but it also meant that we could compare the two. We set off from the Pink Roadhouse with full tanks plus 40 litres each in jerry cans. There was no need for anxiety regarding fuel. Both vehicles arrived in Birdsville more than half full.
Usage …
- Toyota FJ Cruiser petrol 108 litres = 17 litres/100km
- Toyota Landcruiser series 70 diesel 82 litres = 13 litres/100km
The difference in economy is nowhere near as great on the open road. Diesel is clearly better in the desert. (But I still love my Cruiser.)
We transferred the reserve as soon as we reasonably could. Corrugated roads are hard on containers, the last thing you need is your reserve fuel leaking into the sand.
bobmcgee 