Desert Fuel Consumption. How much have you used?

[10G]

I'm starting to plan for a trip into & around the Simpson.

I don't have any fuel consumption figures for my truck yet, so I thought I'd ask.

What sort of figures are guys getting for fully loaded up GUs with the 3L CRDs with about 32" tyres when driving around in the sand/deserts/dunes?

I know we all have different driving styles, but if I get lots of responses we may be able to see a common value.

I always like to have enough and then some to do 1000 ks without refueling. Currently I can carry about 190 litres. So with 190 litres, I can travel 1000 ks if I get 19L/100 kms. I would expect 19L/100 to be higher than I'd actually get. I reckon I'd get around 15L/100 kms on sand and in dunes etc with a fully loaded GU, maybe a bit more??

If you have any fuel figures I'd be happy to read them.

[Stropp]

mines a 4.2 and i used 132ltrs from mt dare to birdsville.

[10G]

Thanks Stropp.

Yow, it my maths are correct, that's about 27L/100kms

[Boinzo]

I used 112 litres Birdsville to Mt Dare doing 592km in June this year. That's 18.8l/100km.
My economy was as bad as 22-23l/100 for the first 140km out of Birdsville, which made me a touch nervous. But the Western end of the desert is much easier driving so things improved on the last 2 days. Going the other way - west to east - would likely be better because you'll be lighter when you get to the softer stuff.
My 2015 CRD was loaded up - roof rack with second spare etc. Dont underestimate how much impact stuff on the rack and weight will make. 15l/100 was about the best economy I got on the whole trip! :-)
If you have 190l on board that's plenty. I did put a 20l jerry on the roof in case my sub-tank failed but it probably wasn't necessary.
Aside from fuel, I'd advise running around your truck putting lock tight on any obvious bolts. The corregations are relentless, especially in the west around Mt Dare/Dalhousie. I nearly lost my light bar. My taillights were both hanging out of the bumper. And I needed to tighten the roof rack bolts twice a day....

[10G]

Thanks for info & advice Boinzo.

We may be heading down the Hay River track, from what I've heard there's a stretch of 645 kms between fuel stops, that's the stretch I'm concerned about.

[Boinzo]

Actually, my figures are wrong because I forgot to add the 20l jerry I tipped in! So I used 132l over 592km - 22.3l/100km!!

That would mean your 645km should use around 145l.

I reckon you'd be fine mate. I'm confident I could have covered another 200km after Mt Dare. I have 176l in main + sub.

Pop a 20l on the roof to be certain.


Thanks for info & advice Boinzo.

We may be heading down the Hay River track, from what I've heard there's a stretch of 645 kms between fuel stops, that's the stretch I'm concerned about.

[10G]

Just found out ARB make plastic long range tanks, I wonder if anyone has any pics of them fitted to a GU????

The benefit of these tanks, from what I've read, is that they are quite light. I read that a bloke installed it, holding the tank with one hand and doing the bolts up with the other!

[Ronin]

I did the Simpson trip in June, and used 18L/100. I had calculated 20L/100 when I was planning the trip.

[10G]

Thanks for chipping in Ronin, I'm starting to think I'll be chewing up around 18 - 22L/100kms.

[Ronin]

if you are going in a group then in a tight case scenario fuel/water can be shared.

Best advice I was given was go as light as possible. Its less stress on engine and suspension

[10G]

Yep, that's quite right. I went through my tool kit, removed all the tools that would be handy but I never use. Removed emergency spare parts, even took out the extra tent pegs I always carry.

[MudRunnerTD]

The Hsy a river road is a fairly easy drive as you basically in the river bed and it smooth sailing. Your usage on the French line would be much higher climbing the dunes I think.

[Rossco]

Hey mate used 170L doing the Madigan crossing bout 850K between Mt Dare & Birsville. Had 240 in total so had heaps but better have ample than cut it fine. As MR said Hay river is very cruisy up the river (the shortish bit we did anyway). Best to avoid french line as much as possible it's getting pretty busy. Have fun ☺

[10G]

Hey mate used 170L doing the Madigan crossing bout 850K between Mt Dare & Birsville. Had 240 in total so had heaps but better have ample than cut it fine. As MR said Hay river is very cruisy up the river (the shortish bit we did anyway). Best to avoid french line as much as possible it's getting pretty busy. Have fun ☺

I've always wanted to do the Simpson, but over the past 5 years I've heard it's getting busier and busier. I actually took it off my list for that reason.

This Hay River trip came up and I thought why not, hopefully it won't be as busy.

[dom14]

I've always wanted to do the Simpson, but over the past 5 years I've heard it's getting busier and busier. I actually took it off my list for that reason.

This Hay River trip came up and I thought why not, hopefully it won't be as busy.

That would depend when you wanna do it, wouldn't it?!