Alpaca replied:

Derek, We just returned from across the desert 2 weeks ago and the two Hilux's both used 110 and 120 Litres each . One was like yours the other was a 92 non turbo. we fuelled up at Oodnadata and travelled through Pedirka, Dalhousie,Rig Road,QAA line Knolls track,Big Red and Birdsville.You need to let your tyres down to 20psi for most of the way and down to 14psi to get up Big Red. Enjoy your trip. Look for the exotic bear in the Lone Gum Tree.

ExplorOz Team - David replied:

Derek,We are about to launch a new system of trek fuel usage on ExplorOz however, the Simpson Trek notes are fairly accurate as to the fuel requirements. A special note that most of our fuel usage data (which we admit is a bit inaccurate for some treks) is the amount that you should carry and not the amount that you will use. If you were to head out with 120 litres based on the previous feedback you would be mad always carry 10-20% more than you expect to use. We always carry 20% more in case of emergency, exploration or any other of the activity that may require fuel usgae (such as running the vehicle overnight if you get stung by something (sand flies etc etc) and need to cool the skin with AC, or running the engine for long periods to charge batteries of you need to bush weld) These are just a few extreme examples but it has and does happen. So remember always always carry more then you need. Our note indicate 140 litres for a 6 cyl diesel and based on the prevous post of 110-120, sounds about right.Enjoy your trip and visit the Caravanseri Cafe in Birdsville and say hi to Karsten and Wolfgang for me - David

fred replied:

Recent trip from Oodnadatta, Dalhousie, Rig, Erabena, WAA, French, K1, QAA in 2.8 Nissan T/D - we carried 160 litres and used 107 - 80 Series Diesel used 100 litres

Fred replied:

Derek,
Petrol V6 Prado, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie, French line and a little WAA line, Birdsville, carried 180l, used 115l. Diesel Cruiser 100l Petrol Patrol used 180l. Always carry at least 40l more then you calculate you'll need. Hilux will romp it in - note the tyre pressure recommendations on a previous post - very important both to you and the desert! You may find the ride a bit rough with the firm suspension but you'll get there easily

Greg replied:

Hi Derek,

I recently returned from a trip across the Simpson in a 2.4TD surf. Went via: Oodnadatta, Pedirka, Dalhousie, French Line, Colson Tk, WAA, Rig Road, K1 Line, QAA Line over Big Red to Birdsville. Total distance was 807 kms and we used 116litres of fuel.

Tyre pressures were 18/20psi for most of the way. I put together a report on the trip which I can email to you if you're interested.

Regards

Greg