The Simpson again....

[tcf]

Originally Posted by Nick Byrne

Yes esp off....you can't turn the abs off can you?

I think it's just the pressures....must need to be lower.

You can, and well worthwhile for sand stuff. http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...ad.php?t=84348

[tigermuzza]

Mate I did the simpson 2 years ago and it was a great trip, 34l/100kms, there must be something wrong to get that. I got 18l/100 on an overloaded tj when I did the Simpson, me mate in his gq pootrol diesel got 20 but I think that came down to be the tj could do it in high range and the pootrol couldn't. Great fun though

[vk2icj]

I think it may be several things. 34l./100
Were you in high or low range?
Are you running standard size tyres
has your computer been adjusted to suit your tyres
did you get that reading from actual fuel use or off the computer.
I believe strongly in 15psi as a starting point for most vehicle/tyre combos
manual or automatic

[Wilf]

We crossed last year and only used 130 litres Mt Dare to Birdsville and that was towing a camper. 85% high range 15% low range. Not knowing what we would use we carried 210 litres. By memory I think the worst figures came from a GU Patrol with 24L/100kms and that is also towing a camper.

[Nick Byrne]

I think I had the wrong pressures on the first run (20psi) and that just threw the test. Going agin next weekend to see what happens at 14.

So it's only a couple of weeks before we leave...we have:

1. Maxtrax - If you're looking for a deal sign up to Rays VIP club $275
2. Oztent RV4 - bit the bullet and just got one...but they're all going on special next week at Rays.
3. Extra spare and tyre
4. Sand flag
5. Jerry cans...Bunnings $22 each.
6. New +200kg Dobinsons coils....They just look longer than the standards....i.e. with the car empty the ass sits up. I expected them to be harder. Not the case at all.

Things left to do:
1. Have a 7" ebay GPS coming in the next couple of days...have to install Ozi on it. Have a Garmin but just find it hard to read...have to zoom in and out for it to make any sense...will be using it as a backup GPS.
2. Install driving lights to roof rack.
3. Convert all movies to MP4 for the little guy...so much easier than DVD's.

So questions as follows:

1. What spares do I take. Was going to take a front and rear shock, maybe a rear coil and thats about it. I figure I can take rescue tape to fix any leaks....does anyone have any other suggestions.
2. What tools do I take. I don't want to go overboard. There seem to be some spanners I use a lot...some I don't use at all. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Can't wait and just hope the floods don't make a mess of things.

N

[FireTruck]

You would have to be hauling arse to cross in 2 days... take your time mate, enjoy the desert. I also agree that there is no way I would do it alone with 1 car.

We did it a few years ago, but East to West (the harder direction), and the desert had just re-opened after all the rain (we were the first group to cross), so it was pretty hard going. Took us 4 days Birdsville to Mt Dare.

And hows this - I did it in a rental car! A Britz 4wd with roof top tent... had to repair 1 tyre, and we had to tackle 1 long deep water crossing. There were also some detours due to the rain damage and swollen creeks - we had a mud map from the ranger at Birdsville.

So - as already mentioned, a tyre repair kit including plugs and patches. Tyre levers, a solid ratchet strap to help re-seat tyre beads, and of course a compressor. Long handled shovel - absolute must have. Its sand, so with some patience and labour you can dig yourself out of almost any stuck.

Carrying ULP inside tha cab is a no-no... on the roof is better, but still not ideal (diesel is OK, but ULP up top is not recommended). Get it into your tank asap as soon as it will fit.

Always pretty good info on these types of trips on ExplorOz, including fuel usage for different engine types and sizes etc:
http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/De...on_Desert.aspx

LOTS of info on fuel usage here:
http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/TrekFuel.asp?TrekID=2

S.

ps. don't forget to get your permits etc!

[Nick Byrne]

So the Jeep is in for a service before we leave on Friday...just writing a list of items for the dealers to look at....Besides the usuals (park brake etc) is there anything I should be especially asking for...I'm thinking of asking them to flush the radiator....not essential but may as well.