Simpson Desert Crossing JUNE 2011

[watty]

Hi all
I'am planning a west to east Simpson desert crossing in June 2011. The planned departure is the weekend of the 4-5th and back by the 25-26th. I have done this trip before (1999) so I have an idea of whats involved. Its to be a relaxing trip obviously camping. Pulling out between 9.00-9.30 in morning and stopping 4.15-5.00 in the evenings.
The route -- Ouyen, Burra, Hawker, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie springs, Birdsville then re-access. There are a few options from here, down the Birdsville track and home or to Innamincka, Cameron corner, Tibooburra and home. There three ways to get from Birdsville to Innamincka via Cordilo downs or out passed Haddon corner or via Walkers Crossing. At the moment I'm leaning toward Haddon corner (haven't been there) but this would depend vehicle and people condition after the simpson crossing
So I'm offering this as club trip-tour that anyone with a reliable vehicle is welcome come along on.
I am intending to be at this months club meeting on the 8th if anyone is interested in having chat for more details.
Kerry

[christover1]

Would my little camper trailer be suitable?
I am interested in this trip.
Not been out there for a long time.
I better start saving now.
I am driving a Vitara now.

Chris

[watty]

Chris
Your trailer would be fine in my opinion (same track as the vitara). Just need to be able to carry water for about 5 days and fuel for about 550kms (approx. 50% more than normal H/way useage). In 1999 I crossed with a stock standard sierra towing a small trailer without any hassles once I figured out how to approach the dunes. Kerry

[Greg]

Is this a 'club' trip? i.e. open to anyone? if yes - should i be posting it in the public forum too?

[christover1]

With my camper trailer in tow. (about 250Kg + load)
I think my tank is 55L minus dent = about 50L .
At 1.5 times the normal road useage.
My road use would be around 12 km/litre.
So I will work on 8k/litre.
Should get 400K from tank
So need Jerry cans for 200K = 25 lires.
I have 1 x 10L Jerry, so another 2 x 10 Litre Jerry cans should suffice?

I will be doing a stub axle conversion, so spare front cv/axles
will both be passenger side type, easier to change on trackside too.

And making sure all my spare belts,hoses etc are up to scratch.

Camper wheels can use car spare tire, and vice versa,
so I think 1 spare for car is enough.
Can carry a spare camper tyre if its believed necessary.

Hoping to get gearing lower before then,
but could be OK if I don't increase tyre size over 31.

Will do a few small trips leading up to it,
for testing and making sure all is well.

christover

[christover1]

Allowing 4L water a day = 20L
I have a 20 L water can.
But will take another 10 L of water in coke bottles.

Thats for the crossing.
Probly take more water,
so no need to drink unknown water on the way up.

[watty]

Greg
I've offered to lead this as a club trip so if posting it on the public forum is standard practice ok, but everyone would need to realise their vehicle will have to up to scatch and there is a minimum volume of fuel and water to be carried.
Chris
I think you are underestimating your fuel usage towing a trailer. I'd have thought it to be closer to 8-9kms/lt
I would require suzuki drivers to start across the desert with a minimum 90lt and some may require more. Fuel usage will be monitored carefully on the way to Oodnadatta to finally determine min. requirement for each vehicle.
Kerry

[christover1]

Thats cool.
I will take 3 x 20L jerrys, giving me 110L or more.
And enough food & water to allow for unexpected detours.

[sierrajim]

I've always got a couple of spare cans at home if you needed to borrow them for the trip Chris.

[christover1]

I've always got a couple of spare cans at home if you needed to borrow them for the trip Chris.

Thanks, I may do that, will let you know.
cheers