Simpson Desert Crossing 2018 🐪

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

How did the first report say engine mounts ok and second say they were split.

Yeah, good question, same shop too. I got a second opinion at L&S suspension, confirming the engine mounts are FUBAR. Should be all i need to do to get my mechanicals sorted...

At least the billy shocks and dobby springs are still sweet after 6 years of punishment..!

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

This is why if you know what you’re doing with crimping and soldering etc, you should maybe do it yourself...

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Safety first..! Got some tie down points from the big green shed, had to drill the holes out for the bolts to fit, otherwise all good.

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

My 2nd row setup. Pretty chuffed ive finally finished wiring up the 100Ah lithium battery and battery management system..!

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Just completed an epic circumnavigation of the Simpson. K1, Rig Rd, Colson ,Madigan, Hay River up and down,QAA twice in my 2.8 Auto. As I mentioned above high range 1st gear is the absolute go. All 9 vehicles on the trip did the same. I ran 16 psi hot and had no issues at all. All dunes walked up at 1500-1600 rpm. Consumption was 17.7 l/100 km on the Madigan but overall the 2000 km desert consumption came in at 13.3 l/100 km. Centre diff locked, stability and traction control turned off. I used 240 liters of diesel and carried 270 litres. Take your fly nets- they are bad.

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Thanks 404pug, good to know. Be interesting to see how my petrol 4.0ltr goes!

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

My old 120 petrol auto averaged 19 l/100 km Oodnadatta to Birdsville. Same story- high range 1st gear and walk up the dunes at about 1600 rpm and be ready to give it a kick at the top if there is a short steep bit. Drive it like a manual.

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Engine mounts replaced today, should be all the mechanical bits n pieces I need to do before the big Simmo trip..! Not too soon either, 5 weeks to go before I’m on the road..!

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Gotta have more power!

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Ok, now im done setting up the Prado for the Simmo trip, t minus 4 weeks..!

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

Weighed the old girl today, both fuel tanks pretty full, not yet stocked for the trip.

[Duncan271 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Duncan271]

My rear setup, almost ready, bit more wiring protection required and that’s it ready to rock!

[peter_mcc Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peter_mcc]

Just completed an epic circumnavigation of the Simpson. K1, Rig Rd, Colson ,Madigan, Hay River up and down,QAA twice in my 2.8 Auto.

I'm about to leave on a East-West crossing - what are your thoughts on which way to go? I was thinking QAA to Poeppel Corner then French Line to Approdinna Attora Knolls then down to WAA Line or the Rig Road.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Yep that sounds good. Just remember that going east to west the dunes are steeper so tyre pressures are even more critical. Rig road is easier going as most of it is clay capped and has less traffic to stuff it up. Enjoy. The north/ south parts are much easier as you are running with the dunes. The french line is always busy so gets more chopped up so unless you need to do it quickly I would look at those diversions that you have mentioned.

[peter_mcc Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peter_mcc]

Yep that sounds good. Just remember that going east to west the dunes are steeper so tyre pressures are even more critical. Rig road is easier going as most of it is clay capped and has less traffic to stuff it up. Enjoy. The north/ south parts are much easier as you are running with the dunes. The french line is always busy so gets more chopped up so unless you need to do it quickly I would look at those diversions that you have mentioned.

Thanks! Hoping to head off tonight if I can get everything packed and work stuff finished off.