We are planning a trip to Perth next year and are wondering is it advisable to carry spare diesel with you ? Perhaps one or even two jerry cans our motorhome has more than enough carrying capacity for the extra weight.
we are aware of the safety aspects and are only seeking advise on the need to carry spare fuel over the long stretches .
A merry Xmas to all and a safe new year.
Fidele
Brenda and Alan said
08:48 PM Dec 22, 2014
Hi Fidele
It's 1119 Km between Penong and Norseman. These are the cheapest fuel at each side of the Nullarbor and in between fuel hovers around $2 a litre. How much fuel you need to carry will depend on consumption and you will need to work this out. We have total tank capacity of 175 Lt and at 16 Lt/100 Km it leaves us one fill short of bridging the gap.
Alan
elliemike said
08:55 PM Dec 22, 2014
Depending on your KPL and tank capacity etc. Realistically you don't need to have spare fuel for the Eyre Highway Trip. The Servos are spaced at reasonable distances apart for top ups. We top up at most of them as required.
Some people like to get lots of cheap fuel in extra tanks and Jerry Cans, (stowed on the roof rack maybe) rather than pay the higher prices across the Eyre Hwy/Nullarbor. It's all extra weight and windage that costs money to move to save a few dollars. You have to do the sums on your rigs fuel usage to see whats viable to you.
Having said that I always have "at minimum" 10 litres (diesel) in the can when travelling. As it is a bit of insurance for the unexpected. Depending on the situation and terrain I carry more or less. Very rarely have I had to use it because of running short of fuel. Usually it goes into the tank on the last morning of a trip heading home. That can be after months on the road.
Hope that helps a bit
Mike
aussietraveller said
09:43 PM Dec 22, 2014
There are plenty of servos on the way across and fuel is also cheaper at Eucla, at the Norseman end the BP T the main intersection is a fair bit more expensive than in Norseman RHS of street I think it was Caltex.
Delta18 said
10:43 PM Dec 22, 2014
I always carry 3 x 20L jerry cans in the tub of my ute when crossing the Nullarbor. I will only fill all 3 at Norseman which will get me to Mundrabilla, (except once with is another story ) past the rip-offs at Balladonia, Caiguna, Madura and ****lebiddy. I get a splash at Mundrabilla which gets me to Eucla (same price). These are around $1.60 which I reckon is acceptable. From there the car tank plus 1 jerry will get me to Penong which is on par with Ceduna for price.
Apart from there I don't bother much with using them.
hako said
10:53 PM Dec 22, 2014
I know everyone complains about the "ripoff" prices of fuel at some on the servos on the Nullarbor and other isolated places, but if no one buys fuel from them they will just disappear and then the drive will be very lonely and you'll have nowhere to stop. These servos also provide safe toilets and usually shade for you to park under. Use them or lose them I reckon.
Good Luck.
Muskat55 said
06:03 AM Dec 23, 2014
Good comment
Big Gorilla said
07:02 AM Dec 23, 2014
I've only done the round trip once. I took full tank 100 liters plus 20 liters in a can for security. On the way over, using the 20 liters, that got me to Norseman without refuelling.
jules47 said
07:50 AM Dec 23, 2014
We recently crossed the Nullarbor and purchased fuel when we needed to - our philosophy is, we are travelling, keep tank filled as much as possible - price doesn't worry us really, if you are travelling you need to buy fuel, slow down, see a lot more of the scenery, enjoy your trip without worrying about saving a dollar or two.
The most we have paid is $2.31 at Curtin Springs, on the way to Uluru.
Crockie said
08:55 AM Dec 23, 2014
Probably off topic of the OP but,
We crossed over from Perth to Sydney way back in 76, spent the first night at Southern Cross, then Eucla (big day) then Ceduna after 256 miles of dirt. We had a Datsun 1600 (traded it in after 280,000 odd miles on the clock) in those days, my driving philosophy was to drop in at each servo for a top up, never a problem with fuel and didnt need the gerry cans.
I thoughts on this are to top up at each servo, take a walk and break from driving and a wee wee and then carry on. Yes its not cheap, but I think I would prefer the fuel in my tank than in the tub of my ute, especially if my home is attached to the tug.
Cheers
elliemike said
10:18 AM Dec 23, 2014
Jules 47 and Crockie. That is my routine as well. The cost of carrying extra fuel in Weight, and/or Windage, equals money plus unnecessary wear and tear spent transporting it just to save a few dollars usually.
The Servos, IGA's, and small town shops out in those tiny communities and remote places, need supporting as well. For our benefit (this is the outback we love) and definitely for theirs. The bush communities have a struggle to stay viable as it is. They have to pay those higher prices all the time.
The Phantom said
10:48 AM Dec 23, 2014
If you are carrying fuel in case you might run out, you don't need it as there are many service stations along the way.
If you are carrying fuel to save money, you probably shouldn't be making the trip.
The Phantom
PeterD said
11:28 AM Dec 23, 2014
Carrying fuel in small containers is not the best way to go, particularly if you have to carry it in the same compartment you are sitting in. There is likelihood of spillages whilst you are decanting it. I carried fuel a couple of times when I was unsure of supplies in the outback. It's a hard way to go just to save a few shekels. I ended up bighting the bullet and spent $1350 installing an extra 65 l tank above the spare tyre. With that extra range available I reckon I have saved the cost of the tank by being able to pick my filling places and times and getting cheaper fuel. If you think you would benefit from the extra range in the future then auxiliary tanks are a much easier way to go then Gerry cans.
Pangari said
11:53 AM Dec 23, 2014
I know a little off topic, but what are the water options along the Nullabor? Anywhere where you can fill or top up the RV?
rockylizard said
12:09 PM Dec 23, 2014
Gday...
Welcome Pangari
Good question. Fuel is definitely not a problem across the Nullarbor - from Penong to Norseman the roadhouses are fairly close. Some are only about 80km apart and the longest distance is between WA/SA Border and Nullarbor Roadhouse - about 185km. It is only the price. My "strategy" when I have crossed was to fill up at every roadhouse - spreading the cost. The only exception was I did NOT fill at WA/SA Border roadhouse but rather at Eucla - 13c/litre cheaper.
But water ....... there are very few roadhouses that will provide water without a cost. I think WA/SA Border roadhouse has a 10ltr limit and it attracts a charge - can't remember but I think it was $1/litre. There are a couple of 'free' camps that show a "water tap" sign .. but these at attached to water tanks - therefore rain dependent ... usually empty.
Any water they have is scarce. The only one, from memory, was C_ocklebiddy Roadhouse which had desalinated water - beautiful - and they did not mind if you took some in containers rather than fill your tank - at no cost.
So make sure you tanks are full before you leave Penong (or Norseman coming back) .. and be frugal in its use. All roadhouses have showers so use them - usually a small cost $1 or $2 for three or five minutes.
I did the trip in 2013 .. some may have more up-to-date info now.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 12:14:01 PM
PeterD said
12:42 PM Dec 23, 2014
Pangari wrote:
I know a little off topic, but what are the water options along the Nullabor? Anywhere where you can fill or top up the RV?
The caravan park at Eucla has taps available but it is bore water that is not considered potable.
villatranquilla said
03:11 PM Dec 23, 2014
at best its about 50c a litre dearer - for us that's saving $3.50 per tank - need about 3 tank fills to get across - so just a few less take away coffees. We have just decided to ditch all bar one jerry can which we will keep for emergencies only.. We also carry generator fuel, chainsaw fuel and outboard fuel - a shame they are not all diesel
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 03:13:26 PM
elliemike said
04:16 PM Dec 23, 2014
villatranquilla wrote:
at best its about 50c a litre dearer - for us that's saving $3.50 per tank - need about 3 tank fills to get across - so just a few less take away coffees. We have just decided to ditch all bar one jerry can which we will keep for emergencies only.. We also carry generator fuel, chainsaw fuel and outboard fuel - a shame they are not all diesel
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 03:13:26 PM
Lets assume your tank is 70 Litres not sure how you get $3:50 as the saving.
Delta18 said
05:00 PM Dec 23, 2014
elliemike wrote:
villatranquilla wrote:
at best its about 50c a litre dearer - for us that's saving $3.50 per tank - need about 3 tank fills to get across - so just a few less take away coffees. We have just decided to ditch all bar one jerry can which we will keep for emergencies only.. We also carry generator fuel, chainsaw fuel and outboard fuel - a shame they are not all diesel
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 03:13:26 PM
Lets assume your tank is 70 Litres not sure how you get $3:50 as the saving.
Thats what I thought, the $3.50 saving might be on the half full 10L generator tank ha ha.
Igo said
05:23 PM Dec 23, 2014
Pangari wrote:
I know a little off topic, but what are the water options along the Nullabor? Anywhere where you can fill or top up the RV?
You'll find the Road Houses on the Nullabor will also sell bottled or larger containers of drinking water if you need it.
Cupie said
06:28 PM Dec 23, 2014
I am one of those who is not concerned about the price of fuel. Sure I grumble a bit & always look for the cheapest but don't go out of my way for the cheaper stuff. What you've got to pay you've got to pay! I am doubtful if the sums add up to justify carrying large quantities of fuel in jerry cans just for price alone. Then there's the safety factor.
When touring, I calculate how much fuel I need for each leg using my worst ever consumption ... The Nullarbor has no shortage of conveniently spaced servos even for my thirsty Patrol with its small tank. There are plenty of publications showing locations of fuel stations across the Eyre Highway to help with your planning.
I always fill up each morning (don't bush camp) and if doing a long leg (very unusual) I top up at lunch where possible. I keep a close eye on my progressive consumption as a check on how the rig is going. I always look for reasons for variations from average/trend.
For emergency, like heavy head winds, I carry a spare 20L jerry can but am pleased to say I rarely use it.
Fidele said
06:32 PM Dec 23, 2014
Thanks for all the replies it seems as though we should perhaps be carrying some water rather than fuel .
Once again a merry Xmas to all and a safe new year
Fidele.
villatranquilla said
06:51 PM Dec 23, 2014
villatranquilla wrote:
at best its about 50c a litre dearer - for us that's saving $3.50 per tank - need about 3 tank fills to get across - so just a few less take away coffees. We have just decided to ditch all bar one jerry can which we will keep for emergencies only.. We also carry generator fuel, chainsaw fuel and outboard fuel - a shame they are not all diesel
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 03:13:26 PM
sorry folks - must have been having a seniors moment (should have read $35 not $3.50) but still in the big picture for us its not such a big deal - in the last 12 mth period we did about 26000 k's and spent about $5000 on fuel
Delta18 said
07:07 PM Dec 23, 2014
The Phantom wrote:
If you are carrying fuel in case you might run out, you don't need it as there are many service stations along the way.
If you are carrying fuel to save money, you probably shouldn't be making the trip.
The Phantom
Whatever you say, you are always right aren't you!
Radar said
07:38 PM Dec 23, 2014
Hi Fidele.
My thinking is with fuel over this distant is to support the servos, try to find out which may be marginally cheaper or near your rest breaks to work in with your travels needs.
The weight of extra fuel alone is a handicap eating into your pay load, add the need to store the fuel valuable load space which we are always short off, just lifting it high enough to syphon the fuel into the vehicle. Not long back I took a extra drum of water with me as I new I was going to be away from a tap, boy lifting a 20 litre drum now I am very reluctant to fill it the top because of the weight. Then carrying and storing the empty drums further along your journey, no fun.
I can understand carrying 1 drum for those time when the vehicle tank is a bit of a risk and would do the same. My tank is good for 400 and on a good day would go to around 500 ks.
I hope my thoughts are helpful. Ralph.
The Phantom said
12:08 AM Dec 24, 2014
Delta18 wrote: Whatever you say, you are always right aren't you!
Thanks for the input.
It must have taken a large chunk of the brain cells to come up with that effort
The Phantom
banjo said
12:23 PM Dec 24, 2014
You don't really need to carry spare fuel across but for peace of mind a couple of 20ltr jerry's is not over the top.
I have been across nine times now, and on one crossing was heading East to West to fill up at Mundrabilla as it was one of the cheaper one's, only to find when I got there that there was no diesel ! they were waiting on a delivery.
As there was a head wind there was no way I would have made the next servo so my two 20ltrs saved me the long wait till the tanker arrived.
For me, as said it's just peace of mind, but yes top up regularly as you travel, better to pay the premium sometimes than run out in he worst possible place.
I now have the capacity to travel from Penong to Norseman without filling up ! as I carry nearly 300ltrs now, so can beat the profiteers.
Fidele said
08:11 PM Dec 25, 2014
Once again thanks for the replies we have purchased a Jerry can holder and are going to install it on the rear of the Winnebago by attaching it to the Bumper there appears to be a substantial steel brace there that we can make use of .
Fidele
Dunmowin said
07:04 PM Dec 28, 2014
Here are our diesel prices from March 2013. We carry 300 litres of water as well, and topped up at Nullarbor, where we paid 15cpl. Hint with water at Nullarbor. Do not put it straight into your tank. If you have, for example, a 100 litre tank, they will charge your for 100 litres. We used our jerry can, filled it three times and paid accordingly.
Ceduna BP 1.57
Penong Caltex 1.57
Fowlers Bay did not buy, but was diesel only
nullarbor rs 1.999 eucla
1.92 Mundrabilla 1.91 fuel
316.44 litres av price $1.83
Total fuel $582.00
TOTAL Km 1316
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Sunday 28th of December 2014 08:06:00 PM
We are planning a trip to Perth next year and are wondering is it advisable to carry spare diesel with you ? Perhaps one or even two jerry cans our motorhome has more than enough carrying capacity for the extra weight.
we are aware of the safety aspects and are only seeking advise on the need to carry spare fuel over the long stretches .
A merry Xmas to all and a safe new year.
Fidele
Hi Fidele
It's 1119 Km between Penong and Norseman. These are the cheapest fuel at each side of the Nullarbor and in between fuel hovers around $2 a litre. How much fuel you need to carry will depend on consumption and you will need to work this out. We have total tank capacity of 175 Lt and at 16 Lt/100 Km it leaves us one fill short of bridging the gap.
Alan
Depending on your KPL and tank capacity etc. Realistically you don't need to have spare fuel for the Eyre Highway Trip. The Servos are spaced at reasonable distances apart for top ups. We top up at most of them as required.
Some people like to get lots of cheap fuel in extra tanks and Jerry Cans, (stowed on the roof rack maybe) rather than pay the higher prices across the Eyre Hwy/Nullarbor. It's all extra weight and windage that costs money to move to save a few dollars. You have to do the sums on your rigs fuel usage to see whats viable to you.
Having said that I always have "at minimum" 10 litres (diesel) in the can when travelling. As it is a bit of insurance for the unexpected. Depending on the situation and terrain I carry more or less. Very rarely have I had to use it because of running short of fuel. Usually it goes into the tank on the last morning of a trip heading home. That can be after months on the road.
Hope that helps a bit
Mike
I always carry 3 x 20L jerry cans in the tub of my ute when crossing the Nullarbor. I will only fill all 3 at Norseman which will get me to Mundrabilla, (except once with is another story
) past the rip-offs at Balladonia, Caiguna, Madura and ****lebiddy. I get a splash at Mundrabilla which gets me to Eucla (same price). These are around $1.60 which I reckon is acceptable. From there the car tank plus 1 jerry will get me to Penong which is on par with Ceduna for price.
Apart from there I don't bother much with using them.
Good Luck.
I've only done the round trip once. I took full tank 100 liters plus 20 liters in a can for security. On the way over, using the 20 liters, that got me to Norseman without refuelling.
The most we have paid is $2.31 at Curtin Springs, on the way to Uluru.
We crossed over from Perth to Sydney way back in 76, spent the first night at Southern Cross, then Eucla (big day) then Ceduna after 256 miles of dirt. We had a Datsun 1600 (traded it in after 280,000 odd miles on the clock) in those days, my driving philosophy was to drop in at each servo for a top up, never a problem with fuel and didnt need the gerry cans.
I thoughts on this are to top up at each servo, take a walk and break from driving and a wee wee and then carry on. Yes its not cheap, but I think I would prefer the fuel in my tank than in the tub of my ute, especially if my home is attached to the tug.
Cheers
Jules 47 and Crockie. That is my routine as well. The cost of carrying extra fuel in Weight, and/or Windage, equals money plus unnecessary wear and tear spent transporting it just to save a few dollars usually.
The Servos, IGA's, and small town shops out in those tiny communities and remote places, need supporting as well. For our benefit (this is the outback we love) and definitely for theirs. The bush communities have a struggle to stay viable as it is. They have to pay those higher prices all the time.
If you are carrying fuel in case you might run out, you don't need it as there are many service stations along the way.
If you are carrying fuel to save money, you probably shouldn't be making the trip.
The Phantom
I know a little off topic, but what are the water options along the Nullabor? Anywhere where you can fill or top up the RV?
Gday...
Welcome Pangari
Good question. Fuel is definitely not a problem across the Nullarbor - from Penong to Norseman the roadhouses are fairly close. Some are only about 80km apart and the longest distance is between WA/SA Border and Nullarbor Roadhouse - about 185km. It is only the price. My "strategy" when I have crossed was to fill up at every roadhouse - spreading the cost. The only exception was I did NOT fill at WA/SA Border roadhouse but rather at Eucla - 13c/litre cheaper.
But water ....... there are very few roadhouses that will provide water without a cost. I think WA/SA Border roadhouse has a 10ltr limit and it attracts a charge - can't remember but I think it was $1/litre. There are a couple of 'free' camps that show a "water tap" sign .. but these at attached to water tanks - therefore rain dependent ... usually empty.
Any water they have is scarce. The only one, from memory, was C_ocklebiddy Roadhouse which had desalinated water - beautiful - and they did not mind if you took some in containers rather than fill your tank - at no cost.
So make sure you tanks are full before you leave Penong (or Norseman coming back) .. and be frugal in its use. All roadhouses have showers so use them - usually a small cost $1 or $2 for three or five minutes.
I did the trip in 2013 .. some may have more up-to-date info now.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 12:14:01 PM
The caravan park at Eucla has taps available but it is bore water that is not considered potable.
at best its about 50c a litre dearer - for us that's saving $3.50 per tank - need about 3 tank fills to get across - so just a few less take away coffees. We have just decided to ditch all bar one jerry can which we will keep for emergencies only.. We also carry generator fuel, chainsaw fuel and outboard fuel - a shame they are not all diesel
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Tuesday 23rd of December 2014 03:13:26 PM
Lets assume your tank is 70 Litres not sure how you get $3:50 as the saving.
Thats what I thought, the $3.50 saving might be on the half full 10L generator tank ha ha.
You'll find the Road Houses on the Nullabor will also sell bottled or larger containers of drinking water if you need it.
I am one of those who is not concerned about the price of fuel. Sure I grumble a bit & always look for the cheapest but don't go out of my way for the cheaper stuff. What you've got to pay you've got to pay! I am doubtful if the sums add up to justify carrying large quantities of fuel in jerry cans just for price alone. Then there's the safety factor.
When touring, I calculate how much fuel I need for each leg using my worst ever consumption ... The Nullarbor has no shortage of conveniently spaced servos even for my thirsty Patrol with its small tank. There are plenty of publications showing locations of fuel stations across the Eyre Highway to help with your planning.
I always fill up each morning (don't bush camp) and if doing a long leg (very unusual) I top up at lunch where possible. I keep a close eye on my progressive consumption as a check on how the rig is going. I always look for reasons for variations from average/trend.
For emergency, like heavy head winds, I carry a spare 20L jerry can but am pleased to say I rarely use it.
Thanks for all the replies it seems as though we should perhaps be carrying some water rather than fuel .
Once again a merry Xmas to all and a safe new year
Fidele.
sorry folks - must have been having a seniors moment (should have read $35 not $3.50) but still in the big picture for us its not such a big deal - in the last 12 mth period we did about 26000 k's and spent about $5000 on fuel
Whatever you say, you are always right aren't you!
Hi Fidele.
My thinking is with fuel over this distant is to support the servos, try to find out which may be marginally cheaper or near your rest breaks to work in with your travels needs.
The weight of extra fuel alone is a handicap eating into your pay load, add the need to store the fuel valuable load space which we are always short off, just lifting it high enough to syphon the fuel into the vehicle. Not long back I took a extra drum of water with me as I new I was going to be away from a tap, boy lifting a 20 litre drum now I am very reluctant to fill it the top because of the weight. Then carrying and storing the empty drums further along your journey, no fun.
I can understand carrying 1 drum for those time when the vehicle tank is a bit of a risk and would do the same. My tank is good for 400 and on a good day would go to around 500 ks.
I hope my thoughts are helpful. Ralph.
Thanks for the input.
It must have taken a large chunk of the brain cells to come up with that effort
The Phantom
I have been across nine times now, and on one crossing was heading East to West to fill up at Mundrabilla as it was one of the cheaper one's, only to find when I got there that there was no diesel ! they were waiting on a delivery.
As there was a head wind there was no way I would have made the next servo so my two 20ltrs saved me the long wait till the tanker arrived.
For me, as said it's just peace of mind, but yes top up regularly as you travel, better to pay the premium sometimes than run out in he worst possible place.
I now have the capacity to travel from Penong to Norseman without filling up ! as I carry nearly 300ltrs now, so can beat the profiteers.
Fidele
Here are our diesel prices from March 2013. We carry 300 litres of water as well, and topped up at Nullarbor, where we paid 15cpl. Hint with water at Nullarbor. Do not put it straight into your tank. If you have, for example, a 100 litre tank, they will charge your for 100 litres. We used our jerry can, filled it three times and paid accordingly.
Ceduna BP 1.57
Penong Caltex 1.57
Fowlers Bay did not buy, but was diesel only
nullarbor rs 1.999 eucla
1.92 Mundrabilla 1.91 fuel
316.44 litres av price $1.83
Total fuel $582.00
TOTAL Km 1316
-- Edited by Dunmowin on Sunday 28th of December 2014 08:06:00 PM
TOWN DATE Cost Per Ltr KMS Ltrs
Norseman 1/10/2014 40.34 $1.60 25.21
Balladonia 2/10/2014 30.01 $1.94 193 15.47
Caiguna 4/10/2014 24.75 $1.96 180 12.63
Madura 5/10/2014 35.27 $1.99 156 17.72
Eucla 6/10/2014 39.99 $1.89 179 21.16
Ceduna 9/10/2014 66.81 $1.54 506 43.41
Pt Augusta 15/10/2014 82.96 $1.52 543 54.62
TOTALS 320.13 1757 190.22
That's for diesel
-- Edited by msg on Monday 29th of December 2014 01:11:51 AM
-- Edited by msg on Monday 29th of December 2014 01:12:29 AM
-- Edited by msg on Monday 29th of December 2014 01:14:16 AM