extra fuel

MUX 1 · Member

extra fuel

Chris61 · Senior Member

Unless you are going well off the beaten track I believe that carrying extra fuel is not needed, just fill up at every roadhouse when you cross the Nullabor. I carried 2 jerry cans on one trip and never used them. They are left at home now. The best method I find that works for me is to start looking to top up the fuel tank when the fuel guage reaches half full, don't let it get below quarter full.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

This subject came up a week or two back about fitting larger tanks. IMO it's up to you . There's stations Atleast every 300 klrs . It's one of those things if you worry about it as in sleeping better ? Then take extra fuel . I would. I have 300 litre tank in motorhome . That's more than enough for me . Through the centre we came across some service stations out of fuel . We carried extra water . Didn't need it . But again .. What if you break a radiator hose etc ? Life can't be all negative . I'm a glass half full person .. 60litres is not a lot of fuel when towing ., !! I had head wind one day crossing Nullabor even though we spent 4 days crossing .. Looking back I wish I spent more time there .. We came across some local Aboriginal people showed us around and were to go big time . Stopped early over night . Next morning had tail wind .. Win win ., Retirement ALL the time in the world . We hope ..

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Wednesday 21st of September 2016 09:43:53 AM

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Carrying fuel in jerries is heavy, dangerous, inconvenient and messy. Don't do it unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you feel you need some "insurance", get a 10L "Fuel Safe" plastic jerry. That would be enough in an emergency.

Cheers,
Peter

elliemike · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Carrying fuel in jerries is heavy, dangerous, inconvenient and messy. Don't do it unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you feel you need some "insurance", get a 10L "Fuel Safe" plastic jerry. That would be enough in an emergency.

Cheers,
Peter

10 litres is mostly what we carry. As above reasons. We drive a Dmax, Even on the Great Central recently I never used my spare fuel.

Phil C · Guru

Welcome MUX 1 to the forum.

We recently drove to Perth and back from Adelaide and faced the same dilemma.

The servos are spaced at around 250KMs from each other, although the fuel is expensive we topped up at each place, and it gave us a rest and walk around to check the caravan etc.

We carried 10 Lit of petrol for the generator with no problems. I guess its an individual decision on what to carry however is the extra weight of 2 x 25s worth the extra you pay on the way? Besides, some of the places are worth a look.

Enjoy the trip, its a doozy.

JCT · Veteran Member

Welcome Mux 1,

having done the lap and crossed the Nullarbor I would suggest you top up the tank whenever you can.

I came across several road houses which had no diesel as they were 'waiting for a delivery'.

This was never a problem to me as I topped up whenever possible and took no notice of the sometimes very high cost of the fuel at some pumps.

It's all part of the cost & enjoyment of crossing safely.

Happy & safe travels,

Colin

Cupie · Guru

Chris61 wrote:
Unless you are going well off the beaten track I believe that carrying extra fuel is not needed, just fill up at every roadhouse when you cross the Nullabor. I carried 2 jerry cans on one trip and never used them. They are left at home now. The best method I find that works for me is to start looking to top up the fuel tank when the fuel guage reaches half full, don't let it get below quarter full.

My thoughts too.

I fill up every morning & at every reasonable opportunity if touring.

I keep a good watch on the distance travelled for each 1/4 tank of fuel used (no fancy electronic gizmos on the dear old Patrol) and have never got below 1/4 of my 90'ish' L tank left in >200,000km.

But when touring, I usually carry one 20L jerry can as insurance. My old Patrol guzzles fuel at around 19L/100k.

They are wrapped in a strong sealed plastic bag & carried inside a hessian corn sack with foam rubber cushions to reduce rubbing in the centre of the front boot. I have a ply plate in front as extra protection too. Probably a waste of time but it makes me feel better. I actually have three 20L cans and I used them on one trip across 'The Nullarbor' just to save a few $s. Not worth the effort or risk. They just sit in the shed these days.

Ron-D · Guru

with my car it hasent a large fuel tank capacity, but I know from experience towing the van it can do 300 Kim's between fuel stops easy enough,so that's how I plan my trips and have never had any worries ,or had to carry extra fuel..

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Down through the centre . Some centres where over 300ks apart ..

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I like to carry 2x10lt Diesel in the back of my Collie as it only has a loflo inlet and have been caught short a few times with only hiflo available. I have since made an adapter that I can put on the hiflo gun that reduces down to the loflo inlet. Works a treat but still like the 2 jerries when I am travelling with van hooked up, 'just in case'.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Leather Tech · Veteran Member

I too have a 65lt fuel tank and can burn up to 20lt per 100km and have just done Perth to Townsville return, only carry 5lt can of diesel just in case. Never had to use it yet.
Regards Peter

Umpie1 · Senior Member

While agree with a lot of the comments above one needs to take into account a persons financial situation. I am travelling around Australia on the aged pension and I am carrying 2 x 20l jerry cans. Generally when I come across cheap fuel they get filled up. If I can get some fuel at say $1.14/L why should I have to pay upwards of $2.00/L. To me it always comes down to a personal choice. on the other side of the coin, having extra fuel can assist a fellow traveller. I had an experience when a couple of travellers on the Stuart Highway well north of Coober Pedy and were very low on fuel and would not make it to Coober Pedy. I gave them 20l of fuel and was rewarded with a $50 note and hugs and thanks.

All in all it is your preference whether you carry extra fuel or not.

macka17 · Guru

I have a 79ltr tank.
According to the "book".

Most I've ever managed with light on for over 40km's is 54ltrs???

You tell me.

I have 2 x 20ltr plastic Gerry cans. and normally have one full when towing.
fill extra one if going unknown (fishing/bush/hilly)

It don't hurt. and the first time you get a dirty tank, leak, etc.
You'll be thankful.
Even if only to help somebody else out.

and if you that close to the wind. Wight wise.
You need to have a look at yourself.

MUX 1 · Member

So yes, thanks for advice, in the end decided to carry one 20 lt fuel jerry can.

MUX 1 · Member

So yes, thanks for advice, in the end decided to carry one jerry can.

Cupie · Guru

Wise decision.

Happy travels.