Simpson Preparation Questions People Ask Me

Australian Simpson Desert Trek � Prep Notes

2008.05.04 - Marquis

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Use information at your own risk

Travelling:

DO NOT GO IF it has been raining (i.e. 25mm+) within 1 week of crossing - and check the weather and for track closures prior to leaving as between the dunes it is clay (i.e. you will get bogged easily in some places)
DO NOT GO IF you do not have $10,000 spare cash to have your vehicle towed out of the desert.
DO NOT GO IF you do not have a proper 4WD (i.e. RAV4, CRV, X-TRAIL etc are not real 4WD's - they have to be towed over every dune)
Don't leave food scraps/rubbish outside the vehicle including dirty dishes/cooking equipment
- suggest burning everything you can and picking out rubbish in the morning to cart with you.
You will need a SA desert pass (get them at various places)
Technically you are to obtain fire wood outside of the Simpson Desert NP area. There is enough firewood near camping spots providing no one says anything to anybody and there are no other campers around to report you.
There are heaps of hard shrubs that will leave scratches on your vehicle - if a problem suggest using paint protection products.
Highly recommend to replace vehicle batteries if older than 2 years (I saw heaps of dead batteries on the sides of the "bad" dirt roads - my new batteries only lasted 7 months due to punishment of dirt roads travelling around Australia)
Highly recommend a good quality batteries like Exide Extreme and Century Marine series

NOTE:
IF RUNNING LOW PROFILE TIRES YOU ARE HIGH RISK OF DAMAGE IF YOU LET YOUR TIRES DOWN ON DIRT ROADS � MAIN CONCERN IS RIM DAMAGE.
SPLIT RIMS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED (THEY HAVE MORE ISSUES COMPARED TO NORMAL STEEL OR ALLOY RIMS)

DIRT ROADS (ie Gravel and hard sandy roads)
- let your tyres down to 22-24 psi HOT on bad dirt roads � limit your speed at < 80kph. (including trailer)
- Let your tyres down to 28-30 psi HOT on good dirt roads � limit your speed at < 90kph. (including trailer)
So you are wondering why the pressures are lower than some books and internet sites �
Basically I like letting the tyres act as a shock absorber � therefore greatly reducing the vibration of the vehicle body.�
The lower pressure also greatly reduces the chances of having a puncture.
SAND AND MUD (note keep your speed down and do not corner quickly!!!)
Heavy 4wd like Landcuiser and Patrol (ie 3.5-4ton) minimum 16psi!!
- let your tyres down to 16psi HOT� � limit your speed at < 40kph (the sand will heat up and increase the pressure fast on the dunes)
- lighter 4wd�s like Pajero/Prado/Rodeo/Navara/Hilux can run lower tyre pressures (i.e. 14psi HOT)
- trailers should be about 10-12psi
- Stop regularly to allow transmissions / diffs / ATF to cool.
Do not be afraid to drop pressures down to 10 to 12psi HOT and pump up again after.
So you are wondering why the pressures are lower than some books and internet sites �
Basically those people who run above 18psi have to rev/floor the hell out of there engine and have a bit of speed to get over � this is dangerous to oncoming traffic, uses more fuel and scallops the hell out of the track for others. �Running at 16psi or less you can easily go over the dunes at a slower pace and reduces engine revving (I stayed below 2500rpm for most of the trip and only big red I hit 3000rpm) � therefore reducing your chances of �breaking� something.� I saw a number of others having to �fly� across the dunes due to poor tyre pressure selection and you just have to shake your head.
Suggest stopping about 4pm SA/NT time
Start travelling about 9.30am - 10am (after breakfast, packing, shower, toilet etc)
Looking at 4 to 6 nights minimum camping on the Simpson - travel French to some of WAA back to French then QAA lines.
Do not park on long grass.
Take 2mx1.5m piece of fly screen incase of insects (for front of vehicle)

Recommended Bits to Take:

Tent - assume up to minus 8 deg C at night and about 15 to 25degC during the day

2 x small 4'x6' blue $2 traps (in case you have to be under the vehicle)
2 x medium blue traps same width and longer than the tent (8.5'x12' ??)
(one for under and one for over if it rains)
4 x heavy duty tent pegs
(if using the small tent pegs with the oztrail tourer 9 plus)
(the standard peg bend easily)
1 x queen or 2 x king single self-inflating mattresses (do not use air mattresses)
1 x 2degC rectangular sleeping bag ($45 blackwolf single that is rectangle in shape so unzips to large underlay) - use this as the underlay
1 x queen (or king is better) winter doona. The doona is good as you can throw it over everything in the back of the vehicle.
2 x beanies that fit properly
Camp with your head towards the centre of the tent if possible , make sure you use the beanie
2 x sets of thin good gloves (fingerless are good) (one set each person)
2 x pillows (one each person) and queen sheets
2 x pad lock (for locking the roof bag and the tent when you go for a shower etc at caravan parks etc) make sure it�s a pack therefore the keys fit both.
If you have space recommend taking 8 foam mats (the ones that lock together) as some locations (not the Simpson) have catheads - it takes too long to clear all the catheads from everywhere - so only do under the mattresses area. OR cheap rubber door mats (the ones with holes - they can be used under wheels for recover of vehicle)
Small axe/hammer (keep in tent at night in case required due to unwelcome guests (i.e. dingo�s, snakes etc)

Cooking

1 x gas stove
- we used the coleman 2 burner fold up which is very good but you need to surround each gas burner about 3/4 enclosed with aluminium foil.
About 250mg of cooking gas per day (i.e. 2.25kg-4.5kg gas bottle should be heaps)
1 x good quality non-stick frying pan
- we used a Swiss diamond $150 pan - very easy to clean with cleaning wipes and you can bake in them
Med size saucepan (copper base is better)
1 x 1L (or 1.5L) billy - good for heating water with using the fire for showers and washing up
Full roll of aluminium foil (10m min)
Hercules double seal zip lock bags (15x20cm) x 2 packs
4 x 70 sheet black and gold wipes
- we used the wipes for cleaning up prior to a quick light wash.
4 to 5 x 10L packs of Nobles Water (you can use them for radiator, battery and drinking)
2 x drinking containers (i.e. pump water 600mL)
12.5L of water per day for showering and dishes (2 people) - suggest collapsible but you cannot stack them, or multiple small bladder, or hard mould plastic type. Note western end of Simpson French line there is two bore water outlets for showering water.
Fridge is a good idea. (engel, evakool 50/55/60L) + 65/80Ah second battery (suitable as cranking battery)
Plates and cups (not china) - lightweight malinate are good
2 x Cutting knife
2 x Fork, spoons, knifes
1 x cutting board (plastic is good - can be use for repairs)
Wine bottle opener and plastic glasses
Can opener
Handheld cheese grader (optional)
Suggest 20x30x10 four side sealed locking box to place utensils in.
Suggest 40L box for non-fridge food
Rice, enough basic staples for a week extra (i.e. about 2kg of rice).
Usual tea, coffee, sugar (sealed) or use honey, condensed milk tube (instead of milk to save fridge space)
Cheese, Crackers, Veg, fruit, vac packed meat (vac packed meat stores in fridge for 2-3 weeks)
Drinks!!!

Other items:

At least one Satphone in the group (hire or purchase - use iridium only - TR Telecom if purchasing $2k + $30/m).
At least one GPS in the group (highly recommend Garmin Nuvi 760 or 276 with shonky or T4A maps and mp3 music of your choice loaded)
At least one good map in the group.
At least one multimeter in the group (small cheapy is ok)
1 x 4WD HEMA Australia Map Book
Nextg data packs (using standard nextg phone with PC usb cable) for internet in more major centres
Digital camera(s)
12 to 240V (prefer pure sine wave but short time mod sine should be ok) 150W inverter (at least 1 in the group for charging batteries and running notebooks etc)
2 x LED torches with pently of spare batteries (the $10 supercheap 9 led? 3xAAA battery LED torches last 8+ hours)
1 x head LED torch (for the cook)
1 x Fluoro 12V light (cig plug in type) (avoided gas lantern - not required � to big)
1 x UHF - handheld or fixed in vehicle - channel 10 - you must call out or chatter regularly while on the dunes.
1 x Sand flag (do not install until you hit the dunes - otherwise you may lose the flag due to the higher speeds)
2 x Blue 100degC plastic buckets
- good for water/dishes/etc - and if need be catching hot oil
1 x Fire extinguisher - co2 is better (powder does not work on the side or upside down)
1 x Good pressure gauge
1+ Tyre deflater(s)
1 x Good tyre pump (not a cheapie)
1 x Good tyre repair kit
2 x fold up chairs (we used $50/pair compact cheap oztrail ones)
1 x Fold up table
1 x cig 12V shower (check it works before leaving)
1 x pack of Imodium or similar product
1 x pack of panadeine - good for headaches, lowering body temperature, and stopping running noses.
1 x small brush for sweeping the sand/dirt out of the tent/around back of the vehicle.
- we used a straight flat head 1.2m detachable head brush from crazy's (took up very little space)
2 x packs of toilet bum wipes (like wet one's but thicker and can be flushed down toilets)
2 to 4 x double length toilet paper rolls.
1 x shove (pointed type is better - with proper handle)
1 x 10m (odd) snatch strap
2 x D's
Reasonable medical kit each + someone with a full medical kit (i.e. spare asthma puff, needle stuff for allergic reactions, bandages for things like snake bites, broad spec penicillin, Imodium, etc)

Vehicle

Make sure your tyres are at 75% or more tread left. Some dirt roads including the road west end of Simpson is medium size sharp rocks - reduce those pressures on dirt roads!!! 22psi.
Take a 6th spare (or in a group...)
YOU WILL BLOW TYRES IF YOU DO NOT DROP YOUR TYRE PRESSURES ON DIRT ROADS OR THE TYRES ARE NOT RATED TO CARRY THE HEAVY LOADS.
- Try to use tyres with load ratings up around 123 (1550kg)
With passenger construction tyres make sure you stay 3psi below the maximum pressure indicated on the side wall of the tyre.�
Do a service prior to leaving (including trailer if taking)
Make sure the radiator/oil coolers/condenser coils are clean and see thru prior to leaving.
Replace the air filter prior to leaving
Make sure you have rated snatch points.
Avoid taking trailers across the eastern part of the French line (QAA may be a drama too � run trailer tyres at 8psi), anyone with trailers should have full traction aids front and rear.
Recommend at least some of the 4wd's in the group have traction aids (electronic traction control or at least one diff locker)
If travelling alone (like I did) � please take some traction aids
Check all aftermarket add-ons (i.e. bars, steps, racks, lights, snorkels, etc) -
- make sure they have spring type washers on all fixtures (i.e. side steps are the worst)
Check batteries - older batteries should be replaced. Top up water with the Nobles drinking water.
Replace older shocks / struts. Recommend bilstein shocks / Lovell springs.
Use LT tyres if possible (but not required)
Use A/T or M/T tyres � avoid H/T tyres.
Make sure the tyres are rated to cope with higher than standard maximum vehicle loadings
- Pajero loaded was 200kg overweight (about 3ton)
- I have seen/heard of Patrols and Landcuisers tipping 4 ton with tyres that blow due to overloading
Recommend a 2" - 3" lift if possible. The tracks are highly scalloped up and down the dunes from other 4wd's running to higher tyre pressures - so the lift does help.
Make sure the sand flags fit somewhere ok and remove prior to travelling to the Simpson - flags should be about 1.5m above the top of the vehicle in height.
Take a couple of various sizes of setscrews, washers, spring washers, nuts, etc
Take spare fuses x 5 of each size your vehicle uses
Take enough fuel - 150 to 200+L for diesel and 200 - 250 L (or more) for petrol (refer to 4wd forums ie http://www.exploroz.com/)
Birdsville to Mt Dare is about 700km (longer or shorter depending on route) - not sure if Mt Dare has petrol. The next nearest servo is Stuart highway (NT) near the SA/NT boarder.
Expect fuel to be $0.50/L more expensive than the east coast qld.
2005 Pajero DiD 3.2L Turbo Diesel used 110L between Mt Dare to Birdsville (French / WAA / French / QAA) with tyre pressures at 14psi (I was not pushing it). (note more fuel will be used if travelling east to west as you hit the larger dunes first fully loaded in regards to fuel, water and food)
Remember you should not run below about 1/4 tank due to the angle and length of the dunes.

Also when the Eyre river is got water in it (west of big red) you may have to take upto a 80km detour north � I had to take a 20km detour south

From Wal (pajero forum vic):
I did the Simpson from East to West in June '06 in a Di-D Pajero without the mods your '05 had and didn't have too many problems. My fuel consumption was only 95L - I was fully loaded including roof rack and had two passengers. (French / QAA??)
After leaving Mt Dare there is fuel available at Fincke but Kulgera, on the edge of the Stuart Hwy, has plenty of fuel at a cheaper price. The road from Dalhousie to the Fincke turn off (towards Old Andado) was an absolute shocker - some of the biggest corrugations I've ever encountered! It improved considerably after the turnoff.

From NJ SWB (pajero forum vic):
I bought petrol at Mt Dare (in August '06). I carried 140 litres and used just under 100 litres. (3.0 NJ shorty.)
Good basic toolkit - including sockets to fit every sump/trans/diff plugs.
Also take vice grips and various sizes of screwdrivers.
Also take small needle nose pliers and fencing pliers
Also take wire (electrical and fencing)
Also take cable ties
Also take various sizes of hose clamps (20mm, 50mm, 100mm)
Take a spare fuel filter and air filter.
Duct tape, material tape, teflon tape
Proper jack (ie 3 to 4ton)
Piece of timber for under jack
Hack saw (blade+compact handpiece)
Place security nuts on good spotlights
Check roof rack attachments regularly
Make sure you lock your vehicle � anytime you are not in it (Caravan Park, camp sites including the Simpson).

The track

Mt Dare (western) end is more flat and smaller dunes. Note there are patches of thick bull dust (real bull dust) a short distance from Mt. Dare that will turn to mud very easily - so do not travel when wet and do not travel to close in the dust. (there is not much dust crossing the dunes)
Watch out for blow outs on/near the top of the dunes (sections of the track have blown away creating a large deep hole) - you may have to turn - drastic action required to miss them - so don't go to fast!
Tyre pressure is critical - 16psi max HOT. The lighter 4wd's (pajero/prado/similar) can run 14psi easily. Do not corner quickly or speed!!!
You should be able to run 4wd High centre diff unlocked most of the time except some of the larger dunes (you will know when you hit them)
You should be able to go up most dunes without too much speed if your tyres pressures are correct (low)
You will be driving across salt lakes -
You will cop scratches due to bushes on the track.
You may see animals (including dingos, reptiles, etc) so take it easy.
There are camping spots every 15 to 45 minutes typically (some just off the track, some over the dune to the side away from the main track your on)
There is a good large servo at Birdsville
DO NOT push your vehicle too hard � more likely to have problems.
You will come across idiots flying across tracks /dunes so be careful
Max 2 vehicles at a time between French line dunes � otherwise hard to pass oncoming vehicles
Often due to others you may find crossing the dunes to not use the existing wheel tracks � cut your own tyre tracks
Travelling the harder E-W route that a left hand turn is required at the top of most dunes

Other places

Note Alice Springs - you cannot purchase drinks prior to 2pm
Do not recommend Alice Springs (bad energy) - there are lots of issues so be careful at night
The fuel/motel/caravan park at Stuart hwy / road to Ayres rock cross roads is not to bad - the food it not much chop there, but the drinks are cold.
Ayres rock is over rated - recommend Finke river George drive instead (two day drive min - it is slow) Finke river drive is 100km but very 4wd including long grass, sand, rock hoping, washouts, etc)

Do you see where my aux fuel tank tagged the sand near the top...� At least reversing down it smoothed out the mess made by others (I was going very slowly due to scalloping seen at the very top).� French Line.� I recommend you drive with the wheel mounting the middle and to one side instead of trying to follow the existing 2 tracks