Fuel consumption/Satellite comms....

[adlan]

Hi,
Am planning an overland trip, was wondering if anyone could tell me the diesel consumption of Toyota 4WD vs Landrover? Specifically Toyota Hilux and Landrover Discovery if possible please.

Also as an aside, not sure if anyone else has ever invested in worldwide satellite phone/internet access, or if this is even possible. Is it stupidly expensive, not widely available, etc.?

Thanks very much,
Adam

[peterbe]

> invested in worldwide satellite phone/internet access, or if this is even possible. Is it stupidly expensive, not widely available, etc.?

I know someone who has used one happily/successfully and is now looking to sell it - please email me for details

Peter

[Robbert]

I'm driving around in a disco Tdi with maggiolina rooftop tent. around 17000km both Europe and Afrika give me 10.5l/100km. Highest consumption was in the sand around Atar, where I got 16l/100km.

[adlan]

Thanks everyone for the messages, they were both a big help.
Cheers,
Adam

[banano]

Hi

Im driving Toyota Hilux 2.4D for about 55.000km and avarage fuel consumption is
around 10l/100km.
On longer trips with my car fully laded
consumption is about 8l/100km
(using only 4x2)
In June I gonna check the consumption on
the sandy trials around Marocco,
WS and Mauritania. Hope it is not gonna be 20l/100km

cheers
Peter

[scotta]

Iridium is the satelite network you want

Get intouch with Marconi as they do some good deals re phone charges

I have a sat phone and I rarely use it but the reception is very good especially in the mountains.

Cost of calls is $1.4 us dollars per minute to a land line anywhere in the world. The cost varies slightly with other suppliers.

Ebay is a good source for second hand phone or Marconi sometimes have some

The internet can be accessed through Marconis own gateway which saves you from connecting to an existing terrestrial supplier

There are also pay as you go tarifs

contact nigel.bond (AT)marconi(dot)com

He will help you

Ashley

[nick_horley]

I got a fantastic deal on a Motorola Iridium phone and modem from www.gmpcs-us.com. Less than half the UK price. I avoided duty by getting it delivered to a US address and then having someone hand carry it home for me. Prepaid talk time is also cheaper in ths US because of the weakness of the dollar.

[nickt]

I use Iridium with a Motorola 9505 handset. Small and robust. I use a 300 USD pre paid for 200 minutes, and you can re-charge it at anytime. You have to use the 200 minutes within 12 months of your first call, I usually use them and if not, 300 USD is a small price to pay for the "insurance" of having communications in remote areas.

I buy my service through Stratos, they have good sales and customer service.

http://www.stratosglobal.com/

Cheers,
Nick.

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Nick Taylor
www.exerro.com
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1996 BMW F650
1996 300 TDi 90
1997 NAS D90 ST #685
1998 Camel Trophy 110 CT47