Fuel range for an Algeria trip

[ollieholden]

We're off to do a 3 week trip to Algeria this December/Jan and I wanted to get a feel for the kind of range we'll need for fuel.

From looking at Chris' book and updates it seems as though 700km is a sensible figure (before safety margin) - for mixed terrain but not a huge amount of dune driving. Those who have been there - what range would you allow for?

We'll be carrying 75 litres of water also, which I have assumed will be plenty as we'll not be camping out for weeks as we haen't got time. What do you think?

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Ollie!

Your fuel estimate for most 'getting from A to B' is bang on (but if you are going dune-bashing then you will need A LOT of fuel!).

If there are 2 of you, then 75 is a very healthy figure (you've got seven days of free use (washing etc. as well) - you can survive for ages with that amount. If you are going to go dune-bashing, you might want to accept a reduction in that figure for a weight saving...

Sam.

[Yves]

Hi,
let's assume you will need 5 L per person/day whis is reasonable in the colder months November - March.
--> 10L/day
+ 10 Liters safety margin
+ 10 L for the cooling system

That will give you 5.5 days of autonomy.
On most pistes in DZ you will be able to fill your jerrycans with water from wells from time to time, so 75L should be ok.

As for the fuel, 700km is not much, your margin for error or voluntary detours will be very small. And the next fuel station might be dry.

I would recommand:
- fuel for the distance required + 20% + 20 Liters.
With an total Range of 1000km + 20L you will have plenty of flexibility without overloading a modern diesel vehicle (15L/100km est.)

Good luck, Yves

[Gonzalo]

Hmmmm...

What do you do if you're two-up on a motorbike? The rain dance?

G.

[Yves]

Hi Gonzalo,
the autonomy of a bike is very limited in fact, more in terms of water then petrol with 2 people.
Thats one of the reasons I moved to 4x4.

The max. water supplies I carried was 16-20Liters. When you use water very carefull you might reduce your consumption down to about 3L/day*person in the cold season.

We generaly adapted our route to have enough wells on the way and covered sections without water quickly.
Travelling in the cold season is almost compulsory and carryingg enough fuel is even more important then for 4x4s: you will quickly run out of water but with enough fuel you can make it to the next well.

Bye, Yves