Estimating fuel consumption...!
 

Hi All,

I am currently working on my trip budget, and have pretty much got everything done, including my fuel consumption calculations.

What I am wondering is if I am anywhere near a decent estimate.

We are planning our trip from UK, thru Europe, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt down the east side of Africa to Cape Town.

Current I have estimated our trip to be 25,000km and estimated the fuel consumption at 4.5 km/litre.

Am I anywhere near the right figure, what is your advise?

Thanks

Dan

Depends!
 

On what you are driving? Your estimate seems a bit excessive for say a CRD modern vehicle, or Damn impressive for a 8x8 MAN <BG>
Gil

Hi Dan,

What vehicle are you traveling in?

Bruce

Hi,

knew I forgot to put something in!

It will be a Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2 Diesel, non Turbo probably

Dan

1HZ 4.2 consumption
 

I would say your estimate is very much erring to the side of caution. I have driven numerous 1HZ 4.2 Toyotas and found that for long distance travel - even including pretty heavy terrain you will probably not dip below an average of 13-15L/100kms. I hope this helps,
Gil
- ahhh I see you are measuring in km/l!

That is really helpful. I do like to be cautious.

I may up my figure, a bit then.

Thanks

Dan

Dan,

Unless you have the budget to import an 80 - the chances are you will only be able to find a turbo 80 over here - for these the consumption can vary from 15mpg through to 35mpg depending on age of vehicle, loading, engine spec, etc.

As long as you don't overload it with too much kit aim for around 20mpg for mixed driving of an overlanding prepped 80.

Ok, so it sounds as thought, if I were to do my calcs based on approx 15mpg or about 5 and a bit km/l I will be well on the safe side.

Thanks everyone

Dan

Dan,

Here are some figures I jotted down during my trip to Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Senegal between Dec 05 and Jan 06, using a LC HDJ80 4.2 TD:

Total distance travelled- 7800 miles, of which:

Europe - 1550 miles
Africa - 6250 miles

Tarmac - 5900 miles
Off-road (including soft sand) - 1900 miles

My LC used 2120 litres of diesel, which gives an average consumption
of 19 l/100 km (14.9 mpg).

The longest distance between refueling points was 610 miles (980 km),
for which I used 220 litres of diesel (available capacity - 260L).

Units
 

Don't you just love it when everyone uses different units?!!

:rofl:

Yep, thank goodness for google calculator.

Although they(google) seem to give mpg in US Gallons.

UK gallons
 

You have to specify UK gallons I think.

We will be using a 4.2 (non turbo)troop carrier and I will be using 18ltrs/100km for my budget calculation. I expect the load to be about 600kg (including fuel/water). We will be doing a similar route and I thought distance would be about 30,000km.
cheers

Costs
 

I am busy doing africa in a 5 ton truck unimog and a tata 4.5 ton. both are armoured with b6+ and are very heavy. excl our kit, we are doing about 5 k's to the liter at 120 km/h so i think u should do a bit better than that!!

get the turbo! u wont be sorry.

Thanks again, keep the figures comming!

Hi

I am planning a cross sahara with my unimog 416 with a om352 motor.

please ciontact me at loot@pungwe.co.za to compare estimates in fuel consumption.

Loot

It would be better to post here for all to see?

Toyota consumption
 

Hello Dan,

My Toyota 4.2 non turbo uses on the highway, 100 kph 1L to 8 km, in easy terrain (hard surface), 30 to 60 kph, 1L to 6km. In the sandy deserts (really soft sands) however, I remember an impressive 1L to 3km at 20 to 30 kph!

When you are planning a long trip and you still have to buy a vehicle, it is well worth considering a turbo engine like the 80 or even install a turbo on a 4.2L Troopy (cost Euro 2500,-) which will probably squeeze another 1 to 2 km out of each liter. Subject to the fuel prices of the area you are going to, the math is simple.

Cheers,
Noel

exploreafrica.web-log.nl

Mercedes publishes figures for the new U500: 20L/100km + 8L/hr.
At 60 mph I get a very close 27.5L/100km with a gross weight of about 12000kg. Using this formula, at 25 kph one would require 52L/100km.
I think you could figure on ~10% less in a U416 with camper due to lighter weight, assuming the motor is in good shape. What is your baseline consumption on highway, at what speed?

Charlie

Budget
 

Hi Dan
I would go with 20 mpg, but this depends on speed, are you going to potter at 40 on the road or boot it to 60? Your route won't include much soft sand, but the fuel price will vary dramatically.
Turkey is UK prices, Syria is 7p a litre plus $100 dollar tax, Egypt is 10p a litre (March 06)
If you are mostly camping I would budget about £1000 per month for 2, and have a contingency in case something breaks.
Bruce

Thanks again guys good info.

Looks like my estimates are safe but sound!