Hiya, I'm planning to do a London to Cape Town trip in around 2 years time and are currently researching vehicle options.

My question is "Which is better, petrol or diesel, as far as availability is concerned?"
Has anyone struggled to get regular fills, if so, which fuel type and in which countries?
Ta
ChrisD

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Chris D
Land Rover 130 with Trojan Back

Hi Chris

VEHICLE

Well there have been loads of threads on this subject, but I imagine you are looking at Land Rovers or Land Cruisers, both have their pro's and con's.

FUEL

IMHO, it has to be diesel, for all the obvious reasons, and almost certainly the most commonly available.

The countries where you might have trouble getting some fuel are:the more remote parts of some of the North African countries, Chad, Zimbabwe - due to their shortage of foreign currency, as Mugabe steals most of it. - the Northern part of Namibia - plan ahead. this can be said of many African countries - plan ahead and ensure you either have long range tanks or 2/3+ jerry cans of reserve.


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ChrisC

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ChrisC

Also diesel is cheaper and you’ll be able to travel more on the same fuel capacity.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.

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A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.

IMHO it depends what kind of trip you're planning.
Two years ago we travelled through Libya en crossed hard pistes and dunes. The average distance between villages (for example ghadamesh - ghat or Murzuq - waw anamus and return) was over 500-650 km.
The Toyota had 4 extra extarnal diesel kits of 20 liters and I build in a 120 liter petroltank inside the bottom of the car...
If you can put enough reserve on or in your car you should be safe, but i'd go for diesel.

I'd go for diesel (well I did, including an engine conversion to allow me to use diesel)

It gives better range normally, also carrying large amounts of fuel, diesel is a safer fuel in an accident (or even when you open a pressurised jerry and get covered in fuel)

Diesel is often cheaper although some countries do surcharge diesel vehicles on entry (iceland and Turkey? - neither strictly on the route for trans africa)


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Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

[This message has been edited by rclafton (edited 21 December 2003).]

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Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

Thought I'd add my piece to the debate, as I did a trip from UK to India in a petrol Series III a couple of years ago. My choice would be either a TDi or a petrol SIII, depending on how much cash you have.

There were many times I'd wished I'd gone for diesel - cost being the main one (fuel is likely to be one of your bigger expenses) and range being the next (not so much of a problem with Asia).

However it depends on your budget and the car you want to take. My pre-trip decision process (which I still agree with) was:
1. I want a Landrover (won't go into that discussion here...)
2. I would love to have a TDi but can't afford it
3. Steer clear of the 2.5 turbo diesel predecessors to the TDi (unreliable)
4. Don't go for a 2.25 diesel unless you are happy with a top speed of about 40mph
5. Therefore you're left with the 2.25 petrol.

This makes it sound like it was my last choice - to be honest, it is a great choice - IF you get a sound vehicle (which, luckily, mine was - and there aren't many around anymore). They are extremely simple and strong, and we didn't have any major issues in 25000kms. Any electrical temperament I would argue is offset against the risk of injector issues in a diesel.

And you can use your petrol in your stove!

Incidentally, Syria charged a $100 fee for diesels as well in 2000, not sure whether they still do.

Cheers

Ollie
PS Sorry if this thread has wandered.


[This message has been edited by ollieholden (edited 22 December 2003).]

I also resigned, for many reasons similar to above, to use a 2.25 petrol Land Rover.

I'm getting a 1960 Series 2 SWB up to scratch for a Saharan trip late this year. One of the main things I have done is replace the old tired engine with a military preserved 5 bearing type. Now runs really well, and turns around 20mpg as long as I keep the right foot in check.
This fuel consumption roughly equates to 100 miles for a 5 gallon jerry can of fuel. This figure would be so much better if using diesel. But unless I am looking at buying a newer TDi type vehicle, at extreme expense, the compromise I am living with is a larger fuel loading and bigger fuel bill.

Will keep you posted on progress.

Diesel.

Sam.

Diesel.

Reasons;
1. Explosion risk (less than petrol)
2. Economy (much better, travel further per unit volume)
3. Diesels are less susceptible to problems in water (eg river crossings)

Its also much more readily available than it was

BUT diesel engines suffer from sensitivity to crappy fuel more than petrol ones. Get jerry can spout filters and consider a second (inline) fuel filter.

*edit to add*

Its also cheaper, sometimes hugely so!

[This message has been edited by Runner (edited 15 February 2004).]

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'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....

Diesel , of course .

IMHO , petrol avaliability is reducing in Africa , to the point to probbably dissapear quite soon .

Years ago , locals' only source of vehicles were petrol bangers from Europe -whichever model it was- , and it was either that .. or nothing .

But now , and with rising fuel costs for everyone , they seem to start "choosing" , whenever they can choose vehicle , they buy / get a diesel .They simply dont' want petrol models any more , mostly 'cos they can not afford the petrol .

In countries in which average people earns 30-40 Euros a month , if they own a car , Its gotta be Diesel by all means!. Petrol is extremely expensive for them , most of the time seens as a "luxury fuel for foreigners' vehicles" .

In most and most of villages , one will not be able to get Petrol any more . I found myself stuck in a village in which there weasnt simply petrol -at all-.

get a Diesel .

Diesel, Diesel, Diesel.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca