Australian Towing Fuel Calculator
* Calculations follow Australian towing standards (ADR 43/04)
How to Use the Towing Fuel Calculator for Australian Road Trips
Planning a towing trip across Australia? Our calculator helps you budget fuel costs accurately. Here's how to use it effectively:
1. Know Your Vehicle's Base Consumption
Check your owner's manual for standard fuel use (L/100km) without towing. Most 4WDs range between 8-15L/100km. Add 10% if your vehicle has over 100,000km on the odometer.
2. Weigh Your Load Properly
Include trailer/caravan weight plus all gear. Use certified weigh stations for accuracy. Remember: Exceeding your vehicle's tow rating is illegal and dangerous.
3. Select Terrain Carefully
Choose Highway for main routes (Bruce, Hume), Urban/Mixed for city-to-coast trips, and Mountainous for alpine regions. Fuel use can increase 40% on steep grades.
4. Add Safety Margins
Add 15% to your final figure for unexpected conditions. In remote areas (Outback, Nullarbor), carry extra fuel - stations can be 300km apart.
Regularly check calculations during your trip. Fuel prices vary significantly between states - use state government fuel trackers for real-time pricing.