Remote fuel planning is a chain of verified decisions: know your real towing consumption, calculate a conservative range, confirm the next stop and keep a fallback.
Measure before the remote leg
Use several representative towing fills, not a solo highway figure. Record litres added and kilometres travelled, then use the Caravan Fuel Economy Calculator.
Keep a reserve and conditions allowance
Headwinds, corrugations, sand, detours, low-range work, speed, load and tyre pressures can increase fuel use. Choose a reserve that suits the route and your risk plan rather than treating the full tank as usable range.
The Remote Fuel Range Calculator shows the formula and compares a planned leg with your conservative estimate.
Verify each fuel stop close to departure
- Confirm the correct fuel grade, opening hours and payment options.
- Check official road reports, closures and permit requirements.
- Identify the previous and next reliable fuel options.
- Do not rely on a single old directory listing or an unconfirmed social post.
Write a fallback plan
Record the decision point where you will turn back or change route. Tell a trusted person your route and check-in time. WA Police advises remote travellers to share a trip plan, carry extra fuel and spares, use current navigation, and remain with the vehicle if lost; see its outback travel advice.
Carrying extra fuel
Use only approved containers and follow vehicle, caravan, dangerous-goods, fire and local requirements. Account for the container and fuel mass in payload and axle loads. Keep fuel away from ignition sources and living spaces as required by the relevant instructions and rules.
Continue with the Remote Caravan Travel Checklist and the Big Lap Australia Planning Hub.
Continue your remote travel plan
Plan water for the same remote leg
Keep a fuel-stop record for each leg
Record the fuel type, distance from the last confirmed supply, operator contact, opening hours, date confirmed and alternative stop. A map pin is a lead to verify, not proof fuel will be available. Compare the leg against your measured towing use and reserve, then include detours in the calculation. Choose your mapping tools with the route-planner comparison and allow time using the travel-day guide.
Reviewed 5 September 2026. Follow current local road, weather and emergency-service advice.