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Created page with "== The Universal Border Crossing Checklist == Use this step-by-step list to ensure you don't miss a critical stamp or document. Most land borders follow this "linear" sequence. === Phase 1: Exiting Country A === * [ ] '''Immigration:''' Get your passport stamped with the '''Exit Stamp'''. Verify the date is correct. * [ ] '''Customs (Vehicle):''' Get your Temporary Import Permit (TIP) or Carnet de Passages stamped/cancelled for exit. ** ''Note: If you miss this, you m..."
 
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== The Universal Border Crossing Checklist ==
== Fuel and Water Math for Desert Crossings ==


Use this step-by-step list to ensure you don't miss a critical stamp or document. Most land borders follow this "linear" sequence.
In the desert, your "range" is not a suggestion; it is a hard limit. Use these formulas to calculate your requirements before you leave the last outpost of civilization.


=== Phase 1: Exiting Country A ===
=== 1. Fuel Range Calculation ===
* [ ] '''Immigration:''' Get your passport stamped with the '''Exit Stamp'''. Verify the date is correct.
Standard "highway" fuel economy (MPG or L/100km) is irrelevant once you hit soft sand, high heat, and low-range gears.
* [ ] '''Customs (Vehicle):''' Get your Temporary Import Permit (TIP) or Carnet de Passages stamped/cancelled for exit.
** ''Note: If you miss this, you may still be legally liable for import duties in the country you just left.''
* [ ] '''Final Gate:''' Hand over any "gate pass" or exit slip provided by the officials.


=== Phase 2: Entering Country B ===
* '''The "Off-Road Factor":''' As a rule of thumb, assume your fuel consumption will '''increase by 50% to 100%''' in deep sand or technical terrain.
* [ ] '''Health/Sanitation:''' If required, show your vaccination records (e.g., Yellow Fever) or pass through vehicle fumigation.
* '''The Formula (Metric):'''
* [ ] '''Immigration (People):'''  
** $Total\,Fuel\,Required = (Distance \times \text{Worst-case } L/100km) \times 1.25$
** [ ] Present passport and Visa (or pay for Visa on Arrival).
** ''Note: The 1.25 multiplier adds a mandatory 25% safety reserve for backtracking, idling, or getting bogged.''
** [ ] Confirm you have received the '''Entry Stamp'''.
** [ ] Check the "Days Granted" written on the stamp (ensure it matches your needs).
* [ ] '''Customs (Vehicle):'''
** [ ] Present Vehicle Title/Registration.
** [ ] Obtain the new Temporary Import Permit (TIP) or get your Carnet stamped for entry.
** [ ] Pay any required road taxes, carbon taxes, or bridge fees (Keep the receipts!).
* [ ] '''Vehicle Insurance:''' Purchase local 3rd-party liability insurance if your current policy doesn't cover this country.
* [ ] '''Security/Inspection:''' Be ready to open the vehicle for a visual check or x-ray.


=== Phase 3: Post-Crossing Essentials ===
* '''The Formula (Imperial):'''
* [ ] '''Currency:''' Change a small amount of cash into the local currency for immediate needs (tolls, snacks).
** $Total\,Fuel\,Required = (Distance \div \text{Worst-case } MPG) \times 1.25$
* [ ] '''Connectivity:''' Purchase a local SIM card or activate your eSim.
* [ ] '''Validation:''' Take a photo of your new entry stamps and vehicle permits. Store them in the cloud.
* [ ] '''Safe Zone:''' Drive at least 20-30 minutes away from the border before stopping to rest or camp.


{| class="wikitable" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 10px;"
==== Example (Simpson Desert Style): ====
| '''Pro-Tip:''' If a border official asks for your "original" license, try giving them a high-quality laminated photocopy first. Keep your original in your folder unless they insist on seeing it.
If the track is 500km and your vehicle usually gets 12L/100km:
# '''Adjust for terrain:''' Use a "Worst Case" of 20L/100km.
# '''Calculate base:''' $500 \times (20/100) = 100\text{ Liters}$.
# '''Add 25% Reserve:''' $100 \times 1.25 = 125\text{ Liters}$.
# '''Final Result:''' You must carry 125L of fuel.
 
=== 2. Water Requirements ===
Water is heavy (1 Liter = 1 Kilogram), so while you want plenty, you must also manage vehicle weight.
 
* '''The Daily Ration:'''
** '''Survival Minimum:''' 3-4 Liters per person/day (Drinking only).
** '''Overland Standard:''' 7-10 Liters per person/day (Drinking, cooking, basic hygiene).
* '''The Formula:'''
** $Total\,Water = (People \times Days \times 10L) + 20L\text{ (Emergency Reserve)}$
 
==== Example: ====
Two people on a 5-day desert crossing:
# '''Base:''' $2\text{ people} \times 5\text{ days} \times 10L = 100L$.
# '''Reserve:''' Add $20L$ for a breakdown/delay.
# '''Total:''' 120 Liters.
 
=== 3. Crucial Desert Rules ===
* '''The "Point of No Return":''' Calculate your "Half-Fuel" mark. If you reach the halfway point of your fuel and you have not reached the halfway point of your distance, you '''must''' turn back immediately.
* '''Check the "Usable" Capacity:''' Many fuel tanks cannot suck up the last 5-10 liters due to the shape of the tank or fuel slosh. Never count the last 10% of your tank as "usable."
* '''Separate Your Water:''' Never keep all your water in one large tank. If the tank springs a leak or the pump fails, you lose everything. Distribute water across a main tank and at least two 20L jerry cans.
* '''The "Sip" Method:''' If you become stranded, do not ration water to the point of dehydration. "Water in the belly is better than water in the bottle." Drink when thirsty to keep your brain functioning for problem-solving.
 
{| class="wikitable"
| '''Item''' || '''Weight (Approx)''' || '''Storage Tip'''
|-
| Diesel/Petrol || 0.85 kg / Liter || Keep weight low and centered.
|-
| Water || 1.00 kg / Liter || Store in food-grade, opaque containers to prevent algae.
|}
|}


[[Category:Logistics]]
[[Category:Logistics]]
[[Category:Checklists]]
[[Category:Safety]]

Revision as of 13:00, 3 February 2026

Fuel and Water Math for Desert Crossings

In the desert, your "range" is not a suggestion; it is a hard limit. Use these formulas to calculate your requirements before you leave the last outpost of civilization.

1. Fuel Range Calculation

Standard "highway" fuel economy (MPG or L/100km) is irrelevant once you hit soft sand, high heat, and low-range gears.

  • The "Off-Road Factor": As a rule of thumb, assume your fuel consumption will increase by 50% to 100% in deep sand or technical terrain.
  • The Formula (Metric):
    • $Total\,Fuel\,Required = (Distance \times \text{Worst-case } L/100km) \times 1.25$
    • Note: The 1.25 multiplier adds a mandatory 25% safety reserve for backtracking, idling, or getting bogged.
  • The Formula (Imperial):
    • $Total\,Fuel\,Required = (Distance \div \text{Worst-case } MPG) \times 1.25$

Example (Simpson Desert Style):

If the track is 500km and your vehicle usually gets 12L/100km:

  1. Adjust for terrain: Use a "Worst Case" of 20L/100km.
  2. Calculate base: $500 \times (20/100) = 100\text{ Liters}$.
  3. Add 25% Reserve: $100 \times 1.25 = 125\text{ Liters}$.
  4. Final Result: You must carry 125L of fuel.

2. Water Requirements

Water is heavy (1 Liter = 1 Kilogram), so while you want plenty, you must also manage vehicle weight.

  • The Daily Ration:
    • Survival Minimum: 3-4 Liters per person/day (Drinking only).
    • Overland Standard: 7-10 Liters per person/day (Drinking, cooking, basic hygiene).
  • The Formula:
    • $Total\,Water = (People \times Days \times 10L) + 20L\text{ (Emergency Reserve)}$

Example:

Two people on a 5-day desert crossing:

  1. Base: $2\text{ people} \times 5\text{ days} \times 10L = 100L$.
  2. Reserve: Add $20L$ for a breakdown/delay.
  3. Total: 120 Liters.

3. Crucial Desert Rules

  • The "Point of No Return": Calculate your "Half-Fuel" mark. If you reach the halfway point of your fuel and you have not reached the halfway point of your distance, you must turn back immediately.
  • Check the "Usable" Capacity: Many fuel tanks cannot suck up the last 5-10 liters due to the shape of the tank or fuel slosh. Never count the last 10% of your tank as "usable."
  • Separate Your Water: Never keep all your water in one large tank. If the tank springs a leak or the pump fails, you lose everything. Distribute water across a main tank and at least two 20L jerry cans.
  • The "Sip" Method: If you become stranded, do not ration water to the point of dehydration. "Water in the belly is better than water in the bottle." Drink when thirsty to keep your brain functioning for problem-solving.
Item Weight (Approx) Storage Tip
Diesel/Petrol 0.85 kg / Liter Keep weight low and centered.
Water 1.00 kg / Liter Store in food-grade, opaque containers to prevent algae.
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