Topic: Carrying Extra Gas

[Celt]

I agree with what the Duffman was saying about carrying fuel inside the vehicle. Call me paranoid but I'm not comfortable with it in there with me, especially with the thought of a collision on road or roll over etc off road. On the last MJR that Toro ran a year ago, I had 5 gallons inside and strapped down in the back because I was trying to cut corners. The constant shifting of gear around it cracked the seal just enough coupled with elevation change that a very small amount leaked out of the Jerry can. I could smell it right away and fixed the problem quickly but fuel did already leak out. It didn't cause any real damage other than stinking like gasoline inside the X and the inside of my tent for that first night as it got onto a sleeping mat. After that experience, it's always tied down onto the roof or a tire swing out fuel carrier.

[Alex]

Oh definitely, it no doubt adds more variables in the equation. When I had it in the back I had only the can strapped down and a few small things beside it, and watched it like a hawk throughout the trip. Large elevation and temperature changes could be an issue, yeah.

[JeffBett]

I am doing a 4 day weekend in Death Valley starting Thursday night and just borrowed a good Jerry can from a friend and will strap it down inside this time.  On the roof I usually only see Jerry cans mounted completely upright or laying down on edge.  Both ways seem to need a rack/support of some sort to support them from toppling over.  What are the thoughts of laying them on the side completely flat to cut down on wind resistance and possible tree branch wacking.   

Also, I believe by law they are supposed to be red but many are not, has anyone ever heard of non red being an issue.

[Ghost65]

With a good spout/cap seal, you "shouldn't" see any issues laying them down.

However, to Duffmans point there always seems to be seepage/expansion/shrinkage of cans depending on their material makeup/elevation/and temperature.

If I completely seal my Rotopax' empty, they will "suck in" or shrink as I travel around.

I have laid them down on my roof in the past, and never had an issue with seepage or leaks during travel.

During our last trek through DV, I did see MPG77's Rotopax seep a bit at the cap...just enough to collect a little dust around the collar. Very minor.


Sent from Cygnus X-1

[Sage Bromax]

On the Death Valley trip in November, I had 5 gallons of gas & 5 gallons of water on the roof lying flat on their sides and had no issues.  I have the rubber strips on the roof and they cushion them just fine.  I also adjusted the factory cross-bars so they were snug and then ratchet-strapped them down. 

[JeffBett]

That's exactly what I was thinking.  What are you using for rubber strips to protect the roof. 

[fourxfunk]

Regarding the rubber strips, I'm not sure what Sage uses but I picked up these and they work great: http://www.courtesyparts.com/exterior/nissan-roof-protector-rubber-strip-kit/999m1-00006

[JFanaselle]

I'm sure that's exactly what he's using. They are actually an OEM Nissan part, but you can also use any kind of aftermarket rubber protector strips. The OEM ones are so cheap though (and high quality), that there's no reason not to use them. See this how-to:

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/15-how-tos/50018-how-nissan-roof-protector-strips.html

[knightrider]

to cover a few points, your gas cans should have a proper seal and not vent any fumes or gas but as said, they will expand due to altitude/temps and normal off gassing.  Over time the cans pressure increases too much and if the gas can cannot expand, the pressure will have to go somewhere, normally past the gasket and out the lid.  It's a good practice to open your fuel cans daily to help vent any excess pressure to prevent leaks, having the spout upright makes this much easier so you don't need to undo straps that are holding down the cans.

I have noticed my rotopax will bulge slightly when filled due to the pressure building, but i have never had an issue of the rotopax seeping or leaking even without venting them daily.  Clints gas can mount is pretty snug with 5 rotopax and i think that may have been why his seeped a little bit on the DV trip, they may not have enough room for expansion.  This is not a huge issue as they are outside the vehicle and it just collects a little dust.  Now if they were mounted in the cabin, it would be a different story, like Randy's adventure out on the Mojave.  Me personally, gasoline belongs outside the cabin, the chance of a spill and having to deal with the fumes is enough for me to not want to chance it.  Kudos to those that have had no issues.  I see no issue with having jerry cans on the roof laid down, as long as you have a good gasket(I would carry spares), if you are not sure about the seal, I would only fill the can with 4 gallons to allow enough room for expansion and keep an eye on it, stand it up if it starts to leak. 



In CA, thanks to CARB, its required that gasoline containers be red, diesel is yellow, and kerosene is blue.  All of which are the standard colors associated with each fuel type.
Containers also need to have identification for the type of fuel, 

"embossed language, or permanent durable label “GASOLINE” in minimum 34-point
Arial font or a font of equivalent proportions" 
Reference: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/pfc/2005/cp501.pdf

I have never heard of any problems but i suppose someone having a bad day could cite you or take your gas MadMax style.

[Alex]

Regarding the rubber strips, I'm not sure what Sage uses but I picked up these and they work great: http://www.courtesyparts.com/exterior/nissan-roof-protector-rubber-strip-kit/999m1-00006

I'm sure that's exactly what he's using. They are actually an OEM Nissan part, but you can also use any kind of aftermarket rubber protector strips. The OEM ones are so cheap though (and high quality), that there's no reason not to use them. See this how-to:
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/15-how-tos/50018-how-nissan-roof-protector-strips.html

That's the first time I've seen those, those look perfect for either Gen X.

[Sage Bromax]

Yes, I have the Nissan roof strips.  I used Home Depot ratchet straps, pulling the cans against each other from the sides with two straps each, then down against the roof front to rear with one strap each.

[RBduffer]

OK,OK guys, I have found the Ultimate solution to storing extra gas (up to 12 gals!) on our rigs.  Low profile, UV rated, vented and easily straped.  I wll be showing off mine at this Saturday's Mod Day

[Celt]

In 3.....2........1.......

[JeffBett]

I have my money on a boat tank, they have 6 and 12 gal.  I wish I could come to the mod day, but I get 4 days in the back country of Death Valley instead.

[Spectre]

If you could get your hands on one cheap enough a hard plastic fuel cell would do the trick. You could even run an external holly style fuel pump to it and and it would pump the gas into your tank for ya. 

Ya it's not the poor mans way to go but it would be a good setup.