How do you guys carry fuel?

[mike h]

The Wedco can with the NATO cap is my favorite. I put two 5 gallons on their sides on the roof basket. Lash 'em and forget 'em. The ability to store them on the side is key: lower profile and the NATO cap won't leak. Buy the matching pour spout too.

IF I had to carry them inside I would put them in some kind of a rubbermaid-style container just to be extra cautious, and check them daily...but I'm too nervous about fuel to carry it inside.

I don't worry about the center of gravity issues for 10 gallons topside - unless you are really doing some off-camber trail runs you won't notice it up there.

 

[Brian894x4]

Brian has stored a couple of 2.5 gallon cans in his 80.

I believe he's carrying them on a roof rack now, but he had them inside for awhile. Whether on a roof rack or rear bumper swing out, they're going to be exposed to sun & heat. Keeping them (or an aux tank) stored underneath would keep them out of the direct sunlight and in theory, when moving, the draft should keep them somewhat cooler than on the roof or on a rear bumper.

I like KMR's solution and the Dude's solution of storing cans in the spare tire location. The Dude built a nice cage that should keep damage to a minimum. If they survive ACT '08, that's a good enough endorsement for me.

That said, I can't recall seeing anywhere, a thread about a gas can exploding due to direct heat. Swelling, yes. But exploding? No. And if by chance the cans were to leak, I would rather one leak from the rear bumper or underneath, than inside or on top of the vehicle. Personal preference....

I've always carried at least one or two 2.5 gallon cans inside, except for the occasion where I carried them on the roof for a trip. But I've since removed the roof rack and now carry everything inside.

I typically carry three 2.5 gallon nato/wedco cans in the back in various locations and they pretty much live there. I also carry a single 1.5 gallon wedco in my other cars as back up.

I know carrying inside not advisable, but I've never had a single problem with the wedco cans and they've all sealed absolutely perfectly. Not even a hint of vapor leak.

I have had a wedco 2.5 gallon swell up on me that was stored in the rear of my Honda CRX under the huge hatchback window on a very hot day. That was a lesson I took to heart and I now keep the cans covered and out of the sun. I also make sure every window is tinted and covered if necessary to keep interior temps as low as posisble.

I personally would only do this with the standard nato cap wedco cans. Every other can, including the Scepter that I've used has leaked and I have no confidence in them based on my own experience.

 

[gjackson]

I know carrying inside not advisable

I don't know why this is such a common perception. Tom Sheppard has over 100,000 expedition miles with cans inside. Weight distribution is better and storage is more secure. In a world of compromises, it's a really good one.

cheers

 

[Hltoppr]

With good NATO cans, I really had no issues with carrying extra fuel inside the FJ80. No leaks, no fumes, and properly tied down, no rattles...

-H-

 

[ashooter]

Well, I've been searching around for some Scepter cans but no luck. All the places that used to sell them to non-CARB states are not selling them to "civilians" anymore at all, as far as I can tell.

Anybody know of a source for Scepter jerry cans?

If I can't nail down a couple of those, I guess I will go ahead and see if I can find a couple of Wedco cans.


...frickin' government.

 

[Michael Slade]

Well, I've been searching around for some Scepter cans but no luck. All the places that used to sell them to non-CARB states are not selling them to "civilians" anymore at all, as far as I can tell.

Anybody know of a source for Scepter jerry cans?

If I can't nail down a couple of those, I guess I will go ahead and see if I can find a couple of Wedco cans.


...frickin' government.

Why is no one suggesting a trip to the local Army Surplus and pick up some NATO cans. They're usually pretty dang clean, you can pick and choose, and they're cheaper than Wedco's.

I've got about 10 of the NATO cans, and other than replacing some gaskets and tightening up the cam action (super easy...), no issues ever.

I did have them sandblasted and re-powdercoated, but that was for my own vanity.

 

[ashooter]

Why is no one suggesting a trip to the local Army Surplus and pick up some NATO cans....

That would be a no-brainer, except that the nearest "local" surplus store is about 150 miles from me in a direction I only go about once every year or two.

And no, I'm not exaggerating.