Carrying jerry cans on roof rack

[ze_zaskar]

Hi all,

I'll have to carry at least 2 20L jerry cans on an upcomming trip.
The only space I have left is the roof rack.

I was considering the Frontrunner Universal Jerry Can Holder:

I'm on a very tight budget and they cost €80,00 here, for what's essentially a can holder.

Is anyone using a cheapest method to hold the jerry cans on the rack? Anyone simply straps them there?
Thanks

 

[rayra]

I built this ~18mos ago, still rock solid, but I've only used it with full cans 2x in that time. Usually it rides in the back of the Sub with jumper cables and tow straps and as a grocery catcher.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/135929-Jerry-Can-MWC-MFC-stowage-box-build

The cost was paltry.

 

[East Coast Overland]

I just strap mine down with a ratchet strap. No need for an actual holder.

 

[ze_zaskar]

I just strap mine down with a ratchet strap. No need for an actual holder.

Dont they rattle to death?

 

[t-rex grrr]

I just strap mine down with a ratchet strap. No need for an actual holder.

I do the same thing. I have plastic Scepter cans and they don't make a sound when strapped down.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Dont they rattle to death?

.
If the ratchet strap is tight enough they shouldn't. It might be a good idea to put some stout cloth (canvas or cotton duck maybe) in between the straps and the cans just to keep them quiet and also to keep the buckles on the strap from denting or damaging the cans. I would probably also put foam or heavy cloth underneath the can where it sits on the rack (basically anywhere you have metal-to-metal contact.) That will minimize damage and keep sparks from forming.
.
My cans are plastic (RotoPax 3 gallon/12l) and I've been carrying them with the ratchet-strap method for years.

 

[East Coast Overland]

No rattling. Mine are also the plastic Scepter ones (PM me if you want to buy some BTW). You can always place a rubber floor mat or something under them as well if you have any concerns or if you use metal ones.

 

[East Coast Overland]

I do the same thing. I have plastic Scepter cans and they don't make a sound when strapped down.

Cool picture BTW!

 

[East Coast Overland]

 

[t-rex grrr]

Cool picture BTW!

Thanks!

 

[ze_zaskar]

The problem is that mine are steel, you know the old Wehrmacht style

 

[SilicaRich]

I actually run the single can front runner jerry can holder on my rack and have no issues with the product itself. However, I recommend double checking the size of your jerry can. I tried using a NATO 20L can from an army surplus store and it worked...with enough ratchet straps because the can was too fat. Plan on buying Frontrunner's cans in the future so that they fit more snug.