Gas storage inside vehicle a'la VDEG

[whitenoise]

Hi all,

I've been reading the VDEG extensively, and Tom Sheppard endorses whole-heartedly the idea of storing fuel inside the vehicle on a "jerry can pallet". His is just behind the drivers seat for the best weight distribution as shown below:

This makes sense to me. But what I'd like to know is if anyone else is doing this with gasoline instead of diesel like Tom carries. By my calculations I only need to carry about 12-15 gallons extra. My vehicle (100 series LC) does not allow easy options for carrying extra fuel without relocating the spare tire, which ultimately means swingout bumper and more weight, esp. way behind the rear axle. Since I only need 4 occupant seats, I'm toying with the idea of removing my 40% split rear seat on the passenger's side, making a "load platform" that mounts to the seat bracketry, and mount a couple of rotopax or NATO jerry cans. I'm concerned about having fuel smells inside the vehicle, and of course the obvious one of side impact, although the fuel is just as vulnerable when stored on a bumper. Thoughts?

 

[AFSOC]

I hate the idea of fuel storage inside the vehicle. I appreciate the low and centered COG but at what ultimate cost? Thankfully, for me, there is zero practical application for carrying an additional eight jerry cans of fuel. That way I'm not posed with the problem of how to rack up 160 litres.

 

[whitenoise]

I hate the idea of fuel storage inside the vehicle. I appreciate the low and centered COG but at what ultimate cost? Thankfully, for me, there is zero practical application for carrying an additional eight jerry cans of fuel. That way I'm not posed with the problem of how to rack up 160 litres.

Thanks for the reply. I know there is a much negativity about this idea, but not a whole lot of objectivity. That's what I'm looking for - someone who has actually done this successfully and can comment on the various potential downsides. I don't see much, but then again, I come from a formula car racing background where I basically sit on a 5 gallon fuel cell while going 130mph in close proximity of similarly equipped cars.

 

[Herbie]

Thanks for the reply. I know there is a much negativity about this idea, but not a whole lot of objectivity. That's what I'm looking for - someone who has actually done this successfully and can comment on the various potential downsides. I don't see much, but then again, I come from a formula car racing background where I basically sit on a 5 gallon fuel cell while going 130mph in close proximity of similarly equipped cars.

I drive a formula car too, and there's a HUGE difference between sitting on top of a fuel cell (a self-collapsing bag inside a metal box) in an open-cockpit car vs. putting a bunch of hard fuel canisters inside an enclosed space with humans. Even the smallest amount of fuel spilled, leaked, or otherwise released into the passenger compartment poses both a fire and respiratory risk. You don't even have to have a failure - just splash some gas on the side of the can while transferring to the main tank, and you'll be breathing those fumes in for days.

 

[whitenoise]

I understand the respiratory risk, but most vehicles do have windows that wind down . Since you brought up foam-filled bladders, perhaps using a roto-molded or other off-the-shelf fuel cell is not such a bad idea? The only problem then becomes, how do you fill and empty it.

 

[Dan Grec]

I personally avoid it at all costs.

Fuel containers always leak, and the stuff stinks and gets on everything. Even just the vapors will slowly soak into everything like the fabric in your seats until inside just smells like a gas station.
Sleeping in that environment would be an absolute no-go.

Changing elevation makes them guaranteed to leak, as the shrinking and expansion means air goes in and out.

Driving through the Andes my 20L blue plastic water container would need to be continually "burped" to let air in/out, it would crush itself sometimes, and actually cracked the cap the pressure was so strong.

If I must carry additional fuel, I really want it on the outside.

Also, I usually am not one to care about rules, but I suspect it's illegal in lots of places to carry fuel inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

-Dan

 

[rayra]

The fears, dangers and medical risks are wildly overblown. Most people make no distinction between possibility and probability. Just use good seals, secure the load, keep the window down and cart on.

You'll find most nanny states have banned carrying fuel containers within the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Akin to the regs about no cell phone use at the pump. billions of gallons pumped, ONE incident and the rules and laws flow.

Keep in mind that the VDEG is written for being in the middle or nowhere or in third-world nations where safety regulations and an excess of government are unknown. The regs in most of our nations are much more strict. We also have a huge surplus of lawyers.

/Agent of Chaos & Anarchy, and I color outside the lines, too.

 

[SSF556]

I carry a 2.5 gallon diesel jug with me on long trips inside the Jeep....I also have a propane tank as well....

 

[cruiserpilot]

If you were to use the Military Scepter Fuel Cans http://www.dstactical.com/index.php?cPath=16_54 Buy the proper wrench and funnel.
They have a proven track record of not leaking. I have a very scent-sitive wife ( pun intended ) so I put two cans with diesel in the back of the 60 and
didn't tell her. After 2 weeks, she never mentioned it, never smelled it. Neither did I. They were laying on their side on the floor directly behind the
seats. I don't plan to carry fuel there, but I can carry fuel there.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

If you were to use the Military Scepter Fuel Cans http://www.dstactical.com/index.php?cPath=16_54 Buy the proper wrench and funnel.
They have a proven track record of not leaking. I have a very scent-sitive wife ( pun intended ) so I put two cans with diesel in the back of the 60 and
didn't tell her. After 2 weeks, she never mentioned it, never smelled it. Neither did I. They were laying on their side on the floor directly behind the
seats. I don't plan to carry fuel there, but I can carry fuel there.

I have used them for almost 20 years, trust me they will leak.
Lol @ track record.

I would avoid it at all cost, gas will ruin your interior and vacation if it spills.

 

[comptiger5000]

The only way I'd store gas inside is if it's in a fuel cell that's well sealed from the interior and vented to the outside. Any type of gas cans or jerry cans, no way. Too much risk of ending up with fumes in the cabin.

 

[verdesardog]

Just NO! Even the best, most engineered and designed systems will fail.

 

[Herbie]

Make up your own mind, of course, but I will add one last reminder, since you're comparing to the VDEG: As you're no doubt aware, Diesel and Gasoline are massively different from the volatility and flammability standpoint. A drip of Diesel is neither an immediate ignition risk nor volatile enough to be an issue for gaseous vapors/explosion. Gasoline, on the other hand...

 

[Happy Joe]

I have transported fuel containers inside of vehicles for many years; I am leery of storing sealed cans of gasoline in vehicles since I had a metal Blitz jerry can develop enough pressure to bulge/deform the bottom; to the point where it will no sit on a level surface without rocking (never leaked though).
I have heard that transportation of fuel inside vehicles is illegal in some locations.
Enjoy!

 

[F40]

I've done it in the past with Wavian cans without issue, but I try my best not to as I smoke many cigars while driving...