Jerry can - bad idea?

[Dave]

Is it a bad idea to store a jerry can full of fuel in the bed of a pickup with a camper shell on it? I'm looking at the AT can holder and thinking of bolting it to the bed for now, until I can come up with external storage.


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Martinjmpr]

I think you just have to weigh the relative dangers vs. the relative benefits. Some of the dangers include leaking (what will the gas get on?) and the increased possibility of fire in case of an accident. Also, the fumes can make the camper shell uninhabitable - if you sleep in your bed (like I do) then that would be an issue as well.

Another alternative might be to get one of those low-profile plastic gas cans and strap it to a roof rack. You still have to reckon with spill issues but at least it won't be in an inside area.

What is the gas can for? Do you routinely go to places where you need extra gas? Some alternatives might include things like carrying the gas can empty and then filling it up only when you get to a "jumping off" point (the last gas station for 200 miles, something like that) and then using the gas as quickly as possible (fill the tank from the gas can as soon as it gets low enough to take the gas.)

I've never felt the need to carry extra gas, but then I don't travel in places like Baja or South America where gas stations can be few and far between. I think if I did carry gas I'd want to carry the absolutely smallest amount that was neccessary (2 or 3 gallon can) rather than a big 5-gallon jerrican.

 

[Lynn]

One thing that Martin didn't mention is that gas fumes will vent from the can(if they cannot than the can may explode from the pressure as the gas warms up) and the fumes are much more flammable than the liquid gas itself.

The fumes are not just an inconvenience. If they build up inside your camper shell, it could be a very bad thing.

I'd find a way to carry it outside, if I were you.

 

[tdesanto]

Scepter Jerry Cans

My Scepter cans don't leak or vent; they expand when exposed to direct sunlight and heat, but they don't vent.

You might try a couple of those for your situation. Plus, Adventure Trailers makes a solid holder for them that you could mount in the bed.

I personally carry mine on my roof rack, but in a pinch I've had to carry them in the cabin of my vehicle (probably not the safest thing I've ever done) and I never noticed even a hint of fumes.

 

[Dave]

The camper will not be slept in, it's just used for storage. The can is not something I'd carry with me all the time or even be full if I am carrying it, more like what Martin said...fill it at the jumping off point.

Fumes were my main concern, obviously the camper is not 100% air tight but it's not exactly open air either. The windows in the camper can be vented, but I'm not sure if it would be enough, though I do plan on using a high quality holder (specifically the one available from Adventure Trailer) and a high quality can (Scepter, etc.).

 

[adventureduo]

I think your fine with a NATO style can that seals perfectly. As long as you grab the can when you get to your destination and take it out. Like when you arrive at your base camp, take it out. Just have it when it's necessary. Oh yeah and put a no smoking sticker on your rig lol

Like the guys said though.. the fumes will be a bad idea and they do take a long time to escape the rig.

 

[mountainpete]

I carry a jerry can regularily under my canopy. As long as it is tightly sealed and doesn't move around you will be perfectly fine. Just be careful of leaks and what is around the can.

One thing you should consider though is never open the can while on the truck - especially if you have lots of gear back there. Static electricity does build back there and it becomes the biggest concern. Always take the can out before opening it. Be super careful if you carry something like a blanket back there.

Pete

 

[Alex]

I've carried anywhere from 1 to 3 NATO gas cans inside my Cherokee. It doesn't matter if they are full or empty, I NEVER have had even a whiff of gasoline. This has been in 100*+ heat, elevations up to 12,000 feet, for weeks at a time. I feel safer with them inside where they are protected by the Jeep's body, rather than on the rear bumper where they are a target for every inattentive driver on the road. My Super Siphon DOES smell like gas after I use it, that goes on the spare tire for the duration.

 

[p1michaud]

Scepter cans

My Scepter cans don't leak or vent; they expand when exposed to direct sunlight and heat, but they don't vent.

I've used a Scepter can on my roof basket and in the bed of the truck (I have a shell) with no issues. The Scepter does expand, but if the lid is on tight it won't leak or smell. Excellent product and excellent customer service.

I'd recommend the Scepter cans as well.

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[robert]

I carried a squarish Rubbermaid plastic fuel can in the back of my truck whenever I'd go out west or to Baja. I cleaned up the threads to make sure it sealed up well then closed it up. Always leave a bit of headroom on top of the fuel; it would swell in the back of the truck in the heat, but I never had any issues with it. The back of the truck doesn't seal that well and air comes in around the tailgate providing ventilation. At night I'd just pull it out and put it under the truck.

 

[VWVagabonds]

We had jerry cans attached to the rear bumper of our van for three years through Latin America and Africa with no problem.

That said, we would not keep them full of fuel unless we were venturing into areas where petrol is scarce and traffic light.... as in much of Africa.

One thing I believe is that those driving behind us would avoid driving too close for fear of causing an explosive situation.

Here is a photos of the van in Mozambique and Argentina.

 

[flyingwil]

I have the AT MFC holders mounted in my bed... Love them!

I havent had an issue with them except for if you overfill the Scepter's past the fill line.