Jerry cans and heat

[80sailor]

Looking to get a couple of cans for diesel to put up on my Frontrunner rack.

It's currently hot as heck here in Texas and I'm not sure how safe it is to keep the cans on the roof in 100+ deg. heat for extended drive time through the desert to Big Bend. Would love any input on this if possible.

Also, thoughts on type of can? Rotopax? Valpro? Others?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Metcalf]

Have to have the proper free air space in the can to prevent over-expansion.

 

[2.ooohhh]

Have to have the proper free air space in the can to prevent over-expansion.

THIS. Fill them only to the full line and they shouldn't expand beyond reason, also filled to that level they will float should they end up in the drink.

 

[2.ooohhh]

So image above is a pair of my wavian jerry cans, can on left is filled to the brim, can on right is full to spec(the line on the can). This was on my roof rack on a 100+ degree day. Neither leaked a drop of fuel but had the full can been in a tight holder it may have been unremovable without opening or allowing to cool off. Shows they work best when used as intended but can generally withstand the minor abuse of overfilling in error.

 

[mep1811]

I filled my Scepter MFC's, and when I had NATO cans, with only 4.5 gallons to deal with heat expansion. Also, I would only refuel in the cool mornings.

 

[Herbie]

Others have covered the heat issue, but I don't want to let the other part of this slide by - are you SURE you want to put that much weight up high?

10 gallons of diesel is ~71lbs, plus ~10lbs for each jerry can, empty. By the time you get it strapped down, you're close to 100lbs. You didn't say which vehicle, but if it's your Rover, between the fuel and the Front Runner rack, you'd basically use ALL of the factory rated roof payload just for the cans.

I get it, we've all put fuel up there at some point - some trips you just need that extra insurance or whatever. Having done it a couple of times, I know I don't want to keep doing it. Since you're at the stage where you're asking about heat, you might as well consider all the other variables to worry about.

 

[Alloy]

***It doesn't matter how full or empty or if they are in the sun or shade the cans need to be vented regularly.

The less full the cans are the more they need venting.

 

[80sailor]

Others have covered the heat issue, but I don't want to let the other part of this slide by - are you SURE you want to put that much weight up high?

10 gallons of diesel is ~71lbs, plus ~10lbs for each jerry can, empty. By the time you get it strapped down, you're close to 100lbs. You didn't say which vehicle, but if it's your Rover, between the fuel and the Front Runner rack, you'd basically use ALL of the factory rated roof payload just for the cans.

I get it, we've all put fuel up there at some point - some trips you just need that extra insurance or whatever. Having done it a couple of times, I know I don't want to keep doing it. Since you're at the stage where you're asking about heat, you might as well consider all the other variables to worry about.

Weight up high is definitely on the consideration list. Also the fact that getting 30lb+ cans up and down easily is no mean feat. My preference is to keep them in the back of the truck if space permits. I'm just trying to get all of the info I can first.

 

[Correus]

Out of curiosity... what year is your Rover?

 

[80sailor]

Which one, lol.

The Series is a 79 (had a 72 as well but recently sold it) and the Disco is a 2017.

 

[Superduty]

Type of can:

Scepter MFC. I'm yet to see anything better.

If they are good enough for the US (and many other) military then they are good enough for our use. They were used in in the middle east heat and i never heard of them being problematic.

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