Fuel Storage (Jerry Cans/Rotos etc) For Dummies

[Nori470]

I have a road trip planned and am looking for the best way to get some extra fuel out to where I am heading, but am needing a bit of advice. Please go easy on me

The plan is to fill up in the "cheap" part of the commute so I dont have to pay 2-3x more when I am at my destination.

I currently have stock adjustable roof rack/stock rear bumper and am looking for the cheapest/most effective way to get 5-10 extra liters transported safely. There is a good chance I will be in full exposed sun with high temps between 85-95 for a couple days before needing to use the fuel cache.

Would I be best off with a traditional plastic jug wedged between my two rack bars? Or would something like used USMC Jerry cans I see on FB market place be better? What option would be easiest to transport and lock in place, and is it safe to have the jugs exposed in the sun for a couple days?

Thank you!

 

[Nori470]

weekend bump

 

[Berkut10r]

Can your roof rack accommodate mounting them this way?

 

[Nori470]

Can your roof rack accommodate mounting them this way?

unfortunately just the factory rack (two adjustable cross bars) so would need to rig something to mount them like that

 

[Trunk Monkey]

For the amount you're going to spend on a jerry can or Rotopax type solution plus the mounts I'd just pay the higher fuel costs. That said, I would look at something solid like a Rotopax mount that clamps around the factory bar. I would not try a mower fuel can with straps.

 

[Mike NXP]

Would I be best off with a traditional plastic jug wedged between my two rack bars? Or would something like used USMC Jerry cans I see on FB market place be better? What option would be easiest to transport and lock in place, and is it safe to have the jugs exposed in the sun for a couple days?

Thank you!

Before I built out my truck I did this plenty of times. I put the can right on the roof and brought the cross bars in close together and then secured it down..

Best advice I can give when it comes to fuel storage is to not cheap out, you will regret buying like a harbor freight cheapy can. Old school Jerry cans are nice and pretty leak free but I would just invest in something new to get a good clean start...you could get a decent Jerry and store in the vehicle in the way back depending on how much cargo you are bringing.

Another tip is to make sure the sprout on whatever you bring can actually make it into your fuel filler, otherwise, bring a funnel too

You can have the cans expose in the sun, its OK especially if you buy a quality can but usually at some point throughout the day I go to my can and loosen the top so it can vent out .

>> Do you have a trailer hitch?

 

[Nori470]

Before I built out my truck I did this plenty of times. I put the can right on the roof and brought the cross bars in close together and then secured it down..

Best advice I can give when it comes to fuel storage is to not cheap out, you will regret buying like a harbor freight cheapy can. Old school Jerry cans are nice and pretty leak free but I would just invest in something new to get a good clean start...you could get a decent Jerry and store in the vehicle in the way back depending on how much cargo you are bringing.

Another tip is to make sure the sprout on whatever you bring can actually make it into your fuel filler, otherwise, bring a funnel too

You can have the cans expose in the sun, its OK especially if you buy a quality can but usually at some point throughout the day I go to my can and loosen the top so it can vent out .

>> Do you have a trailer hitch?

Thanks for the insight!

I've been looking at Eagle, JustRite, and Wavian. I know all three are reputable, am thinking the former two would be easier to "rig" up with the factory rack. Did find a Wavian with mount locally on marketplace, though looks like the mount is designed for a rear carry rack.

And I thought all LC/LX had the factory hitch, but just realized mine does not

 

[Mike NXP]

Thanks for the insight!

I've been looking at Eagle, JustRite, and Wavian. I know all three are reputable, am thinking the former two would be easier to "rig" up with the factory rack. Did find a Wavian with mount locally on marketplace, though looks like the mount is designed for a rear carry rack.

And I thought all LC/LX had the factory hitch, but just realized mine does not

Yeah I have Wavian cans and I am lucky enough to have swing out storage on my bumper. In my opinion a Jerry can on the roof isn't as good as a plastic can because with the Jerry you will most likely lay it flat and I'm sure thats just fine but my paranoia would have me checking for leaks constantly . When I first started carrying fuel I just used a cheapy 5 gallon plastic can from like Ace hardware or something and ratchet straps to secure it all down

Other solutions you can consider
- Boating fuel tanks can be purchased in various sizes and may work good on the roof since they are not tall. Another option here
- Can get a setup like this with a milk crate and two cans . The crate will give you something more secure to tie down to since the can wedged between the two cross bars can still move around a little bit / doesn't have a great way to secure it

I also see your initial post was mentioning the need to just bring an extra 5-10 liters to save a few bucks on more expensive fill ups..... You could consider just storing something inside the vehicle or honestly, maybe not even bringing it at all. May not be worth it when you start in on the pros and cons of carrying the extra fuel