Off road range of your FZJ 80

[Hayes]

...on the factory gas tank.

I realize that this question is somewhat redundant to the "gas mileage" posts, but I'm looking for some quick numbers on how far folks can go on a tank of gas.

Specifically: How far on your average "expedition" type trip?
Primarily dirt roads and mild 4x4 driving (mostly hi-range wheeling with a little low range crawling).
In other words: NOT a heavy-duty rock crawling

Assume your rig is fully loaded for a multi-night camping trip, with your s.o. and a couple kids/dogs.

I'm hoping I can get 200 miles under these conditions.

Anyone?

Hayes

 

[sc40]

200 would be pushing it imho, i would deffently bring 10gal. extra just to be safe

 

[John E Davies]

I agree that 200 miles would be optimistic. It's not that your truck might not get there, but you just can't count on it 100%. You have to plan for the unexpected, and that includes additional fuel.

I spent 10 days exploring the wilds of SW Montana last summer, and I would have started sweating bullets everytime my gage got near half, simply because of the vast distances between gas stations. But it didn't worry me a bit, because I had 10 gallons riding in my trailer. If you are fairly close to a pump, you shouldn't have to worry as much, but a spare 5 gallons will always provide peace of mind. That is worth a lot IMHO. There is plenty of other stuff to worry about.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[Hayes]

200 would be pushing it imho, i would deffently bring 10gal. extra just to be safe

Trying to get a (rough) idea of what my range might be so I can decide if 5 gal would be a big enough safety margin.

Basically, the trip I'm planing for will cover about 220 miles (with no access to gas pumps) of roads and trails fitting the description in my first post. I figure I definitely need to carry extra gas, but I'm wondering if 5 gallons will be enough.

Hayes

 

[NorCalDoug]

I'm headed to Death Valley fairly soon. I'll try to remember about this thread when I get back...if you don't hear from me, send help...once I'm rescued, I'll send a PM to me to remind me of this post and I'll post the results.

 

[cruiserdan]

It will depend completely on how hard you are working the vehicle. My personal best worst mileage was 5.7 MPG for a very technical run with a lot of idling and all low-range work. 7-8 mpg is common for low range travel. maybe around 10 in high range if you are lucky.

 

[e9999]

there was a thread way back when when I asked something like that about rough trails. I remember the answer being something like "a tank a day" or thereabouts... (the harder, the slower, the longer...)

 

[Hayes]

It will depend completely on how hard you are working the vehicle. My personal best worst mileage was 5.7 MPG for a very technical run with a lot of idling and all low-range work. 7-8 mpg is common for low range travel. maybe around 10 in high range if you are lucky.

5.7 mpg.
You might be personally responsible for declining oil reserves.

I was hoping for a dependable 10 mpg, but it looks like that might be a bit optimistic. Looks like I'll have to commit to hauling more gas than I thought.
Anyone recommend a gas can that I can strap to the top of my 80? (I know, topic for Outfitting)

Hayes

 

[rgsiii]

When I was in Colorado this past summer, my numbers were pretty close to Dan's. I get about 14 mpg on regular highways.

 

[Hayes]

OK, here's a follow up question:

Would it be reasonable to carry 5 gallons of gasonline on the factory roof rack--meaning on the plastic runners, actually on the roof, between the rack rails?

I'm thinking a couple of these would be OK on top:

Hayes

 

[ace10]

OK, here's a follow up question:

Would it be reasonable to carry 5 gallons of gasonline on the factory roof rack--meaning on the plastic runners, actually on the roof, between the rack rails?

I'm thinking a couple of these would be OK on top:

Hayes

take a look at this thread to give you an idea of what lies beneath the factory rack.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=83263

i'm pretty darn afraid of blwoing myself up so i'd probably use something like this if i were going to be bouncing the crap out of a tank of gas in a can that wasn't really, really secured to my rig.

http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=97979&UID=200603130902527035916651

$0.02

 

[IdahoDoug]

I know the metal cans are all the rage, and someone here posted some of the new style plastic military containers the US military switched to. But they're so dang expensive.

I got a pair of $7 run of the mill plastic ones you can get at any big box store. They're multi handled and have good quality caps and such for light use. I would not be worried about them properly strapped to the roof. They're strong enough to handle heat expansion and the handles permit effective strapping in place. You can get hooks designed to engage the 80s drip rails for solid strap attachments. Personally, I'd be comfortable with a couple of these laying on the factory rails if a slab of rubber were laid down first to discourage movement and the straps were run to the roof rails.

My lowest MPG on a trail was 8mpg strictly in low range and my lowest on the road was 9.8 towing a 6000lb boat with bikes on the roof of the truck.

DougM

 

[reffug]

AUX tank = peace of mind.

 

[Hayes]

AUX tank = peace of mind.

Yes.

AUX tank = $$$$
+
spare tire relocated to bumper to make room for said tank = $$$$

Total = I'll have to buy Doug's cheapo plastic cans and strap them to the roof.

As soon as a readily available and affordable auxillary tank option is found, I'll be all over it. An 80 really has $hitty range when you get right down to it.

Hayes

 

[Rich]

The biggest concern with plastic gas cans on the roof would be the likelyhood of fuel leakage after a rollover.

 

[Hayes]

The biggest concern with plastic gas cans on the roof would be the likelyhood of fuel leakage after a rollover.

I hope you're joking?

Hayes

 

[cruiserdan]

No joke. There is a slight chance that a 6000 lb 80 will squash a plastic gas can when it rolls over on it.

 

[IdahoDoug]

The only safe place for gasoline is in the factory tank or a professionally installed factory secondary tank, in truth. These locations have been tested for collision performance as have all the fuel system components.

Having said that, I'd still use my plastic cans on the roof. Having said THAT, I suspect that a metal can would also get squashed but also provide the danger of generating sparks while in contact with rocks or pavement. Many cars these days have plastic fuel tanks from the factory and they are safer in crashes than metal ones.


DougM

 

[Mickldo]

About 800-900km.....oh thats right you asked about FZJ not HZJ
At work today we got a new HDJ79 cruiser to fit out for the electricity board and it was delivered with 3 fuel tanks, yes you read right 3. The original main tank, the OEM sub tank and a 90L Long Ranger aftermarket fuel tank. With that amount of fuel onboard and the turbo diesel economy I reckon they should get at least 1400-1500km range. I don't know what they need that sort of range for but it would be a good base for a long distance outback tourer when it comes up for auction.

 

[dmc]

Hayes,

I'm pretty sure I know the trip and terrain you're talking about. 200miles is a piece of cake. I'd never hesitate to go that far if I knew I could get all the way through. The concern, depending on which route you take, is that you may not be able to get all the way through. That after 180 miles you come to a wash out or downed tree (both have happend to me near Escalante) that will force your trip to be 360 miles instead of 200. You can go from Green River through the Maze and back to Hanksville no problem. If you have to you can always hit up Hite for some $$$$ fuel. Check with the NPS before your trip and they'll let you know about any road closures.
dmc