Scepter Jerry Cans... Where to put em? (1 Viewer)

[Mark W]

Some of our exploration trips will take us 200 miles before we get back to the roads. Some will take us 400. At about 3-4 mpg under some conditions and never over 5 or so in these rigs, that calls for a lot of fuel. Aux tanks are excellent for our uses, but can be hard to fit under a '40. My usual exploration partner has a 22 gallon aux and his OEM tank. I carry 60 on the rear bumper rack and another 10 on the cowling can mounts. We will carry a 55 gallon drum or two in an M416 and drop it off about 70-100 miles in, top off and top off again when we get back to it if we are coming back the way we go.

One nice thing about carrying gas cans is that is it easier to share the fuel with others.


Mark...

 

[atomicshawn]

I think part of the amusement is the exploration and discovery aspect that isn’t always planned. We travel the south and the west desert of Utah, sometimes into Nevada. Some trails are on the map or navi, some aren’t. Inevitably it happens… we are on a known route and pass the less worn trail or a dry wash that wonders off in a different direction and we are compelled to follow. It’s the old Robert Frost cliché I know, but we have found some amazing places that way. More than once we have been on an unknown trail looking at the gauge and trying to decide if we should turn back or keep going with the hope that eventually the tracks will lead us out. We usually choose the latter, and more than once we have rolled into town running on fumes and sweating like pigs because we shut off the a/c hours before to conserve fuel.

From my perspective the extra tank is a very good investment. Mine is a very simple set up, not much to go wrong. It also has a drain and could transfer fuel easily if the aux pump failed. It hasn’t happened yet, and it almost happened last trip, but I am sure the day will come when I have to drop fuel to get a friend out. As for the weight, it doesnt add much when empty. But if you need it, I would rather have extra fuel tucked up under the belly than cans in the back, on the rack, or have to pull a trailer. Though I recognize on epic journeys like those it sounds like Mark does, that would be necessary. And because my aux tank isn’t huge, depending on where we are headed (and who I am going with), I sometimes still carry a can or two.

The aux tank wasn’t cheap, but after checking the prices on some of those can holders it seems like a bargain. I know there are aux tank options available for the 60. How are prices? Quality & reliability? Any clearance issues?

For what we do in our big fat, gas guzzling 80 we MUST carry extra fuel. If we drove a 60 I am sure it would be the same deal. The extra tank has been one of the most useful modifications I have made. And if you are carrying and using cans frequently it is something you might want to consider…

 

[Mark W]

My current plan for this '40 is to build a 30 gallon aux tank under the rig, a 30 gallon tank to fit under both of the front seats and a 42 gallon tank between the fenderwells. The rear racks will not longer be used for fuel under most conditions but will instead be used for light bulky gear and food. A transfer pump with a spare tucked away in a toolbox and a siphon hose and a single five gallon Sceptor on the cowling will have to serve for fueling up others.


Mark...