Water VS Fuel...What would you do?

[msapers]

Hypothetical: You and another person are going out into the desert alone in your 80. Where you will be, there is absolutely no fuel or water to be had within 150 miles. You plan to be out there for a week.

Would you rather have a 20 gallon water tank where the spare tire used to be and three Jerry cans full of fuel or a 20 gallon fuel tank where the spare used to be and three Jerry cans full of water?

Why?

I am on the cusp of either a fuel or water tank back there. In addition to that, I will have the capacity for three cans on my swingout. Obviously, I could carry a few cases of water inside the truck also, which would be for drinking. The additional water would be for washing and replenishment of the cooling system should something blow and I lose all the coolant. (Yes, I know to do my proper maintenance before setting out on such a journey but, s*** happens.)

 

[Irish Reiver]

Overhaul the cooling system and go with the 20 gallon gas tank. A filling station will alsways have water. If you run out of gas before you get to a filling station then your goose is cooked anyway...

 

[ewillis]

I don't have an electric fridge in the cruiser because I use a 150qt Igloo cooler packed with ice. That typically nets me 70 qts of emergency water. I vote fuel!

 

[ppc]

If something goes wrong with the motor/driveline extra gas will do you no good. Water in a tank may require a pump. If using electric pump then you might be screwed if the battery dies. I would build a storage compartment with top/inside access in that space for additional water, food and emergency supplies that you could easily remove for use or transfer to another vehicle. What would happen if there was a vehicle fire?

 

[NLXTACY]

Water can be found in unusual places. Fuel cannot.

 

[Kaninja]

In the desert - water. In the Pacific North West - Fuel. It all depends where you will be that determines which one is more important.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I vote fuel tank. Water can be stored easier. Such as inside the vehicle.

 

[I Lean]

I vote fuel tank. Water can be stored easier. Such as inside the vehicle.

...without smelling like fuel while you drive. I too vote fuel tank.

 

[Cruzerman]

Fuel.

 

[MDarius]

Fuel. Gas cans leak, can be a hassle to fill, etc. A spare fuel tank, once it's in, makes all that easier. Haul all the water you can. HOWEVER, making sure the water doesn't freeze outside the vehicle, or allowing for freezing, may be important.

Edit: I just re-read. If I'm driving I would take 2 gallons of water per person per day (drinking, cooking, cleaning) unless I was planning to hike a lot, then more. PLUS the 20 gallons and 3 jerry cans of fuel. I do a lot of driving in the back country when I go. My check engine light came on suddenly this last time and I started getting 10 MPG instantly. That'll eat through 20 gallons of gas real fast. 150 miles in, 150 miles out, 150 miles minimum of driving in the back country. 450 miles/12 MPG (conservative for a well running 80) = 37.5 gallons. That's your tank plus your reserve. 15 more gallons is insurance.

 

[Broski]

fuel

 

[GeoRoss]

I vote fuel tank. Water can be stored easier. Such as inside the vehicle.

I'd do fuel in a tank too. Water in as many smaller containers as you can. I live and work in the desert so see water as critical. I don't want it stored in one place.

 

[GeoRoss]

In the desert - water. In the Pacific North West - Fuel. It all depends where you will be that determines which one is more important.

It also depends on you style of trip. Water is the limiting factor got my family of 5. We can go about 5-6 days on 18 gallons. I'm looking at finding a place for another 10 gallons. We tend to base camp so fuel isn't a problem. That said I do want to install aux fuel tank.

 

[gandrimp]

Fuel tank below. Water freezes and one day you will forget to drain the system.

 

[aae42]

fuel can possibly get you more water, water can't really get you more fuel...

unless you get to the point where you're dying of thirst while driving...