Sylvie Willis
Carrying extra fuel in your car is a necessity when travelling in remote areas with few service stations. However, it is important to be aware of the safety, practical, and legal concerns surrounding the transportation of fuel. The type of fuel, the container used, and the placement of the container in your vehicle are all factors that can impact the safety and legality of carrying fuel in your car. The rules and regulations surrounding fuel transportation vary depending on your location, so it is essential to inform yourself of the specific requirements in your area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel container | Jerry can, Poly fuel tanks, Metal or plastic jerry cans, LPG gas |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel, Gas |
| Container capacity | 20L, 40L-58L, 250L, 50L |
| Container weight | 20kg, 23kg |
| Container placement | Back of the vehicle, Roof rack, Inside the vehicle, Rear of the vehicle, Cargo area |
| Safety considerations | Fuel vapours, Fuel leaks, Fuel fumes, Fuel expansion, Centre of gravity, Collision impact, Static electricity, Heat sources |
| Legal considerations | Road Traffic Act, Dangerous Goods Legislation, Northern Territory Dangerous Goods Regulation 217, AS1940, AS2906, Insurance policies |
| Country/Region-specific regulations | Australia, Canada, Tasmania, Northern Territory |
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What You'll Learn
- Jerry cans are the most common way to carry extra fuel
- It is unsafe to store jerry cans inside a vehicle
- The amount of fuel and how it's carried may be restricted by your insurer
- The type of fuel you carry may be restricted by your location
- There are alternative ways to increase fuel capacity without using jerry cans
Jerry cans are the most common way to carry extra fuel
Jerry cans typically have a rounded rectangular cross-section with package handles. Most have three handles: a center handle for one person carrying a lightweight can, two handles for a person lifting a full can, or two handles for two people to carry. The configuration of the handles allows for two empty jerry cans to be carried in one hand.
When carrying extra fuel in a jerry can, it is important to store it securely, preferably at the rear of the vehicle or on a roof rack. If stored inside the vehicle, fuel fumes can affect the occupants, and there is a risk of ignition. Petrol fumes are heavier than air and can remain trapped in the vehicle, potentially leading to a fire if there is an ignition source. Jerry cans should also not be filled to the brim, as gasoline can expand, and it is important to eliminate any chance of static electricity igniting fuel vapours.
There are alternative ways to carry extra fuel, such as installing a long-range fuel tank or using larger capacity poly fuel tanks that can be placed in various spots in the vehicle, such as the rear footwell or the cargo area. However, jerry cans remain the most popular choice due to their convenience, portability, and ease of use.
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It is unsafe to store jerry cans inside a vehicle
Secondly, the vapours released from fuel can be dangerous. Plastic jerry cans are intended for the short-term transportation of flammable liquids, not for long-term storage in confined spaces. As the temperature rises, gasoline expands, and to equalize the pressure, the container releases vapours. While these vapours can be safely released from a car's gas tank, they can escape from a jerry can stored inside a vehicle, leading to a build-up of flammable vapours.
Additionally, the weight of the jerry cans and the fuel can affect the vehicle's handling and stability. A full jerry can can weigh around 20 kg, and placing multiple cans inside a vehicle adds significant weight, impacting the vehicle's centre of gravity and making it more challenging to control.
Furthermore, in the event of a collision, having jerry cans inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury. The impact can cause the cans to rupture, spill fuel, or become dangerous projectiles.
Lastly, it is essential to comply with local regulations and safety standards when transporting fuel. In some places, it is prohibited to carry dangerous goods, including fuel, inside a vehicle. Always check and follow the specific guidelines in your region to ensure safe and legal fuel transportation.
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The amount of fuel and how it's carried may be restricted by your insurer
While it is legal to carry extra fuel in your car, there are safety concerns and potential issues with your insurer that you should be aware of. The amount of fuel you can carry and how it's carried may be restricted by your insurer.
Firstly, it is important to note that carrying extra fuel in your car can be dangerous. Fuel containers should not be stored in the vehicle's cabin, as fuel fumes can affect vehicle occupants and potentially cause a fire. Instead, they should be stored somewhere well-ventilated and away from potential ignition sources, such as electrical items. Ideally, fuel containers should be transported in dedicated holders at the rear of the vehicle or on a roof rack. However, placing them on the roof rack can affect the handling of the vehicle due to the raised centre of gravity, and there is a risk of the container falling off at high speeds.
In addition to safety concerns, there are also potential issues with your insurer to consider. Using the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle can cause serious damage and may not be covered by your insurance policy. For example, putting diesel in a gasoline car can clog fuel filters and injectors, and using high-ethanol fuel in a standard gasoline car can result in fuel system corrosion. While some insurers may cover the cost of draining and cleaning the fuel tank, others may also pay for repairs. Therefore, it is important to carefully review your insurance policy and understand what is covered in the event of misfuelling.
Furthermore, your insurer may have specific requirements or restrictions on how extra fuel is carried in your vehicle. For example, they may require that fuel containers are stored in a secure and well-ventilated area, away from potential ignition sources. Failure to comply with these requirements could potentially void your insurance policy. As such, it is important to carefully review your insurance policy and understand any restrictions or requirements regarding the carriage of extra fuel.
Overall, while it is legal to carry extra fuel in your car, there are safety concerns and potential insurance issues that you should be aware of. By taking the necessary precautions and understanding your insurance policy, you can help ensure that you are compliant and protected in the event of any issues.
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The type of fuel you carry may be restricted by your location
The type of fuel you carry and the container you use may be restricted by your location. For example, in Australia, the Northern Territory Dangerous Goods legislation specifies that not more than 250 litres of petrol can be carried. The legislation also covers which containers can be used to transport flammable liquids such as petrol and combustible liquids such as diesel. In Canada, you're allowed to carry up to 150 kg of gasoline, provided each container weighs 30 kg or less.
In addition to legal restrictions, there may be practical limitations to the type of fuel you carry. For instance, the standard fuel tank in most modern 4x4s averages around 85 litres, which may be too small for remote area touring. Therefore, you may need to carry extra fuel with you. Jerry cans are a popular option for carrying extra fuel, but they can be heavy and affect your vehicle's handling. If you're not comfortable carrying 20L jerry cans, you could consider larger capacity poly fuel tanks that fit into various spots in your vehicle, such as the rear footwell or the cargo area.
It's important to note that carrying fuel, especially in jerry cans, can be dangerous due to the risk of fuel leaks and fumes. Petrol fumes are heavier than air and can remain trapped in a vehicle, potentially leading to a fire if there is an ignition source. LPG gas should never be carried inside a vehicle unless it is properly ventilated. When carrying jerry cans, it's recommended to store them outside your vehicle, such as on a roof rack or at the rear of the vehicle. However, loading and unloading heavy jerry cans from the roof of your vehicle can be tricky, and there is a risk of the cans flying off at high speeds.
Before carrying extra fuel in your car, it's essential to check the regulations and recommendations for your specific location and vehicle type. This includes consulting with your insurer, as carrying fuel may impact your coverage in the event of an accident.
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There are alternative ways to increase fuel capacity without using jerry cans
Carrying extra fuel in your car is essential when travelling in remote areas with few service stations. While jerry cans are a popular solution, they come with drawbacks such as fuel transfer issues, manual handling, and the potential for fuel leaks. Here are some alternative ways to increase your fuel capacity without relying on jerry cans:
Upgrade to a Larger Fuel Tank
Some car brands offer models with larger fuel tanks as an option. For example, Toyota offers vehicles with a main and sub-tank combination that provides up to 120 litres of fuel capacity. Investing in a car with a larger fuel tank can significantly extend your range and reduce the need for refuelling.
Install a Long-Range Fuel Tank
If upgrading to a new car is not feasible, you can opt for a long-range fuel tank. These tanks are available in various materials, such as steel and polyethylene (plastic), and can be fitted as auxiliary tanks or replacement tanks. Long-range tanks offer increased fuel capacity and are designed to fit securely in your vehicle. They eliminate the need for manual handling and reduce the risk of fuel leaks associated with jerry cans.
Choose Poly Fuel Tanks
Poly fuel tanks, made from polyethylene, offer a middle ground between jerry cans and dedicated long-range fuel tanks. These tanks come in various shapes and capacities, typically ranging from 40L to 58L. They are designed to fit into specific spots within your vehicle, such as the rear footwell or the cargo area. Poly fuel tanks can be equipped with fuel lines and taps for safe and mess-free fuel transfer, providing a more convenient and cleaner alternative to jerry cans.
Maintain Your Vehicle's Standard Tank
If you're satisfied with your current fuel tank's capacity and don't require extensive upgrades, focus on proper maintenance and refuelling practices. Always fill up early, especially before long road trips, to avoid running out of gas. Regularly check your fuel tank for leaks and damage, especially when travelling in remote areas. Ensure that the tank's lid is secure, and remember to leave some room in the tank, as gasoline expands with temperature changes.
By considering these alternatives, you can increase your fuel capacity without relying on jerry cans, improving your vehicle's range and overall safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it is important to take safety precautions. Metal or plastic jerry cans are the typical solution for carrying extra fuel, but they must comply with the appropriate Australian Standard. Jerry cans should not be stored inside the vehicle, where fuel vapour can cause nausea, drowsiness, and headaches and are potentially poisonous. Instead, they should be stored at the rear of the vehicle or on a roof rack.
The Road Traffic Act states that it is up to each individual driver to assess their own risk and duty of care provisions when deciding whether to fit a range tank or carry fuel in jerry cans. The Dangerous Goods legislation specifies that not more than 250 litres of petrol can be carried. Each container must weigh 30 kg or less, and the total amount of fuel carried cannot exceed 250L in jerry cans and 50L of LPG or two 9kg gas cylinders.
If you are not keen on carrying 20L jerry cans, there are larger capacity poly fuel tanks available that can fit into various spots in a vehicle, such as the rear footwell or the cargo area. Another option is to invest in a long-range fuel tank or add an auxiliary tank.
It is important to regularly check fuel tanks for damage and leaks, especially when travelling in remote areas. Fuel containers should never be left in the sun or near a flame or any other source of ignition, and there should be no smoking in the vicinity. When filling up a container, take it out of your vehicle. Containers should not be filled to the brim, as gasoline can expand.
