Mercedes Mullins
Carrying extra fuel in your vehicle is often necessary when four-wheel driving or embarking on long trips in remote areas. The most common method is to use a jerrycan, which was designed during World War II and remains largely unchanged today. Jerrycans can be made of steel or polyethylene (plastic) and typically hold 20 litres of fuel. However, they can be messy, dangerous, and prone to damage, leading to fuel leaks. As an alternative, drivers can opt for larger capacity poly fuel tanks, which come in various shapes and capacities (40L-58L) and can be fitted into different spots in a vehicle, such as the footwell or cargo area. These tanks provide a safer and more convenient way to carry extra fuel, but all containers should be regularly checked for damage and leaks, especially during long journeys.
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What You'll Learn
Jerry cans vs. metal cans
Jerry cans, which were first used during World War 2, are containers for storing fuel and water. They are usually rectangular with tapered edges and are made from plastic or steel. While plastic jerry cans are lightweight, easy to handle, and portable, they are prone to swelling and splitting at the seams, especially in hot weather. They are also difficult to measure fuel levels from and are not as secure as fuel tanks.
Metal jerry cans, on the other hand, are heavy-duty and dependable, making them ideal for off-road adventures and long-term fuel storage. They can withstand extreme heat without melting and are less likely to leak compared to plastic cans. Metal cans typically hold more fuel than plastic ones; in the UK, a plastic jerry can holds 10L of fuel, while a metal can holds 20L.
Some users prefer metal cans due to their durability and ability to withstand hot and cold cycles without deforming. However, others find them inconvenient as they require careful handling to avoid leaks when they are pressured.
When choosing between jerry cans and metal cans for carrying extra fuel, it is essential to consider factors such as durability, portability, fuel capacity, and ease of use. While metal cans excel in durability and fuel capacity, plastic jerry cans offer convenience and portability for light-duty tasks.
Ultimately, the decision between jerry cans and metal cans depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking a lightweight and portable option for everyday motoring needs, plastic jerry cans are a practical choice. However, for serious adventurers requiring a durable and long-term fuel storage solution, metal cans are the preferred option.
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Roof rack vs. rear rack
When it comes to choosing between a roof rack and a rear rack for carrying extra fuel, several factors come into play, including fuel efficiency, convenience, vehicle type, and safety. Let's delve into these aspects to help guide your decision-making process.
Fuel Efficiency
The presence of a roof rack, even without any load, increases drag and reduces fuel efficiency. Studies have shown that roof racks can increase wind resistance by 10-20%, leading to a notable decrease in fuel economy, especially when driving at higher speeds. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) found that a full rooftop cargo box could reduce fuel economy by up to 25%. In contrast, rear racks, such as hitch racks or rear cargo trays, have a much lesser impact on fuel efficiency. The same EERE study showed that a rear cargo tray only reduced fuel efficiency by 1%. Therefore, if maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, a rear rack is the more favourable option.
Convenience and Vehicle Type
Roof racks offer the convenience of expanding your vehicle's cargo capacity without the need to invest in a larger vehicle. They are a popular choice for transporting bulky items like camping gear, bikes, kayaks, and luggage. However, it's important to consider the design and aerodynamics of your vehicle when deciding between a roof rack and a rear rack. Smaller cars may be more negatively affected by the increased drag of a roof rack, whereas larger SUVs and trucks might handle the additional drag better but may encounter issues with overhead clearance. If your vehicle lacks a receiver hitch, a roof rack might be your only option for additional storage.
Safety
When it comes to carrying extra fuel, safety should be a top priority. While some people opt for roof racks to carry their fuel cans, others express concern over potential gas fumes and the risk of ruptured cans in the event of a collision. A safer alternative suggested by some users is to use a hitch mount carrier or a rear rack to keep the fuel cans away from the passenger compartment. This way, even in a collision, the fuel cans are less likely to rupture and spray fuel inside the vehicle. Additionally, rear racks allow for easier access to the fuel cans, which can be crucial in emergency situations.
In conclusion, while roof racks offer convenience and additional storage space, they come at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Rear racks, on the other hand, provide a more fuel-efficient solution for carrying extra fuel and ensure safer and more accessible fuel storage. Ultimately, the decision between a roof rack and a rear rack depends on your specific needs, vehicle type, and how frequently you require the extra storage.
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Long-range fuel tanks
If you're looking to increase your vehicle's range, there are several options available, including installing long-range fuel tanks. These are also known as auxiliary or replacement tanks and can be a great way to avoid frequent fuel stops.
Auxiliary vs Replacement Tanks
On the other hand, replacement tanks are installed instead of the vehicle's standard fuel tank. These tanks offer a higher capacity, allowing you to significantly increase your driving range. Replacement tanks are typically made from durable materials like aluminised steel or cross-linked polymer, ensuring superior strength and performance.
Advantages of Long-Range Fuel Tanks
Considerations
When opting for long-range fuel tanks, it is essential to consider the initial cost, which can be higher compared to simply carrying extra fuel cans. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure the tanks are damage-free and leak-proof, especially before embarking on long journeys or travelling in remote locations.
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Polyethylene fuel containers
Polyethylene is one of the most common synthetic materials used in the production of plastic storage drums, including the classic blue plastic drum. Polyethylene plastic is safe for storing diesel fuel, but there are limits on how long it can be stored for. Industrial-grade plastic drums are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is specifically designed to hold industrial goods.
Modern polyethylene fuel containers are very strong, but they should be regularly examined for damage on long trips. Polyethylene drums do not rust, which is an advantage over metal drums, which can be prone to rust that can affect the quality of diesel and cause degradation of the fuel in storage. Metal drums can also react with diesel fuel, which can cause degradation if they come into contact with certain metal alloys such as zinc or copper.
When carrying extra fuel, it is important to consider safety. Some people opt for metal cans of good quality, as plastic cans can swell and sometimes split on the seams, especially in hot weather. However, others prefer plastic cans as they do not want gas fumes inside their vehicle. It is recommended to never carry cans in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, as a ruptured can during an accident or rollover can be disastrous.
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Auxiliary vs. replacement tanks
Auxiliary and replacement tanks are both types of long-range fuel tanks that can be installed in vehicles to increase their fuel capacity. They are particularly useful when travelling long distances, in remote areas, or in harsh weather conditions.
Auxiliary Tanks
Auxiliary tanks, also known as "transfer" or "add-in" tanks, are extra fuel tanks that work in tandem with a vehicle's standard fuel tank. They are plumbed directly into the stock factory tank, often with the help of a small 12v pump or through gravity feed. They can be mounted beneath a vehicle or, in the case of trucks, on top of the standard tank in the truck bed. Auxiliary tanks can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminised steel, military-grade polymer, and cross-linked polymer. They come in a range of shapes and sizes and can increase a vehicle's fuel capacity by nearly double.
Replacement Tanks
Replacement tanks, as the name suggests, replace a vehicle's standard fuel tank entirely. Like auxiliary tanks, they can be made from various materials and come in different shapes and sizes. They can also provide up to twice the fuel capacity of the original tank. Replacement tanks may require professional installation, depending on the manufacturer.
Comparison
Both auxiliary and replacement tanks offer similar benefits in terms of increased fuel capacity and the flexibility to fill up when desired. The main differences lie in their installation and price. Auxiliary tanks are typically installed in addition to the original tank, while replacement tanks take the place of the original. Due to this, auxiliary tanks may be more expensive as they require additional parts and labour. However, the exact price difference can vary depending on the specific tanks and vehicles in question.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of extra fuel you carry depends on where you're going and how remote it is. If you're going somewhere semi-remote with stores close by, one can of extra fuel should be enough. If you're going somewhere more remote, like desert camping, you might want to bring two extra cans.
The safest way to carry extra fuel is with an extra tank or auxiliary tank. These are more expensive than other options but are also more durable and leakproof. If you don't want to install an extra tank, you can use Jerry Cans, which typically hold 20 litres of fuel. However, these are more prone to damage and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
You can store extra fuel in the rear footwell of your car, in the cargo area, or in the tub of a ute. If you're using Jerry Cans, you can mount them on an aftermarket bumper or a roof rack. However, it's recommended to avoid storing them in the passenger compartment of the vehicle due to the risk of fuel fumes and rupturing during an accident.
