Sylvie Willis
When travelling in remote areas with your 4x4, it is important to carry extra fuel as fuel stops can be few and far between. The fuel tank in most modern 4x4s averages around 85 litres, which may be inadequate for remote area touring as fuel use increases when driving off-road. To avoid running out of fuel, which can cause serious damage to your engine and compromise your safety, it is recommended to carry additional fuel in jerry cans, long-range fuel tanks, or portable rigid polyethylene tanks. The amount of extra fuel needed depends on the distance between refills and the fuel economy of your vehicle. It is essential to consider the weight of the extra fuel, which can affect your vehicle's handling and safety, and to store the fuel safely away from potential ignition sources.
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What You'll Learn
Jerry cans are a cheap, portable option, but messy and prone to damage
Jerry cans are a cheap, portable option for carrying extra fuel in your 4x4. They were first designed in Germany in the 1930s for military use and have been widely used ever since. They are typically made from pressed steel or high-density polyethylene and hold 20 litres of fuel or water.
However, jerry cans have some drawbacks. They are prone to leaks and spills, which can lead to costly shutdowns and compliance issues. The design of the cans means they don't hold up well in harsh conditions, and they may not meet the demands of today's working environments. Additionally, jerry cans can be messy and prone to damage. It is important to regularly inspect them for wear, damage, or degradation, and replace any cans that show cracks, rust, or other signs of damage. The weight of a full jerry can (around 25kg) can also affect your vehicle's handling and dynamic roof load.
To ensure the safe use of jerry cans, it is important to follow key guidelines. Use jerry cans that meet safety standards and are approved by regulatory bodies, such as those certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the United Nations. Choose cans made of appropriate materials for the intended use—metal cans are often chosen for their durability, while high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic cans are popular for their resistance to corrosion and lighter weight. Always use jerry cans strictly according to their intended purpose, such as using fuel cans only for storing and transporting fuel, and water cans only for potable water.
In summary, while jerry cans are a cheap and portable option for carrying extra fuel in your 4x4, they may not be the best choice due to their messiness, proneness to damage, and potential for leaks and spills. It is important to regularly inspect and properly maintain jerry cans to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
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Long-range fuel tanks are a safer, permanent modification
Carrying extra fuel is essential when travelling through the outback or other remote areas, as fuel stops can be few and far between. While there are several ways to carry extra fuel in your 4x4, long-range fuel tanks offer a safer, more permanent solution.
Long-range fuel tanks are a permanent modification to your vehicle that drastically improves its range. Unlike portable options, such as jerry cans or fuel bladders, long-range tanks are securely installed and tailored to your vehicle's specifications. This ensures a seamless connection to the vehicle's original fill point, allowing for fast and easy fuel delivery.
One example of a leading long-range fuel tank is the ARB Frontier Tank, which is made from durable cross-linked polymer. This material provides exceptional strength and rigidity while significantly reducing weight compared to steel long-range tanks. The UV-stable plastic ensures the tank's longevity even in hostile environments. Additionally, the tank's design includes a one-way valve to prevent fuel leakage in the event of a vehicle rollover, further enhancing its safety features.
Another advantage of long-range fuel tanks is their capacity. While jerry cans typically hold 20 litres of fuel, long-range tanks can provide a substantial increase in fuel volume. This means you can travel farther without worrying about refuelling, which is especially important when traversing remote areas with limited access to fuel stops.
Furthermore, long-range fuel tanks can help maintain the payload capacity of your vehicle. Fuel is heavy, and carrying extra fuel in jerry cans can quickly add weight to your vehicle, affecting its handling and performance. By integrating a long-range tank, you can distribute the weight more efficiently and maintain the dynamic capabilities of your 4x4.
In conclusion, long-range fuel tanks offer a safer and more permanent solution for carrying extra fuel in your 4x4. They provide increased fuel capacity, enhanced safety features, and improved weight distribution, making them a reliable choice for off-road and remote area adventures.
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Polyethylene tanks are strong, but check for leaks
When travelling through the outback, fuel stops may be few and far between. The fuel tank in most modern 4x4s averages around 85 litres, which may be too small for remote area touring. Therefore, it is recommended to carry extra fuel.
One way to carry extra fuel is through portable rigid polyethylene tanks. These tanks are strong and resistant to leaks, but it is still important to check them regularly for cracks and leaks. Poly tanks are prone to deterioration over time, which may lead to cracks. They are also susceptible to UV damage, so it is important to check the areas that get the most sunlight exposure. One way to do this is by using a water-soluble marker to check for crazing issues and cracks.
Poly tanks should also be installed and maintained correctly to prevent leaks. For example, consistently overfilling a poly tank can make the material prone to cracks from contraction. Direct exposure to the sun can also negatively impact the tank. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the services of a professional or certified plumber when installing a poly tank.
In addition to poly tanks, there are several other ways to carry extra fuel for your 4x4, such as jerry cans, long-range tanks, and fuel bladders. Jerry cans are a cheap and portable option, but they can affect the vehicle's handling if hung off the back or placed on the roof. Long-range tanks are a permanent modification that improves the range, but they can add extra weight to the vehicle, affecting its safety. Fuel bladders are becoming more common, but it is important to check the legalities of using them.
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Know your vehicle's fuel economy and range required
Knowing your vehicle's fuel economy and range required is essential for planning any trip, especially when off-roading or travelling through remote areas with sparse fuel stations.
The fuel economy of a vehicle refers to how far it can travel on a certain amount of fuel. This is typically measured in miles per gallon (mpg) for gas-powered cars, with higher mpg values indicating better fuel efficiency. To determine your vehicle's fuel economy, you can use the formula: miles travelled/gallons of fuel used. Additionally, you can refer to the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) mpg figures, which provide general guidance and allow for comparisons between vehicles. It's worth noting that fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions, such as city or highway driving, and other factors like vehicle maintenance and driving speed.
To calculate the range required for your trip, divide the number of litres of fuel on board by your expected fuel economy. For example, if your vehicle has a fuel economy of 30 mpg and you have 60 litres of fuel, your estimated range is 30 miles x 60 litres = 1800 miles. However, it is recommended to leave at least 20% of your fuel capacity as a reserve for emergencies.
When planning a trip in your 4x4, it is crucial to consider the distance between fuel fills and the availability of fuel stations along your route. The fuel tank capacity of modern 4x4s typically averages around 85 litres, but this may not be sufficient for remote area touring, especially if your speed is low or you are driving in low-range conditions, which can increase fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to carry extra fuel, either in jerry cans or by investing in a long-range fuel tank or auxiliary tank.
When deciding how much extra fuel to carry, consider the weight restrictions of your vehicle. Fuel is heavy, approximately 1kg per litre, and adding extra fuel can reduce your payload capacity. Carrying excessive weight on your roof racks or behind the rear axle can impact your vehicle's handling and safety. It is essential to distribute the weight evenly and ensure it does not exceed the dynamic roof load. Additionally, be mindful of the legal restrictions on the amount of fuel you can carry, which is typically up to 250 litres.
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The weight of extra fuel impacts payload and handling
Carrying extra fuel is essential when travelling through the outback or off-road, as fuel stops can be few and far between. However, the weight of the extra fuel impacts both the payload and handling of your 4x4.
Fuel is heavy, weighing almost 1kg per litre, and this weight affects your vehicle's payload capacity, which is the weight the vehicle can carry after excluding the curb weight. Carrying extra fuel means you have less payload capacity for other cargo. For example, an additional 150 litres of fuel is an extra 150kg of payload, which can quickly add up and overload your 4x4. Overloading your vehicle can lead to insurance issues, increased chances of breaking something, and safety hazards.
The weight of the extra fuel can also impact the handling of your 4x4. When a vehicle carries too much weight, it becomes harder to steer, and the vehicle may experience reduced stability, increased body roll, and difficulties in steering, especially during turns and in poor weather conditions. The extra weight can also put more stress on the chassis and impact the suspension system, which distributes weight evenly across the vehicle, influencing stability and handling.
To optimise your payload capacity and minimise the impact on handling, consider the weight of the extra fuel and try to balance the weight distribution in your vehicle. Jerry cans are a great option for carrying extra fuel as they are portable and can be easily moved around the vehicle or trailer to balance the weight. You can also consider upgrading your vehicle with heavy-duty models that can handle extra weight, such as reinforced chassis, stronger axles, and heavy-duty tires.
Additionally, it is important to know how much fuel your 4x4 uses under normal driving conditions and when fully loaded for remote area touring. This will help you determine how much extra fuel you need and ensure you don't carry more fuel than necessary, optimising your payload capacity and handling.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of extra fuel you should carry depends on the distance between refills and your vehicle's payload. A full 20L jerry can of fuel weighs around 25kg, so you need to consider how many jerry cans you can carry and where to place them without compromising safety and vehicle handling. You are legally allowed to carry up to 250L.
There are several ways to carry extra fuel in your 4x4. The most common methods are using jerry cans, long-range fuel tanks, factory fuel tanks, and fuel bladders. Jerry cans are cheap, portable, and easily available in steel or polyethylene (plastic). Long-range fuel tanks are a more convenient and safer option, offering permanent modifications to increase fuel capacity. Factory fuel tanks are standard in some 4x4s, and fuel bladders are an emerging option for utilising odd-shaped areas in the vehicle.
It is recommended to place jerry cans at the rear of the vehicle or on a roof rack, ensuring they are away from potential ignition sources. Never store fuel cans inside the vehicle cabin, as fuel fumes can be dangerous to occupants.
Always inspect your jerry cans regularly for any leaks or damage, especially before, during, and after a trip. When filling up, remove the cans from the vehicle and place them on the ground. Ensure that fuel cans are securely fastened and do not exceed your vehicle's payload limit to avoid safety and insurance risks.
