Regan Brown
When going on long trips or driving in remote areas, carrying extra fuel in your car can be a good idea to ensure you don't run out of gas. However, it is important to know the safe and proper ways to store it, as fuel is highly flammable and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. There are several options for carrying extra fuel, including jerrycans and long-range fuel tanks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial to follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of accidents.
How to carry extra fuel in a car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jerrycans | Used to carry extra fuel, they are manufactured from steel or polyethylene (plastic) and have a capacity of 20L. They should be stored outside the vehicle cabin to prevent fuel fumes from affecting the occupants. |
| Poly fuel tanks | Larger capacity tanks (40L-58L) made of polypropylene designed to fit into various spots in a vehicle, such as the footwell or cargo area. They can be equipped with fuel lines and taps for safe fuel transfer. |
| Long-range fuel tanks | Auxiliary or replacement tanks that increase the vehicle's fuel capacity. Traditionally made of steel but also available in modern materials. |
| Gas cans | Approved containers designed to store gasoline safely. They have a "safety line" indicating the maximum amount of fuel that should be stored, leaving room for expansion. |
| Storage location | Extra fuel should not be stored in the passenger compartment of the vehicle due to the risk of fuel fumes and spills. Recommended storage locations include the exterior of the vehicle, such as a roof basket or jerry can mount. |
| Precautions | Regularly check fuel tanks for damage and leaks, especially when traveling in remote areas. Avoid storing fuel in containers not approved by Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual Approvals. |
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What You'll Learn
- Jerrycans: A good temporary solution, but avoid storing in the vehicle's cabin
- Poly fuel tanks: Larger capacity tanks that can be fitted in various spots in a vehicle
- Long-range fuel tanks: A safer method, but more expensive and requires professional installation
- Gas can storage: Leave some space in the can to accommodate expansion
- Safety: Never store fuel in a container not approved by Underwriters Laboratories
Jerrycans: A good temporary solution, but avoid storing in the vehicle's cabin
Jerrycans are a good temporary solution for carrying extra fuel in your car. They were designed by the Germans during World War II and have remained largely unchanged since, with modern jerrycans being made from steel or polyethylene (plastic). They are typically available in 20L capacities.
However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when using jerrycans. Firstly, they should not be stored in the vehicle's cabin due to the risk of fuel fumes affecting the occupants. Instead, they should be stored outside the vehicle, away from potential ignition sources such as electrical items. If you are carrying petrol, it is especially important to keep the jerrycans away from any sources of ignition.
Another downside of jerrycans is the fuel transfer process, which can be messy and dangerous, potentially leading to fuel contamination. Jerrycans need to be manually handled, making them susceptible to damage from drops and knocks, which could result in fuel leakage. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly examine them for damage during long trips.
To safely store extra fuel in a jerrycan, it is recommended to leave some extra space in the can to accommodate the expansion of vapours. It is also important to ensure that the container is approved by organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual Approvals, as they are made of materials that can safely handle fuel contact.
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Poly fuel tanks: Larger capacity tanks that can be fitted in various spots in a vehicle
Poly fuel tanks are a convenient and safe method for carrying extra fuel in your car. These tanks are made of polyethylene, which offers superior strength and durability compared to metal tanks. Poly tanks are also lighter, corrosion-resistant, and have no welds or seams that could fail or break, resulting in a longer lifespan.
Poly fuel tanks come in various shapes and capacities and can be fitted into different spots in a vehicle. For example, Boab manufactures poly diesel and petrol tanks ranging from 40L to 58L. They have a footwell tank that fits in the rear footwell, a vertical tank with wheel-arch cutouts designed for the tub of utes, and vertical or flat-mount tanks for the cargo area of wagons. These tanks can also be fitted with fuel lines and taps for safe and mess-free fuel transfer.
When choosing a poly fuel tank, it is important to consider the make and model of your vehicle. Companies like MTS offer a wide range of tanks specifically designed for certain Chevy, GMC, Ford, Jeep, Toyota, and IH Scout vehicles. MTS tanks are made of high-density, cross-linking polyethylene with a targeted thickness of 1/4" to ensure superior strength and durability. They also come with a five-year warranty.
It is crucial to regularly check your poly fuel tank for damage and leaks, especially when travelling in remote areas where you rely on your fuel capacity. Additionally, always store-bought fuel in containers approved by Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual Approvals, as they are made of materials that can safely handle fuel contact and accommodate mild expansion. Remember to leave some extra space in the tank, as gasoline emits vapours that cause expansion.
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Long-range fuel tanks: A safer method, but more expensive and requires professional installation
If you're looking for a safer, more permanent solution to carrying extra fuel in your car, you might want to consider investing in a long-range fuel tank. While this option is more expensive and requires professional installation, it provides a convenient and secure method for transporting additional fuel.
Long-range fuel tanks are available in various shapes and capacities to fit different vehicles. They can be installed as auxiliary tanks, providing extra fuel capacity in addition to your car's standard tank, or as replacement tanks, offering an even larger fuel capacity by replacing the original tank. These tanks are typically made from durable materials like steel or aluminized steel, ensuring their strength and longevity.
One advantage of long-range fuel tanks is their safe and mess-free fuel transfer capabilities. Unlike jerrycans, which require manual handling and can be prone to damage and leaks, long-range fuel tanks are securely installed and often come with fuel lines and taps for easy and clean fuel transfer. This reduces the risk of fuel contamination and the potential hazards associated with fuel spills.
Additionally, long-range fuel tanks can improve your driving experience by reducing fuel sloshing during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This results in a safer and more stable journey, especially when navigating rough terrain or carrying heavy gear that impacts your fuel mileage.
When opting for a long-range fuel tank, it is important to choose a reputable brand that offers quality and reliability. Some companies, like Transfer Flow, provide top-quality fuel tank systems with high-capacity replacement tanks made from aluminized steel. Their products are backed by warranties and come with all the necessary parts for installation, ensuring a hassle-free process.
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Gas can storage: Leave some space in the can to accommodate expansion
Storing gasoline in your car can be very dangerous if it’s not done properly. Gasoline fumes are highly flammable, and fuel containers are prone to damage from drops and knocks, which could result in unnoticed fuel leaks. Therefore, it is important to follow safety guidelines when storing extra fuel in your car.
One critical safety tip to remember when storing extra fuel in a gas can is to always leave some space in the can. Most gas cans will have a "safety line" that indicates the maximum amount of fuel that should be stored in the can. According to Exxon, it is recommended to avoid storing more than 5 gallons of fuel at a time.
Leaving some extra space in the can is important because it allows the container to accommodate the expansion that occurs as vapors are emitted from the gasoline. If the can is filled to the brim, the expanding vapors can cause the container to leak or even explode. By leaving some space, you reduce the risk of leakage and create a safer environment for transporting and storing the fuel.
It is also important to note that gas cans should never be stored in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If there is no other option for a short trip, it is recommended to open the windows near the container and remove it as soon as possible. For longer trips, alternative storage options, such as a roof basket or a jerry can mount on the vehicle's exterior, can be considered.
By following these guidelines and leaving some space in the gas can for expansion, you can help ensure the safe storage and transportation of extra fuel in your car.
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Safety: Never store fuel in a container not approved by Underwriters Laboratories
Carrying extra fuel in your car can be very dangerous if it’s not stored properly. It is imperative to never store fuel in a container that is not approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL is a product safety testing and certification organization that develops standards for many products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment. They are the best-known product safety and certification organization globally and have been testing and certifying safes and products for more than 85 years.
The organization was founded in 1894 by William Henry Merrill, an electrical engineering graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Merrill initially worked as an electrical inspector for the Boston Board of Fire Underwriters. He soon found it necessary to conduct tests on building materials and electrical components to determine and mitigate risk. With funding from the Chicago Fire Underwriters' Association and the Western Insurance Union, Merrill opened a small laboratory to begin testing and developing safety standards.
Today, UL Solutions has expanded its scope beyond electrical and fire safety to address broader safety issues. These include hazardous substances, water quality, food safety, performance testing, safety and compliance education, and environmental sustainability. UL conducts rigorous testing to ensure that products meet their requirements, and only equipment that passes their tests carries their label. When storing fuel, it is crucial to use a UL-approved container to mitigate the risk of fire and ensure the safe handling of fuel.
It is also important to note that modern polyethylene fuel containers, such as jerrycans, should be regularly examined for damage on long trips, as they are prone to damage from drops and knocks, which could result in fuel leakage. Additionally, when storing extra fuel, leave some extra space in the can to allow for expansion as vapors are emitted from the gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to carry extra fuel in a car is to use a container designed for this purpose, such as a jerrycan, or a long-range fuel tank. Jerrycans can be made of steel or polyethylene (plastic) and are considered safer to store outside the vehicle cabin. Long-range fuel tanks can be fitted as auxiliary tanks in addition to the vehicle's standard tank.
It is important to store extra fuel in approved containers and outside the vehicle cabin. Gasoline fumes are very flammable and can be deadly if trapped inside the cabin. It is also recommended to leave some extra space in the can to allow for the expansion of vapours.
Carrying extra fuel in a car can be dangerous if it is not stored properly. In the past, there have been accidents involving fires and spills due to fuel not being stored in the appropriate containers. It is also important to regularly check fuel tanks for damage and leaks, especially when travelling in remote areas.
