Long Range Tank vs Jerry Cans

[Ranga]

So, in the process of setting up my 130 for the big lap, I'm considering fuel options.

Originally, I thought a long range tank is the obvious choice, but after some thought, decided to go with jerry cans.

Now I've discovered that space is at a premium in the 130, and I'm having second thoughts (as I often do!).

I see it as follows:

Jerry Cans:
Pros - cheap, removable, bust a tank and you might not lose all your fuel, easy to carry to a fuel station if you run out :eek:
Cons - storage space, easier to steel?,

Long Range Tank:
Pros - uses otherwise wasted space
Cons - cost, possible reduction of departure angle (depending on brand)

Anyway, I'd value other's opinions, especially pros or cons I haven't thought of.

[POD]

When I set up my old Rangie for a crossing of the Anne Beadell Hwy, I fitted sill tanks, only real long-range tank option in a gas converted Rangie. Cost me $1600 to get 80L capacity. A very expensive way to carry 4 jerry cans of fuel.

On the plus side, it is a far more convenient way to carry 4 jerry cans of fuel, plus, when you need the extra capacity, you can carry jerry cans as well as the tank. On that Anne Beadell trip, I carried 10 jerries PLUS the long range tank- and used them all:o.

[JDNSW]

I think you have just about covered it. Perhaps add that even if the extra tank leaks, it is unlikely to do so among your camping gear - which may not be the case with a jerrican, depending where it is stored.

My first real outback trip (up the centre in 1964) had the back of the swb filled almost completely with four jerricans of water and five of petrol, from memory. My 110 has an extra long range tank, which I find very useful, giving a range of about 1200km, the 2a has two tanks, and having tried both, I'll stick to the tank rather than the jerricans, thanks.

The Isuzu engined 110 has the advantage of having the exhaust entirely outside the chassis, leaving a nice big space between the LH chassis rail and the tailshaft. The only drawback of this is that it complicates servicing the transfer case - should be about an inch further back, and it has to be removed before removing the gearbox.

John

[MickS]

You seen these mate?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[V8Ian]

You seen these mate?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
Tell us more Mick, they look handy.

[Ranga]

You seen these mate?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Yeh, but the cheapest I;ve seen them is about $110 each for 20L! :eek:

[MickS]

Yeh, but the cheapest I;ve seen them is about $110 each for 20L! :eek:

Yep, exxy...

The LR tank would, however, serve a purpose before, during and post trip. Jerry's would have to be stored. Unless of course the tank is removed and sold second hand, which I have seen.

Here's a squat 20L can...

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=135&item=37624&intAbsolutePage=1

[isuzurover]

Most long range replacement tanks are only 2.5 jerry cans larger than a standard (80L) tank. (130L).

I bought a 2nd hand 80L sill tank from someone on here - which turned out only to be 65L due to a dint in the bottom (and have a blocked pickup because of said dint) - still p'd off about that. However - 80+65 = 145L which is 3.25 jerry cans, or 4 jerry cans if the tank had been undented.

For the CSR I carried an extra 5 jerry cans, so 245L total.

[UncleHo]

G'day Ranga :)

I am not sure what you have planned for water storage, but I recieved in the mail last week a brochure for flexible water bladders,the Coy. is Flexitank, they have flexible bladders/tanks that sit behind the front seats in the floor well or in the load bed of a wagon their website is

www.flexitank.com.au (http://www.flexitank.com.au) :)

Hope it is of some help to you.



cheers

[slug_burner]

I'd go the sill tanks.

For someone that is going to have to find space for jerries for the whole lap it will prove a pain. Filling them and then transferring to the tank will wear on you if you are doing it often. You want to minimise the amount of spilling fuel, deisel stinks and it hangs around.

Also helps keep the weight down low.

I did a trip with jerries and the bloke I was travelling with had sill tanks. He would pick up fuel where it was cheap and bypass some of the places I had to top up at.

[Ranga]

Any idea of the capacity of a 1994 130 HCPU? The most I've ever put in it is ~65 litres.

I like the idea of a replacement tank, as there's no need for extra pumps.

[justinc]

Any idea of the capacity of a 1994 130 HCPU? The most I've ever put in it is ~65 litres.

I like the idea of a replacement tank, as there's no need for extra pumps.

82 litres I think., a problem with the bigger rear tanks is the loss of, or lower mounting of, the rear sway bar. Obviously if you aren't running one it doesen't matter but I am intending to keep mine so I am going the Sill tank route. 65litres on top of 80 odd is a good capacity. Your 130 can fit a longer larger sill tank, up to 70 litres from memory. Take a squiz at http://www.thelongranger.com.au/
JC

[Ranga]

82 litres I think., a problem with the bigger rear tanks is the loss of, or lower mounting of, the rear sway bar. Obviously if you aren't running one it doesen't matter but I am intending to keep mine so I am going the Sill tank route. 65litres on top of 80 odd is a good capacity. Your 130 can fit a longer larger sill tank, up to 70 litres from memory. Take a squiz at :: The Long Ranger :: Long Range Fuel Tanks & Long Range Water Tanks :: (http://www.thelongranger.com.au/)
JC

I think you're right - a sill tank would be better value, being an extra 70L instead of an extra 35 in a replacement tank. I can live with the extra sender and pump. I'll make some enquiries.

[justinc]

I think you're right - a sill tank would be better value, being an extra 70L instead of an extra 35 in a replacement tank. I can live with the extra sender and pump. I'll make some enquiries.

Oops, you have a 110:o, anyways they make a 70 litre one that fills from under drivers seat:)

Well made tanks I will be getting one of those I reckon. I have a 136L one in the Sherwood and it has been very good. 17 years on and 300,000km no leaks, plenty of dents:angel: but no leaks, it was a 3.9, then a 4.6 petrol and then became a diesel:D

JC

[PAT303]

Dolium make a 175ltre tray tank for the 130. Pat

[Ranga]

Oops, you have a 110

I have both a 110, and a 130 actually ;). The tank is for the 130, the 10 is for sale.

[MickS]

Yeh, but the cheapest I;ve seen them is about $110 each for 20L! :eek:

Found them on a LR site.....Recovery Equipment (http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/cs_recovery.html) $70 U.S.

http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/images_gbr_main/jerrican2sm.jpg http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/images_gbr_main/jerricansm.jpg

[Hoges]

You can buy a near new 250L TIG welded alloy transport tank off a Freightliner complete with all fittings and fuel gauge sender for $500 from the truck Spares place at Rocklea...they replace them when the trucks come into the country with larger ones so they sell ' em off (relatively) cheap!... I got one and mounted it crossways on my camper trailer drawbar.... I'd rather be trailing 200L of diesel than ULP, but since the P38 has a V8...:mad: beggars can't be choosy...!

[roverrescue]

Ranga,
lose the tub and put on a tray. Two options then
- easily fit a second 75L tank between tray and OEM tank.
- orrr space saved = a 44! 215L long range tank should get you out of most trouble.

S

[Bundalene]

Hi, it comes down to what you can afford as sill tanks are quite expensive. The installation is also quite involved. This is how we did ours and we did a similar install on our daughters car.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/76208-td5-defender-sill-tanks.html

Additional advantaged of fuel storage in tanks:

Lower center of gravity, especially if jerrys are carried on the roof
Less fuel stops in day to day driving, being able to take advantage of discount fuel cycles
Increase in resale (not necessary the same as initial investment.


Also. if you are doing the big loop, I doubt there is anywhere with more than 400kms between stops on the main road.

Erich

[Xtreme]

Here are two sill tanks I had made for the 110 - capacity 55l (drivers side) and 35l (passenger side). Simple design with less capacity than Erich's above as they don't wrap arount outriggers, which I didn't want as I thought it wiuld be difficult to clean mud etc from there. Dimensions (length) could probably be increased for a 130 - not sure of available clear space in 130.

Filler was installed separate to original although original (plasticy) filler was modified to accept inlet from auxilliary tank/s. If you can get hold of the earlier metal type filler they can be modified as Erich has done above.

Rough drawings also attached.

If you know a good sheet metal worker he should be able to knock one or two of these up relatively cheaply.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1168.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/07/945.jpg

[Didge]

You seen these mate?

http://www.expeditionone.biz/picts/geri_intro.jpg
No!, the bloody red thing is in the way:eek:

[mrapocalypse]

Hi,

I had agonised over a long range tank (In a Discovery II) but after I eventually took the plunge I have never regretted it. Jerry cans need to be stored and carried, and you can still store and carry jerry cans even with a long range tank. It is so low fuss to find a cheap fuel outlet, fill up the tank and not worry about fragile, leaking and smelly Jerry cans.

I'd say go the built ins either main or outrigger, and be happy. Expensive yes, but a very worthwhile addition. I use it more than my bull bar and I paid about the same for it!

I.

[ramblingboy42]

I carry my extra fuel in square 10ltr jerrys, they fit anywhere, can stack and easy to pour from.........but I've never had to use them . Fuel seems to abundant everywhere now and its good to stop at the local servo and have a chat and put a dollar in their pockets.....they also have things like food, ice, newspapers, toiletries, shower etc. where do you have to drive over 600-700kms without a fuel stop anyway?

[MickS]

No!, the bloody red thing is in the way:eek:

Sorry Didge.....I tried to move the red thing, but she just wouldn't let go....:cool:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/07/865.jpg

[newhue]

A mate of mine currently doing the lap towing a camper trailer reckons next time his buying a tanker to do it. Yes on average 4 to 500klm between servos, but that also limits you to a route to where the servos are.
His finding towing a tailer with lower tyre pressures, the standard 70lt tank in a new 2.5lt Challenger gives him about 400klm.

Don't forget to add to the jerry equation, to to mount a jerry safely the holders are priced somewhere between $100 and $150 per jerry, well that I have seen anyway.

[Bushie]

................where do you have to drive over 600-700kms without a fuel stop anyway?

There's a few places, admittedly not during the usual running about though.

Finke to Birdsville was where I used mine, and the reason it was installed.
(see sig)


Martyn

[newhue]

Can also be as simple as 10 days on Fraser Isl, yes there are servos but you pay for it.

[rick130]

FWIW I tend to only get 60-65l in my sill tank, the angle of the fill pipe (horizontal in two spots) and breather see to this.

If the driveway/forecourt have a reasonable lean away from the pump I can get the full 70l in with a bit of buggering around.

[cewilson]

Check out Mulgo's sill tanks - they give over 100 litres extra to what you already have. Expensive but very very good.


http://www.mulgo.com.au/p11_Mulgo-Dual-Fuel-Tank-System.html


Cheers
Chris

[easo]

When I look at the web-site for this stuff I really want to know the price.

I now have a leaky tank in the 03 130 and am looking at getting the long range replacement.

How much is the replacement tank compared to the original tank?

Regards Easo

[Benz]

LONG RANGER one is about 1300 depending on what year your defender is.

no clue what a OEM one costs

[86mud]

Hunt around the wreckers for a second hand long ranger.

I scored one from Triumph Rover spares for $100!!!!! It cost me $100 to freight from SA to Brisbane, then $200 for repairs (remove dents, pressure test and paint) then installed myself...

But I need to fiddle with the sender as the gauge either reads 3/4's full or empty....

I still carry two jerry's in the tub. I'l get a picture on the weekend...but I know this is no good to you Ranga as you now have a tray. Can you lift the tray up on new mounts and get a flat rectangular tank made to sit between the chassis and tray? Then you could just gravity feed into standard rear tank.

Cheers
Andrew

[Ranga]

When I look at the web-site for this stuff I really want to know the price.

I now have a leaky tank in the 03 130 and am looking at getting the long range replacement.

How much is the replacement tank compared to the original tank?

Regards Easo

Long Range Australia replacement tanks are about $750 from British Offroad, and are apparently almost identical to the Long Ranger tanks.

[Ranga]

Hunt around the wreckers for a second hand long ranger.

I scored one from Triumph Rover spares for $100!!!!! It cost me $100 to freight from SA to Brisbane, then $200 for repairs (remove dents, pressure test and paint) then installed myself...

But I need to fiddle with the sender as the gauge either reads 3/4's full or empty....

I still carry two jerry's in the tub. I'l get a picture on the weekend...but I know this is no good to you Ranga as you now have a tray. Can you lift the tray up on new mounts and get a flat rectangular tank made to sit between the chassis and tray? Then you could just gravity feed into standard rear tank.

Cheers
Andrew
I've already lifted the tray to fit 2 spares under it, but not sure if I'll have enough room for an extra tank. Not a bad idea though.

[Benz]

Long Range Australia replacement tanks are about $750 from British Offroad, and are apparently almost identical to the Long Ranger tanks.

I will look into that thanks =]

[easo]

Long Range Australia replacement tanks are about $750 from British Offroad, and are apparently almost identical to the Long Ranger tanks.

Cheers, an original tank is about the same, yes / No?

Easo

[Ranga]

Cheers, an original tank is about the same, yes / No?

Easo

No sure, but to clarify, the Long Range Australia replacement tanks are about 125 litres.

[Tombie]

Just watch the weight back there mate!

Don't want to join the number of 130s that bend/break when heavily loaded on Aus tracks.

[Ranga]

Just watch the weight back there mate!

Don't want to join the number of 130s that bend/break when heavily loaded on Aus tracks.
Hmmm... haven't heard of them. Youv'e got me worried now! Any links to reports on this? :eek:

[easo]

I normal have 10x 20l jerries back there but they are the closest to the cab. I have heard of 130s cracking chassis but not backs. My current tank has a leak at the top and only holds 50l so it has to go either way. Just putting the feelers out $$$$ wise.

Does the Tub come off in the replacement?

Easo

[Ranga]

The Long Range Aus replacement only requires extensions for the sway bar mounts (which come with it). I don't think you need to remove the tub to install.

[86mud]

No need to remove tub to install tank...all done from underneath. Just have to remove the tow bar (that was the painful bit)

Swaybars?...their over-rated.....

I think I saw you Ranga on the Sunshine Coast motorway yesterday afternoon... I was heading in the opposite direction. Your tray gave it away...

Cheers
Andrew

[Ranga]

Yep, that was me :)

I don't have a sway bar on at that moment but will be putting it back on when I have my camping canopy on or towing a caravan.

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