Plastic vs tin fuel petrol jerry cans

[Carslil Jim]

I am planning on carrying 80 litres of petrol on a roof rack. As the main tank goes down i will transfer the petrol down, so in fact there will only be 80l up there for about 100ks. needless to say this will not be highway driving.

Any advice or suggestions would be most welcome.

[87County]

Approved plastic jerrycans are said to be as safe as the metal variety.

And I know that there are secure fixtures for carrying jerrycans on the roof but I for one would not do it.

There are safer and more convenient methods for carrying additional fuel if needed but it is difficult to imagine a scenario (apart from the CSR and a couple of other remote Central OZ routes) where it would even be necessary.

Auxiliary tank, rear jerrycan holder or trailer would all be preferable.

Think about the difficulty and inconvenience of filling, draining & access, the safety issues of lifting and securing the load, the hopefully unlikely issues in the event of a rollover or sudden stop, the likelihood of overhanging branches wiping roofloads off etc etc.

+ in any case it looks lousy :D


here's one setup:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/body-external-accessories-sale/168456-tracklander-double-jerry-can-holders-x2.html

[Landy Smurf]

I would also not recommend putting jerry cans on the roof instead look to put them on the back or in the back.
If you are going to put them on the roof maybe look at a lowline one.
i prefer plastic over tin any day

[numpty]

I prefer metal cans and all mine are '50's vintage ex mil. Have carried up to 4 on the roof, although for preference would carry them inside. Make sure your gutter mounts on the roofrack are solid and distribute the weight evenly.

I also have a long range tank fitted and a 105 litre plastic tank which fits on the floor in the back for long cross country runs (Madigan Line)

[DeanoH]

Assuming you've got a good solidly mounted roof rack no real problem carrying fuel up there as long as you're careful. You've got to carry it somewhere, and as you say, refill the main tanks as fuel is used. :)

I've wouldn't recommend steel jerry cans as they're too big, too heavy and are more likely to split or chafe through when packed together than are plastic ones.

I'd go for the 10 litre 'thick rounded plastic' type of jerry can as they're lighter and much more convenient to use than 20 litre types. They're also low profile so don't stick up as high.

If you must go 20 litre, try carring them on edge to reduce their profile and filling them to just below the filler (about 17 litres). If you're real keen place a thin piece of ply or cut up beer carton to place between them to stop chafing. More of a problem with steel than plastic though.

Whatever you do don't tie plastic jerry cans down with rope, :o as it will cut through the plastic with movement. Instead use wide straps, common (usually cheap) hardware store ratchet straps work well. :)

Deano :)

[strangy]

If buying new cans I would get plastic and go for a quality brand like Rheem do not go for Supercheap type cans metal or plastic.
I used to fly Diesel out to remote camps in Jerry Cans.
We only used plastic and would lay them on there side and stand on them for a "check"
most metal cans leaked around the seam or spout.
Older metal Jerries were generally good.

[Samblers]

I bought the plastic type x 2. They meet Australian Standards so that’s good enough for me. Metal looks cool but plastic is the right material choice I think.

The ones I bought feature not one but two screw-type filler caps, one on each top corner. I didn’t think about it at the time, but when they are stored on their long edge, one of the filler caps is at the bottom and therefore always submerged. Not sure I like this.

Previous plastic cans I bought only had one filler cap and I’d always place this at the top, facing upwards.

[PhilipA]

Just be aware that jerry cans and the yellow or red plastic cans are a different width and plastic ones will not fit in a steel carrier.
The only ones I have found to fit are the expensive black plastic "VISY' brand made in NZ.
The VISY ones are great and very durable, and I have been all over OZ with mine. These replaced an earlier set that I replaced as a precaution as they had some wear on the corners. AFAIK they are made of the same stuff as car fuel tanks.
Regards Philip A

[Samblers]

Just be aware that jerry cans and the yellow or red plastic cans are a different width and plastic ones will not fit in a steel carrier.


I got mine in the standard steel carrier ... I think the Aus Std may relate to dimensions as well as storage specifications?

Anyway, it helps if you do not fill them to the brim as well... they can then squeezed in

[iClick]

Interesting that this thread popped up today. I've just returned from my local Aldi where they have metal Jerry cans on sale for $30

Has anyone tried them?

[malsgoing130]

i've used both types and prefer steel, BUT make sure they are the ones made in EU to nato and other specs and not from China, The EU type are thicker (heavier) and are properly welded and pressure tested, mine have never leaked.

Also if using older ones check that the rubber sealing gasket on the lid has not perished.

I would also only carry 2 on the roof no more!

cheers
Mal

[101RRS]

Gatecrashing the thread a little - I have six metal jerries and never had an issue except when a seal went and I was spilling a bit of diesel. New seals can be bought at Supercheap and seem to work OK - no more leaks in mine.

I have carried all six in the back of my 101 standing up and you must have something like carpet or rubber underneath them and in between or they will rub through.

Now the proper place to carry a jerry in the 101 is in a special bracket underneath where the jerry sits on its back (rather on its bottom) but with the filler at the top but does rely on the filler seal to keep fuel in. Likewise my Haflinger has a jerry storage underneath where the jerry sits on its side and again relies on the seal to keep fuel in. In both cases the expansion area is no longer up around the handle but is now within the general space of the jerry.

- has anyone had issues with these positions.

Garry

[Jeff]

I have had problems with metal jerry cans rusting and paint flaking inside, maybe newer or better brands would not have this problem, but I use plastic only.

If they are on the roof, do not unload them to fill the tank of the vehicle, just use a rattle tube, or siphon, and if you can, fill them while on the roof, saving a possible injury or damage to equipment.

I see the Brits when taking Land Rovers across the Sahara etc still put multiple jerry cans on the roof instead of long range tanks, and I suppose compared to a roof top tent or spare wheels the weight difference is not much, but it gets lighter as you travel, unlike the rtt or wheels. And you don't get the smell inside the vehicle.

Jeff

:rocket:

[Jeff]

Gatecrashing the thread a little - I have six metal jerries and never had an issue except when a seal went and I was spilling a bit of diesel. New seals can be bought at Supercheap and seem to work OK - no more leaks in mine.

I have carried all six in the back of my 101 standing up and you must have something like carpet or rubber underneath them and in between or they will rub through.

Now the proper place to carry a jerry in the 101 is in a special bracket underneath where the jerry sits on its back (rather on its bottom) but with the filler at the top but does rely on the filler seal to keep fuel in. Likewise my Haflinger has a jerry storage underneath where the jerry sits on its side and again relies on the seal to keep fuel in. In both cases the expansion area is no longer up around the handle but is now within the general space of the jerry.

- has anyone had issues with these positions.

Garry

I have used jerries on Unimogs laid down on their backs and it isn't a problem as you remove them before use and the expansion area is back on top. May be different if you open them lying down. You can tell if they have been used like this as the paint wears on the pads in the rack.

I have seen spare caps in Bunnings that were about $2 cheaper than a new jerry.


Jeff

:rocket:

[goingbush]

I am planning on carrying 80 litres of petrol on a roof rack. As the main tank goes down i will transfer the petrol down, so in fact there will only be 80l up there for about 100ks. needless to say this will not be highway driving.

Any advice or suggestions would be most welcome.

My goodness., 80 liters in 100 klms :eek2:

I prefer petrol in metal cans, but use plastic for Diesel !

[101RRS]

I have seen spare caps in Bunnings that were about $2 cheaper than a new jerry.


Jeff

:rocket:

What are spare caps - the seals are only a few $$$

Garry

[slug_burner]

Metal for fuel, plastic for water. If it is good enough for the Army it is ok for me.

Syphoning fuel from an overhead storage location sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I would not design a system for general public use like that. We get away with a lot if we rule out the general public!

[Carslil Jim]

Thanks to all for responses.

FYI this is to get me from Mt Dare, to Dalhousie Springs and then Birdsville. I am expecting 75% increase in fuel consumption in the sand. Any comments on that? (Petrol 1985 County V8). I use 18 litres per 100ks, but I think that will go up a fair bit.

[Rick Fischer]

Will just say that 80 litres is around 65kg + weight of the containers.

Anything else to go up there?

RF

[Carslil Jim]

Thanks to all for responses.

FYI this is to get me from Mt Dare, to Dalhousie Springs and then Birdsville. I am expecting 75% increase in fuel consumption in the sand. Any comments on that? (Petrol 1985 County V8). I use 18 litres per 100ks, but I think that will go up a fair bit.

[Carslil Jim]

"Will just say that 80 litres is around 65kg + weight of the containers.

Anything else to go up there?"

Nothing else planned at this stage. Anything else will be pretty light.

[bee utey]

Thanks to all for responses.

FYI this is to get me from Mt Dare, to Dalhousie Springs and then Birdsville. I am expecting 75% increase in fuel consumption in the sand. Any comments on that? (Petrol 1985 County V8). I use 18 litres per 100ks, but I think that will go up a fair bit.
When I did that stretch in 1996, it wasn't particularly sandy, just rough (Gibber plains). Took it slowly and comsumption was no higher than normal. The soft stuff started way further east.

I hope your roof rack is up to the pounding of cobbled surfaces!

[slug_burner]

When I did that stretch in 1996, it wasn't particularly sandy, just rough (Gibber plains). Took it slowly and comsumption was no higher than normal. The soft stuff started way further east.

I hope your roof rack is up to the pounding of cobbled surfaces!

Sand starts around Dalhousie, A few clay pans and then into the dunes. In 2005 we were able to drive without any traction issues until we got to Big Red at the other end. Big Red was just a bit of fun as you don't have to go and get up on it but it does provide a view.

[Loubrey]

I've carried the 4 steel jerry cans on th rear corners (2 to a side) of the roof rack for the past 16 odd years without any hassle (diesel only though!).

Traveling central Africa you just have no option but to exceed your specified roof rack weight (I don't approve, subscribe or recommend doing so - before I get told off) and my 300Tdi did ok in terms of centre of gravity etc.

Siphon straight from the rack without unclipping or handeling the heavy cans and I've learned to use a transparent hose to spot the diesel arriving!:D Very few things taste worse than bad technique on siphoning diesel...

Everyone to himself, but with the 90's limited fuel range and me being too tight to fork out for the sill tanks, that's how I travel! :D

Cheers,

Lou

btw - steel for me - good enough for NATO, good enough for me (but always with the German TUV sticker on it!)

[PAT303]

If you haven't already bought the jerrys you can get a poly tank for the same money and thats a better solution. Pat

[Bush65]

Be careful with metal cans, most are now made in China and those I've looked at aren't formed very well at the lip where the cap seals - I wouldn't trust these.

The other problem could be internal rust contaminating fuel.

[DeanoH]

............................................I hope your roof rack is up to the pounding of cobbled surfaces!

A very good point.

Outback roads are littered with the remains of home made and sub standard roof racks. :(

Not much in the way of gibbers across the Simpson but the main road from Mt Dare to Dalhousie Springs is the grandmother of all gibber 'roads'. :o

It is a MUCH better idea to take the Blood Creek track for this reason. It may be a couple of K's longer but it takes the same amount of time to travel as the direct gibbered route but with a lot less strain on a fully loaded vehicle and its passengers. :D


Deano :)

[Rick Fischer]

Be careful with metal cans, most are now made in China and those I've looked at aren't formed very well at the lip where the cap seals - I wouldn't trust these.

The other problem could be internal rust contaminating fuel.


Look for the Rheems - is embossed into the can. (if they still make them)

RF

[Collins]

Some years back did a Central Australia, Tanami, Ord River trip with my son. We fitted a large plastics boat fuel tank on the roof rack and used it to refill the main tanks when necessary.
Tank was supported on rack with a plywood base, secured to the rack and the tank secured by straps. Had no problems with it. One side of the tank was tapered so reduced wind drag.

[Landy Smurf]

one of the things I really like about the plastic jerrys is that when securing or shoving it bends a little to get it where you want

[Jeff]

Metal Jerries may be the go, but you could do this with plastic too.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/288.jpg

Jeff

:rocket:

[AndrewGJones]

Wherever you carry them, I would suggest not laying them down. Had a plastic water container bust when I (stupidly) loaded *just* a clothes bag on top of it. If it had been fuel instead I think it would have been the end of my Waeco, so i was lucky. All the diesel was upright, thankfully (all plastic too). lesson learnt.

[Bushie]

I don't really think 4 jerry cans on the roof will be a problem. As others have said if you are buying new probably go with good quality plastic, or if you can get them ex mil steel jerries.
As you are carrying petrol my preference would be to carry it outside the cabin anyway. Make sure you leave space for fuel expansion (fill to around 18litres per jerry) and exercise some caution when opening.

I tend to empty the jerries into the main tank as soon as possible (each evening).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/260.jpg
5 Jerries on the roof ( I think all empty by this stage) - 2008

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/224.jpg
Same roofrack, same jerries - 1985



Martyn

[DeeJay]

I use Jerries on trips (Chev motor) and this is the best thing Ive invested in yet !!

Models (http://www.mrfunnel.com/Mr._Funnel/Models.html)

Its an idea to rig up a bracket to support this, so that you have both hands to lift the jerry. I have both steel & plastic, both are fine, but with a Tanami pump on the shopping list, I have to decide which configuration as they are different configurations. I think I'll go the Poly only because my Steel Jerries are circa 1950's ex army.

[jabber]

Jerry can smash test - YouTube

plastic vs metal... they test water, but you get the point.

make sure to pay attention to the lesson learned.

[numpty]

I don't really think 4 jerry cans on the roof will be a problem. As others have said if you are buying new probably go with good quality plastic, or if you can get them ex mil steel jerries.
As you are carrying petrol my preference would be to carry it outside the cabin anyway. Make sure you leave space for fuel expansion (fill to around 18litres per jerry) and exercise some caution when opening.

I tend to empty the jerries into the main tank as soon as possible (each evening).


5 Jerries on the roof ( I think all empty by this stage) - 2008

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/224.jpg
Same roofrack, same jerries - 1985 Martyn

I recognise those two skinny blokes Martyn. :D