Thread: Roof load

Originally Posted by saljosax

Hi, we're travelling from Sydney through the Simpson Desert to Dalhousie Springs and back. Apparently we're going to need 6 20litre cans of fuel. Our max roof load with the Rhino Rack is 75kilos. Do you think it's OK to exceed that for a few days til we use the fuel? There'll also be a 2nd spare and tent on the roof.

It's a lot, isn't it... Is a fuel bladder or rear mounted spare wheel/jerry holder an option for you?

Originally Posted by saljosax

Hi, we're travelling from Sydney through the Simpson Desert to Dalhousie Springs and back. Apparently we're going to need 6 20litre cans of fuel. Our max roof load with the Rhino Rack is 75kilos. Do you think it's OK to exceed that for a few days til we use the fuel? There'll also be a 2nd spare and tent on the roof.

I've seen others remove the rear seats and use a drip tray to store them on ratcheted together. Might be a better option.

Take it you don't have a long range tank?

You don't plan on carrying the whole 120 litres on the roof rack do you as well as tent and spare. The roof might physically hold that load although well in excess of design. I'd be really worried about stability.

Carry the jerrys inside and put other light stuff on rack. Only put jerrys up on roof when empty.

I have always avoided fuel in the cabin. One spill and that smell/fumes stays for ages and dangerous. My thought is place them on the roof and then keep filling the main tank at every possible chance to lighten the roof load.

If the spare weighs 30kg or more, plus a tent of 20 or more, plus the rack, it'd be upward of 180 kg, maybe as much as 200 kg? That's kinda scary if you have to tackle a dune on an angle or dodge an animal etc?

I think in this case you have no choice but to carry it in the cabin.

Long range tank would be good if it's in budget.

You're already exceeding the roof limit before the fuel.

I have had no problems carrying fuel inside (diesel) , but in plastic jerry cans not steel. You need to test them first for leaks by laying them on there sides in the garage overnight, full of course. The trick with the plastic cans is to compress the sides before finally sealing them so the contents are under vaccum. I carry them on there sides with no leaks and no smells. Get pro-quip ones as they have straight sides, and dont leak.

Ivan

Just to clarify,petrol or diesel?