Carrying extra fuel

[TrailWhale]

I'm thinking about doing some longer backcountry routes and given our tiny tanks and mediocre gas mileage, carrying some extra fuel seems like a Good Idea.

Figured this would be an interesting thread for folks to share their exterior (or interior?) gas can mounting ideas, etc. Whether it's a basic scrappy idea, or a fancy over the top overlanding kit. Let's see it!

 

[OsageCowboy]

I'm thinking about doing some longer backcountry routes and given our tiny tanks and mediocre gas mileage, carrying some extra fuel seems like a Good Idea.

Figured this would be an interesting thread for folks to share their exterior (or interior?) gas can mounting ideas, etc. Whether it's a basic scrappy idea, or a fancy over the top overlanding kit. Let's see it!

I am going to be installing the Westcott Designs roof rack + their rear-window molle panels for this very mission. I go on an annual fly-fishing trip that requires an hour and half of transit up unimproved mountain roads and then daily fishing excursions so having the Rotopax cans on each side will effectively give me another 50% of range, which should allow me to comfortably return to civilization.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Full Length Modular Roof Rack - by WD (westcottdesigns.net)

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Molle Panels - by Westcott Designs

 

[EOD Guy]

You could fabricate a hitch mount jerry can holder pretty easily. (not my rig)

 

[TrailWhale]

A few ideas I've had:

1. Add the "cargo add-on" to my 1Up rack - Cargo Add-On and strap a couple cans on there.


2. Yakima t-slot rotopax mount on roof crossbars - RotopaX™ Mounting Kit - although a little sketchy IMO to mount tanks on their side and might be a fair bit of weight for a single attachment point?

 

[EOD Guy]

A few ideas I've had:

* Add the "cargo add-on" to my 1Up rack - Cargo Add-On and strap a couple cans on there.

* Yakima t-slot rotopax mount on roof crossbars - RotopaX™ Mounting Kit - although a little sketchy IMO to mount tanks on their side and might be a fair bit of weight for a single attachment point?

Rotopak are nice but way too much for a plastic container IMO. I have used them and they are secure, but glad I wasn't the one who had to buy them (work related).

 

[TrailWhale]

Does anyone know of rear window panels that can have a universal mount? i.e. something that could attach to any generic roof rail? I'm not 100% on doing a wholesale roof rack replacement with a full length rack just yet, but I do think those rear window panels would make for a great spot to attach some fuel on longer adventures.

 

[DesertOverlander]

I have the Rhino Rack Pioneer with Backbone for my 2025 Land Cruiser - but with my lift, bigger tires and anemic fuel tank leaves me without much range... Looking to see if anyone has generic side mounts for fuel cans, as putting on the roof is not desirable due to other equipment already on the roof. Ideas?

 

[OsageCowboy]

The Westcott solution is superb. Recently took the truck to the remote Rockies in Northern New Mexico and the fuel cans were needed!

Also that Trxstle fly rod box is a WONDERFUL thing.

 

[surf fishing offroader]

The Westcott solution is superb. Recently took the truck to the remote Rockies in Northern New Mexico and the fuel cans were needed!

Also that Trxstle fly rod box is a WONDERFUL thing.

I've always been worried about the load from the fuel on the window... how much cushion is there on that suction cup that attaches to the window?

 

[OsageCowboy]

Plenty of cushion. There are 2 suction cups per side. Trust me, the mountain roads I was running on are as rough as it gets. Highly recommended...

 

[DctrEvil]

For my backcountry trips, I've mounted a traditional jerry can to the roof rack with some roof rack corner braces (I think from Amazon) and it works great. I can hear a bit of "sloshing" of the gas when laid flat like this, but it's lower profile. I also have a FrontRunner jerry can mount that the can sits upright, on it narrow side... this is quiet but a little taller.

 

[t3lcfe]

For my backcountry trips, I've mounted a traditional jerry can to the roof rack with some roof rack corner braces (I think from Amazon) and it works great. I can hear a bit of "sloshing" of the gas when laid flat like this, but it's lower profile. I also have a FrontRunner jerry can mount that the can sits upright, on it narrow side... this is quiet but a little taller.View attachment 38250

I used side window panels to carry Rotopax fuel / water.
However, beside roof rack carrier, here are a couple other methods:
1/ hitch-mount spare tire carrier: tire and two 3-gal rotapax
2/ seasucker mount: one 3-gal Rotopax on each rear window

RotopaX Tank Holder

Let us help you haul your RotopaX Tanks without any permanent mounts! Grab a SeaSucker RotopaX Tank Holder, powered by two 6" SeaSucker mounts, and easily attach your existing tank and hardware. Put your tanks on when you need them, remove in seconds when you don't! SeaSucker's RotopaX Tank...

www.seasucker.com

 

[BigMF]

I took a gamble on a Rotopax clone and couldn't be happier. The Vevor branded 10L (2.6Gal) version is currently less than $50 on Amazon It's VERY sturdy and comes complete with a lockable mounting bracket. I mounted it to my Prinsu rack using a DIY solution for my trip to Big Bend NP this past spring and ended up having to use it twice due to worse than expected MPG while towing a camper. I bought another one because I was so impressed. Zero leakge and did not appear to be warping/swelling in any way in the upper 80's weather. Don't know how it would do in 100 but I'd be willing to risk it based on my experience a few months ago.

 

[t3lcfe]

I used side window panels to carry Rotopax fuel / water.
However, beside roof rack carrier, here are a couple other methods:
1/ hitch-mount spare tire carrier: tire and two 3-gal rotapax
2/ seasucker mount: one 3-gal Rotopax on each rear window

RotopaX Tank Holder

Let us help you haul your RotopaX Tanks without any permanent mounts! Grab a SeaSucker RotopaX Tank Holder, powered by two 6" SeaSucker mounts, and easily attach your existing tank and hardware. Put your tanks on when you need them, remove in seconds when you don't! SeaSucker's RotopaX Tank...

www.seasucker.com

View attachment 38252
View attachment 38253

When you off-road with hitch-mounted spare tire carrier, the space of factory spare tire is now empty which you can mount one or two 6-gal fuel. Ideally just one tank, so we have a lot more ground clearance.
Check this out

Spare 6 Gallon Tank | High-Quality Tanks by Trail'd

Get your Spare 6 gallon tank today at Trail'd. Perfect for outdoor adventures. Order now and never run out of fuel again!

trailedonline.com

 

[LCP250]

Does anyone know of rear window panels that can have a universal mount? i.e. something that could attach to any generic roof rail? I'm not 100% on doing a wholesale roof rack replacement with a full length rack just yet, but I do think those rear window panels would make for a great spot to attach some fuel on longer adventures.

I'm interested in an ideal way to do this too. Don't want to add a roof rack. I have factory crossbars.

was thinking of getting the Victory crossbars, hoping they may have some sort of mount to add molle panels to the rear window. Tried asking them, but no replies.

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/V250RK-CS.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20678083168&gbraid=0AAAAADhO8JFXsJnY65Ux9ioVU_4Vmyenv&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgIXCBhDBARIsAELC9ZiIUhcUE3-fbQJ0cuAWb6h1Y99UvNgqy5MJrKt58U3HSQBu1uUQ5aYaAggmEALw_wcB

 

[justaprado]

When you off-road with hitch-mounted spare tire carrier, the space of factory spare tire is now empty which you can mount one or two 6-gal fuel. Ideally just one tank, so we have a lot more ground clearance.
Check this out
View attachment 39081
View attachment 39082
View attachment 39083

Spare 6 Gallon Tank | High-Quality Tanks by Trail'd

Get your Spare 6 gallon tank today at Trail'd. Perfect for outdoor adventures. Order now and never run out of fuel again!

trailedonline.com

i don't know what the consequences would be, physically; but those are designated water tanks not fuel.

 

[RobLS]

i don't know what the consequences would be, physically; but those are designated water tanks not fuel.

Not sure what would physically happen, but they do say that using it for fuel will void all warranty and return claims.

 

[ovʀʟxnᴅ]

I don't have any specific recommendations at this time, but experience has taught me that you mount your spare fuel above your filler neck so gravity does all the work when the time for a transfer comes.

 

[LC Family]

I don't have any specific recommendations at this time, but experience has taught me that you mount your spare fuel above your filler neck so gravity does all the work when the time for a transfer comes.

View attachment 39112

Would that fuel hose you have that goes from your Jerry Can into your vehicle work with a RotopaX fuel container? Where did you get that hose with the pump on it?

 

[BlueCruiser]

Was this the original inspiration and wiring diagram?