Gas cans on roof

[mmmhhhmmmmmm]

Is there any reason I can't simply ratchet strap a couple of these to the factory bars on the roof? Scepter 3 Gallon Portable Marine Gas Can

They're lower profile which would presumably help with drag/noise and the openings are upward if that matters. (You wouldn't want a can on its side due to potential leaking right?)

I've never used the roof of a vehicle nor carried extra gas, so I'm ignorant to any issues with this. I don't need extra storage, so investing in rotopax/molle panels, a full roof rack, or the 1UP bike rack extension is overkill.

 

[ultane]

What could go wrong?…

 

[DubDub]

I have three immediate thoughts, and they are admittedly off the cuff. I can't even open the link for some reason, but there is a description embedded in the URL.

1) ROTOPAX and similar are thick molds to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temp changes when exposed to the sun and elements. A standard can will collapse and balloon, making strapping them a problem.
2) Liquids are deceptively heavy. Properly, and firmly securing is a must.
3) Friction. It's a problem for building up static electricity. They aren't going to explode on the roof going down the road, but if that strap is sliding and/or the jug is sliding a little, you'd have to bring them down to ground them anyway.

Again, there are holes in #3's logic, but that's my initial candid thoughts that would cause me to nerd out.

 

[mmmhhhmmmmmm]

What could go wrong?…

Exactly

I have three immediate thoughts, and they are admittedly off the cuff. I can't even open the link for some reason, but there is a description embedded in the URL.

1) ROTOPAX and similar are thick molds to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temp changes when exposed to the sun and elements. A standard can will collapse and balloon, making strapping them a problem.
2) Liquids are deceptively heavy. Properly, and firmly securing is a must.
3) Friction. It's a problem for building up static electricity. They aren't going to explode on the roof going down the road, but if that strap is sliding and/or the jug is sliding a little, you'd have to bring them down to ground them anyway.

Again, there are holes in #3's logic, but that's my initial candid thoughts that would cause me to nerd out.

Seems like reasonable concerns -- I guess I'm not opposed to the 1UP extension and real Jerry cans ... plus it would be good for firewood too.

 

[DctrEvil]

I’ve been carrying a wavian jerrycan on a front runner mount on my roof rack for a few years for over landing trips. No problems and it’s very stable. Haven’t needed to access it, but it’s nice to have knowing the range problems with these vehicles.

 

[wpage]

Gas like other fluids are heavy. And volatile to boot.
Couple good reasons to not put on the roof. If you have a leak of spill could be a problem.

 

[OverlandMethod]

Rotopax.
Try that in Texas and drive that half assed strapped Jerry can from a sea level area like Houston and drive to big bend and see what happens when you gain 5000 feet of elevation.
Chances are you may douse your entire top of your car with gasoline.
I did it in my naive younger days and it was not cool.

 

[mmmhhhmmmmmm]

Rotopax.
Try that in Texas and drive that half assed strapped Jerry can from a sea level area like Houston and drive to big bend and see what happens when you gain 5000 feet of elevation.
Chances are you may douse your entire top of your car with gasoline.
I did it in my naive younger days and it was not cool.

And that's why I ask lol ... Going to be 2x that from Kentucky to Colorado ... Thanks for sharing.

 

[RideWithYanu]

My primary consideration here is center of gravity. All other issues can be worked around.

As several others have said, fuel is heavy. This one is only 3 gallons, so almost 19 lbs full. If you can store it (and anything else heavy) anywhere else lower on the exterior that will significantly improve the vehicle’s capabilities. If the roof rack is the only option you have left, you would be following in the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of people before you who have carried fuel tanks on the roofs of their vehicle. @DubDub lays out the major considerations for doing it safely.

 

[EOD Guy]

My thoughts, as this very thing has come up in other posts............

Assuming you are a careful driver and you don't take chances with yourself or your family...... Why would you even think about allowing a potential wall of fire envelope your vehicle, should you be involved in a catastrophic accident.

But to each their own.........

 

[Area 51]

Land Cruiser 250 - FK - Main Tank Upgrade - Extended Range - Slee Off Road

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Do it correctly.
Do it once.
Be happee.

 

[Mopper]

I think if you're hauling fuel on the roof-

As I just did or considering it-

• 2x RotopaX 2nd Gen in the picture with a full width support plate. They are awesome. But even RotopaX says burp your containers if the temp changes more than 10F or altitude changes by 1K feet. I would consider well before either doing as I have or putting possibly less capable containers above your head.
• Wait to put fuel in until right before heading "out". Use all the fuel when you're coming "back". Or use it on the trail. Minimize hauling fuel at anything above, say 35 or with any appreciable traffic. And personally speaking, all the roof razzmatazz comes off as soon as I'm home anyway.
• @ultane got it right above, I think of it as "what's the worst that could happen". But if you chase that logic out is it really safe to put fuel on a hitch carrier? ...or next to the passenger windows? ...or on the roof?... @EOD Guy changed his tank likely somewhat due to these concerns

Edit: And @Area 51 likes it!

 

[mmmhhhmmmmmm]

As I just did or considering it-

• 2x RotopaX 2nd Gen in the picture with a full width support plate. They are awesome. But even RotopaX says burp your containers if the temp changes more than 10F or altitude changes by 1K feet. I would consider well before either doing as I have or putting possibly less capable containers above your head.
• Wait to put fuel in until right before heading "out". Use all the fuel when you're coming "back". Or use it on the trail. Minimize hauling fuel at anything above, say 35 or with any appreciable traffic. And personally speaking, all the roof razzmatazz comes off as soon as I'm home anyway.
• @ultane got it right above, I think of it as "what's the worst that could happen". But if you chase that logic out is it really safe to put fuel on a hitch carrier or next to the passenger windows or on the roof. @EOD Guy changed his tank likely somewhat due to these concerns

Edit: And @Area 51 likes it!

This looks like it might be the way -- I think maybe the 1UP storage shelf isn't ideal. I agree about the concerns on location. No matter where it goes there's some kind of risk associated.

Lots of good info here and things I didn't know to consider -- thanks all!

 

[Sugarloafer80]

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This ought to do the job.............just strap , install on a trailer behind vehicle and Mad max would be jealous.

 

[wpage]

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[LCOceans]

I agree with what everyone has said about using a container that is tried & true and proven like Rotopax or Wavian for transport of the gas because this is not just water but has implications if something goes wrong.
I do think there might be easier ways to safely carry those cans using the OEM racks and not having to go to molle panels on windows, etc, by using certain plates and tie down points on your OEM cross-bars.

 

[WeCruising]

Send it and let us know what happens

 

[supernova]

What if you’re driving through a thunderstorm and lightning strikes the LC250 with gas cans on the roof? If they catch fire, would that be covered by insurance

 

[Mopper]

Only if you slept at Holiday Inn

 

[MSINAL]

Now you know why there is so much whining on forum about the kid-sized fuel tank. Because strapping gasoline containers to outside or carrying in the trunk carries inherent risks. The likelyhood of accidental ignition is low, but the consequences could be catastrophic. If nothing else you could easily ruin your paint.
Authentic rotopax with their mounts seems to be the safest solution.