Rotopax on roof?

So I am contemplating getting 2 Rotopax (kinda sorta) for my trip to the FJ Summit.

ROTRX-2G 2 Gallon Gasoline Pack by Rotopax $59.99
ROTRX-2W 2 Gallon Water Pack by Rotopax $39.99
ROTRX-LOX-PM LOX Pack Mount by Rotopax $79.98




It's a 2 gallon gas and a 2 gallon water pack. the 2 gallon gas gives about 30 miles range to find a gas station which I think is a reasonable range (better than the 1 gallon option).

I opted for the water can for the second pack because: A) 2 packs are cooler than 1 and B) while water may not matter so much at the Summit, it may be convenient when camping.

Does anyone have experience with these pack sizes? where did you mount them? along the passenger side to offset the driver side lean? along the front of the rack? along the rear of the rack?
What was your reasoning for the location?

Thanks! Okki

Okki said:

So I am contemplating getting 2 Rotopax (kinda sorta) for my trip to the FJ Summit.

ROTRX-2G 2 Gallon Gasoline Pack by Rotopax $59.99
ROTRX-2W 2 Gallon Water Pack by Rotopax $39.99
ROTRX-LOX-PM LOX Pack Mount by Rotopax $79.98

It's a 2 gallon gas and a 2 gallon water pack. the 2 gallon gas gives about 30 miles range to find a gas station which I think is a reasonable range (better than the 1 gallon option).

I opted for the water can for the second pack because: A) 2 packs are cooler than 1 and B) while water may not matter so much at the Summit, it may be convenient when camping.

Does anyone have experience with these pack sizes? where did you mount them? along the passenger side to offset the driver side lean? along the front of the rack? along the rear of the rack?
What was your reasoning for the location?

Thanks! Okki

Click to expand...

I've got Rotopax on my list as well. My first mounting choice without measuring is width-wise across my Baja Rack in front of the shark fin. But, my plan was for the 4-gallon version: RotopaX Gas Packs- 1,2,3 and 4 Gallon Gasoline

Yeah.. I thought about the 4 gallon as well, but I'm never THAT far out in the boonies.. and it seemed more unwieldy when you do have to use it. I thought 30 miles (give or take) would be enough to find some civilization and a more gas tank filing source of fuel.

Plus as mentioned... water when camping.

Okki

I too like these. Wonder how they would attach to a Gobi.

I bought these awhile back and mount them on the sunroof insert. The fit is perfect. Before purchasing them, I read elsewhere to opt for the 2 gallons vs 4 gallons gas tank because of the difficulty of maneuvering them to fill up your tank vs having (2) 2 gallon tanks.

I have 2-2 gal. on the nose of my trailer ( with the locking brackets) and love them...well worth it. Once the extension comes for the Rola and its all welded together, two will go on the roof.

There is really neat foldable water bladder made by Forerunner (on the Equipt website) that would fit nice in the back, and also keep your center of gravity lower. Seems it would get too hot to drink on the roof as well.

Here are a pair of 4 gal Rotopax fuel packs on my Rocky Road Adventure rack.



I've since swapped the RRO roof rack for a BajaRack and now the RotoPax fuel packs are mounted on it just behind the sunroof. I use the RotoPax universal mount plate; mine's mounted slightly towards the passenger side so I have room for my Springbar tent pole bundle on the driver's side.

Titanpat57 said:

Seems it would get too hot to drink on the roof as well.

Click to expand...

I have no experience with the Rotopax water containers but I know the Scepter MWC I have is not meant for potable water. I'd get verification before drinking from it.

What about doing the 3 gallon gas and 2 gallon water? Never looked into these before but now that you made me aware of them I might have to add them to my wish list. Thanks for costing my money, jk.

I'm planning on placing my order next week for 2- 2 gallon gas rotopax and putting it on the sunroof insert of a Gobi Stealth. I will just use a collapsable carrier for water needs.

Intruder said:

I have no experience with the Rotopax water containers but I know the Scepter MWC I have is not meant for potable water. I'd get verification before drinking from it.

Click to expand...

That's a great point. I'll have to look into that. Serves little purpose if it's "shower" water only. I don't have the sunroof insert, so if I mount them forward they would not be fully shielded by the wind deflector. having them mounted near the rear also gives easier access from the ladder. How is the wind noise when they are mounted near the rear?

----- EDIT: Yes they hold drinking water for 6 months -----
http://www.rotopax.com/FAQ.html

Q: Is RotopaX safe for potable water?
A: RotopaX Water Packs are made from FDA approved Polyethylene. In fact, water for consumption or other uses can safely be stored in RotopaX Water containers for up to 6 months when the following instructions are adhered to:
Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the container and cap with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
Sanitize the container and cap by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the container so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the container, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Fill the container to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water.
Tightly close the container using the original, sanitized cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger.
Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place. Replace the water every 6 months.
Remember: Never add water to a RotopaX container designed for fuel and NEVER add fuel to a container designed for water.
-------------

phillyd2:
The mount has a base-plate that's not shown in the picture above. so the mesh of the rack sandwiches between the base plate and the actual mount. So you should be able to mount them anywhere on the rack you please.

Okki

ok, I've been thinking about these for a while so ordered today a 2 gallon gas and a storage.

10% Coupon Code = ebay

phillyd2 said:

ok, I've been thinking about these for a while so ordered today a 2 gallon gas and a storage.

10% Coupon Code = ebay

Click to expand...

advrider = 15% coupon code

There was talk of a 20% coupon code, but I can't find a working one anywhere.

Okki said:

advrider = 15% coupon code

Click to expand...

Placed my order for a Fuel/Water combo (2 gallons each) and 2 locking mounts.

The coupon code paid for shipping an knocked a little of the top.

Okki :frog:

Thanks for posting up the coupon code Okki. I just ordered my setup.

pawzitiv said:

Here are a pair of 4 gal Rotopax fuel packs on my Rocky Road Adventure rack.

I've since swapped the RRO roof rack for a BajaRack and now the RotoPax fuel packs are mounted on it just behind the sunroof. I use the RotoPax universal mount plate; mine's mounted slightly towards the passenger side so I have room for my Springbar tent pole bundle on the driver's side.

Click to expand...

at one point i was really considering one of those Rocky Road racks... now, not so much.
you sure bailed on that thing quickly eh, Arie?

Sorry for the quick hijack

pawzitiv said:

Here are a pair of 4 gal Rotopax fuel packs on my Rocky Road Adventure rack.

I've since swapped the RRO roof rack for a BajaRack and now the RotoPax fuel packs are mounted on it just behind the sunroof. I use the RotoPax universal mount plate; mine's mounted slightly towards the passenger side so I have room for my Springbar tent pole bundle on the driver's side.

Click to expand...

I've been seriously contemplating the RRO rack for a while, and your pics were one of the reasons driving my decision. Now that you've switched to the Baja, of course, I have to re-think that option. Was there something specifically that drove you away from the RRO rack?

I thought this thread was about roof rack-mounted RotoPax fuel packs but I'll answer the questions about my switching from a RRO roof rack to a BajaRack.

I simply out grew my RRO Adventure rack. I needed space for a 6-foot ARB awning, a Hi-Lift jack, 2 Rotopax 4-gal fuel packs, 4 RotoPax storage packs and 2 Seal Line 75 litre Zip Duffel bags. This brought me to considering both the Gobi and the BajaRack full-length roof racks. I chose the BajaRack for the slightly deeper basket.

I still believe the RRO rack is a very good rack at a reasonable price.

Thanks, and let me steer it back to on topic....

pawzitiv said:

I thought this thread was about roof rack-mounted RotoPax fuel packs but I'll answer the questions about my switching from a RRO roof rack to a BajaRack.

I simply out grew my RRO Adventure rack. I needed space for a 6-foot ARB awning, a Hi-Lift jack, 2 Rotopax 4-gal fuel packs, 4 RotoPax storage packs and 2 Seal Line 75 litre Zip Duffel bags. This brought me to considering both the Gobi and the BajaRack full-length roof racks. I chose the BajaRack for the slightly deeper basket.

I still believe the RRO rack is a very good rack at a reasonable price.

Click to expand...

Thanks pawzitiv, I appreciate the quick response (and don't suppose you're in the market to sell your RRO?):thanks:

Now, for something a bit more, on topic. Has anyone out there compared driving with the rotopax on the roof vs having them mounted lower in the vehicle (either in the cargo area, or on a rear tire mount)?
Since water/fuel are so dense, I'm curious if there is a noticeable difference between having that weight so high, versus keeping it closer to the center of gravity.

Thanks!

Mijfwb23 said:

What about doing the 3 gallon gas and 2 gallon water? Never looked into these before but now that you made me aware of them I might have to add them to my wish list. Thanks for costing my money, jk.

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you have a five gallon jug and a three gallon jug. You need exactly 4 gallons of water how do you do it?