Best way to carry spare fuel?

[jdm-v35]

I do not want to store fuel inside due to the smell as well as lack of space when loaded up. I was considering a ladder with rotopax mounts but from what I found even getting the hatch to carry a 2 gallon tank is difficult without sag from weight or possibly causing damage to the hatch hinge. If I could carry 4 gallons I would go this route optimally.

I have also considered possibly a rigd ultraswing to carry gas, propane tank, spare tire and have the built in table which may be nice, but I may have trouble swinging it open in the garage if so.

Not sure if anyone else has the ultraswing with sidehack, but if so I am curious how far the arm swings out from the bumper.

Just seeing what methods people use to carry spare fuel when going off grid. I would like to carry at least 4-5 gallons as some places I go are about 70 miles away from civilization.

 

[mbm112]

Exterior Rear quarter molle?

2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner Exterior Molle Storage Panel | Rago Fab - Rago Fabrication


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jdm-v35]

Exterior Rear quarter molle?

2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner Exterior Molle Storage Panel | Rago Fab - Rago Fabrication


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looked at those as well, but it doesn't look like there is one that fits the SSO rack unfortunately.

 

[fkheath]

How much fuel do you need to carry? If just a few gallons, then the Molle panels would be best.

In my travels in Africa and remote Asia, most safari vehicles carry up to 50 gallons in roof top fuel bladders.

 

[osugsxr]

baby pool in the trunk

 

[honda250xtitan]

did 2 rotopax on the prinsu rack for a week in mexico. they worked fine. didnt need them but was a nice peace of mind.

 

[jdm-v35]

How much fuel do you need to carry? If just a few gallons, then the Molle panels would be best.

In my travels in Africa and remote Asia, most safari vehicles carry up to 50 gallons in roof top fuel bladders.

I would say 5-6 gallons would be enough, as I would just need enough to take me about 70 miles back to civilization from where I go hunting. 2x 2.5 gallon rotopax on a molle panel or ladder would be ideal as I would rather not have to deal with a swingout if possible.

I could not find any molle panel confirmed to fit the SSO rack yet, and I am not sure if the hatch can hold up 5 gallons of fuel with upgraded struts. I only saw one person post with 2 rotopax on a ladder but not much details about it. The ladder would be the best option as I could also use the ladder for packing/unpacking my RTT.

 

[jp.vegas]

If the SSO rack uses aluminum extrusions, you could potentially adapt another company's fuel can attachment on it. If you're using Rotopax then a lot of companies make such things like Sherpa for example.

If you're using NATO or Scepter cans, then you have other options. I'm running the Sherpa rack and am using the Bajarack gas can mount for my Scepter cans: Roof Rack Fuel Tank | BajaRack
– Bajarack Adventure Equipment

I moved the bars around and use the standard stainless mounting hardware from Sherpa to hold the mount on the rack. It's been through many offroad adventures without issue at all.

YMMV.

 

[comtn4x4]

I would say 5-6 gallons would be enough, as I would just need enough to take me about 70 miles back to civilization from where I go hunting. 2x 2.5 gallon rotopax on a molle panel or ladder would be ideal as I would rather not have to deal with a swingout if possible.

I could not find any molle panel confirmed to fit the SSO rack yet, and I am not sure if the hatch can hold up 5 gallons of fuel with upgraded struts. I only saw one person post with 2 rotopax on a ladder but not much details about it. The ladder would be the best option as I could also use the ladder for packing/unpacking my RTT.

If you're only 70 miles from civilization (gas station) why do you need that much extra gas? That's very conservatively 6 gallons of fuel each way. Piece of mind?

I also have frequently carried a Jerry can of fuel in that case that I would need it and rarely if ever touched it. I did a number of 7-10 day trips with a group of guys who INSISTED everyone carry 10 gallons extra (The two organizers had 25 gallons extra each) and not a single person ever need extra fuel or even came close. I've gone to only carrying a 2 gallon Rotopax and the rest of the space on my rear bumper water. Seems you could just put it on your roof rack no?

 

[mrblah]

jerry can holder on the roof.


My buddy adapted his RIGD tire carrier thing to hold 2 jerry cans, propane, hilift, table etc. He left his tire under his vehicle. This setup works well for him.

Here is his instagram page, you can see his setup.

https://www.instagram.com/ohana_overland

 

[jdm-v35]

If you're only 70 miles from civilization (gas station) why do you need that much extra gas? That's very conservatively 6 gallons of fuel each way. Piece of mind?

I also have frequently carried a Jerry can of fuel in that case that I would need it and rarely if ever touched it. I did a number of 7-10 day trips with a group of guys who INSISTED everyone carry 10 gallons extra (The two organizers had 25 gallons extra each) and not a single person ever need extra fuel or even came close. I've gone to only carrying a 2 gallon Rotopax and the rest of the space on my rear bumper water. Seems you could just put it on your roof rack no?

Because we don't stop and set up camp. We drive around the entire GMU all day and glass etc. Last time we filled up gas every other day that week(including the round trips to town). I rode with my friend last time but since we won't have someone else to come help if he gets stuck im gonna drive separate. Last time we had no cell service and I walked 3 hours on a trail to go to camp and get his son to tow him out from a snow bank. Just want to make sure I don't get into a situation where I get stranded out there.

 

[jdm-v35]

jerry can holder on the roof.


My buddy adapted his RIGD tire carrier thing to hold 2 jerry cans, propane, hilift, table etc. He left his tire under his vehicle. This setup works well for him.

Here is his instagram page, you can see his setup.

https://www.instagram.com/ohana_overland

Yea, if the ladder won't work maybe I just put 2 rotopax on the roof since I won't have my RTT for trips alone.

 

[jdm-v35]

If the SSO rack uses aluminum extrusions, you could potentially adapt another company's fuel can attachment on it. If you're using Rotopax then a lot of companies make such things like Sherpa for example.

If you're using NATO or Scepter cans, then you have other options. I'm running the Sherpa rack and am using the Bajarack gas can mount for my Scepter cans: Roof Rack Fuel Tank | BajaRack
– Bajarack Adventure Equipment

I moved the bars around and use the standard stainless mounting hardware from Sherpa to hold the mount on the rack. It's been through many offroad adventures without issue at all.

YMMV.

I will take a look and take some measurements. I think mounting on top of the rack would be no problem, but finding a side load panel seems to be difficult for the SSO rack.

 

[mrblah]

Because we don't stop and set up camp. We drive around the entire GMU all day and glass etc. Last time we filled up gas every other day that week(including the round trips to town). I rode with my friend last time but since we won't have someone else to come help if he gets stuck im gonna drive separate. Last time we had no cell service and I walked 3 hours on a trail to go to camp and get his son to tow him out from a snow bank. Just want to make sure I don't get into a situation where I get stranded out there.

its not a bad idea to be prepared.

Cool thing with dual jerry can holders, is u can switch off between water and fuel depending on your needs or trip.

From my experience though, i found that i need water more than fuel. I try to avoid gas station well water when i can.

SO i usually i carry 2 jerry cans of water and a small empty 2.5 RotopaX of fuel.

I also keep a 5 gallon fuel jerry can at home in case i need it.

I do have a aftermarket bumper so its easier for me to carry water and fuel. For most people, you are looking at roof mounted options unfortunately.

I like options.

 

[mrblah]

Yea, if the ladder won't work maybe I just put 2 rotopax on the roof since I won't have my RTT for trips alone.

before my rear bumper and my buddy's rigd contraption thing, we both ran rotopax on our ladder.

It gets freaking heavy man. We had to upgrade our hatch struts...lol.

It also puts alot of stress on the hatch hinges (in the open position)

After one trip, both of us never ran rotopax on our ladders again.

In fact, we don't put anything heavy on the hatch ladder anymore.

We then went with jerry cans on the roof, but that is really a PITA to get on and off when its full.

Then I went with a rear bumper and my buddy went with RIGD.

So that is the evolution of me and my buddy's decision making.

 

[jdm-v35]

before my rear bumper and my buddy's rigd contraption thing, we both ran rotopax on our ladder.

It gets freaking heavy man. We had to upgrade our hatch struts...lol.

It also puts alot of stress on the hatch hinges (in the open position)

After one trip, both of us never ran rotopax on our ladders again.

In fact, we don't put anything heavy on the hatch ladder anymore.

We then went with jerry cans on the roof, but that is really a PITA to get on and off when its full.

Then I went with a rear bumper and my buddy went with RIGD.

So that is the evolution of me and my buddy's decision making.

That makes perfect sense to me. Did you notice any hinge damage from weight on the ladder? My first choice that seemed optimal was Wescott ladder with 2 3 gallon rotopax and upgraded hatch struts. 2nd option is Rigd carrier with sidehack.

Yea I always want to be prepared because no matter what the weather is we make it work since the season we draw is just what it is. Doesn't matter if its feet of snow out there. Last year My friend's son snapped his front driveshaft and stretched the Tcase chain in a ram 3500. He put chains on the rear and we pulled the driveshaft and we kept hunting. This time around taking my rig out there I have a winch, rear chains, full recovery gear and traction boards. Especially because we are so far off any main roads, getting stuck out there could end pretty badly. I also got a garmin inreach this year for that reason.

As for Jerry cans, most of the time I would only put fuel out there as it would be too cold. Last year most of our water was outside or in the camper tank and it all froze solid when the high of the trip was 10F. We lived off 12 gallons of water for the week. Most of my hunting/fishing/camping is done below freezing. I typically won't camp unless its at least <60 during the day, but I have camped down to -25F. I take 2 aquatainers inside the 4runner just in case, which is also why there is no room for fuel inside lol.

 

[Jetboy]

I would just buy some gas cans of your choice and strap them to the roof rack. Doesn't need to be fancy if you're only using a few times a year. I've just used the 5 gallon Costco plastic gas cans. Same one I use for my lawn mower. They seem to work as well as anything for a few times a year. I think the marine gas tanks are probably the best shape for a roof rack if you want to make it a regular thing to put one up there. And they hold a lot more than the rotopax ones. Just need to add a ball valve to replace the outboard quick connector and the'll even gravity feed down to fill your tank and come with a siphon pump and hose.

Good luck

 

[mrblah]

That makes perfect sense to me. Did you notice any hinge damage from weight on the ladder? My first choice that seemed optimal was Wescott ladder with 2 3 gallon rotopax and upgraded hatch struts. 2nd option is Rigd carrier with sidehack.

Yea I always want to be prepared because no matter what the weather is we make it work since the season we draw is just what it is. Doesn't matter if its feet of snow out there. Last year My friend's son snapped his front driveshaft and stretched the Tcase chain in a ram 3500. He put chains on the rear and we pulled the driveshaft and we kept hunting. This time around taking my rig out there I have a winch, rear chains, full recovery gear and traction boards. Especially because we are so far off any main roads, getting stuck out there could end pretty badly. I also got a garmin inreach this year for that reason.

As for Jerry cans, most of the time I would only put fuel out there as it would be too cold. Last year most of our water was outside or in the camper tank and it all froze solid when the high of the trip was 10F. We lived off 12 gallons of water for the week. Most of my hunting/fishing/camping is done below freezing. I typically won't camp unless its at least <60 during the day, but I have camped down to -25F. I take 2 aquatainers inside the 4runner just in case, which is also why there is no room for fuel inside lol.

no damage to the hatch, but its a little wobbly when the hatch is open. I contribute the "wobble" to the added weight on the ladder on only one side of the hatch over time (trasharoos and rotopax). Its those little things you notice as you're vehicle ages.

IMHO, i think RIGD is a good deal if u can find it used for around or under 1k with all the accessories. I would not pay full price for their hipster BS pricing.

My buddy bought the RIGD used with the intention of modifying it for dispersed camping as you can see in his instagram pics. It works really well.

 

[jdm-v35]

I would just buy some gas cans of your choice and strap them to the roof rack. Doesn't need to be fancy if you're only using a few times a year. I've just used the 5 gallon Costco plastic gas cans. Same one I use for my lawn mower. They seem to work as well as anything for a few times a year. I think the marine gas tanks are probably the best shape for a roof rack if you want to make it a regular thing to put one up there. And they hold a lot more than the rotopax ones. Just need to add a ball valve to replace the outboard quick connector and the'll even gravity feed down to fill your tank and come with a siphon pump and hose.

Good luck

yea for this year I may buy a good gas can and carry it. I will reassess after thiss eason. I thought about it and what may be smarter is to possibly invest in an ATV and trailer and set up the 4runner as my base camp, as eventually I will probably be doing some hunts alone, and it is a lot easier to get an ATV through bad terrain than a fuill size car.

 

[comtn4x4]

Because we don't stop and set up camp. We drive around the entire GMU all day and glass etc. Last time we filled up gas every other day that week(including the round trips to town). I rode with my friend last time but since we won't have someone else to come help if he gets stuck im gonna drive separate. Last time we had no cell service and I walked 3 hours on a trail to go to camp and get his son to tow him out from a snow bank. Just want to make sure I don't get into a situation where I get stranded out there.

Ok that makes sense. I'd still say the roof is your best option. And really no need to get a spendy Rotopax or Jerry can, get something generic till you sort out your long term needs.



Also, I prefer the Nato fuel cans to steel Jerry cans if you're going the 5 gal/20 L route. And FWIW 2 2 gallon Rotopax will fit in the same space a jerry can fits. So for instance I frequently carry 1 Nato can water, 1 Rotopax water and 1 rotopax fuel in my Jerry can holder on my bumper. Or obviously and permutations of that.