Should I be concerned about this? It seems like I should, but I have not seen anyone mention it. Maybe because it is obvious? How close is too close? What about genny exhaust?Talking about a plastic gas can with gasoline in it, here, and driving down the road with it on the bumper.Am I right in thinking propane canisters are not a concern?

I don't see a problem, especially while driving. There will be plenty of air movement to keep things cool. I would be more concerned about getting rear ended with a can of gasoline on my back bumper.

Naio wrote:Maybe because it is obvious? How close is too close? NOTHING is obvious to everybody.My daughter once burned up a bike tire and warped the rim by having it mounted about 4 inches directly behind the exhaust.Your plastic can should not be directly in the exhaust stream. If you can feel the exhaust blowing on it, it is too close.It also should not be directly above an exhaust pipe.But I don't really understand questions like this. Put it as far away as possible. That should be several feet and is more than enough.

I wouldn't want it near any heat source, nor directly in the sun. Those plastic gas jugs blow up like balloons when they heat up.

JiminDenver wrote:I wouldn't want it near any heat source, nor directly in the sun. Those plastic gas jugs blow up like balloons when they heat up.X2! Besides, unless you're going WAY off the beaten path, where there is a serious potential of running out of gas, isn't it much easier to just fill up more often? You don't risk going kaboom in a rear end accident and you don't have to worry about someone stealing your gas!

Buy a metal can if you can't change the location of the mount. Even the , I'd move it away from the exhaust. Heating gas is always a bad idea.

Proximity of gas can to van exhaust? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

Naio
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2015
Vulcan Rider wrote:
Naio wrote:

Ok. I thought there was stuff to prevent me doing that.

There might be baffles or coils in your main filler neck designed to discourage siphoning but if your hose is skinny enough and you have a little patience getting it in there, it should work.

Certainly worth a try since you already have a pump.

Ok. I appreciate you clarifying this.
Vulcan_Rider
Explorer
Aug 09, 2015
Naio wrote:

Ok. I thought there was stuff to prevent me doing that.

There might be baffles or coils in your main filler neck designed to discourage siphoning but if your hose is skinny enough and you have a little patience getting it in there, it should work.

Certainly worth a try since you already have a pump.
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2015
Vulcan Rider wrote:
JiminDenver wrote:
I wasn't suggesting running the generator off of the tank, just making it so a small amount could be pulled out and put into the generators tank.

So I will repeat this, since I think it is the only safe and sane way to do it:

Get a small gasoline safe transfer pump, either electric or manual.
Put the supply hose down into the main tank. Put the output hose into the genny tank. Pump.

Ok. I thought there was stuff to prevent me doing that.

I actually do have a 12v pump that says it is ok for gas. I had planned to use it from gas can to genny, but I like your method better! Will try it out.

FYI all, my van is newer but I can avoid pumping gas into genny tank while van engine is running. That sounds scary anyway.

I appreciate y'all's patience with this gas engine newbie.
Vulcan_Rider
Explorer
Aug 08, 2015
JiminDenver wrote:
I wasn't suggesting running the generator off of the tank, just making it so a small amount could be pulled out and put into the generators tank.

So I will repeat this, since I think it is the only safe and sane way to do it:

Get a small gasoline safe transfer pump, either electric or manual.
Put the supply hose down into the main tank. Put the output hose into the genny tank. Pump.
JiminDenver
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2015
I wasn't suggesting running the generator off of the tank, just making it so a small amount could be pulled out and put into the generators tank.
subcamper
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2015
If your van is a pre-OBDII emissions vehicle, then you should be OK.

I think OBDII started in 1996.

If your van is OBDII compliant, then any attempts to tap off the gas tank will probably set a "slow evap system leak" code or even a "large evap system code".

These systems basically pressurize the fuel tank slightly and then measure the pressure continually to see if any leaks are occurring. A tap-off somewhere in the system (gas tank or filler neck) will bleed off pressure and set the code.

It might be possible to put a shutoff valve in the tap-off so that you can turn it off when the engine is running. Of course, this means not running the generator while the van engine is running.

Steve
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2015
Ok, so can we get back to: What is a good way to implement Denver's suggestion that I run the genny of the van's gas tank?
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 08, 2015
CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD

Now, exactly how STOOPID is the C.A.R.B.?

The following is FACT not fiction...

For years the C.A.R.B. lobbied the California legislature and spent millions of dollars of taxpayer's dollars...

Trying to ban Barbecue Lighter Fluid as being a significant contributor to SMOG. They lobbied and devoted tens of thousands of public paid employee man hours, and hired scientists who don't wear socks to lobby Sacramento for this ban.

Nuff Said
Tom_M1
Explorer
Aug 08, 2015
dave17352 wrote:
jfkmk wrote:
Tom_M wrote:
I bought the can that I carry gas in here: Atlantic British Jerry can

The can is made in England and built to NATO specs. It is not galvanized but is fully painted inside and out. It does not meet U.S. CARB specs so for legal purposes Atlantic British sells it stating that it can not be used for gasoline.

It is about the best can for transporting gasoline. It simply does not leak.

Why would you transport fuel in a container that federal law prohibits its use for transporting fuel??

Curious what is wrong with this can. What are the "CARB" specs.
The NATO spec Jerry can is the only can that I have found that will not leak. The lid has a cam lever action that is quick to open and close. This can was developed by the Germans back in the late '30s and has been used in Europe since.

Wikipedia Jerrycan link

Quote from Wikipedia:
"The California Air Resources Board, also known as CARB or ARB, is the "clean air agency" in the government of California."

Wikipedia CARB link

What's wrong with today's cas cans?:
http://www.today.com/video/today/53733179
http://www.gad.net/Blog/2012/11/22/one-mans-quest-for-gas-cans-that-dont-suck/
http://www.otherpower.com/gas_cans
NinerBikes
Explorer
Aug 08, 2015
dave17352 wrote:
jfkmk wrote:
Tom_M wrote:
I bought the can that I carry gas in here: Atlantic British Jerry can

The can is made in England and built to NATO specs. It is not galvanized but is fully painted inside and out. It does not meet U.S. CARB specs so for legal purposes Atlantic British sells it stating that it can not be used for gasoline.

It is about the best can for transporting gasoline. It simply does not leak.

Why would you transport fuel in a container that federal law prohibits its use for transporting fuel??

Curious what is wrong with this can. What are the "CARB" specs.

Not quite sure, I live here, but I am willing to bet they are ridiculous, probably something to do with controlling a small amount of hydrocarbon vapors while refueling is my guess. All portable gas cans here are now unvented.