I started a thread about my gas can mount project (it's in the boondocking forum -- I should have put it in Modifications). But the discussion broadened to a bigger issue. So rather than hijack my own thread, I am taking a bit of a survey, hoping to learn from everyone's collective wisdom.I am sure that for all of us, safety is the first concern, followed by convenience and an aversion to the smell of gasoline fumes. Theft is also a concern.So here are the questions: what kind of gas can do you carry for your generator? Plastic? Metal? Is it drip-proof? Are there specific brands that are particularly good?And where do you transport it -- on the tongue of a trailer? In an open cargo bed of a truck? In a closed compartment (either a camper shell on a truck or a storage area in an RV)? On a bumper rack? On the roof? In the fridge? (Just wanted to see if you were still awake.)Thanks in advance for your answers!

4 metal cans. 2 in truck bed, 2 in truck compartments. 3 are 5-gallon, 1 is 2.5 used specifically to fuel generators.Eagle makes a good can. Prefer metal to plastic.

You should state the kind of generator(s) and how much gas you expect to use.I have a pair of Honda 2000 watt generators with an extended run kit. That kit is just an outboard motor fuel tank with assorted hose and fittings. I picked up an additional fuel tank at a yard sale and can swap out an empty in seconds. Outboard tanks lay flat, quickly connect and disconnect, and seal up well for transport. They are awkward to use as a gas can for refilling the generator tanks, but with a large folding funnel it can be done. I store the generators in wheeled luggage style bags, and the tanks with hoses in a cardboard box. Everything goes in the truck bed.If I know that the generators will be used soon, I fill their tanks at the start of a trip. The outboard tank(s) will be filled near the camping spot. One disadvantage of having a diesel truck is the inability of dumping the generator tanks when no longer needed.

Hondas, and a plastic boat gas tank with extended run connections for either one or two generators.

Theft is not a concern for me, I guess I'm trusting or ignorant. I use Eagle brand steel safety cans. Ventless, thick steel, with a heavy spring loaded "cap" and lever system. 6 gallons I think? Short trip, one can, long trip, two cans. They're also reserve fuel for the truck should I miscalculate a fuel stop.Only downside, the way the funnel attaches around the neck, rather than a pour spout. It's not convenient to remove, so it gets left on, and fills with debris. Also not long enough to easily fill a vehicle, but works great for generator, mower, etc.I have twin Yamaha 2000s, but they do not support extended run. Haven't added a fuel pump, maybe some day. Don't often run both unless it's very hot and I'm boondock.

Sadly I only discovered this convenience a few years ago, but I often wonder why everyone else has not.The simplest way to fill a small engine gas tank from a large (> 2 gallon) jug is with a jiggle siphon ! Yes, the source has to be higher than what you are filling and I am NOT suggesting that you stand there holding a 5 gallon can, but I am sure you can find something to set it upon while transferring the fuel.

What kind of gas can do you carry, and where? | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

profdant139
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
Hmmm . . . . Dave brings up an interesting point. I always carry extra gas for my generator. And yet, in 14 years of camping, at an average of 70 nights per year, I have never -- repeat never -- had to fill my generator with the extra gas.

Roughly once a year, perhaps a little less often than that, we use our generator, maybe for a couple of hours, in total. I always come home from each trip with gas in the tank of the generator. I have never had to refill the generator at a gas pump while on the road.

But I just thought that like a Boy Scout, I gotta be prepared. What if there is a week-long rainy spell, and my solar panel is useless?

But if Crosscheck, of all people, does not carry extra gas for the generator, maybe I should take a hint?? That would solve my problem of where to carry the gas can. Just say no.

Hmmm.
Ductape
Explorer
Jan 07, 2019
When we did that it was high quality plastic containers in the truck bed toolbox.
crosscheck
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
2 heavy duty, 5g, thin design plastic containers carrying diesel.

Strapped with strong webbing anchored to rings bolted to the truck box panels between the tailgate and the wheel well both sides.Have truck cap.

Did carry gas in small container for the genny but haven't used it in years so I carry the genny full in the pass through but no extra fuel on board.

Dave
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
Sadly I only discovered this convenience a few years ago, but I often wonder why everyone else has not.

The simplest way to fill a small engine gas tank from a large (> 2 gallon) jug is with a jiggle siphon ! Yes, the source has to be higher than what you are filling and I am NOT suggesting that you stand there holding a 5 gallon can, but I am sure you can find something to set it upon while transferring the fuel.
GordonThree
Explorer
Jan 07, 2019
Theft is not a concern for me, I guess I'm trusting or ignorant.

I use Eagle brand steel safety cans. Ventless, thick steel, with a heavy spring loaded "cap" and lever system. 6 gallons I think? Short trip, one can, long trip, two cans. They're also reserve fuel for the truck should I miscalculate a fuel stop.

Only downside, the way the funnel attaches around the neck, rather than a pour spout. It's not convenient to remove, so it gets left on, and fills with debris. Also not long enough to easily fill a vehicle, but works great for generator, mower, etc.

I have twin Yamaha 2000s, but they do not support extended run. Haven't added a fuel pump, maybe some day. Don't often run both unless it's very hot and I'm boondock.
dieseltruckdriv
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
Hondas, and a plastic boat gas tank with extended run connections for either one or two generators.
Lynnmor
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
You should state the kind of generator(s) and how much gas you expect to use.

I have a pair of Honda 2000 watt generators with an extended run kit. That kit is just an outboard motor fuel tank with assorted hose and fittings. I picked up an additional fuel tank at a yard sale and can swap out an empty in seconds. Outboard tanks lay flat, quickly connect and disconnect, and seal up well for transport. They are awkward to use as a gas can for refilling the generator tanks, but with a large folding funnel it can be done. I store the generators in wheeled luggage style bags, and the tanks with hoses in a cardboard box. Everything goes in the truck bed.

If I know that the generators will be used soon, I fill their tanks at the start of a trip. The outboard tank(s) will be filled near the camping spot. One disadvantage of having a diesel truck is the inability of dumping the generator tanks when no longer needed.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 07, 2019
4 metal cans. 2 in truck bed, 2 in truck compartments. 3 are 5-gallon, 1 is 2.5 used specifically to fuel generators.

Eagle makes a good can. Prefer metal to plastic.

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What kind of gas can do you carry, and where?

28 Replies

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