I'm going to be doing an extended dry camping trip next month. I'd like to carry extra gas to be able to run the generator for long periods of time (and still have enough fuel to make it out of course).The problem is, how to carry it? I could put gas cans in a compartment but if one leaks it'll fill up with vapor and that could lead to a big, big problem.One possible storage location that intrigued me was on top of the fuel tank. It's a protected, ventilated space, between the frame rails and away from the heat of the exhaust system. There is more than enough room to hold multiple "low" style 5 gallon plastic cans.Thoughts or suggestions?Mike

Have you considered a hitch mounted cargo carrier?

charlesvalentine wrote:Have you considered a hitch mounted cargo carrier?First thought that came to mind. Either on the coach or toad. Don't forget the generator fuel pick up will limit usage down to 1/4 tank of fuel in the main tank, or about 17 gallons, so you can drive out.

Don't store gas on board, you will have a time bomb ready to go off!! Best to haul gas on a trailer or in a tow vehicle..Also like other person said on a carrier....That's what i would do..

Are you towing a car? If so, take it full of gas, use a portable 12volt pump to fill the coach tank from the toad tank, then drive the car out and fill it back up. Repeat as needed.

Hi All.For us, anyways, its not a problem. We do mostly all Boon-Docking also. Lets see, our Motorhome is a Gasser, and has a 75 Gallon Gas Tank, which we fill-up as close to our destanation as possible.Our Toad is a Gasser also, so there is another "Tank of Gas" for us to use. We also have a pair of Twin Honda EU2000i Generators, Paralla Kit and 6 1/2 Gallon Extended Run Gas Tank.The Extended Run Gas Tank, is stored in a "Properly Vented Storage Compartment", actually where the Motorhomes Main Propane Tank is keep. The Manufactor put in an extra shelf above the Main Propane Tank, and where the "Spare Tire" is keep, and with lots of extra room for other things also.We can always take the gas from the Extended Run Tank, and put it into the Motorhomes. Then take Gas from the Toad and put it into the Extended Run Tank, and put that into the Motorhomes also.We always make sure that the Extended Run Tank is keep full, so we can use the Honda's also.We have never, ever come close to running out of gas. If we should use the Toad, we always keep it filled up after each useage. We rotate the use of both our 5.5 Built-In Generator and our Twin Honda's.Its nice to be able to run your Generators for as long as you want, anytime that you want, and always have more than enought Generator Power to even go past our Motorhomes 30 AMP Limit.. Works out great for us, anyways.Good Luck. Happy Travels. Dan & Jill

Carrying extra fuel (gasoline) | Good Sam Community

Mike_Schriber
Explorer
May 29, 2013
Why wouldn't you carry gas cans on a roof rack? People do it all the time. Nothing wrong with it at all.

Mike

Airstreamer67 wrote:
Cotay, I hope you're kidding, unless the roof-side tank is empty.

There's a very good reason why the passers-by would be scared if they thought there was gasoline being transported in a roof rack.

What would happen to a flying tank of gasoline in the event of an accident?
okhmbldr
Explorer
May 24, 2013
You might examine a marine plastic fuel tank. They come in a variety of sizes and possibly could be strapped on top of your existing tank. They're built to haul fuel in an inclosed area, and you would always have the tank available for the future.
http://www.easternmarineoutlet.com/Moeller-Below-Deck-Boat-Fuel-Tanks/
Airstreamer67
Explorer
May 24, 2013
Cotay, I hope you're kidding, unless the roof-side tank is empty.

There's a very good reason why the passers-by would be scared if they thought there was gasoline being transported in a roof rack.

What would happen to a flying tank of gasoline in the event of an accident?
Cotay
Explorer
May 22, 2013
Late reply here. I'm intending of adding a basket to the roof rack and to place my extra tank in a duffel (so as not to scare the passers by) that is strapped down. I can add the narrow 14" basket to go along side my current Thule Ascent.

http://www.rhinorack.com/AccSubCategory_Steel-Mesh-Baskets_Page_1_Accessory_Luggage-Basket_335_9.aspx
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jan 25, 2013
Here are larger tanks for your jeep. Perhaps this will work and then you can just transfer fuel from the Jeep to the RV tank if needed.
Extra capacity tanks
the_armadillo
Explorer
Jan 25, 2013
Mike is right about gas vapors being heavier than air, I stand corrected. Due to it's fairly high vapor density, low flash point and the ability of those fumes to travel long distances, I always thought gasoline fumes were lighter than air.

That being said, I still would not recommend placing containers in basement storage. Too many things nearby that are not ignition protected such as switches, relays, pump motors, reel motors, etc. for my comfort level. Also as stated in previous post, most of the transfer tanks being suggested in some posts above are not for flammable liquids such as gasoline. They are meant for fuels such as diesel only unless they have a certification label stating they are approved for gasoline.
Mike_Schriber
Explorer
Jan 25, 2013
Sorry for the delay. Please keep in mind that not everyone uses their RV the same way. I'm going to be out in the Mojave Desert exploring abandoned mines for an extended period. The nearest gas is more than 60 miles away. I won't be venturing far from where I'm camping. I'll be using a decent amount of gas for my Jeep and also to run the generator in the motorhome. Driving 120 miles round trip for gas is far from optimal. I have solar and carry extra propane but it's winter so the sunlight reaching the panel is weaker and it's cold so...

Contrary to what "the_armadillo" posted, gas vapors are heavier than air, just like gaseous propane. So, a compartment that's vented out the bottom will allow the vapors to fall and dissipate, just like propane.

I'm still investigating what I can do. The top of the fuel tank is smooth and basically a shelf with rails. If I kept anything there I'd strap it down. It's aft of the exhaust system and doesn't get hot due to the engine running. I also have space for a compartment that wasn't completed at the factory which I could build a shelf into. It's next to the propane tank and is open to the air.

Mike
zman-az
Explorer
Jan 17, 2013
How long are you going to be out. I would think that you would run out of propane and water before gas. Sounds like you must run your generator all day/night. What are you doing that you need to run the generator so much. I would look at reducing your generator run time. Would solar help? This will reduce your generator run time if you are not using high current appliances.
Community Alumni
Jan 17, 2013
I carried extra fuel,diesel, in the back of the Jeep in two 5 gallon plastic Blitz containers and I carried those in a plastic Sterilite #1940 22 gallon latched tote in case of a spill.

As far as carrying on top of the fuel tank I would worry about wearing a hole in a plastic container on a sharp edge or bolt head that you can not see.

I liked the idea of adding another tank to the MH

JimR
wny_pat1
Explorer
Jan 17, 2013
If your going to mess with gas cans, you want to look at these:
1. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200447900_200447900

or better yet:

2. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200518084_200518084

Both are much safer than a regular gas can. #2 is better because no fumes escape from it.