OK to carry gas can on tongue near battery, well secured?

[profdant139]

I carry a small gas can for my generator, usually in the covered cargo bed of my truck. But it is in the way. I want to put it on the tongue of the trailer. I can easily build a secure place for it to sit -- that is no problem, and it is not going to move around.

My concern is the battery, which is mounted on the tongue in a plastic box. The idea of anything electrical right near a gas can is troubling. Yes, the gas can is the modern type that supposedly does not give off fumes. And yes, the battery is in a box and does not give off any sparks, that I can see.

But I am one of these ultra-cautious people, so that is why I am asking. Would this setup create any risk of fire or explosion? Or am I worried about nothing?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[TurnThePage]

I just ordered a Stromberg-Carlson cargo tray for the tongue of my trailer. I'm considering putting my generator on it, but may end up with all the other odds and ends going there. It would be an ideal location for a small gas can to ride. In my humble opinion of course. 🙂

[Jay_Coe]

Can you imagine if the internal combustion engine was just being invented now? "Well we have this idea for a unit that will power everything from your personal transportation to your lawn and garden tools. Only thing is, you'll have to have a 20-40 gallon tank of explosive, flammable liquid under your vehicle and you'll have to keep containers of the stuff in your garage/shed to power your yard equipment". Lawyers and consumer protection agencies would never let such a ludicrous idea get off the ground!

[profdant139]

Dennis, I got DW involved late this afternoon, and her advice was to leave it in the truck. Her reasoning is that if we put it on the tongue, it has got to be strapped down very securely, of course. And we store other things on the tongue -- the chocks, some extra blocks of wood for leveling, the sewer rinse hose (not the fresh water hose).

So if I mount the can on top of all that stuff, I have to undo the straps on the gas can just to get to the other stuff. Too much of a hassle.

I reluctantly agreed with her, so this project is probably not happening.

[Executive45]

How about if your safety chain becomes unhooked, either because you forgot, it broke or some numbskull disconnected it while you were having breakfast. That will cause some nice sparks. How much room in the back of your truck does a one gallon can take up? Just wondering if you're overthinking this whole thing....Dennis

[Lwiddis]

As old guy said “personally I don't like the idea at all”

I’m fearful of only a few things. Gasoline is one of them. Just the right circumstances...boom!

[profdant139]

The points about the quality of the container are well-taken. This gas can only holds a little more than a gallon but it was very expensive -- I think California now requires elaborate vapor containment hardware on these tanks. It works, too -- I can't even smell the gas fumes when I shake the gas can.

[hotjag1]

If you follow all the safety comments that have already been suggested and a secure gas can, it seems like an okay solution.


After all, your electric fuel pump is submerged in gasoline and seems to be an okay solution:)

[ndrorder]

The lower explosive limit of gas is a little less than propane. Be sure there isn't anywhere for leaking gas to pool and the fumes can readily disperse both up and down.

[Old-Biscuit]

It's not as if you are carrying around an open bail of gasoline.....it is in a 'legal' gas container that doesn't leak.

Biggest issue is finding a decent gas container....majority are junk

[old_guy]

sure it's fine, do you feel lucky punk? personally I don't like the idea at all. one spark, a wreck, I see a large fire ball in your future

[valhalla360]

As long as it's not mounted above the battery where a leak would fall directly on the battery box...no worries.

You realize every gas powered car has a battery and electrical components in the engine bay.

[time2roll]

There is no perfectly safe place to carry an extra gas can in all conditions.
Mounted securely on the tongue is as good as any place. Better than attached to the rear IMO.

[sgip2000]

Many batteries are near propane tanks as well.

[colliehauler]

Should not be a issue, that's where the propane is located as well. Would just make sure it is secure in a good quality container.