Carrying gas cans

[Fpolanco]

Gotcha. Well, when I got my 4 MFCs it was in between when real NATO metal cans stopped being available, and new NATO style copies (ie Wavian) coming on the market. So I didn’t have as much choice as now. They were actual surplus, still had old diesel in them. In total I replaced all the seals with Viton (came with Buna rubber, fine for diesel but dissolves in gas), broke and replaced two of the plastic flanges inside the cap (nowadays I'd replace with metal instead of plastic), got the special fuel cap wrench (hand tight won't seal well enough, and strap wrenches are a total monkeyfuck. Get the cap wrench), obviously you need the special threaded pour spout, and carried half a dozen spare seals and a couple spare flanges in a dust-proof triple ziploc.

Based on what I've seen the MFCs swell more, and change shape more than metal cans. If you strap them down very tight, or use a very form-fitting metal enclosure to hold them, you could have a hard time. I felt like I was always tinkering with the strap tension (carrying on an open roof rack, long side down with spout up, with a bar through the handles and a strap over the sides).

All in all I think the MFCs are very durable and clever (the air relief when pouring out is genius), but fussier than the standard metal cans. And like above if you just need a little extra once in a while, basic plastic cans or ATV/moto jugs are good enough and MUCH cheaper and simpler

Starting from scratch today, I don't think I'd go MFC :/

Holy hell that’s great feedback...thank you!!

A good friend who served overseas said they’d throw them all over the place and they wouldn’t burst. Didn’t realize how much of a bigger pain they are.

Maybe I’ll grab an extra Wavian or stick to my Rotopax.

Thanks again!!

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[fourfa]

Ah that makes sense. If I was trying to keep a whole column of heavy trucks moving, handling hundreds or thousands of cans and tossing them around, then yes MFC all the way. No dents, no paint to scratch, no rust, great triple handles, lighter in large quantities

For one or two or four, not abusing them, I think the situation reverses based on the things I outlined above

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

My setup is rotopax for gas in the bed, scepter for water in the cab (rear seat delete). I have a old cj5 with the 11 gallon under seat tank and for nostalgia I carry wavian on that one, I don't care about weight as much on that rig. I like them all but the rotopax require attention, burping, the others I just ignore and haven't had problems. I don't fill any full, I leave a good air cushion for expansion. I think the problem people have with the rotopax is they get filled to the maximum and don't get burped regularly, they do need attention. I agree with the above post the wrench for scepter mfc is something you should have if you are running these type of cans. The rotopax are convenient, you can mount them anywhere but requires attention. The mfc are tough sonsabitches and all kinds of shit is available for them, they have even been lightly pressurized for a shower, very nice cans. The wavian are heavy duty and heavy, they can rust but it you bought new today it would last your life.

 

[Fpolanco]

https://www.morryde.com/products/jl-side-mount-w-universal-tray-driver-side/

I had these on my 2 door JK and they were great, but I have a truck bed now. If I had a camper on the back I might think about these again.

I’ve been looking at options to carry cans outside of the truck but the only options I’m seeing are a rear bumper with swing-away carriers. Now we’re talking way north of $2k.

Def not ideal...

 

[Fpolanco]

My setup is rotopax for gas in the bed, scepter for water in the cab (rear seat delete). I have a old cj5 with the 11 gallon under seat tank and for nostalgia I carry wavian on that one, I don't care about weight as much on that rig. I like them all but the rotopax require attention, burping, the others I just ignore and haven't had problems. I don't fill any full, I leave a good air cushion for expansion. I think the problem people have with the rotopax is they get filled to the maximum and don't get burped regularly, they do need attention. I agree with the above post the wrench for scepter mfc is something you should have if you are running these type of cans. The rotopax are convenient, you can mount them anywhere but requires attention. The mfc are tough sonsabitches and all kinds of shit is available for them, they have even been lightly pressurized for a shower, very nice cans. The wavian are heavy duty and heavy, they can rust but it you bought new today it would last your life.

I have a Wavian for home use (generator, mowers, etc). I think I may just leave the Rotopax for home and the Wavian for this trip...

 

[Fpolanco]

My setup is rotopax for gas in the bed, scepter for water in the cab (rear seat delete). I have a old cj5 with the 11 gallon under seat tank and for nostalgia I carry wavian on that one, I don't care about weight as much on that rig. I like them all but the rotopax require attention, burping, the others I just ignore and haven't had problems. I don't fill any full, I leave a good air cushion for expansion. I think the problem people have with the rotopax is they get filled to the maximum and don't get burped regularly, they do need attention. I agree with the above post the wrench for scepter mfc is something you should have if you are running these type of cans. The rotopax are convenient, you can mount them anywhere but requires attention. The mfc are tough sonsabitches and all kinds of shit is available for them, they have even been lightly pressurized for a shower, very nice cans. The wavian are heavy duty and heavy, they can rust but it you bought new today it would last your life.

Now that I think of it, is there anything I have to do to the Wavian can to make it last as long as possible? Any additional coating on the inside?

 

[Free2roam]

Now that I think of it, is there anything I have to do to the Wavian can to make it last as long as possible? Any additional coating on the inside?

From what I can remember there is already a coating from the manufacturer if you buy them new.
https://wavianusa.com/products/steel-fuel-jerry-can

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Now that I think of it, is there anything I have to do to the Wavian can to make it last as long as possible? Any additional coating on the inside?

It's water that can eventually cause rust. No biggie if you use the can regularly. If the gas is for something like a lawn mower or chainsaw and you let it sit for months, use a additive. If it's going to sit a long time and you don't want a additive just dump it in the Gladiator and keep the can empty. Those wavian last. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[Mbryson]

....But another answer is, White Rim is only 100 miles, pretty easy driving, and not that far from Moab. If you can't get 250 miles of range out of a tank you must be on tank treads lol.....

I just downloaded a random GPX file of White Rim (https://www.jeeptheusa.com/white-rim-20.html) and it's showing 91.1 miles from 313 to 313 highway. I bet you'd be TOTALLY fine with a full tank?

(this is one of the trails I have yet to run---on the JT "list" along with Hole in the Rock)

 

[Fpolanco]

I just downloaded a random GPX file of White Rim (https://www.jeeptheusa.com/white-rim-20.html) and it's showing 91.1 miles from 313 to 313 highway. I bet you'd be TOTALLY fine with a full tank?

(this is one of the trails I have yet to run---on the JT "list" along with Hole in the Rock)

I’m sure I’ll be fine but I just watched a video of someone blowing through his tank and not thinking he was gonna make it (didn’t know there was another 35-ish off-road miles AFTER the official end of the trail.

Granted, he was towing an obscenely loaded trailer but still got me worried ?.

I’d rather carry a fuel can and not need it versus not having it and needing it.

 

[Fpolanco]

I just downloaded a random GPX file of White Rim (https://www.jeeptheusa.com/white-rim-20.html) and it's showing 91.1 miles from 313 to 313 highway. I bet you'd be TOTALLY fine with a full tank?

(this is one of the trails I have yet to run---on the JT "list" along with Hole in the Rock)

Btw, you’re welcome to join us in July.

 

[Mbryson]

Btw, you’re welcome to join us in July.

We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the invite! I have a very full summer kicking off with EJS 2023 and ending with a trip to Australia in Sept. June and July don't have much but I wonder if I'll have enough ($200 or so and the time off) to run down to Moab. Is that a weekend or during the week?

First world problems: :D

EJS 2023 Moab, UT -- April 1-8
Buick GS Nationals in Bowling Green KY --May 16-21 (flying)
Alaska Cruise -- Aug 2023 (leaving out of Seattle on Royal Caribbean)
Melbourne, Australia -- Sept 5(?)-17


July will be warm for sure. I do have AC now and I guess I could venture out nowadays? (In my trail Jeep, I avoid southern Utah from about Memorial Day to Labor Day) Sleeping could be difficult depending on the temps.

 

[Fpolanco]

We'll see how it goes. I have a very full summer kicking off with EJS 2023 and ending with a trip to Australia in Sept. June and July don't have much but I wonder if I'll have enough ($200 or so and the time off) to run down to Moab. Is that a weekend or during the week?

July will be warm for sure. I do have AC now and I guess I could venture out nowadays? (In my trail Jeep, I avoid southern Utah from about Memorial Day to Labor Day) Sleeping could be difficult depending on the temps.

It’ll most likely be a weekday trip to avoid the crowds. And it’ll def be hot.

Already ordered the hotheads liner and some insulation to install under the carpeting. Also debating on having a clear ceramic file on the windshield so I don’t melt, either on the drive there or in Moab...

 

[Mbryson]

I’m sure I’ll be fine but I just watched a video of someone blowing through his tank and not thinking he was gonna make it (didn’t know there was another 35-ish off-road miles AFTER the official end of the trail.

Granted, he was towing an obscenely loaded trailer but still got me worried ?.

I’d rather carry a fuel can and not need it versus not having it and needing it.

You'll use a bit of fuel in the 91.1 miles. Definitely more than the 4-5 gallons you'd use on the highway. I'd bet you use 8-10 gallons in low range (I'm assuming you're in low range for that trail?). That still leaves you 2-3 to get out to the trailhead and back from the trailhead with a bit of a 4-6 gallon buffer in your tank? Never hurts to be prepared.

Take WAY more water than you think you'll drink, especially that time of year. I validate my hydration by how much I'm expelling via urine. You'll for sure want to "go" 4-5 times per day in that heat to stay hydrated. Most other folks I run with do the same. Works for us. Not sure it's actual medical advice though :D

 

[Fpolanco]

You'll use a bit of fuel in the 91.1 miles. Definitely more than the 4-5 gallons you'd use on the highway. I'd bet you use 8-10 gallons in low range (I'm assuming you're in low range for that trail?). That still leaves you 2-3 to get out to the trailhead and back from the trailhead with a bit of a 4-6 gallon buffer in your tank? Never hurts to be prepared.

Take WAY more water than you think you'll drink, especially that time of year. I validate my hydration by how much I'm expelling via urine. You'll for sure want to "go" 4-5 times per day in that heat to stay hydrated. Most other folks I run with do the same. Works for us. Not sure it's actual medical advice though :D

Even if its not ACTUAL medical advice, sounds good to me!

I'll be traveling in my truck solo so I'll be able to put my fridge in the back seat and have it run more efficiently. In addition to having my backpack bladder hanging from the back of my seat, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have one side of the fridge full of water bottles and the other side will have all my food, assuming I cook something besides dehydrated food/MREs or cold-cut sandwiches.

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