How to carry extra fuel in jerry cans on
your A-frame. The correct way to fill and store additional petrol.
Jerry cans
Jerry can containers can be plastic or metal. They can
be purchased in different sizes and widths. Capacities
range from 5 litres to 20 litres. Remember though the
larger ones can be quite heavy to lift to pour. You will
also need either a siphon pump, a funnel or a 3-in-one
pourer kit.
Ensure the fuel container complies with Australian Standards
AS2906.2001. Jerry cans may be purchased from boating,
camping and fishing stores, hardware, automotive and caravan
accessory stores.
See also:
Free camping
Also referred to as bush camping, off power camping, dry
camping and boondocking. Save money while travelling.
Courtesy and etiquette discussed.
Heavy
Vehicle / RV Courtesy
What should you do when overtaking or being overtaken by a
heavy vehicle. Sound advice from a truckies point of
view.
Caravan / RV
Fire Safety
Covers the different types of caravan alarms, how to stop
false alarms, fire blankets and extinguishers and how to
protect your children around campfires.
What is the
best way to carry extra fuel in jerry cans ?
There is
always an element of risk when carrying fuel.
If you find
it absolutely necessary to carry extra fuel in jerry cans,
it is advisable to not carry the jerry cans part full.
Refueling should not be done in confined areas and the
vehicle or any operating machinery should be turned off.
Vapors from the fuel can ignite.
Wait until
you can empty the whole contents of the jerry can into your
tank, and then preferably leave the top open for as long as
you can, in the sun, to encourage the vapours from the
remainder to evaporate and allow the can to dry out.
Allow the empty can to cool down, before replacing the lid
and try to keep empty jerry cans out of direct sun and heat.
When
refilling the jerry can, refill it to the top. Air
expands about three times as much as petrol, and a part full
can will be at a risk of much higher pressure than a full
can. Always open the jerry can with extreme caution
holding the opening away from you when releasing the cap as
petrol may spurt out.
Never carry
fuel in your vehicle and if on a trailer or caravan only in
rigid, protected and secured positions.
Metal jerry can holders are ideal for securing the cans to your
caravan or camper trailer. As some fuels are combustible
upon impact, these holders should not be fixed to the rear
of your RV or where it may be susceptible to accidental
impact.
If you intend to carry separate jerry can containers for different
fuels, coded fuel tags should be affixed to the cans.
Leaded (White), diesel (Brown) and unleaded (Red).
Another alternative to carrying jerry cans would be to upgrade your
vehicle fuel tank to a long range fuel tank. Long range fuel
tanks are available through outlets such as ARB and Opposite
Lock.
If you are considering taking jerry cans on your caravan or camper
trailer to Tasmania on the vessel ‘Spirit of Tasmania’
please note they have a policy for the ‘Carriage of
Dangerous Goods’. This policy includes such things as
shellite, LPG gas bottles and jerry cans. Only empty jerry
cans can be taken on board and they must be completely dry
of any residual liquid. You should check requirements with
the shipping line on their web site and/or with them
beforehand.
