How to carry extra fuel in jerry cans on
your A-frame. The correct way to fill and store additional petrol.
Jerry cans
Jerry (or 'Gerry') 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.
Willow
Ware Australia Pty Ltd have now designed a rugged plastic 20 litre red fuel
can. It has two longer handles to assist carrying when full and for easier
pouring. The neck diameter of the fuel can has also been increased to allow
the filler nozzle at service stations to be inserted into it thereby
reducing the possibility of overflow or spillage. The Willow fuel can has
also been designed to suit a standard 4WD rack. Make sure
you pick up the smooth sided one as it fits better intoa standard
jerry can holder.
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),
unleaded (Red) and two stroke (Yellow).
What is the
best way to carry extra fuel in jerry cans ?
There
is always an element of risk when carrying fuel.
Never carry
fuel in your vehicle or store fuel in any living area and if stowed 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 find it
absolutely necessary to carry extra fuel in jerry cans, it is advisable to
not carry the jerry cans part full.
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.
Safety and filling jerry cans
Static electricity can build up between the vehicle driver or passenger and
the seat and you will often notice you will get a small electric shock as
you touch something metal when exiting the vehicle. This is a static
discharge. If the fuel nozzle is the first thing you touch a spark could
ignite surrounding fuel vapours and cause a flash fire.
Don’t re-enter the vehicle to retrieve your wallet until after you have
completed the fill as you could once again pick up static electricity.
Refueling should not be done in confined areas and the vehicle or any
operating machinery should be turned off. Don't smoke and keep mobile telephones or any
likely source of ignition well away from the jerry can or fuel dispensing
nozzle. Vapors from the fuel can ignite.
Wait until you can
empty the whole contents of the jerry can into your tank, and then after
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 fuel may
spurt out.
There is a higher risk of fire when the fuel can is in the back of a
vehicle, ute or a trailer than on the ground. When filling a jerry can here
is a general guide of some steps to follow:-
-make sure you have cleaned the jerry can and removed any dirt inside
before your go to the service station
-switch off the vehicle engine
-touch the metal on your car with your bare hand to discharge any
static electricity
-don’t smoke, use your mobile phone or re-enter your vehicle
-place the jerry can on the ground as this ‘earths’ the container and
reduces any friction
-make sure you select correct fuel type
-keep the filler nozzle in contact with the jerry can
-fill the jerry can slowly to avoid static build up and fuel spillage
-don’t jam the refuelling trigger on the filler nozzle to keep it open
- keep watch on the fuel level until the jerry can
is full
- place the filler nozzle back
- fit the fuel cap back on the jerry can
- wipe off any fuel spill on the container or
ground and dispose of the paper or rag in a safe place
More information is available on the Australian Government - Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website
under ‘Dangerous Goods’.
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.