Fuel Cans

[Timothy McGowen]

RafterC

What are the three lowest grades in school?

 

[DavidGraves]

Has anyone ever heard of FWC jack brackets failing under any condition?
Does fluid in a gas container provide a dampening effect on wash board road as opposed to a solid weight? Engineers?
I'm just a redneck fabricator, LOL.

Howdy

I would think that a partially full jerry can or other fuel container would be much worse than the equivalent solid weight.

I know many liquid bulk tank truck drivers.

Even with the bulkhead and baffels designed inside these tanks my friends
describe a whole different driving experience caused by the "slosh factor" as the liquid load shifts.

David Graves

 

[PaulT]

As compared to a fuel truck carrying hundreds of gallons distributed over the wheelbase and axle width negotiating mountain roads, less than 5 gallons of fuel or water distributed over the less than one foot by less than two foot bottom of the container should be a much less severe issue of changing loads.

Think about the vehicle fuel tank with 20 to 50 gallons of fuel. It would seem that the mounting method for the fuel tank should be able to withstand a less than 5 gallon load, so why not examine how the fuel tank is mounted. It, after all must be designed to not fail in a vehicle crash where the forces are much higher than a washboard road.

How many 5 gallon can mountings have failed in the back country or on washboard roads? Or more importantly, how many fuel cans have destroyed their mounts on a pop-up camper? Is this a common problem?

Paul

 

[ntsqd]

My concern stems from the potential results of a mount failure. Not just the obvious possibility for fire, but also what such a failure could/would do the to the jack bracket's attachment to the camper.

Two bolts thru the jack bracket and one or two bolts somewhere else would be a LOT more robust solution than just a couple bolts thru the jack bracket.

 

[Wallowa]

My concern stems from the potential results of a mount failure. Not just the obvious possibility for fire, but also what such a failure could/would do the to the jack bracket's attachment to the camper.

Two bolts thru the jack bracket and one or two bolts somewhere else would be a LOT more robust solution than just a couple bolts thru the jack bracket.

Good to add more support points but determining the "somewhere else" keeps me from jigging up a fuel bracket...

Phil

 

[hoyden]

Cayuse and me en route to Tuweep...with our AT mounted gas cans.
The full 5 gal. is a little difficult for me to get down and back up, but not too bad. I have to stand on my camper steps.

Was full time with it on there for 5 months and camped pretty much every weekend with a ton of off-road and washboard etc. and it's been solid.

 

[craig333]

Just to the jack bracket? I wouldn't do that alone.

 

[ntsqd]

Good to add more support points but determining the "somewhere else" keeps me from jigging up a fuel bracket...

Phil

Yeah, that IS the $64 question, isn't it? Looks like Craig has one good solution.

 

[trikebubble]

I purchased a Hitchgate with dual fuel can holders (and a Hi-lift holder as well) i have two Scepter MFC's (and also a Scepter MWC water can if water is required instead of 2 x extra fuel).

I've carried the Sceptor MFC's on my old Xterra all over, up and down elevation gains like Engineer Pass, in extreme summer temperatures, and they've never complained at all. They do swell in the heat, but man they are strong tough fuel cans. i could probably drive over one without much issue. I do have their lid spanner, which i highly recommend, and their clear long nozzle, which makes refueling a breeze. The MFC's have a built in vent through the handle, so they re-fill extremely quickly. And they're made in Canada...so I figure bonus point for that.

 

[Wallowa]

Yeah, that IS the $64 question, isn't it? Looks like Craig has one good solution.

Craig knows his stuff and is thoughtful...my problem is drilling into the Hawk to attach anything and while not knowing where the strength members in the frame are located...bolting or screwing into wood or plastic to anchor or support scares me; especially when bouncing and jarring off road...I am toying with the idea of a vertical brace to the bumper...still need to really think this through first and validate, just for me, if I need more than 26 gallons of fuel on-board..cost vs benefit in terms of weight, weight location and structural integrity off road..

Do appreciate all the ideas offered!

Thanks everyone.

Phil

 

[craig333]

In my case, no holes were drilled in the frame. The bottom support bolts end up underneath the sink. Its a pretty significant piece wood there (sandwiched with a thin metal plate). The jack bracket was loosened, the angle bracket slipped behind it, new screws added. I had thought about adding a bolt through the frame to keep it from bouncing but it hasn't turned out to be necessary at all. It doesn't budge a bit.

 

[DavidGraves]

Howdy All

The whole discussion of how to carry extra camping needs....fuel or water or even food is a lively topic.

I just wanted to say that this is a pretty fine forumn ....to have all these different needs AND solutions and not get too worked up over it.

This is something that attracted me to the FWC and to WTW.

So very many folks just buy whatever social media or Camping World tells them to buy and head to the RV park.

This group is different and thoughtful and I salute you all for it.

David Graves

 

[ntsqd]

I would caution against "spanning a gap" as it were. The bumper and the camper will probably not move exactly the same, which will put stress on the related parts that they might not have otherwise. I'd say all on the camper, all on the bed, or all on the bumper, but don't bridge from one to another.

Wood is surprisingly strong (see: Alaskan Campers), it just doesn't like localized, point loads. Load spreader plates don't have to be 1/2" plate - far from it, but for a point load they do need to be there.

 

[doc]

I have an AT jerry can holder on my left side for fuel. Now planning to add one on the right side too for water. Main technical challenge will be extending the door latch and adjusting the bump stop. I've found having the extra fuel is nice security, and I think the would be the same for water. We find we run out of water after 2-3 nights. Having a jug would make it easier to fill up in campsites too.

 

[doc]

Oh, and also contemplating ideas for mounting a shovel to the can? Has anyone done this?

Right now, I keep a shovel in the backseat, but for obvious reasons avoid using it. If it were outside, even to help put out a campfire at night would be less of a concern...

 

[Rafter C]

While not a fuel can, heres my current solution to rear wall mounting. I think the secret is to avoid leverage, and to have that second plane mounting surface so that there is triangulation. I was lucky enough here to be able to drill through a vertical frame member, and through bolt it with a backing plate.

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/15778-2011-cougar-build-thread/?p=189282

 

[craig333]

My shovel just hangs off the door stop and is bungied to the hi lift jack. No theft protection but its not been an issue so far.

 

[Rafter C]

Oh, and also contemplating ideas for mounting a shovel to the can? Has anyone done this?

Right now, I keep a shovel in the backseat, but for obvious reasons avoid using it. If it were outside, even to help put out a campfire at night would be less of a concern...

Haven't got it mounted yet, but I'll be using this shovel bracket on the back wall behind the door. They are available from Cascade Fire Equipment:

http://cascadefire.com/tools/shovel-brackets.html

I've used them on many vehicles, and they very securely retain the tools. And they're reasonably priced.

 

[craig333]

We used something similar on the fire engines when I worked for CDF. I'd forgotten about those.

 

[Rafter C]

We used something similar on the fire engines when I worked for CDF. I'd forgotten about those.

Those are the ones.... I spent 30 years at Marin County Fire. Got my first shovel bracket like that in 1986.