This topic contains 9 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by 
Roger & Sue Fell 5 days, 8 hours ago.
-
Posts
-
I am new to the open road but was wondering what people do about generator gas. It didn’t seem like a good idea to carry or store gas, but do I make a daily trip to for gas and just carry an empty gas can? Any suggestions on how to properly handle this would be much appreciated.
When we had out 5th wheel our first truck was a gasoline engine. We had an auxiliary tank in the bed that I would run a line from that tank to the fuel tank for the generator. When we traded out the truck for a diesel I started carrying 3 fuel cans with gas. With a fuel tank and the 3 cans I was able to go 4 days without having to get more fuel.
Thanks for the reply James. Did you store the gas cans with gas in your trailer storage? I am using a Yukon to tow, so I don’t have a truck bed. All storage would be enclosed.
- This reply was modified 5 days, 21 hours ago by
Steve and Kristin Moore.
I am new to Happy Hour, and I don’t know you, But let me say NEVER, NEVER store gas cans inside anything!!! There are a few ways to mount them on a bumper, and maybe we can come up with something else, but they MUST have lots and lots of fresh air! And did you know that empty cans are more dangerous then full ones. Because it is the fumes that burn/explode not the liquid.
I’m just saying this to get some cheers, cause I’m new, but it is true!!
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
George Bernard Shaw
Absolutely right Chris. Even the smallest mistake with gasoline can ruin you whole year or worse. I would also recommend you use certified vented safety cans. Vented because the vapors expand and contract during the day and night and can cause the can to make quite a racquet at minimum. Stay away from the plastic ones, besides breaking down over time (when you least suspect it) they are prone to static electricity (or so I have read). Regardless, always fill them on the ground (further from your vehicle the better. Search Youtube for ones like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wiUBCMdO7Y
Chris, I was a Demolition Spec. in the Army and we were fooling around with explosives trying to make a big fireball (like in the movies). First we filled a 5 gallon gas can and stuck a quarter stick of Dynamite in it (should do the trick, right?). It just blew gasoline all over the place with not fire at all. So, understanding your logic, we put in about a one gallon in and just a blasting cap — what a beautiful fireball we got!
- This reply was modified 5 days, 9 hours ago by
George.
I assumed you had a truck, my bad. You can do two other things. Install a hitch on the back of the trailer. You can purchase I seen them at walmart also, a steel basket that attaches into the hitch receiver. You can store your gas can in that while you are traveling. My first camper had a square bumper which I had a cage mounted on the back. Had a junk yard make this for me. I had my generator bolted onto this so I didn’t have to lug it around. They also made it extend the whole length of the rear of the trailer. So basically I had the generator on one side, gas cans on the other and in between I stored wood, lawn chairs, misc stuff. When we got to our destination I would take the cans out and store them in the shade somewhere nearby. If you don’t like the plastic cans you can always go to an army surplus store and purchase the older style military metal cans. I used to own a few of those and they were great. I wish I knew what I did with them. SOme how they grew legs and walked away. If you don’t understand the cage thing I am talking about let me know and I will get some pictures
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Highland-Steel-Hitch-Mounted-Cargo-Tray-Black/21801761
this only holds 500lbs of gear.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hitch-Haul-Side-Rail-Extension-Kit/24093686?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs-2-m1&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=AX4rUHo1ZEh4waaqmBFObw&category=&client_guid=2749266a-4388-4137-8d28-06d14751740d&customer_id_enc=&config_id=2&item_id&parent_item_id=21801761&parent_anchor_item_id=21801761&guid=ea2aa6ec-5c67-4de8-afde-768a42af6df9&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
this one has side rails.
but with these it gives you an idea if you want someone to make one for you.
What style of generator do you have, or are going to get? I’d recommend an inverter type for your situation, as they have sealing fuel tank caps that eliminate spillage or out-gassing while being transported, plus use much less fuel than the conventional construction type generators. And your neighbors won’t be throwing rocks at you for the noise!
I’ve transported gas cans in vehicles many times, but there are a few nuances you have to realize to do this relatively safely.
First and very obvious, it has to be secured in an upright position.
Second, all gas cans have a rated capacity. Everyone tries to squeeze in a little more, but fuel expands as it warms and the air in the top off the can is it’s expansion space, so don’t exceed capacity.
Third, don’t use old gas cans. Designs have changed and they are quite inexpensive! When you go to buy them, check the rim area for defects, dips, molding flanges and so on, also the small plastic plate that blocks the cap. Look for pour spouts that have a rubber seal that covers both sides of the seal area, I’ve put a few pictures of this below.
Lastly, carry them in the vehicle with you. If you do have a leak, you will be immediately aware, and can do something about it. If a can leaks, dump it into your fuel tank and discard the can. Modern fuel is very toxic, I’d never put it in the trailer. When you get to your destination, remove them from the vehicle and store them in the shade. Not under the trailer. A cable lock will help prevent wandering off!
Disclaimer: the above is common sense, not the law. I assume no liability for your use or misuse of the above information.
Attachments:
-
DSCF1669
-
DSCF1670
Thanks for all of the replies, very helpful information. James, love the cargo rack, will get one for sure, even just to transport wood and stuff. Roger and Sue, I bought 2 Champion 73536i inverter style generators. Love them so far. You’ve all been very helpful with suggestions on dealing with this, I appreciate the comments.
I have the same ones with the parallel kit. I installed hour meters in mine. Link to pictures.
http://rvhappyhour.com/groups/boondockers/forum/topic/champion-hourmeter-install/
I don’t use them that often, mostly for powering tools when I’m at Summer Haven. I put solar on the trailer last year, it supplies all our power needs except for when I go out in winter.
- This reply was modified 5 days, 21 hours ago by
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.