Rotopax vs Jerry cans for spare fuel

[Belize]

TwoXentrix - I've been going back forth a lot on a place to store 5-10 gals on the van. I liked Phil's idea of a Rotopax behind the spare, but it won't fit on my van, and besides like you I worry about the weight. I have considered hanging of the side of the van similar to the side mount jerry can holder, one on each side. But that does stick out a bit. I have also thought about mounting two Rotopax on my photo platform on top, but worry again about the wieght, exposure to sun and also takes away room on the platform for work, though with the latches Rotopax has I can easily remove them while photographing. I am leaning towards a couple of the 4.5 gal Rotopax on each side of the van. I don't have a problem drilling and putting a backing plate in for the mounts. I like their mounts, and thought that the one on the drivers side with the gas filler tube I might be able to rig so that I can easily fill without removing the Rotopax through siphoning. Anyway, I am still looking for the optimal solution. Thanks for the links, that really helps me picture the possibilities.

[larrie]

Been thinking about this too. Have carried Jerry Cans on a roof platform, hard get full ones up they and back down, and also strapped to the spare tire, that worked OK but worried about the additional weight on the swing arm. I recently got two 2 gallon RotoPax and am trying to figure out where to mount them. Maybe in the rear door ladder.

[pjpvi]

I liked Phil's idea of a Rotopax behind the spare, but it won't fit on my van

I have a custom made swing arm for the tire that leaves room between the tire and door (just perfect for the RotoPAX).

[Belize]

I am slowly coming around to two 4.5 gallon Rotopax mounted on either side of the van. I do not have a problem drilling the body and putting backing plates on the inside. I like the idea of a siphon hose with bulb so I won’t even have to remove them from the body. Any cons on this idea?

[Twoxentrix]

I'm with you Belize - I considered buying an Aluminess ladder, removing the horizontal steps and rewelding four horizontal bars that would accommodate the Rotopax mounting plates and two of the 4.5 gallon containers mounted horizontally (One above the other, and 9 gallons total). Intended to mount this just behind the drivers side rear wheel. As you stated Belize, you wouldn't have to remove them to fill or deploy the gas (since a hand siphon would be conveniently then used next to the gas fuller tube).
For mounting against the body, I just didn't want to drill holes in the side of the Van, but more importantly didn't want to go through the turmoil of removing cabinets to access the body to affix backing plates. Coupled with the fact I discovered Rotopax doesn't make the diesel can in a 4.5 gallon size...couldn't locate an alternative brand either, So I abandoned that idea.
I say go for it - IMO its a very logical & convenient solution....and I'd like to see a Van done that way!

[pjpvi]

I discovered Rotopax doesn't make the diesel can in a 4.5 gallon size...couldn't locate an alternative brand either,

Interesting. The off-brand yellow 5-gallon one I bought off of Amazon last year doesn't seem to exist anywhere on the internet that I can find anymore. I wonder if Rotopax went after them and shut them down on that design. Just buy a red one and paint DIESEL ONLY on it in yellow. .... or I'll sell mine for $10k! (supply and demand you know ...)

[BroncoHauler]

Keep in mind where you're going to be driving. If you have narrow roads through trees, mounting fuel on the side of your van may not be a good idea.


Herb

[Belize]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Keep in mind where you're going to be driving. If you have narrow roads through trees, mounting fuel on the side of your van may not be a good idea.


Herb

That’s been my one problem. Almost ripped off my awning once, and I do bushwhack a lot here in Belize. Thinking of a sloped metal guard in front of each tank to keep brush from getting between van wall and tanks. Still thinking this thru.

[pjpvi]

I've always liked how "Dani and Didi in Africa" (I think they are here on the forum too) did their side van attachment. Here's a pic from their web site.

[Belize]

That is a cool idea, very functional and modifiable, put tracks on the bottom then cross pieces for what ever you need. Thanks for the idea Phil!