Fuel storage...

[mjc506]

When I'm in Norway, I figure I may want/need some extra fuel 'just in case', and was wondering where to store it...

Then I noticed an empty gap on the bike - behind the l/h pannier rack, where tool tubes 'normally' go I could put one of those fuel flask things in a tool tube, but that seems quite an expensive way of carrying not much fuel, and I wondered if anyone's come across a jerry can or similar that fits in that gap?

Plastic or steel, either way, I'd be armouring it against gravel strike!

[2112]

Roto pax could be the answer - http://www.rotopax.com/

[ringo grumio nibbler]

When I'm in Norway, I figure I may want/need some extra fuel 'just in case', and was wondering where to store it...

Then I noticed an empty gap on the bike - behind the l/h pannier rack, where tool tubes 'normally' go I could put one of those fuel flask things in a tool tube, but that seems quite an expensive way of carrying not much fuel, and I wondered if anyone's come across a jerry can or similar that fits in that gap?

Plastic or steel, either way, I'd be armouring it against gravel strike!

Don't follow the example of this dense bint:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012 ... sfeed=true

[DESERTRAIDER]

here is mine

[Oop North John]

How much fuel, and what sort of panniers do you use?

[Fatbelly]

All seems a bit unneccesary to me. I had a much smaller range than a wee without a problem in them Norwegian Nowheres.

[mjc506]

rotopax would be good, a touch expensive perhaps? Looking the most sensible option at the moment though.

Decanting petrol next to a lit gas oven? ...not the best idea I've heard...

I've got the standard Suzuki panniers, I'd rather not cut/drill holes in them, but can tweak the racks a bit if necessary (so long as the panniers still fit). I'd guess ~5litres would be useful, that's about 50 miles for me loaded up.

The best mileage I've got out of a tank was 55mpg, and that was solo, lightly loaded, and being 'careful'... I should be fine, but there's a few long stretches with only a few petrol stations, I don't want to be stuck if one's closed etc.

[2112]

Try Touratech - http://www.touratech.com/shops/008/adva ... 8d&x=8&y=6

The 3 litre bottle & carrier will get you 30 miles.

[TravellingStrom]

Why not just a standard 4/5lt fuel container strapped to the lid of your panniers?  I travelled the full length of the PanAmerican Hwy like that as well as all around Australia.

I used that unused space for tool storage tubes for spares etc

[mjc506]

I must admit, I just ignored toratech, just 'because'. Good find, thanks

I'd like something a bit more secure than a plastic jerrycan bungied to a pannier really. I'll likely not have the room in any case - large roll bag instead of a top-box, and it overhangs the panniers a little.

Food for thought at least

[TravellingStrom]

Yeah, not elastic bungy cord, an actual cord strap with ratchet, never come off even if you do

[mjc506]

Ah, fair enough just a shame the Suzuki panniers have such a bloody awkward shape!

[TravellingStrom]

Hmmm, I keep forgetting about those weird round ones, I have happy trails so plenty of flat spots to hang things off

[Abercol]

If you are using a roll bag over the pillion seat, then what's going on the carrier itself? could always strap one there...

I'd not worry too much if you can get over 220 miles out of the Wee.

[mjc506]

The roll bag covers the carrier and pillion seat But yeah, I think I should be able to make room there. I just don't like the idea of liquid sloshing around that high up. - simple solution to that is to fill the thing right up I guess...

It is more a peace of mind thing, I've Got to be honest

[WeeStromer]

strap a can to the pillion seat and then strap your bag on top of that. It might not suit you, but this works for me. that's what I did for brugge and this weekend for ST3.

[mjc506]

That's my backup plan

[Countrysailor]

Just noticed in my local hardware shop today 10 litre Jerry Cans. Exactly the same as the 5 gallon army ones, metal and with that locking lid but slim maybe 4 inches thick. Maybe they would fit in the gap in between the pannier rack? It would need some sort of holder ( nearly wrote holster there   ) but it's not beyond some of the handy blokes on here.

[mjc506]

hmm, that sounds ideal. What was the shop? (any excuse for a ride   )

[Countrysailor]

It's in Southampton, they are £14 each, don't know if that's a good price but they do seem to be as solid as the original Army ones. They may even be ex Army, I remember seeing U.S. Army bikes with these type of Jerry cans either side of the front wheel . I have an old Russian Dnepr ( same as the Ural, cars and bikes in Russia were named after the town they are or were built in ) in Latvia. Some of them over there have the 5 gallon Jerry cans strapped to 'em. there's also a bunch have machine guns on the sidecar, de-commisioned I suppose   . Anyway, they are available, PM me if your seriously thinking about a run. The shop is normally open on a Sunday but this being Easter can't be sure about this weekend.