Is extra fuel storage a bad idea

[ShinyPartsUp]

Hi guys,

I don't get the gas mileage some of you get, probably because of extra bulk around my middle (I know, I'm on a diet...yech.) and a strong right wrist. I am thinking through a long trip this summer, and saw a small fuel bottle for backpackers here REI link and wondering if I am nuts thinking of having this in a tankbag or tailbag on a long trip, in case I run out sooner than expected in the middle of nowhere. I considered a fuel cell, but I won't go there because of issues I've read about :huh: and because I need the space for other gear. It doesn't hold much, but it might be the little I need. Safety and practicality are concerns; has anyone used these?

So, am I nuts considering this?

 

[LDRydr]

I used to carry something like it on my Sportster. Never had any problem and it made me feel better having it along. I carried a small hose for siphoning, too.

 

[jwhite518]

If you're going to carry fuel in that fashion, the MSR bottle is the only safe way to do it.

 

[odot]

Safety? What's that?

 

[jwhite518]

Safety? What's that?

Yeah, that Harley only has a single disc brake in the front. What a deathtrap! :lol:

 

[LDRydr]

Safety? What's that?

Hey, THAT's my Sportster, I was wondering what happened to it. I parked it on Main St. in Sturgis and never saw it again :lol: And my gas can is still where I left it.

 

[AethonFJR]

I could not see any DOT or similar rating on the specs or product description. Not sure if gasoline would be okay or cause deterioration of any soft seals (gaskets at the opening). The description doesn’t mention any such seals, just “air tight seal”.

I think you would be self insured since you would be using it outside the manufacturer’s intended purpose and recommendations. Of course I NEVER  do that…….with anything….

Can’t really tell, but the top looks too small for a gas nozzle to fit so you might have problems filling it without a funnel; and of course lots of opportunity for spills in the filling process. The small tube siphoning idea might be the best bet for that.

But who knows it just might work…….

I would love to have a fuel cell, but I don’t think my loving bride shares that desire since she rides with me sometimes….

Good luck with it.

 

[mjac]

Hi guys,
I don't get the gas mileage some of you get, probably because of extra bulk around my middle (I know, I'm on a diet...yech.) and a strong right wrist. I am thinking through a long trip this summer, and saw a small fuel bottle for backpackers here REI link and wondering if I am nuts thinking of having this in a tankbag or tailbag on a long trip, in case I run out sooner than expected in the middle of nowhere. I considered a fuel cell, but I won't go there because of issues I've read about :huh: and because I need the space for other gear. It doesn't hold much, but it might be the little I need. Safety and practicality are concerns; has anyone used these?

So, am I nuts considering this?

I tossed a couple of qt (?) sized MSR bottles in the side cases of my LT for an Alaska trip I made a few years ago as insurance. Nary a problem on a 12K round trip and I would not hesitate to do it again. As it turned out I never needed the spare gas. MSR bottles are not allowed in most (all?) Rallies, however.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I could not see any DOT or similar rating on the specs or product description. Not sure if gasoline would be okay or cause deterioration of any soft seals (gaskets at the opening). The description doesn’t mention any such seals, just “air tight seal”.
I think you would be self insured since you would be using it outside the manufacturer’s intended purpose and recommendations. Of course I NEVER  do that…….with anything….

Can’t really tell, but the top looks too small for a gas nozzle to fit so you might have problems filling it without a funnel; and of course lots of opportunity for spills in the filling process. The small tube siphoning idea might be the best bet for that.

But who knows it just might work…….

I would love to have a fuel cell, but I don’t think my loving bride shares that desire since she rides with me sometimes….

Good luck with it.

This particular bottle is made for liquid fuels, including gasoline, I believe. They also make camp stoves that utilize this storage. I got the idea from this site: linky which I found somehow floating around in Google. A section of the web site's advice:

"When packing a gas-fueled stove for travel, depressurize the fuel. Also make sure that it's never more than about 3/4 full. The heat of the day and altitude changes might otherwise make for a nasty surprise.

Unless you're riding a bike with easy access to the petcock hose, carry spare fuel. Get a good backpacking gas container. Do not skimp here. You can get a good one, anodized red, from REI for about $10. Make sure you mark it's contents with a big black indelible marker. It's also much handier to fill a bottle at a pump than it is to try to fill the stove from the pump nozzle. "

EDIT: Just found another fuel bottle manufacturer which says it holds "all kinds of liquid fuel": link Made by Optimus and holds an extra ounce (34 oz. = 1 liter) but a couple bucks more.

 

[Ignacio]

I carried two for a while before I got a fuel cell and rode competitive rallies that disallow the extra capacity. They worked great, have never spilled, the seals are gasoline rated, and didn't pop even in 100+ sun. They do need a little padding and shouldn't roll around freely. Remember though that you're only getting about 10 miles per container. I still use them as fuel cans for my lawn mower.

Just be careful when fueling them. They are super easy to overfill in the hot summer when cool fuel hits hot aluminum.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I carried two for a while before I got a fuel cell and rode competitive rallies that disallow the extra capacity. They worked great, have never spilled, the seals are gasoline rated, and didn't pop even in 100+ sun. They do need a little padding and shouldn't roll around freely. Remember though that you're only getting about 10 miles per container. I still use them as fuel cans for my lawn mower.
Just be careful when fueling them. They are super easy to overfill in the hot summer when cool fuel hits hot aluminum.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I used to carry something like it on my Sportster. Never had any problem and it made me feel better having it along. I carried a small hose for siphoning, too.

Can you guess on size of tubing and where I might get a suitable hose for gasoline? Just hop down to the local auto parts store?

 

[GunMD]

Also, be sure to observe the "max fill" line (or similar). This will allow the fuel to expand slightly when it heats up in the heat of the day and prevent any issues that might arise from overfilling. That being said, I used two MSR bottles extensively a few years ago when I had a bike w/ a much shorter range and never had any problems.

.02

 

[AethonFJR]

Sounds like the MSR’s are rated for gasoline and have been well field tested….

Lots of good tips.....

 

[FJR1300A]

+1

I used one on a week long trip from Pittsburgh to Colorado a few years ago. I stored it in the saddle bag of my old Concours and at one point the heat was 102 according to two bank signs that I passed. I was a bit nervous about it, but as others have said, leave some space for expansion and make sure it doesn't roll around and you should be ok.

 

[CODan]

MSR bottles have been used by backpackers for about 40 years. I remember using them around 71 on backpacking trips.

They are very strong and safe.

I'd just be careful to pack them in a way that they can't rub against something metallic.

 

[gypsy]

The ignition temperature of gasoline is 495 deg F. If it gets that hot in your tank bag you are likely engulfed in flames and the security of this fuel bottle will be the least of your worries.

gypsy

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

The ignition temperature of gasoline is 495 deg F. If it gets that hot in your tank bag you are likely engulfed in flames and the security of this fuel bottle will be the least of your worries.
gypsy

rofl! Thanks for keeping it in perspective....

 

[Knifemaker]

I have carried spare fuel with them for years with no problems. If I don't end up using the gas, and alot of time goes by..I pour it in my lawnmower and re-fill with fresh gas and a shot of Sea Foam.

I have never had one leak, have the seal fail, or explode...

(very handy to have around to start a campfire though.......)

KM