Extra fuel tank for RV? Explode?

[arsenijcz]

Hi All,

I am planning to take a jerry can (extra fuel tank) on the road with me, but I am worried that in the extreme heat it can explode when I open it. Has anyone had experience of bringing extra fuel tank with them? Was everything ok?

I tried to google, but couldn't find any concrete answers. Please help

[Hoverdave]

For the last 10 years I have kept several 5 gallons cans of gas around my property throughout the year in in temps up to 110 degrees, some in direct sunlight, and never had a problem. I always leave the vent cap open to allow it to expand but with plastic tanks there is probably enough flex in the tank I could leave closed.
When driving to a hovercraft rally they are usually full and the vent closed so fuel does not slosh out sitting in the sun for hours in the back of my truck.
I think you will be ok.

[burner von braun]

Be sure to read this from the main Burning Man website and become more familiar with fuel management in general.

http://burningman.org/event/art-perform ... t-storage/

Other people with hands on experience will likely be along shortly to advise.

[Token]

I'm tempted to post something about how this is Burning Man and shit does blow up ...

Somewhere in the mid 20th century the whole gasoline exploding in the desert thing was pretty much solved and all modern gas containers have designs that are proven to minimize such things.

Just make sure you use a real gas can manufactured in the last half century, follow any relevant instructions and you will be fine.

[Molotov]

If the can (plastic or metal) is filled to the brim, and you tip it the slightest bit when opening, the accumulated pressure could well produce a forceful spray of liquid gasoline when you crack the seal. I even saw this on vendor delivered 55 gallon gasoline drums

That would be bad juju for many reasons.

Moral to the story: When filling fuel containers, leave room for expansion, keep them in a shady spot, and be prepared for any spurt when opening. It might not hurt to drape a rag across the lid/bung when cracking it open. And don't open them in a confined area where flammable vapors could be trapped and ignited.

It's also not a real good idea to store them inside closed vehicles-see this recent news video:

[media]

[Meat Hunter]

Thanks to Burner von Braun for posting the link regarding fuel storage areas.

I had read it several years ago and I have followed the directions for storing small fuel containers and it has worked for me:

"All fuel containers, regardless of size, must be stored within “secondary containment” basins. If a fuel container should fail, a secondary containment basin will catch all the fuel. For small fuel containers, a secondary containment solution can be as simple as a cement mixing tub or fuel-resistant tarp with a raised frame placed beneath to create a containment area."

I bring 4-5 gal. approved plastic cans of gas for my little generator. Before my first Burn, I went by a large discount store and purchased two lugs w/lids that are a perfect fit for 2 of my gas cans. Wa-La. Instant and inexpensive secondary fuel containers.

Note: Just to make sure that the lugs were compatible with gasoline and gasoline would not dissolve them, I poured several gallons in one of the lugs and let it set for a week. I was good to go. The gas did not, stain, melt or distort the plastic lug in any way.

To keep the lids from flying off when driving down the road in the back of my pickup, I drilled a hole through the top and upper edge at the center of all four sides and installed pull ties though the holes.

This method has held up for 3-4,200 mile round trips to the playa. The lids stay put and they been "checked out" by roving inspectors on the playa several times.

For sure, I am neither the only one nor the first one who stores their fuel this way. But, it works for me.

[Elliot]

I use both plastic and steel gasoline cans. Any deteriorated gaskets/caps get replaced. I fill them to around 80% a couple days before leaving home. Then set them in the sun all day with the caps slightly lose. In late afternoon I tighten the caps. (The next morning the sides of the plastic cans are "sucked in".)
I'm not recommending this or anything else to anybody. I'm just saying that this method has served me well for years.

[Captain Goddammit]

We don't have as much sun here, so I use an electric space heater in front of the cans to preheat and expand them.

[dragonpilot]

I've carried up to 3 5-gal jerry cans to the playa. Typically, I fill them up at my last gas stop (that would be Cedarville, CA). This extra fuel is used to top off my vehicle fuel tank to ensure I have enough fuel to make it back to Cedarville in an RV that burns about 8-10 mpg. I don't store it on the playa. Upon reaching said playa, one of the first things I do is pour it in my fuel tank which is an approved fuel storage container. If your fuel needs to be stored on the playa for an extended period, then you need to adhere to the fuel storage requirements posted in one of the replies above.