Date:         Sat, 4 Jan 2020 09:40:13 -0800
Reply-To:     "Markus M." <markusmumper@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Markus M." <markusmumper@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Carrying extra gasoline in a Vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <0D59850B-990F-4FB5-B962-BD3231DCF6FD@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Just returned from a seven night trip to Death Valley.

Really beautiful weather on this trip.

Gas station dispersal was adequate [GoWesty boxer engine averaging about
16mpg or 200 miles on a full tank]  but I do carry extra gas just in case,
especially trips to Baja where gasoline availability varies.

I use the Rotopax 2.5 gallon containers, two stored in the exterior storage
tray above the front seats secured with bungee cords.

I do not want to store gasoline inside the van.

I refresh the stored gasoline every few months by using  and re-filling.

There are gasoline preservatives available [Stabil] but I do not use them,
not sure how well they work.

Markus and The Girl [87 Westy].

On Sat, Jan 4, 2020 at 9:15 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Wow!
>
>         I thing the space saving is great.  I’ve heard of people storing
> tools in a special box there for example.  But Man, living on the edge? Gas
> in the front of a vanagon that is off roading?  Too daring for me.
>
> I had recently cleaned up my clam shell so am definitely hoping to keep it
> in service!
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
>
>
> > On Jan 4, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Greg childs <greg@gregorychilds.com> wrote:
> >
> > Eric:
> >
> > I purchased from England a gas container shaped to fit in the wheel of
> the spare tire stored in the clamshell. I have to clean and paint it before
> I install it.
> >
> > Greg
> > '91 Syncro Camper in San Diego
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> on behalf of
> Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> > Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2020 7:21 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Subject: Re: Carrying extra gasoline in a Vanagon
> >
> > Hi Richard,
> >
> >         I totally agree with Dennis.  The safety issues don’t out way
> the possible need.  Your own experience is a good example of the rare
> need.  And As Dennis says the gas might be useless when you need it.
> >
> >         Better to use that creative storage space for something else.
> >
> > Ironically, I noticed that on the last GW weekly sale email, there were
> carriers on sale for either water or fuel.  So look if interested, but I’d
> recommend only if needing extra water!
> >
> > Now, who else has a creative storage location and where?  Isn’t that
> space by the slider where the fuel pump is?
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > 85 GL Auto
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > On Jan 4, 2020, at 10:12 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > There are numerous issues with carrying gasoline outside of the
> vehicles fuel system. As gasoline is highly volatile is has significant
> vapor pressure which changes with temperature. Thermal expansion is also a
> concern. The tank, can, whatever at some point will have to vent. Most
> likely if you think the seals are good the vapors are still getting out
> which is better than the container bursting but the loss is most likely due
> to evaporation. What is evaporating is the stuff that actually burns so
> after 2 years that fuel wasn't good anyway.
> > >
> > > As I age my bladder and my ability to stay wake doesn't out last the
> fuel supply so having to stop for fuel is a good thing. Of all my driving
> only the trip to Alaska had me carrying extra fuel.
> > >
> > > Any good tow insurance will bring you fuel if needed. That is my
> safety net
> > >
> > > Dennis
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Richard Koerner
> > > Sent: Friday, January 3, 2020 8:21 PM
> > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > > Subject: Carrying extra gasoline in a Vanagon
> > >
> > > Years ago, I made a plywood box to store 2 each of 1-gallon metal cans
> of extra gasoline.  Mounted under van, in slider door area.  I typically
> exchange old fuel with new stuff; today was the day.  Well, in each of
> those cans....only half remained after 2 years.  I had investigated super
> duper gasoline-capable rubber grommet material, and had installed under
> each screw cap.  No good, it gently leaks out.  So...what to do?  In
> previous decades, I kept the old school metal gallon can (like the kind you
> may use for your lawnmower) on a shelf, approximately at the location of
> the rear heater, long deleted.  I figured that was about the safest
> location for explosive fuel; best for front-end or rear-end collision,
> adequate for side collision, super easy to get to.  I was worried that I
> was not being smart.
> > > But, I am re-thinking all of this.  Why do I need extra gasoline?
> Yes...for me....and a stranded motorist, that was the intent.  This has NOT
> happened in 30+ years of Vanagon ownership.  Also....I am pretty good about
> planning ahead....and keeping an eye on the instrument cluster gauges.
> Also, Subie 2.2 delivers a reliable 22 MPG, so I'm good for 250 miles, even
> coaxing 300 miles.
> > > Am I overthinking all of this?  Probably.....the best thing to
> have....is a cardboard sign that says "I NEED GAS!"....an appropriate
> length of Tygon 3/8" tubing for siphoning, some kind of empty container, a
> $1 slim Walmart funnel....and hope for the best that some kind person will
> stop to help.  And, a nice $20 bill for their kindness.
> > >
> > > No....I don't want exterior Jerry cans and such hanging off the rear
> end.  Also, I plan ahead for whatever short off-road trips I do, including
> fuel and food and water.
> > > Anyway.....just tossing this out there to the List....perhaps you've
> come up with some cool idea regarding carrying extra gasoline?
> > > Rich
> > > San Diego
>