Mounting a 5gal spare fuel can onto a Discovery II?:confused:

[Brian McVickers]

:confused:I've been trying to figure out how to carry spare fuel for a while now.
I have a Discovery II and there is limited space on the outside for mounting a can.

Two obvious solutions are
1 - on a roof rack -- I try to only use my roof rack when absolutely necessary and take it on and off depending on the trip I am taking. one day trail rides = no rack. Anything that requires additional gear, and the interior space is occupied by people and dog = rack.

2 - mounting a fuel can holder on the spare tire mount to be carried on the outside of the spare tire -- this is where I carry my Hi-Lift so no space for a fuel can.


Possible solution
To mount a fuel can holder onto the ladder and carry the fuel can there.
I have a ladder bolted to the drivers half of the back door, it is for accessing the roof rack. This stays on all the time and has three rungs. It is steel and fully welded. It is bolted to the door.

I am considering taking a steel fuel can holder http://www.angryironoffroadgear.com/gascan-holder-1.jpg
and bolting it to the bottom rung of the ladder and running the tie down strap up and around the top rung of the ladder.

The other option is to weld or bolt on an "L" or "U" shaped piece of steel bar stock onto the bottom rung of the ladder. For a Blitz can with a lip on the bottom, that lip could be hung onto the L or U of the welded on piece and then the top of the can would be secured to the top rung of the ladder with a clamp of some sort, to be designed.

I have a Wedco can with rounded edges on the bottom so I don't believe the welded bar stock idea will work with it.

Another option is to mount a full fuel can cage, like the ones made by Adventure Traler, to the ladder but that would be adding more weight.

So any thoughts?
Has anyone done this?
Does anyone see any flaws, holes or concerns?

Here is what it would look like:http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/With%20can.jpg

[Brian McVickers]

Here are some more pics of an example, with a cage style holder mounted.

http://www.northwestoverlandsociety.org/DesktopModules/SimpleGallery/ImageHandlerLarge.ashx?width=800&height=534&HomeDirectory=%2fPortals%2f4%2fGallery%2fAlbum%2f1 1&fileName=_MG_0018.JPG&portalid=4

http://www.northwestoverlandsociety.org/DesktopModules/SimpleGallery/ImageHandlerLarge.ashx?width=800&height=600&HomeDirectory=%2fPortals%2f4%2fGallery%2fAlbum%2f1 1&fileName=005.JPG&portalid=4

http://www.northwestoverlandsociety.org/DesktopModules/SimpleGallery/ImageHandlerLarge.ashx?width=800&height=533&HomeDirectory=%2fPortals%2f4%2fGallery%2fAlbum%2f1 1&fileName=010.JPG&portalid=4

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Brian.........

I have the same problem.

But I have no tire rack/ ladder......nuffin!


I like your ladder idea.........!

Is it OK to paint the Gas Can to match your truck?:o

You could paint the cap RED to remember what's in there:costumed-smiley-007



.

[Brian McVickers]

Is it OK to paint the Gas Can to match your truck?:o

You could paint the cap RED to remember what's in there:costumed-smiley-007

.

Thanks,
I will leave the can red since it will not live on the back of the vehicle. I may however paint the can holder black to blend in with the ladder and trim.

I don't think I want to paint the can or holder white to match the rig. That would be trying to hard to match, for me, and look odd IMO. I only just started matching my belt to my shoes, per Amy's recommendation! I'm not sure if I could handle too much more color coordination.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I dunno............!

Some people think ALL White is pretty KEWL.............!...:rockon:


http://www.elvis-collectors.com/ccmsg09-2.jpg



......hehe:cool:

[Brian McVickers]

:xxrotflma ...


Ok Ok...

So does anyone see any concerns or possible problems with the mod mentioned in the first post?

Thanks
Brian

[Jonathan Hanson]

A new Expo record! Second response and we're off on a tangent!

I see a business possibility here, though, Brian: The Elvis Commemorative Disco! You'll need about ten pounds of sequins and some glue.

Okay: First, no Blitz cans! You'll be sorry. L.E.A.K.S.

I think if the ladder is strong enough for humans with access to lawyers to climb on, it should be strong enough for your idea. You will be adding stress to the door hinges and latch while underway, however. Just something to watch.

One thing: If possible, I prefer a can holder that encapsulates the can, so that if all latches fail it will be held in by gravity. I've seen two instances of cans flung to the road after a strap or latch failed. It doesn't have to be solid; can be a cage of square tubing or angle. Simple to have a welder fab for you. The one in the photos looks perfect.

[FourByLand]

Brian,

I say there or on the tire itself but since you are using the hi-lift there I say the ladder would be a good option.

Only concern I can think of would be making sure its secure!

And I second not color matching... but dont forget the sequins!!!
:sombrero:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

The only problem I could see with it on the Ladder........

...is the possibility of the extra weight and bouncing, messing with the Ladder Mounts ON THE DOOR SKIN.... down the line.

But I've never had a Disco......just something to watch out for.

Just kidding on the color!.....didn't you see the embarrassed smiley?:o



But!

As for me and my.... one day Jerry Can.

I promise to paint it Silver with Black Handles

.....and a Sticker that says.....Elvis was Here!:shakin: .........:costumed-smiley-007



.

[Scott Brady]

http://www.oot4wd.com.au/products/tr56.jpg

http://www.oot4wd.com.au/items.asp?category=Discovery1999To2005&products=Fuel Tanks

[Boston Mangler]

I have a Long Ranger in my 80 and will vouch for their great build quality and easy install!

My .02

p.s. here is my install so you get a basic idea:

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/auxtank.htm

[FourByLand]

I second the Long Ranger but didnt mention it because I was under the impression that you were looking for an alternitive to a more expensive solution since you dont always have it.

But the I think the above set up would be a nice long term, safe worry free alternative.

[Brian McVickers]

The Long Ranger would be great!

But they look like more Hi Ho Silver! than I was planning to spend right now. I could not find pricing, how much do they run?

Thanks

[Boston Mangler]

The Long Ranger would be great!

But they look like more Hi Ho Silver! than I was planning to spend right now. I could not find pricing, how much do they run?

Thanks

Tank is about $550, getting it here is about $400 (whether you buy one or 5, so if you can get a few others in on it, you save huge). And all the extra goodies were another $500 or so (didnt have to be, but i went all out on this). Not sure what is involved on a rover install though.

[Dmarchand]

I would not mount it to the DII ladder. I've installed the ladder on my '04 and considering it uses rivnuts in the thin aluminum skin, having a full jerry mounted to that does not seem like the right idea. It would only be a matter of time before the lower mounts pull the riv-nut right out of the rear door skin.

The ladder supports stationary weight because of the bend in the top mount over the door skin onto the top of the door frame. But once you add that weight, lower down and begin bouncing around, etc. No good.

I don't see any easy answer for you. I wouldn't trust the door hinges with the added weight anyway, even if you mount to the spare carrier.

How about switching to diesel? :elkgrin:

[Jonathan Hanson]

Hmm . . . well, I guess that is a concern, then. What about pulling off the inside door panels and installing a backing plate? And is the rear door skin of the Disco aluminum? I've lost track of where Rover uses aluminum any more.

[Brian McVickers]

Wow, great point Dmarchand!
The ladder idea would work for a while, but
I certainly don't want everything to tear itself apart over time.

Jonathan
I know the hood of the DII is aluminum but I'll have to walk around with a magnet to see where else aluminum is used.
I could also check on the inside of the door to see if the backing plate idea would work out.

Maybe I should just build that custom raer bumper with swing outs that has been on my list! After all the cooler fall temps make for good welding weather!:ar15: :ar15:


Ok, back to the drawing board!

[Dmarchand]

You can pull the interior panel on the rear door and have a look at the substructure and frame of the door. Their is a steel frame piece behind the door skin that ties into the rear door framing and spare tire carrier supports. So it might be possible to pass through the skin into the frame structure. Hard part is aligning it all.

If I recall correctly (don't shoot me though), the door skins (all 5), quarter panels and hood are aluminum. Roof is steel and door frames are steel.

[Brian894x4]

You might consider a couple of 2.5 gallon jerry cans. The smaller size and lighter weight allow you more options as to where to mount and how to carry. Since they are smaller, you can even pack them inside somewhere. While this is not always a good idea, I can at least attest to the fact that the Wedco cans I use are extremely air tight. Including both the 2.5 and 5 gallon models.

But I can also attest to what happens when you leave them inside a hot vehicle. A square can will become a round one as you thank you're lucky stars the welds held. :eek:

Anyway, because of the lighter weight, I was able to mount two cans onto my tailgate, allowing me to ditch the heavy swing out rack and they are MUCH easier to lift out and use for actual refueling.

Also, you have the option of only carrying one 2.5 gallon can.

[Scott Brady]

I have never been adverse to carrying fuel inside the vehicle in high quality containers. Some disagree, which is totally understandable.

My view is that in a proper container and properly stored/secured there is less chance of a spill or damage (like in a roll or rear end collision).

I have stored fuel in both the Scepter and Wedco and had no issues with leaks or fumes. Just clean the tank before putting in the vehicle.

[iguana4x4]

I agree with you in this one Scott, even Tom Sheppard carries fuel inside the vehicle. Just make sure the container is appropriate, in good condition and clean before you put it into the vehicle.

[Jonathan Hanson]

I, too, agree, safety-wise. We went all through Baja with a NATO can inside Roseann's FJ55 with nary a whiff of gas.

My concern is more with cargo room, and in that regard a jerry can is a convenient thing to stick somewhere on the outside of the vehicle. Much better than, say, strapping your laptop case on the roof rack.

And, Brian (89 4x4), your stuff always looks practical and workmanlike.

[FortyMileDesert]

My gas can mount to spare tire mount:

http://rvm.tcomeng.com/yappa-ng/index.php?album=%2FRons%20Adventures%2FGasCanMount

http://rvm.tcomeng.com/yappa-ng/index.php?album=%2FRons%20Adventures%2F&image=GERRY_CAN_1.jpg

http://rvm.tcomeng.com/yappa-ng/index.php?album=%2FRons%20Adventures%2F&image=GERRY_CAN_2.jpg

[Brian McVickers]

Ok, good idea with the fuel on the inside.
I have a nice Wedco, just a few months old and with a good seal
I have been impressed with it as a container.

Not sure how comfortable my navigator and co-pilot will be with it though.
Amy used to work in a hospital burn unit and has seen the results of unfortunate happenings. Makes me nervous too.

But I have never smelled nary a fume from the Wedco and can't see how it could ever accidentally open, so...


Hey FortyMileDesert,
Thanks for posting up, great photos!

[flyingwil]

I have a solution for you and will have to show it you this weekend.

[Brian McVickers]

I have a solution for you and will have to show it you this weekend.

What is it? What is it?!!?
Maybe I could use it for this weekend, is it easy to rigup?

[flyingwil]

What is it? What is it?!!?
Maybe I could use it for this weekend, is it easy to rigup?
It is a secret, but I think it would work awesome! I will show it to you at breakfast.

[flyingwil]

Ok I know the suspense is killing you! Here is a preview of my idea:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/flyingwil/Random/side.jpg

[Brian McVickers]

Sure, Mario showed those to me. They are very sweet!

[datrupr]

Brian, I have carried my WEDCO can inside and have had no problems with it. I will do so this weekend as well.

[PCRover]

http://www.myrovers.com/Photos/My%202001%20DII/3-17-2006/slides/01P3172387.jpg