Rotopax fuel yes or no?

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Hearing_HIV@reddit

If you live in the United States and need fuel mounted on your vehicle, I need to know where the hell y'all are going that is so far from civilization?

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ohwell_______@reddit

It's because everyone wants to drive 50 inch monster truck tires with a lift in 4 Low and therefore gets 2mpg

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Ctrl_Null@reddit

Sorry, your awd won't make it without ripping off the bumpers and fenders. Nothing wrong w/ 4lo, we arent trying to spin tires and destroy the trails to get to a simple spot.

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ohwell_______@reddit

My frontier has a transfer case and a locker.... no AWD here.

I'm not talking shit about your truck man. But a lot of people put oversized tires on old trucks and use 4 low, which is a perfect combination for awful gas mileage.

There is nowhere in the lower 48 US states where you need a Jerry can if you can go 200 miles on a tank. Which you should be able to do.... unless you're driving in 4 low with oversized tires and a lift, and a big tent messing with your aero etc.

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Ctrl_Null@reddit

We travel full-time and In the mojave right now w/ two spare tanks on 37s w/ 325 mile range. I see a bunch of large trucks w/ truck campers and earth roamers out here. We like to run black trails w/ our camping gear, nothing wrong with that. Also our sprinter 3.0 diesel carries extra diesel cans since gas stations are few and far between. Old 2drs have laughable gas miles w/ the tiny tank.

There have been plenty of times in the desert i've traveled and needed it or was worried about gas when I didn't fill up my jerrys. Honestly out of all the garbage we carry, i would 100% focus on gas and actual off-road tires.

The NPS tells you to bring extra gas , hands out reading material for it and there have been multiple people that have died running out of gas in normal cars.

I like the newer frontiers. Haven't had to winch yall out yet.

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ohwell_______@reddit

Right, this is kinda what I'm saying though it looks like my exaggeration about the 50 inch tires didn't really land. Although I'd say those Earthroamers qualify as monster trucks haha

To answer the first guys question it's not really where people go that's a million miles from civilization, it's what they're driving in and what they're taking along. Like the earthroamers or super duty trucks hauling campers.

Either way I certainly wouldn't recommend the rotopax. Nato jerry cans are better and I like my VP race jugs which don't spill gas everywhere by ignoring the new regulations.

I live in the PNW and most of my travels are around here or in BC, Yukon, Alaska. Not full time as I've gotta pay the bills somehow but 2 week trips a couple times a year.

Gas stations are not frequent and sometimes they close, if you run out of fuel there's nobody around to help so I do carry a 5 gallon VP race jug in the bed. Also gas is expensive AF in northern Canada so I'll take as much cheap stuff as I can get my hands on along for the ride. But I've never actually needed to use it.

Full time overlanding like you're describing and do is rare, and I think the majority who just go on weekend trips or maybe a couple weeks at a time like I do would be better served by a more minimalist approach to their vehicles payload instead.

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Ctrl_Null@reddit

lol they are huge. One that same note, i've seen A LOT of foreign license plate Earthroamers are common when you get closer to far destinations. which i think 'god those things are stupid big' but i get some envy. cause it is cool to some degree. but i'm poor compared to that.

there is quite a bit of us traveling fulltime that share our experiences on here w/ weekenders to try and save yall money. I 100% agree w/ a jerry or jug if you are able to place that in your vehicle. Truck campers have a hard time w/ that. I run 2x 4gal large rotopax. I needed to drill to the sides of my truck camper and i carry a spare 5 gallon motorcycle gas roll up bag.

For the 2 door jeep he mentioned, there is 0 space in that thing, a small tank, and horrible gas mileage stock. Having owned two, i get it. he only has 2 options to go with. but those 2drs w/ 33" tires can go almost anywhere w/ only a small tool and extra u-joints.

I need to get back up there and ride whistler. only been to Alaska via ferry & Washington.

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Dismal-Zebra8409@reddit

even with reasonable tire sizes your mpg is shit offroad in the mountains. We aren't cruising along at highway speeds here.

My last trip through mendocino my options were bring a couple jerrys, waste a day refueling, or skip out on a couple side trips.

we picked the jerrys.

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deborah_az@reddit

Apparently you've never been out west, either

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ohwell_______@reddit

Born and raised in WA! Been all over WA Oregon and Idaho never once needed to use Jerry can.

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This-Fruit-8368@reddit

Have you ever been out west?

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Hearing_HIV@reddit

Yeah. Maybe not out enough tho

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Dismal-Zebra8409@reddit

well you probably have one for each side so 8, and thats gonna get you another 100-150 miles.

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This-Fruit-8368@reddit

40-80 miles depending on your gas mileage can be the difference between being stranded and refueling

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HtnSwtchesOnBtches@reddit

I got a 4.5gal Jerry can from harbor freight for 45 bucks. I think the 2 gal roto packs are 100 a piece. They are trendy.

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Ctrl_Null@reddit

If you will use them there isnt anything wrong with it. I have the large rotopax. it helps limp back to a gas station. Not sue if those 2 gallons really help.

If i had a 2dr again, i would go with exterior mounting options for 2x large 5 gal on the bumper. but this guy did it w/ rotopax. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C5S_p-7LY0. I had a similar setup w/ my 2012 2dr

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RufusLeKing@reddit

Have you ever run out of gas? I doubt it. On the other hand, nobody will know that you overland if you don’t hang some fuel cans on the side of your car.

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Fishgedon@reddit

Just use a regular metal 20L Jerry can. They are cheap, available, don’t leak, don’t need to be vented and last forever.

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Aurongel@reddit

Why don’t they need to be vented? Most Jerry cans I’ve seen don’t have a pressure relief valve or anything fancy like that so it seems like they’d be susceptible to pressure build up the same way a rotopax would.

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Fishgedon@reddit

Yes they are just as susceptible but they are designed to withstand it l, both the air pocket and the cross pattern on the sides is there to help withstand pressure buildup

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Easily mountable? I don't have a roof rack

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2KneeCaps1Lion@reddit

They make cages/mounts for them that you can mount/strap to your spare tire.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Oh nice I'll look into this

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2KneeCaps1Lion@reddit

This is just an example. There might be better/less expensive options out there: https://www.quadratec.com/p/fishbone-offroad/spare-tire-jerry-can-mount-cj-wrangler-yj-tj-jk-jl-FB21276

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Fishgedon@reddit

You can just put it in your car, but there are easy mounts for almost every application.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Definitely don't want it in the car

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TriumphSprint@reddit

All kinds of mounts for Jeeps, I like tailgate ones. I've also seen fender flare ones. I mount mine by my spare tire.

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Von_Satan@reddit

I hate my Rotopax gas cans.

I love my Rotopax water cans.

The Rotopax mounts are really nice.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Is it the gas spout that's annoying? Haha

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Von_Satan@reddit

I replaced mine with the Canadian ones, aka the water spout. The huge issue is leaks from the black ring and gasket, then the bulging since they aren't vented. You are supposed to crack them open once a day or every 1000 feet of elevation.

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krithoff14@reddit

You can add a vent, super cheap on Amazon

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Speedy_SpeedBoi@reddit

It's just typical safety features, which are standard on almost any plastic red gas cans. It's really not that hard to dispense gas from them once you learn it, but it does feel like it takes 7 years to empty a measily 2 gallons into my tank...

I use 2x2gallon on a Rock Slide Engineering EZ Rack spare tire mount with the other side being my 5lb propane tank for cooking. I didn't want to do a spare tire mount that covers/replaces my backup camera because that is also where I hang my trash/shit bucket for overlanding.

I would prefer a 5g Jerry can, but the Rock Slide is built for Rotopax mounting system, so it was just easier to pickup blemished stuff from Rotopax.

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red_beered@reddit

Rotopax are to overlanders what Jibbitz are to Crocs.

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ohwell_______@reddit

VP race cans, half the price for twice the capacity

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ragua007@reddit

I have a 2.5 gallon one for fuel and it's ok, not the best, but I like that I can very easily mount it on my bed rack. I don't typically have it on my truck unless I'm going on a long trip (I leave for the Pony Express Trail on Saturday and there's like a 350 mile stretch in Utah with no gas) for peace of mind.

In saying that, I have their newer 5 gallon jug for water and that thing is awesome. Mounts five gallons onto my rack and out of the way and I use it for washing hands, doing dishes, etc with a little pump. I just set it on my tailgate next to my fridge and it works great!

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SurfPine@reddit

The water pump you have in your picture, make sure you know that water can leak in through the top where you activate the pump. I have two of those pumps and one recently was ruined, in about a couple months, because of water intrusion through the top. I never left it out in the rain, this was strictly from using it, washing hands, dishes, etc. I took some seam sealer and sealed the entire top of the second one, now it should be OK except for, obviously, the USB port area.

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nonamex72@reddit

I have two 3 gal Rotopax containers mounted to the window panels of my GX. I only use them when I'm out in remote places. They have worked fine for all my needs. I don't leave them mounted all the time.

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Foe117@reddit

I need extra gas for very Specific long Trails with no fuel depots, and a rotopax is a quick refill instead of digging in the truck bed. Other than that, I'll use it for 5 gallon water tanks, less to "pack" else its less to worry about.

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anonymo2022@reddit

I prefer surecan but no real mounting solutions.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Yeah the mounting was the only reason Rotopax was the top choice as I don't have a roof rack but a side window mount

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anonymo2022@reddit

I used to have a 2000 TJ and mounted a metal Gerrycan on the back rollbar when wheeling topless, my 08 4dr jk I bought a tire carrier that held two jerrycans.

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longpig503@reddit

Check out the armadillo “utility bladder” from giant loop. Easy to strap to a roof rack if you need it. When you don’t just roll it up and tuck it away.

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uChoice_Reindeer7903@reddit

Rotopax are amazing for atv riding especially since your limited on storage. I’m not sure they are as useful for an suv since storage isn’t at a premium.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Makes sense!

Yes for a 2 door jeep storage is a premium lol

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uChoice_Reindeer7903@reddit

Maybe, but not anywhere near like an atv.

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arrowheadelement@reddit

I've been using the 1 gallon giant loop armadillo bag for motorcycle trips and I recently got the 5 gallon one for my truck. They pack down very small and can be mounted with just some straps

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estunum@reddit

At the risk of bringing out the fuel can police, if you’re willing to go overhyped and overpriced, get yourself an Armadillo bag. My 5 gallon bag rolls up into a massive burrito when not in use. I just don’t want to deal with empty containers, and these are perfect for that.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

What's the benefit of this over the Rotopax? The empty containers would just be mounted on so not too much of an issue with having to store them away

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estunum@reddit

The biggest benefit is capacity. I don’t see how 2gal does much, but that would depend on the situation. A 5 gal rotopax would be massive empty.

Personally, I don’t like the look of any container, or item for that matter, attached to the outside of the truck.

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Chorin_Shirt_Tucker@reddit

I like them because of the mounting options. The bed of my Jeep is usually jam packed during hunting season so I can have them mounted to the bed rack to give me a little more space and they are readily available vs having to dig everything out of the bed to get to them.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Nice!

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Straight_Entrance779@reddit

Hell no. Great idea, but I can get 2x 20L Sceptre jerry cans at Costco for $30 or so.

I recently ran a trip where I needed to add fuel, twice. 60L the 1st time, 40L the 2nd time. I carried 8 cans and they packed nicely in my truck. The logistics and cost of doing that with Rotopax is astounding.

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BaboonFury@reddit

I really like the mounting and have 2 of the 4 gallon ones. I absolutely hate the spout and find it super cumbersome to use. When I do finally get it going it's painfully slow to fill up.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Yeah I've heard the spout is annoying

Is there a better aftermarket spout system for them?

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Snopro311@reddit

Rotopax sells a spout without the BS on it

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Snopro311@reddit

I use one on my snowmobile, no complaints so far but it’s a ok size for a snowmobile just one gallon

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juniorpigeon@reddit

They probably are overhyped and overpriced, but if the mounting solution suits you then go for it.

I snagged two 4 gals from the blem section years ago and have used them frequently with never an issue.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Right on

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hey_poolboy@reddit

I've never had issues with ours. I have a 2 gal for diesel heater. We use a couple 2 gallon unitsfor non-potable water. Those 3 live on the trailer.

Our jeep carries one 5 gallon and one 2 gallon gas rotopack for "just in case". I only carry the gas if I'm on a long trip in unfamiliar territory. I've never had to use it, but I'd rather have it if I need it, or someone else I run across needs it.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Exactly! Okay thanks

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Kerensky97@reddit

They're overpriced and undersized, that's where the hate comes from. But they do allow some good mounting options, and while 95% of the people who buy them don't need that, there are still some circumstances where you're desperate for space and being able to mount a couple tanks to the side of a rack is a benefit.

There are a lot of cheaper ways to save space, but if you're just running out of room there are still some actual situations where rotopax can help you.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Yeah only mount I have is the rear window side mount and obviously don't want to carry fuel tank inside the cabin

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openmindwildheart@reddit

I don’t want to be a guy that hates specifically on anything.

I will say this though, I see where the idea on a design level is cool. It looks cool. On another note it is incredibly modular. That’s real interesting.

On a practical level, I think they are stupid. When do you only need 2gal? I mean, if it’s as low it is to throw a light, you either ignored prudent planning entirely, or, you drove a hell of a way, which means to turn around and go back you need just as much. Now I suppose, a gal or two could get ya a couple miles down the road to a service station. But you’re still not going to have great fueling because it is so low.

I was watching a Roothy video and he was talking about his red FJ40ish with a 350 Chevy in it. He mentioned he doesn’t like long range tanks. He rather the standard tank and carry Jerry cans. If you need gas, you NEED gas and if you ruptured your tank you don’t lose everything.

I carry sceptre Jerry cans.

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Chorin_Shirt_Tucker@reddit

I get what you are saying but I do like them to mount on the my bed rack which frees up space when the bed in full.

I carry 2- 2 gallon rotopax on my hunting trips and it gives me the peace of mind if I’m pushing it low that I have an extra 4gallons of gas to make it to the nearest town until I can refuel. That’s an extra 60-70 miles.

I’ve also helped out multiple other people that ran out and weren’t going to make it back to town or would have to get someone to bring gas to them.

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zionstatus@reddit (OP)

Yeah this was my thinking exactly

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watchthenlearn@reddit

Yup. I've used plenty from my 2 gallon cans. Maybe due to poor planning or just running into unexpected circumstances. That being said I only have them filled when I'm going on an excursion or long trip. Helped a stranded motorcyclist once, that's always a great feeling.

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Unicorn187@reddit

The idea seemed ti be that you could spread them out so they don't stick out as far. And the 5 (4.something) is good for rooftop or bed racks as they flat. Or even on the side of a bed or bed rails. The 2.5 is good for those who bring a generator.

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watchthenlearn@reddit

Don't mount it horizontally! They sell a mount for it to be mounted horizontally on a roof rack. What a stupid idea and I acknowledge it was stupid of me to think it'd work. The gasket was always leaking, the replacements are expensive and I could never get it to properly seal again.

You're supposed to release pressure build up whenever the temperature fluctuates, but that's such an inconvenience. If you mount it upright this wouldn't be an issue.

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watchthenlearn@reddit

Don't mount it horizontally! They sell a mount for it to be mounted horizontally on a roof rack. What a stupid idea and I acknowledge it was stupid of me to think it'd work. The gasket was always leaking, the replacements are expensive and I could never get it to properly seal again.

You're supposed to release pressure build up whenever the temperature fluctuates, but that's such an inconvenience. If you mount it upright this wouldn't be an issue.

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g00dmorning99@reddit

Just fuel up before you go out. No need to carry a couple gallons of gas on the trail

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giantshadytree@reddit

The nozzle is a little weird to figure out but I never had any complaints with mine. I’ve had a 2 gallon fuel and a 2 gallon water can mounted to my XJ for 6 or 7 years