CanuckMariner/Nomad
Love having fun 😊 in the 🌞 by the ⛵ and the ⏳
I always seem to get into this discussion with my son and wonder what you all might think? We could do it here, kinda like a OJ test without the testing, just the discussion and conclusions.
Having 2 rigs [73/77 series]: one [73] with replacement tank + 2 jerry cans [H2O] and one [77] using 2 jerry cans [fuel or H2O], I have done considerable research and discussions on this very topic. When I got my 77, I considered it for a replacement tank, but I found it gets incredibly good fuel economy (8-9 L/100kms - HWY; 9-11 L/100 kms City) in its stock condition with my current mods. I use the jerry cans primarily for water - both drinking and/or showers, as I spend considerable time travelling in deserts. Both are diesel but lets not get into that now. Just know that the pros/cons below are what precipitated my discussions with my son and now your input is requested in case we missed something.
Please stay on topic and no smartalek/rude/disparaging comments; as it seems the norm on most threads these days! Oh, and no hijacking!
Lets keep this a constructive and informative discussion, so we can get a good consensus of the pros and cons of doing/or not doing. No personal discussion of one's mod, if they already did it - this should be on a build thread. Opinions and facts only, please! This discussion is about a hypothetical mod on a hypothetical rig, before one actually does it, to get the pros/cons of both and then take the appropriate course of action.
Neither mod is right or wrong; nor one mod having more or less pros/cons doesn't mean it is more better or worse, both have their applications. My reason for doing this, is to give others out there some food for thought when considering either mod and to add to my consideration for the future.
First of all, lets lay some ground conditions/assumptions/considerations to keep things more better:
* With the jerry can situation, it is assumed that the jerry cans are carried on a bumper (custom or not) which also carries the spare tire; OR they are carried on a roof rack; OR carried inside the rig (some do this). Also, some states (CA, others?) have safety requirements (CARB, non-spill spout, child proof, etc.) on jerry cans and these also will NOT be discussed here
^ Diesel fuel has its own situation as it is sold (marked or red dye diesel) in some regions without local road taxes for "off-road" use. This can be as much as 20% less than regular prices (despite quality of fuel - #1, #2, blended, etc.). Gasoline in some cases is also sold in a similar fashion but for farm or non public road use only and generally in bulk at special outlets. Having larger fuel tank capacity obviously makes this more economical under this circumstance. The legality of either will NOT be discussed here.
My thoughts/opinions:
Jerry Cans - what ever number you carry
Pros
Replacement/Aux Fuel Tank Mod
Pros
I will add your pros/cons and thoughts to this initial listing/post as I hear from you, so this can be the conclusion as well.
Any suggestions on how to present this in a more better way, please let me know.
Edit: just thought perhaps someone can do a similar poll and thread on water jerry cans vs. water bladders and water tanks, permanent or removable.
Having 2 rigs [73/77 series]: one [73] with replacement tank + 2 jerry cans [H2O] and one [77] using 2 jerry cans [fuel or H2O], I have done considerable research and discussions on this very topic. When I got my 77, I considered it for a replacement tank, but I found it gets incredibly good fuel economy (8-9 L/100kms - HWY; 9-11 L/100 kms City) in its stock condition with my current mods. I use the jerry cans primarily for water - both drinking and/or showers, as I spend considerable time travelling in deserts. Both are diesel but lets not get into that now. Just know that the pros/cons below are what precipitated my discussions with my son and now your input is requested in case we missed something.
Please stay on topic and no smartalek/rude/disparaging comments; as it seems the norm on most threads these days! Oh, and no hijacking!
Lets keep this a constructive and informative discussion, so we can get a good consensus of the pros and cons of doing/or not doing. No personal discussion of one's mod, if they already did it - this should be on a build thread. Opinions and facts only, please! This discussion is about a hypothetical mod on a hypothetical rig, before one actually does it, to get the pros/cons of both and then take the appropriate course of action.
Neither mod is right or wrong; nor one mod having more or less pros/cons doesn't mean it is more better or worse, both have their applications. My reason for doing this, is to give others out there some food for thought when considering either mod and to add to my consideration for the future.
First of all, lets lay some ground conditions/assumptions/considerations to keep things more better:
- The mod is either 1-3 jerry cans* (few usually carry more - so 20-60 L) with corresponding jerry can holders, spouts, fuel funnel filter or super siphon vs. replacement tank = to stock tank + above jerry cans equivalent or better OR + aux tank = to above jerry cans or better, with pump, gauge, electrical or gravity drain with appropriate plumbing for both conditions assume aux tank with additional filler pipe;
[*]my thought on this is: why would one get a replacement/aux tank mod when it can't hold as much or more than the jerry can option? - all discussions are with same vehicle with same options, conditions, tires, gear et al., no matter what you choose (limits discussion of different rigs and additional variables and focuses on the two mods) and no trailer.
- all fuel tanks have baffles and everything to maintain safety in either custom or used tanks
- all discussions are with same driving conditions (again limits variable discussions)
- hypermiling (the act of driving using techniques that maximize fuel economy) - coasting, 80-90 kph, et al.,
- heavy foot (100+ kph),
- 4x4 conditions < 50 kph)
- road conditions - highways, gravel roads, off road conditions
- the rigs use the same fuel type - however, diesel does present some benefits and this will be mentioned once^ but NOT discussed here again
- there are insurance and safety issues with both mods so these will NOT be discussed or factored in.
* With the jerry can situation, it is assumed that the jerry cans are carried on a bumper (custom or not) which also carries the spare tire; OR they are carried on a roof rack; OR carried inside the rig (some do this). Also, some states (CA, others?) have safety requirements (CARB, non-spill spout, child proof, etc.) on jerry cans and these also will NOT be discussed here
^ Diesel fuel has its own situation as it is sold (marked or red dye diesel) in some regions without local road taxes for "off-road" use. This can be as much as 20% less than regular prices (despite quality of fuel - #1, #2, blended, etc.). Gasoline in some cases is also sold in a similar fashion but for farm or non public road use only and generally in bulk at special outlets. Having larger fuel tank capacity obviously makes this more economical under this circumstance. The legality of either will NOT be discussed here.
My thoughts/opinions:
Jerry Cans - what ever number you carry
Pros
- least expensive mod
- easiest to install mod/to do
- cool factor - looks
- less weight (generally)
- easier to lighten load when stuck
- more flexibility, non permanent,
- access to fuel for starting fire in wet/inclement conditions, cleaning parts, etc.
- potential weight distribution in front of rear axle rather than behind
- jerry cans can hold red or marked fuels and qualify for tax refund on fuel costs
- shuttle fuel back and forth to ones rig - out of fuel, share fuel with others, etc.
- least convenient (PITA)/cumbersome - fill up and drain to fuel tank by whatever method, weather conditions can make this more difficult/uncomfortable
- fuel handling is dirtier, cumbersome, inefficient
- storage on rig and at home (or permanently left on rig)
- extra equipment required - spout, super siphon
- storage inside presents potential hazards, stored on RR is cumbersome to say the least, stored on bumper requires additional fuel handling
- potential vandalism - drained, stolen, damaged, addition of foreign material
- expansion of cans from heat making them difficult to open
Replacement/Aux Fuel Tank Mod
Pros
- increased range
- better fuel economy due to continuous driving condition rather than more frequent stops
- less stop/go driving - easier on rig, maintenance, etc.
- gives owner more choice of when/where to get fuel
- benefit of getting more fuel at a better price
- less and cleaner fuel handling
- overall convenience
- less vandalism opportunities
- stealth - look
- lower COG than with jerry cans, better stability
- may be fitted with a parallel fuel system pump, lines, etc., and switched from the dash. This is a reliability issue.
- no environmental considerations due to spillage/leaks from filling (jerry cans)
- potentially less danger of accidents causing fire or explosion (depends on who or how it is built)
- aux tank can hold red or marked fuels as it is separated from main tank and costs can be used for refund
- fuel variability (reg in one tank vs Bio in aux) same for reg and Bio diesel
- finding a used or 3rd party tank that fits your situation can be difficult
- finding a shop to make a custom tank may be difficult
- having a spot to put the increased replacement tank and/or aux tank maybe difficult on some rigs
- initial cost is higher
- installation is more time consuming, difficult, complicated and problematic
- increased weight
- potentially less driving breaks, pit stops, relax/stretch, etc.
- decrease in fuel economy due to increased weight
- increase cost of fillings i.e. each full tank costs more
- increased amount of fuel hence some increase safety risk - explosion, accident, leakage, fire, etc.
- potential border crossing issues - maybe interpreted as contraband carrying device
I will add your pros/cons and thoughts to this initial listing/post as I hear from you, so this can be the conclusion as well.
Any suggestions on how to present this in a more better way, please let me know.
Edit: just thought perhaps someone can do a similar poll and thread on water jerry cans vs. water bladders and water tanks, permanent or removable.
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