Noob Question: I have two 5 gal rotopax fuel canisters. I have mounting questions.

Bodhi

Test Drive
Location
u.s.
As stated, two 5 gal flat fuel containers. I want to mount them to my roof rack but the rotopax locking system seems to have an issue with lock failure. Needing extra fuel and having it on the roof but being unable to get it off the roof seems not awesome. Until I can figure out something permanent is it insane/dangerous to use ratchet straps to secure the containers to the rack (I'd use some sort of cable lock to keep away theives)?

Thanks in advance.
 

JeffPro4x

Hot Pipe
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Glenside, PA
As stated, two 5 gal flat fuel containers. I want to mount them to my roof rack but the rotopax locking system seems to have an issue with lock failure. Needing extra fuel and having it on the roof but being unable to get it off the roof seems not awesome. Until I can figure out something permanent is it insane/dangerous to use ratchet straps to secure the containers to the rack (I'd use some sort of cable lock to keep away theives)?

Thanks in advance.
I have no direct experience, but I'd be wary of ratchet straps. Those rotopax expand greatly as they heat up.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
Straps would probably work but you can fabricobble something better. Check out post #3 in this thread for some ideas:


Rotopax doesn't make a 5GL, so don't try to put that much in there. You probably have the 4 GL size. I've got a few of those plus a 2 GL that I can put in the wet box.

I put 3.9 gallons in my 4GL ones, let the fuel warm up (gasoline expands a lot with heat), then cap tightly while pushing in the sides of the can. This minimizes the swelling effect quite a bit. If you acclimate them in this way, they will go slightly concave when they get cold, but it doesn't seem to hurt anything.
 

Bodhi

Test Drive
Location
u.s.
That's a great help. We're in Vegas and are traveling up into Olympic N.P.. The cans are for the generator once we're in the park so I figure I can hold off on even filling until we get up and out of Nevada.
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
I have two 4 gal rotopax. I put foam pipe insulation on my roof, then set them directly on the roof between the cross bars. I use NRS loop straps to hold them in place. Works great, never had an issue, and you can barely see they are up there.

They do bulge out from the fuel vapors, especially in the heat. Make sure the cap is on tight.
 
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