First build cargo question

[Blacksmith_IRL]

Hello all, New member here, so be patient with me. Think I’ve read the rules, so we should be all set. First overlanding rig, ‘19 f150 with ARE CX camper shell, and an “end of bed” tent, some roof storage on Yakima Racks and baskets, so far so good. I’m wondering if anyone has advice for storage on the *outside* of my camper shell/bed walls, over or in front/behind rear wheel. I sleep in the camper shell, and just want to keep a jerry can of fuel and a couple other things there, but I’d like not to have to go all the way on top of the vehicle to get them if needed. Don’t know if there’s a term for what this would be called, again, new to all this, but any advice, comments, all appreciated.
God Bless
Conrad

 

[M Rose]

For Fuel cans look at Rotopacks, they have mounts for them to mount to the side of your truck cap. Another solution would be an upgraded bumper with dual swing out spare tire carrier and fuel can racks (personally I like this the best because it gives more mounting options for things like Propane tank and water). Get creative.

 

[GunRunnersActual]

For Fuel cans look at Rotopacks, they have mounts for them to mount to the side of your truck cap. Another solution would be an upgraded bumper with dual swing out spare tire carrier and fuel can racks (personally I like this the best because it gives more mounting options for things like Propane tank and water). Get creative.

From my understanding, Rotopax cans are not UV stable and I’ve been seeing a lot of complaints that they degrade pretty quick.

Front Runner makes roof rack mounts for Jerry cans and propane bottles as another option

 

[Z Adventures]

Also you need to vent the rotopax during the day if temps are rising so they don't swell.

 

[M Rose]

Also you need to vent the rotopax during the day if temps are rising so they don't swell.

Most Jerry Cans have to be vented throughout the day

 

[M Rose]

From my understanding, Rotopax cans are not UV stable and I’ve been seeing a lot of complaints that they degrade pretty quick.

Front Runner makes roof rack mounts for Jerry cans and propane bottles as another option

All plastic Jerry Cans are not UV stable. Combine petroleum, UV rays, and plastic, the plastic will always fail. Hence plastic gas tanks on automobiles are given a 10 year life span. Unfortunately due to the EPA, and other Environmental Agencies metal gas cans aren’t produced with the quality of the old military cans.
Next, Jerry Cans are an overland accessory that tends to be over used. Unless you are running a generator (or other auxiliary internal combustion engine) extra fuel in the US is unnecessary as gas stations are plenty. In the event you might be wanting to go further off the beaten path a plastic can will work for years… because you don’t leave it on your rig 24/7 out in the sun… only use it when you need it.
I have driven off road from Maine to Baja and never once needed or wished for an extra gallon of gas.

**Disclaimer**
If you are rock crawling and/or mud bogging the. This goes out the window, you want enough fuel to fill your tank 3 times over in the event you rupture your gas tank.

 

[MMc]

Blacksmith_IRL sorry your question got hijacked. I am old school and use my shell or ground tent.to sleep. I made wire cables that I'll lock up stuff like gear if it's out of my truck overnight, the tire spokes or shackles are good anchors.
I am not a fan of Rotopax, over priced below average quality. Fashion plates, IMO.

 

[Blacksmith_IRL]

I don’t consider it hijacked at all, I’m all about getting the “real world experience” input. My wife and I have done some day trips, a couple of overnights, but I’m 3wks out from doing a section of the Trans-American trail and I’m the “support vehicle” for a couple dual sports and jeeps who can’t pack as heavily. I’ll weigh all this in as I pick.
- Conrad

 

[M Rose]

I’m 3wks out from doing a section of the Trans-American trail and I’m the “support vehicle” for a couple dual sports and jeeps who can’t pack as heavily. I’ll weigh all this in as I pick.
- Conrad

this was some important missing information… Dual Sports are a whole different story. (They are the other internal combustion engines I mentioned earlier).

Most of the TAT isn’t that scenic… gas stops every 200 miles or so. Most dual sports have a range of about 250 miles. So for the eastern half of the trip, you guys should be fine on fuel… the western half the gas stops are a little further apart. For extra fuel figure 2.5 gallon per bike to make it to the next gas stop. As for the jeeps… unless they are old CJ2’s and 3’s or early 5’s… they should be fine… if they are 5’s (pre 1970) they should already have the provisions for extra cans on the sides and tail gates. So I guess what I’m trying to say is, is for extra fuel just worry about the bikes and add a few gallons extra for some kind of fuel emergency.

as for a place to carry it all… a hitch mounted rack sounds like your best bet… you can do the whole TAT on a bicycle. The TAT was originally a bicycle trail that later got adopted to Adventure Riders and Overlanders… so you don’t have very many crazy departure angles to get you rack caught on.
You might also look into fuel containers designed specifically for this task such as the “Desert Fox” Fuel Cell. The Fuel Cell is compact and can be tied off to the side of your truck cap, or it is even small enough to be strapped onto the motorcycles them selves.

I hope this gave you some ideas on what you were looking for. Otherwise you can do what I always did and find several old military cans and strap them inside your cap.

 

[MMc]

Now I understand, I would get a couple of blitz style gas can cans and strap them down inside the back of the truck, don't fill to the top.
You can use the truck to store the tools at night, and the cooking gear can hang outside with gas cans at night. I would cable the gas cans overnight.