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Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:41 pm
by dwinter
Hi,
I'm planning a trip to the Kgalagadi for end October and have a question about storing diesel.
I'm not anticipating having any fuel issues in terms of availability, but plan on throwing in a couple of jerrys just as a back-up.
I realise diesel has a high flash point, but should I carry full jerrys in the car, albeit for a few days, or is this crazy? I realise smell may be an issue - we'll be in a swb- but is there anything else more serious I'm missing?
Also, I see one can get the std green jerry or yellow plastic jobs - which are better? I guess the plastic ones will make less noise on the corrugated roads...
Thanks in advance.
Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:59 pm
by 4ePajero
The inside of a vehicle is the last place I would store jerry cans.
- smell
- missiles in the event of on accident
- fire risk in the event of an accident
- consider a roof rack or trailer, which will make packing much easier in a SWB
SWB? Two gerry cans will take up most of the packing space IAC.

Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 2:18 pm
by Keenan
I agree with 4e, definitely keep the jerry cans out of the car.
I would also go for metal rather than plastic. Metal is far more robust and easier to secure on a roof rack. The metal cans are also suprisingly not that much heavier than the plastic
Plastic is prone to damage especially form rubbing against metal if sand gets in between the two. Sand can be very abrasive, and there is plenty of it in the Kgalagadi. On the plastic jerry cans I do not trust the lid/breather lid
Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:44 pm
by dwinter
Thanks guys. Will think about alternatives.
It will have to be a roof rack - trailers aren't allowed on the Bitterpan route. Although, if I work out the kms carefully refuelling probably won't be an issue.
SWB's are suprisingly spacious if you know how to pack

Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 8:20 pm
by KaiV
Dont underestimate fuel consumption in sand

Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:26 pm
by SimonB
Having done the Kgalagadi (SA side) several times (including a mad dash between KTC and Garagap in a day), there is no reason for you to require extra fuel. Just fill up when you get into any camp that has it.
But if you HAVE to take extra fuel it MUST be on a roofrack in steel jerry cans.
Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 9:31 am
by Greg_SA
I would definitely go with steel jerry cans.
I don't think that keeping the jerry cans inside the car is such a problem. Just keep them properly secured. Make sure everything is properly cleaned, and there shouldn't be any problem with smell. Also, don't fill them to the brim - leave some air space for expansion of the fuel.
I have spoken to a few people would have carried diesel in their Pajeros without any problems.
Problem is with a roof rack... a roof top tent and say 4 x jerry cans is very heavy...
Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:33 am
by Skillie
Hi
I recently did the 370km from Kasane to Maun through the Savuti in one day. I was also very concerned about diesel because this road is known for its thick sand. As this was the last day of a 14 trip I decided prior to the trip that I would sacrifice my 25l water bottle and use it as a diesel container for the last day.
The container was stored inside the vehicle, which I know is not the safest option, but was my only option. There were no diesel smells inside the vehicle.
I arrived at Maun, 12hours after leaving Kasane, driving in sand varying in thickness the whole way with a quarter tank of diesel left. Needless to say I was very impressed.
Moral of my story, diesel can be transported inside the vehicle for short periods, though it is not recommended because of the safety issue when involved in an accident. Secondly, sand driving will increase your fuel consumption, but my consumption was better than my normal city driving consumption, because of the very relaxed cruising pace between 20kh/h and 50km/h we were driving.
Regards,
Re: Storage of diesel
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:57 am
by tonton
If you do take jerry can(s), manage them well - i.e. fill them at the last possible fuel point, and empty them into your tank as soon as there is enough space. That will minimise weight in the wrong places. You want your centre of gravity as low as possible - therefore the best place for fuel is in the tank. That also makes for a good argument to keep them in the car (diesel is OK, petrol DEFINITELY not). Strap them down onto the anchor points.
I agree that it should not be needed in Kalahari - except if you "do a compass" through Botswana.
Anton