Sunday, Oct 04, 2015 at 11:51
Matt, just make sure the jerrycans you buy and use, are marked with, and meet the AS/NZS 2906:2001 standard for fuel containers.
This above standard sets all the conditions and tests for jerry cans, so that they provide satisfactory service in general use.
This standard covers the materials they are made from, tests them for
puncture-resistance, material compatibility with the fuels specified, flame tests, drop tests, handle strength, and a dozen other checks for strength and safety.
There are fuel containers being sold and used, that are not suitable for the transport of fuels.
These fuel containers are not marked with the AS/NZS standard.
People sometimes use 20 litre plastic oil drums for fuel, these are not safe when used for fuel transport.
The jerry cans marked with AS/NZS 2906:2001 will provide good service in conditions up to 45 deg C, provided they are not abused.
Keep in mind that there are jerry cans for diesel and jerry cans for petrol, and you must never use them to store exotic fuels, such as racing fuel.
It is also very important to understand that the vapours from jerry cans, when released upon opening, are exceptionally dangerous - and they can travel on the wind, find a source of ignition, and return against the wind, to ignite the fuel in the jerry can.
As a result, it is important to determine where there are likely sources of ignition when first opening a jerry can.
Those sources of ignition are often not seen or thought of - and they can be; gas fridges that are on, electrical spark sources, even static electricity from synthetic clothing.
Thus it is important that you keep on the downwind side of ignition sources when opening jerry cans - and to make sure synthetic clothing is not rubbing on synthetic upholstery.
It is also important to place petrol jerry cans on the ground when refuelling them, to prevent static discharge.
As regards carrying jerry cans across the Nullarbor - it is viable to do this if you want to save on fuel costs.
By buying at discount prices near the cities, you do save a considerable amount in fuel costs.
It's not uncommon for fuel prices to be over $2.00 a litre across the Nullarbor.
However, 80 kgs of fuel on a roof rack is a lot of weight for the roof rack, and it does affect vehicle handling and it also worsens fuel consumption, as roof rack loads are notorious for doing.
You have to carefully weigh up the savings, and if you have room to place the jerry cans elsewhere to eliminate wind resistance.
The winds are generally strong across the Nullarbor and they seriously affect fuel consumption.
I have often carried 60 litres in drums across the Nullarbor to save on fuel price gouging.
However, I had a ute each time, which gives one much more load-carrying ability than a
sedan or wagon.
Cheers, Ron.
AnswerID:
591138